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Exploring the Heart of Buenos Aires: a guide to the City Center

Updated: Jun 9, 2025



Welcome to one of the biggest and most populated cities in the world. The city center of Buenos Aires is where all of the crazy action is happening. From the classic tourist attractions, shopping, and corporate skyscrapers to dining, theaters, and street performers this part of the city is always full of life. So where do you even start tackling everything in a huge booming city like this, well here is all I have put together to get you started! The most important thing though is take a walk around, wander into stores, check out a park, and just get lost in the energy. 


Sightseeing….   


First off you can't explore a city without knowing where all of the classic monuments, statues, and buildings are that make the city unique. And that is where we will start. My Recommendation is to grab google maps and walk to these yourself because these sights are on the walking tours. We grabbed a sightseeing map with the history of these sights too so there's your perfect walking tour! Also if you don't want to walk just grab a cab. The only place you'll need a ticket is the Teatro De Colon but you can buy those at the door. 


First on the list is the Obelisco, one of the most significant sights in Buenos Aires because it is where the first Argentinian flag was flown for the first time in the city. There you will also see the `BA’ Verde which is just the letters BA in a bunch of greenery. This sign, with an Argentinian flag in the backdrop, and the Obelisco is the ultimate photo memory of your visit to Buenos Aires and is one of the most defining scenes of Buenos Aires. 


Next you’re gonna stroll your way to the Plaza de Mayo. This is a massive plaza on calle 9 de julio. Along this plaza you will find the Casa Rosada. The Casa Rosada, translation ‘the pink house’ is the president's office. Around the plaza you will find the Piramide de mayo, which honors the may revolution of argentina independence, the monumento de Manuel Belgrano, and of course another proudly flown flag of Argentina. Also surrounding the plaza are the Museo Historico Nacional, The Metropolitan museum, Museo del Bicentenario, and the national bank. 

Across from the Plaza and the road, you will find Puente de la Mujer (the women’s bridge) . This beautiful bridge is dedicated to women. This is another photo opportunity because this bridge is another spot that is very famous in Buenos Aires and is in the heart of all the bars and restaurants along the Rio Dique (the river). I would take time to walk the bridge, see the performances going on and walk along the river checking out all the shops, restaurants and bars!

 Next stop, take a trip to see the Teatro Colón. This is one of the biggest performing art theaters where you can catch classic shows along with seeing a tango performance, which is the dance of romance. This spicy and passionate dance brings life to this city and can even be seen performed on the streets. Here is their schedule of performances. If you don't have time to catch a show it is worth looking through the theater. Tours are offered where you can see inside at the beautiful architecture and learn about how it was crafted or it is open in areas to the public to just walk in and take a look. Tours range from 35-57$ and the best are on viatour and part of city walking tours.   

Here is our walking map tour! Walking tour Buenos Aires


Rooftop Happy Hour….


Hi, I’m Greer and I love rooftops, so naturally, I have a section dedicated to rooftop happy hours. Seriously looking out over the city is one of my favorite ways to experience a city. In BA, there are so many rooftop bars that charge a cover charge for a 2ish hour reservation to drink their specialty cocktails along with classic ones, listen to music and enjoy the sunset over the city. 

Check Out these


Crystal Bar(reservations) Indoor sky bar with a stunning view of the Puente de Mujer. This sky bar offers appetizer and dinner options too. The food is good and pretty standard. This is the best option when you're not too sure how the weather will be, want a great view and if you want food as well.  

Hours:

Tues-Sat 6pm-1:30am


Trade Sky Bar (reservations) Best panoramic view of the city by far, you can even kind of see Obelisco from one side and the port on the other. The music and atmosphere was amazing. Be careful to check the weather though. If it rains they put you in a restaurant downstairs which also has beautiful views (even the bathrooms have spectacular views. Also their specialty drinks are DELICIOUS. I got a Chandon with italian ice scoop (it brought me back to my childhood- the italian ice not the alcohol). Only serves alcohol. 

