My Trip to Foz do Iguaçu
Buenos Aires — the vibrant capital of Argentina — was one of the most unforgettable places I’ve ever visited. The city lies on the southeastern coast of South America, right along the wide Río de la Plata. Travelers from all over the world come here for its irresistible mix of European elegance, Latin American spirit, incredible food, passionate football culture, and neighborhoods full of color and history.
For me, the biggest highlight of Buenos Aires was the energy. Everywhere you go, people are dancing, talking, eating, or simply enjoying life outside on the streets. It’s a city that never seems to run out of stories. Curious about what there is to do? Below you’ll find my favorite things to experience during a visit to Buenos Aires.
How to Travel to Buenos Aires?
Reaching Buenos Aires is easier than you might think. From Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, or other major cities in the Netherlands and Germany, there are plenty of airlines offering one-stop connections, and sometimes even direct flights. Travelers coming from the UK also have frequent routes via major European hubs such as Madrid, Paris, and Frankfurt.
Most people arrive at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), located just outside the city. From there you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or rideshare directly into the center. It’s a smooth arrival into a city that immediately feels alive.
What to do in Buenos Aires?
These are my favorite hotspots in Buenos Aires
San Telmo – The Oldest Neighborhood in the City
San Telmo is the historical heartbeat of Buenos Aires, full of cobblestone streets, colonial façades, antique shops, and a wonderful bohemian atmosphere. One of my favorite memories is stumbling upon tango dancers performing right in the street — no stage, no spotlights, just pure passion in the middle of the plaza.
A visit to Mercado San Telmo is a must. Inside the market, you’ll find sizzling steaks, warm empanadas, freshly brewed coffee, local pastries, and vintage stalls. I tasted some of the best food of my trip here, all surrounded by the warm smell of spices and grilled cheese.
La Bombonera – The Home of Boca Juniors
If you love football, you cannot miss La Bombonera, the iconic stadium of Boca Juniors. Wandering through the blue-and-yellow streets around the stadium is already an experience in itself. The stadium tour lets you explore the museum, the tunnels, the locker rooms, and the pitch where thousands of fans scream their hearts out every matchday. The passion is overwhelming — even the guides talk about the club as though it’s a family member.
La Boca – Color, Culture, and a Free Walking Tour
La Boca is one of the most unique neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, known for its brightly painted houses, street art, and lively atmosphere. Much of its original population came from Italian immigrants from Genoa, and that influence still shapes the food, the architecture, and the music.
The famous Caminito Street looks almost like an open-air museum, full of artists, dancers, and colorful buildings. One of the things I really enjoyed was joining a free walking tour that takes you through the history and stories of La Boca — absolutely worth your time and totally beginner-friendly.
La Recoleta – Elegance, History, and Opening Times
La Recoleta is one of the most beautiful and elegant neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, filled with classic architecture, cafés, parks, and wide boulevards. The most famous attraction is the Recoleta Cemetery, a stunning labyrinth of marble mausoleums. Many of Argentina’s most significant historical figures, including Eva Perón, are buried here.
Good to know: the cemetery is generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore during daylight. Walking through the pathways feels like wandering through an outdoor museum. There’s both beauty and solemnity everywhere you look, and you’ll find yourself pausing often, learning about Argentina’s history and culture through the stories of the people buried here.
Café Tortoni – Historic Coffeehouse and Sweet Treats
One of my favorite stops in the city was Café Tortoni, one of the oldest cafés in Argentina — a true Buenos Aires institution. This café serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between, and is usually open from around 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM every day, so you can enjoy it whether you start the day with coffee or wind it down with dessert.
Inside, everything feels preserved from another era — stained-glass ceilings, wooden chairs, and the gentle hum of conversation. The dessert you simply must try here is their churros with thick hot chocolate. The churros are perfectly crispy, and that hot chocolate is rich and velvety — an absolute must-eat. What makes the experience even more special is the history; it’s like stepping into a piece of the city’s soul.
Food Culture in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is heaven for food lovers. Of course the steaks are famous — and yes, they really are that good — but the food scene goes far beyond that. You’ll find delicious milanesas, choripán sandwiches, fresh pastas and pizzas thanks to the Italian influence, pastries filled with dulce de leche, and cheese dishes like provoleta that will make you swoon.
Every neighborhood has its own specialties, and every meal feels like a celebration.
Palermo – Trendy, Lively, and Full of Flavor
Palermo is one of the best places to explore for anyone who loves food, nightlife, and relaxed café culture. The area is full of street art, leafy parks, stylish shops, and an endless number of restaurants and wine bars. Whether you want a steakhouse, a tasting menu, a rooftop cocktail, or a cozy brunch spot, Palermo has it all.
Our Favorite Restaurants in Buenos Aires
Le Voyage –
Hier geniet je van heerlijke verse sapjes, havermout pannenkoeken, smoothiebowls en een selectie aan warme gerechten.
Ala-E Hippie House –
Dit is een sfeervol en creatief café waar je spelletjes kunt spelen en genieten van lekkere cocktails terwijl reggae-deuntjes op de achtergrond klinken.
Trattoria Altrove Coron –
Authentieke Italiaanse keuken met pizza’s uit de steenoven en verse huisgemaakte pasta’s.
Mama Café –
De perfecte plek voor verse smoothies, goedgevulde sandwiches en smaakvolle pasta’s.
AlFresco Coron –
Dit sfeervolle rooftop restaurant serveert verrukkelijke gerechten zoals gegrilde tonijn, quinoa mango salade en chili con/sin carne. Er zijn veel vegetarische opties.
Bam Bar –
Voor een gezellige sfeer en goede cocktails is deze bar dé plek om je avond af te sluiten.
Where We Stayed – Favorite Hotels in Buenos Aires
One of the hotels I loved the most was Hotel Río Dorado, located right near the river with incredible views of the city skyline. The rooms were spacious, elegantly decorated, and the service was friendly and personal — perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the streets.
Another great stay was Palermo Garden Suites, which felt like a hidden oasis in the middle of a bustling neighborhood. The leafy courtyard and boutique-style rooms made every morning feel calm and serene, and the breakfasts were some of the best I had in Buenos Aires.
I also enjoyed Casa Recoleta Boutique Hotel, located within walking distance of the cemetery and many cultural attractions. The combination of classic Argentine architecture and modern comforts made it a perfect home base to explore the city’s historic heart.
For a more colorful experience near La Boca, La Boca Heritage Inn is fantastic. The rooms are decorated in bright, artistic tones inspired by the neighborhood itself, and being steps away from Caminito and the stadium made it easy to experience the vibrant local life.
In San Telmo, San Telmo Colonial Rooms gave a cozy, authentic feel. The antique furniture, wood-beamed ceilings, and friendly hosts made it feel like staying in a small historic home rather than a hotel.
Finally, Avenida Plaza Hotel is ideal for those who want central convenience. The location allows you to walk to many cafés, shops, and plazas, while still enjoying spacious, modern rooms with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
