Introduction
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, often called ‘the Paris of South America,’ is a city where sophisticated European architecture blends with the passionate atmosphere of Latin America. Numerous captivating spots for travelers are scattered throughout this vibrant city.
This time, we’ve carefully selected and introduce everything from classic, must-visit tourist attractions for first-time visitors to Buenos Aires, to spots where you can immerse yourself in the local deep history and culture. We’ll also explain the best photo angles for each spot and real local rules you should know, so please use this as a reference for your trip.
Plaza de Mayo
📍 Address: Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen s/n, C1087 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
The ‘Plaza de Mayo’ is the heart of Buenos Aires and the perfect starting point for exploring the city. This is a historically significant location, serving as the stage for the May Revolution of 1810, which led to Argentina’s independence.
Around the square stand impressive national buildings, such as the eye-catching pink Presidential Palace (Casa Rosada) and the Metropolitan Cathedral with its beautiful, solemn decorations. The wide, open space offers a view of the city’s symbol, the Obelisco, in the distance.
While vibrant during the day, the surrounding buildings are beautifully illuminated from dusk into the night, creating a truly romantic atmosphere. It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of the most beautiful places in Buenos Aires, a perfect spot to stroll leisurely with a camera in hand.
The Obelisco of Buenos Aires
📍 Address: Av. Corrientes, C1010 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
The ‘Obelisco of Buenos Aires’ stands tall at the intersection of ‘9 de Julio Avenue,’ said to be the widest avenue in the world, and Corrientes Avenue, lined with theaters and pizzerias. This massive monument, 67.5 meters tall, was built in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city’s founding.
While elevator tours to the observation deck are available, they can sometimes involve bothersome aspects like ground-floor guided explanations and photo sales, so you can fully enjoy it without necessarily going up. This monument, with its overwhelming presence, truly shows its worth when viewed from the outside.
The best photo spot is the nearby terrace-like staircase area. From there, you can take an upward-looking shot, or step back a bit from the street to capture the dynamic vibrancy of metropolitan Buenos Aires, including passing cars and the city’s hustle and bustle, for a truly magnificent photo.
Recoleta Cemetery
📍 Address: Junín 1760, C1113 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
You might be surprised to hear, ‘A cemetery as a tourist attraction?’ but if you visit Buenos Aires, Recoleta Cemetery is a must-see. It’s a mysterious and beautiful space that defies the Japanese concept of a graveyard, resembling a European cityscape lined with miniature palaces and temples.
This is the resting place for many famous Argentines, including former presidents, Nobel laureates, and the national heroine Eva Perón (Evita). While some mausoleums boast beautifully preserved stained glass and sculptures, others show the decay of time, offering a unique sense of decadent beauty amidst the silence. If you look closely, even within the dilapidated tombs, you’ll find fresh offerings, indicating that people’s sentiments are still being passed down.
【Important Note】Currently, international visitors are required to pay an entrance fee, and payment is ‘credit card only (no cash)’. You can enjoy simply getting a map at the entrance and wandering around to find the tombs of specific figures, but if you want to delve deeper into the history and architectural styles, a local guided tour is highly recommended.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
📍 Address: Av. Sta. Fe 1860, C1123 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Even if you’re not a bookworm, ‘El Ateneo Grand Splendid’ is a must-visit. Ranked as ‘the second most beautiful bookstore in the world’ by British media, it’s one of Buenos Aires’ most photogenic tourist attractions.
The building, originally the ‘Teatro Grand Splendid’ which opened in 1919, retains strong traces of its former splendor, including frescoed dome ceilings, luxurious red velvet curtains, and elegant balcony seats. Surprisingly, the former stage area has been transformed into a café, offering the luxurious experience of enjoying coffee while gazing at this magnificent space.
The ideal photo spot is the central balcony on the third floor. If you time your shot right, you can capture a breathtaking image overlooking the entire theater. Additionally, on the upper floor, there’s a section with Japanese manga translated into Spanish, offering an unexpected connection to Japan. For travelers, the availability of free, clean restrooms is also a very welcome amenity.
Palacio Barolo
📍 Address: Av. de Mayo 1370, C1085 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Not to be missed during your city stroll is the architectural masterpiece ‘Palacio Barolo’ on Avenida de Mayo. Built in 1923 for European immigrants, this 22-story, 100-meter-tall building boasts a profoundly deep background: its design is based on Dante Alighieri’s ‘Divine Comedy’.
The building’s design features motifs of ‘Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise’ from the lower to upper floors, and you’ll be captivated by the meticulous attention to detail as the light and decorations change with each ascending level. A comprehensive 90-minute guided tour is required for a visit.
During the tour, you’ll ascend from the ground floor to the 14th-floor balcony, then to the 20th-floor observation deck, and finally to the 22nd-floor lighthouse. From the 20th-floor balcony, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Buenos Aires, including the National Congress building. Night tours also offer wine tasting, and this supreme experience, gazing at the sparkling cityscape like jewels, is sure to be an unforgettable highlight of your trip.
【Tips】Efficiently Navigating Buenos Aires’ Transportation
To efficiently sightsee the sprawling city of Buenos Aires, utilizing a double-decker hop-on hop-off bus (open-top bus), such as ‘Buenos Aires Bus,’ is incredibly convenient.
These buses cover major tourist spots, allowing you to grasp the city’s overall layout while listening to audio guides (Japanese available). You can enjoy the distinct atmosphere of various areas like Recoleta, San Telmo, and Palermo all at once from the bus window, making it ideal for your first day.
On the other hand, the local city buses (colectivos), which locals rely on, have over 400 routes and are inexpensive, taking you anywhere. Payment is simple: just use a ‘SUBE card’ (public transport IC card) or contactless credit card payment, telling the driver your destination when boarding.
However, as there’s no fixed timetable, you might experience a unique South American phenomenon where ‘no bus comes for a long time, then two suddenly arrive at once.’ Try to use them with plenty of time and patience, embracing the laid-back Latin rhythm to enjoy ‘local daily life’.
