Buenos Aires holidays

How to reach Buenos Aires

• Flight time: Flights to Buenos Aires from London Heathrow take about 13 to 14 hours. British Airways offers direct options, while other airlines such as Iberia or LATAM have stopovers in Madrid and São Paulo.

• Transfer time: Upon arrival at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza) in Buenos Aires, a taxi or private transfer will take around 40 minutes to reach the city centre, depending on traffic. Minicab radio taxis (remíses) are usually the safest option and can be booked at one of the stands within the airport. There are also airport shuttles available, which take around 50 minutes to an hour.

• Price: The fare from Ezeiza to the city centre costs 38,000–50,000 Argentine pesos (ARS), while the airport shuttle costs around 10,000 ARS. Alternatively, a private transfer will cost around 60,000 ARS.

Best time to visit Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a year-round destination, so choosing the best time for your Buenos Aires holidays depends on your weather and sightseeing preferences. From hot summers to mild winters, there’s always something going on in this vibrant city.

• September to November (spring): This is arguably the best time to visit Buenos Aires. The weather is warm but not too hot, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C. You’ll also experience pleasant evenings with minimal rainfall (40–60mm) and about 8 hours of sunshine daily.

• December to February (summer): These are the hottest months in Buenos Aires, with average daily temperatures of 27°C and above. It’s perfect for soaking up the city’s energy, but be prepared for the humidity. Rainfall increases slightly (70–90mm), with around 10 hours of sunshine a day.

• March to May (autumn): The mild weather returns, with cooler evenings and temperatures ranging from 15°C to 24°C. This is a great time for exploring Buenos Aires on foot, when rainfall is moderate (50–70mm) and the city’s parks turn golden. Expect 6–7 hours of sunshine a day.

• June to August (winter): While Buenos Aires never gets too cold, winter is the quietest time to visit. Average temperatures hover between 10°C and 16°C, with around 40–60mm of rain each month and 5–6 hours of sunshine daily.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Spanish is the official language, but in major tourist areas, English is commonly understood. A few Spanish phrases will go a long way in connecting with locals.

• Local habits and customs: Buenos Aires operates on a late schedule. Lunch is often around 1–3 pm and dinner can be as late as 9–11 pm. Argentines take their time dining, so don’t expect a quick meal – it’s more about enjoying the experience. Socialising over a cup of mate (a traditional herbal tea) is also a common custom.

• Health and safety: Buenos Aires is generally safe, but like most places, it’s wise to watch out for pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas. Tap water is safe to drink in the majority of urban areas.

• Currency: Argentina uses the Argentine peso (ARS). While cards are widely accepted, cash is handy for small purchases. ATMs are available in cities, but the fees for withdrawals can be high, so check with your bank.

• Getting around: Buenos Aires has a well-organised public transport system, with buses and a metro (Subte). A Subte ride costs around 500 ARS, while a bus ride is around 200 ARS. Taxis are affordable and Uber is also available.

• Electricity and plug types: Argentina uses type C and I plugs. UK visitors will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Argentina is GMT minus 3 – a three-hour difference from the UK.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. You will, however, need a passport that’s valid for at least six months after entry.

Local dishes in Buenos Aires

With everything from traditional Argentine steak to sweet treats and fine wines, here’s a short list of what not to miss during your holidays to Buenos Aires.

Meat dishes

• Asado: The star of Argentine cuisine, this traditional barbecue features various cuts of meat cooked over an open flame. Expect rib-eye, sirloin and sausages like chorizo or morcilla.

• Choripán: A simple but tasty sandwich made from grilled chorizo sausage, often served with chimichurri sauce.

Street food

• Empanadas: These delicious pastry pockets are filled with a mix of beef, chicken or cheese. Each region of Argentina puts its own spin on these handheld treats.

• Milanesa: A breaded and fried meat cutlet, similar to a schnitzel, often served with mashed potatoes or salad.

Sweets and desserts

• Dulce de Leche: This thick, caramel-like spread is made from sweetened milk and is used in a variety of desserts. It’s also good when simply spread on some toast.

• Alfajores: Soft, crumbly biscuits filled with Dulce de Leche, often coated in chocolate or dusted with powdered sugar.

Local drinks

• Malbec: Argentina’s most famous wine (particularly from the Mendoza region) is known for its deep flavours of plum and blackberry.

• Mate: This traditional herbal tea is made from yerba mate leaves. It’s typically shared with friends from a communal gourd and is sipped through a metal straw.