Hours:

Everyday 6pm-1am 


The Cielo Sky Bar(reservations) Total transparency here, I have not been but I put it on here because I saw it had the best views of the Obelisco. So I looked it up, asked others that had been there, read reviews, checked prices, pretty much all of the research tricks I know and I normally do, but unfortunately I received very mixed results in terms of quality of drinks and food. So just go for the view because it looks absolutely incredible and get wine or beer, something that doesn't rely on mixer skill. If you have any knowledge PLEASE comment or reach out! I'd love to hear from you!  

Hours:

Wed-Sat 6pm-12am 


Eating and Drinking….


Cafes

Finding a great cup of coffee is alway on the top priority list and here you have it. Flat white (my coffee drink of choice) is a great cafe with amazing espresso options, toasties, pastries and other nice breakfast options. 

Hours:

Mon-Fri 8am-8pm 

La Mantequería Microcentro you cannot beat an incredible pastry shop with good coffee and if that's what you’re looking for this is where you will find it. 

Hours:

Mon-Fri 7am-7pm I Sat 8:30am-1pm 


Lunch And Dinner 


The River BoardWalk 

Instead of starting with a specific restaurant I highly recommend walking along the river, Rio Dique on the boardwalk starting at the Puente de la Mujer. Now this area is technically in the neighborhood Puerto Madero but is a great area to find the best nightlife. On both sides of the river there are tons of fabulous restaurants, food trucks, bars, and clubs. If you can't make a decision on where to eat let impulse be your guide along your walk. My partner was super happy too because there is a negroni bar, which is his go to drink, and has all different types of negroni drink varieties. 

By the river and the restaurant/patio is floating in the water. Go in the evening as it's beautiful when the sun goes down. They open at 7pm and you'll need a reservation. 

Hours:

Sun-Thurs 7pm-1am I Fri-Sat 7pm-3am 



This is a cafe restaurant near the Teatro de Colon. It has several different menu options and the atmosphere and location also make it a perfect place to grab a tasty lunch while touring the city! 

Hours:

Mon-Fri 11:30am-4pm 

A great place to go for afternoon tea, which consists of cakes, toasties, pastries and some warm breakfast options. Also open until 11pm and offers beer, wine and spirits. For its location the prices are amazing too.  

Hours:

Everyday 6am-11pm


Fine Dining

 

If you want the best of the best the city center has to offer culinary wise here is where you need to go. Known for its creativity in each dish and carefully selected wine pairing by a skilled sommelier. The chef keeps you guessing with fantastic and interesting flavor combinations, textures and of course wine pairings. This place will probably run you around 110 + USD and the wine pairing is around 40 extra. With an 18 course option that ends up being more like 22 you definitely need to come hungry! But make sure you reserve your table a week + ahead of time. 

Hours

Everyday 7pm-10:30


Activities…


Shop in Microcentro

The best shopping experience in the city, this massive area is filled with tourist, high-end, electronics, candy, and almost any kind of shops you can imagine. People are selling on the street and performing. Take a walk around this centro for all the shopping you could ever want. 


Asado experience 

This family owned experience gives you a true dive into what the asado experience is in Argentina. Experience the culture of Argentina is not complete until you've experienced what a true asado is. The best asado experience in the city is  Milonga Tasting Argentina (book now) where you are taken into these people's houses and they cook for you along with other couples. Laugh, eat, drink and get to know the asado culture. 


Tengo Experience

The fiery dance of love, the tango, is danced in many different ways throughout the city. Even though you can see a lot of street performers doing the tango, it is worth booking a show with dinner and drinks. After seeing one of the shows you will want to learn by yourself! You're in luck there are several tango dance classes if you really want to commit. But seriously whether you want to watch or learn it's worth booking your experience with this beautiful dance. Here is the BEST way to find a great tango show by far: Tango Buenos Aires 


As always, I hope this guide has been helpful, subscribe if you want to keep up with the latest updates, or to keep up with where we are now. Also, feel free to comment any info you have as I want to hear perspectives and opinions that can help others. When planning your trip to Buenos Aires be sure to check out my Buenos Aires Travel Hacks for all the information you need to help you plan. 

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