Things to Do in Buenos Aires: My Solo-Traveler Guide

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Welcome, fellow travelers, to my blog series on things to do in Buenos Aires. I have wandered many cities across 48 countries solo, and honestly, Buenos Aires pulled me in, in a way that not many other cities have. Between the busy streets in the city center, the tango dancers, and the amazing food, this city really has it all. I am hoping you are here because you are thinking about or are knee-deep in planning your trip and are looking for some amazing recommendations on things to do in Buenos Aires. If you are, you are in the right place! In this guide, I will dive into all of my favorite things to do, based on my personal experiences, share some insider tips, and explain why these activities need to be on your itinerary.

Introduction: Things to do in Buenos Aires

I arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, directly from Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side, and I had a rough idea of what my itinerary looked like, but I still had some uncertainties. I think one of my favorite parts of this city was feeling comfortable walking around, exploring the city, and just taking in the architecture, the smells of the freshly made empanadas, and the live music that I heard on every street. In this guide, I will be going into all of my favorite things to do in Buenos Aires, so that your trip to this incredible South American city is as memorable as mine was. Let’s get into it!

Things to Do in Buenos Aires

1. Buenos Aires Tango Show

Before visiting Buenos Aires, I honestly didn’t know much about tango or the history of the tango dance. But after going to a dinner and tango show in San Telmo, I learned about the history, the celebration, basically everything you could want to know about this incredibly sensational dance.

There are so many great Tango shows, and the dancers are all incredibly talented, so regardless of what shoe you pick, you are guaranteed to have an amazing experience. As a solo traveler, I loved being able to sit with other travelers for dinner, cheer on the dances, and, honestly, just have such an incredible experience.

Pro Tip: These shows tend to start late, so you may need a nap before the show, like I did, in order to be fully awake to enjoy!

Discover the best things to do in Buenos Aires, from tango nights and café culture to gardens, art, and markets, from a solo female traveler.

2. La Boca Caminito

If you love colorful buildings, street art, and streets filled with local street entertainment, then La Boca’s Caminito street is a place you need to add to your itinerary. There is something about this vibrant energy with the music, dancers, murals, and river that makes you feel happy and energetic. Yes, it’s super touristy, but I still found it to be a fun spot to visit.

If you are visiting during futbol season, then this is a great spot to catch a game, as the stadium is nearby, and it would be loads of fun to watch a game. I visited during the off-season, so I didn’t get to catch one, but I would’ve loved to.

Pro Tip: Some areas are safer than others, so be mindful of your surroundings, and if you are a solo female traveler like me, maybe get a guide as I did.

3. Recoleta Cemetery

All it took was one morning walk through the streets of Recoleta for it to make a lasting impression on me. From the cute cafes to the incredible cemetery, which has probably the most incredible grounds that I have ever seen in a cemetery. The cemetery was quiet, peaceful, and the Masuoluems were incredible. This was a great spot to sip my coffee, enjoy the quiet, and the incredible scenery that this area had to offer. Eva Peron’s tomb is actually here as well. If you are looking for a calm and peaceful way to start your day, I would highly recommend adding the Recoleta Cemetery to your itinerary for Buenos Aires.

4. Botanical Gardens & Palermo Forests

If you are looking for an escape from the city and looking for lush green gardens, then you will absolutely want to visit Jardín Botánico and Bosques de Palermo. Visiting these gardens will make you forget where you are and leave you feeling completely at peace.

One afternoon, I decided to grab a sandwich from a sandwich place near my hotel and went and sat under a jacaranda tree and just enjoyed being in the moment, watching the locals walk their dogs, jog, and just go on about their day. It was a great spot to relax and unwind after wandering the streets of Buenos Aires for several days.

5. Buenos Aires Museums

I feel like every new country or city I visit, I always have to visit a museum. I think it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the country’s culture and history, and it gives you a different perspective from local guides.

In Buenos Aires, I had the opportunity to visit the Museum of Latin America Art (MALBA). There was something about the glass ceilings in this museum that made the art look incredible and mesmerizing. This museum was actually one of my favorite things to do and visit while on this trip, and if you like art and history, I would highly recommend a visit.

6. Puerto Madero Argentina

Puerto Madero feels more modern, more polished: riverside walkways, sleek architecture, restaurants with views. One evening, I walked to Puente de la Mujer (Woman’s Bridge) just as dusk settled. The sky reflected in calm river water, lights came on across the docks, and I felt that quiet contentment travel sometimes gives you. It’s beautiful, safe, and a lovely way to end long days of exploring.

Practical Tips for Solo Travelers in Buenos Aires

Best times: Late morning and early afternoon are good for markets and museums; evenings are for tango, food, and lights.

Getting around: Mass transit (Subte, buses) is okay; for safety and convenience, I often used ride-share apps at night.

Language & connection: A few Spanish phrases go a long way. Locals appreciate effort, especially when ordering at markets or asking for directions.

Safety: Like any big city, some neighborhoods are safer than others. Recoleta, Palermo, and Puerto Madero tend to feel more comfortable at night; in tour-heavy areas, take care of belongings, and stay alert.

Conclusion: Things to do in Buenos Aires

There was something about visiting Buenos Aires that brought energy and excitement into your life. I am not sure if it’s the sensual tango dancing, the incredible food, or the smell of the empanadas on the street corners, but something about this city is absolutely incredible. In a word way Buenos Aires reminded me of a mix of New York City and Paris, and it just has the best vibe. Regardless of what kind of trip you want to have or what kind of traveler you are, there are countless things to do in Buenos Aires to make your trip absolutely memorable