Best things to do in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires (often called the ‘Paris of South America’), is a vibrant city with a mix of European elegance and Latin American flair. Whether you’re drawn by its rich history, its passionate tango scene, or you’re simply looking to indulge in the city’s culinary delights, there’s no shortage of things to do during your holidays to Buenos Aires.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Palacio Barolo: Head to the top of this unique building, inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, for views over Buenos Aires. The architecture alone is worth the visit.

• Torre Monumental: This clock tower, gifted by the British in the early 20th century, offers good views of the Retiro district and the River Plate from up top.

• Café Tortoni: While this spot is famous for its coffee, it’s also a top spot for people-watching along Avenida de Mayo.

The best districts

• San Telmo: Known for its charming cobblestone streets and antique markets, this historic district is a must for anyone interested in the city’s old-world charm. On Sundays, the streets come alive with the famous San Telmo market, with everything from vintage trinkets to tango performances.

• Palermo: The popular Palermo district is where you’ll find nightlife, high-end boutiques and cafés aplenty. Divided into smaller sub-districts like Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, this area is a favourite for locals and visitors alike.

• Recoleta: This upscale neighbourhood is famed for its architecture, parks and the Recoleta Cemetery.

• La Boca: Colourful and lively, La Boca is the heart of the Buenos Aires tango scene. Take a stroll down El Caminito – a street filled with brightly painted houses and tango dancers performing in the open air.

Parks and gardens

• Bosques de Palermo: This sprawling park is a green oasis in the middle of the city. It’s ideal for a morning jog, bike rides and simply lounging in the sun by one of the lakes. Within Bosques de Palermo, you’ll also find the worthwhile rose garden (El Rosedal) and the Japanese Garden.

• Reserva Ecológica: Located near Puerto Madero, this nature reserve offers walking and biking trails along the riverfront, making it a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city.

Historic monuments

• Casa Rosada: The iconic presidential palace, painted in its signature pink, is where Eva Perón once addressed crowds from its famous balcony. Free guided tours are available on weekends, offering insights into the country’s political history.

• Cementerio de la Recoleta: This historic cemetery is where some of Argentina’s most famous figures, including Eva Perón, are buried. It’s a fascinating place to explore with elaborate mausoleums and tranquil pathways.

Day trips in the area

• Tigre Delta: Just an hour by train from Buenos Aires, Tigre is a riverside town where visitors can take boat trips through the scenic Paraná Delta, explore local markets or simply relax along the waterfront.

• Colonia del Sacramento: A short ferry ride across the Río de la Plata will take you to this charming UNESCO World Heritage town in Uruguay. With its cobblestone streets and historic architecture, it’s a delightful day trip for those looking to step back in time.

• Estancias: Experience a taste of traditional Argentine life on a gaucho ranch. Many estancias near Buenos Aires offer day trips where visitors can ride horses, enjoy a traditional asado barbecue and learn about life in the pampas.

Activities for families in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires offers plenty of family-friendly activities to keep both kids and adults entertained.

• Parks and gardens: The Bosques de Palermo is the go-to spot for families, with large open spaces, lakes with paddle boats for rent and plenty of spots for a picnic. The Japanese Garden is another great choice, where kids can feed the koi fish.

• Interactive museums: Children will enjoy the Museo de los Niños in Buenos Aires, which is designed as a miniature city where they can role-play as chefs, firefighters and more.

• Aquariums and zoos: The Buenos Aires Eco Park in Palermo offers children the chance to learn about animals through interactive exhibits. It’s a fun, educational stop that both kids and parents will enjoy.

• Amusement parks: A trip to Parque de la Costa in nearby Tigre offers plenty of thrilling rides and attractions – perfect for a fun day out of the city with the family.

Free things to do in Buenos Aires

If you’re travelling on a budget, Buenos Aires has plenty of free activities to keep you entertained.

• Free events: The city regularly hosts free cultural performances, especially tango shows in public squares like Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo. You can also catch live music and dance performances at various festivals throughout the year.

• Free museums: Many museums in Buenos Aires offer free entry on certain days of the week. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes – home to an impressive collection of Argentine and European art – is free to enter on weekdays.

• Explore Buenos Aires by public transport: The buses and Subte (metro) system in Buenos Aires are a cheap and convenient way to explore. For just a few pesos, you can take the D line of the Subte to Palermo to visit its many parks and museums.