What to Do in Buenos Aires During the Day

Featuring some of Latin America’s finest museums, galleries and cultural centers, there is no excuse for not making the most of the daylight hours in Argentina’s capital.

From historical sites to culturepacked museums and galleries, Buenos Aires has something for everyone.

RECOLETA CEMETERY

One of the most famous sites in Buenos Aires, Recoleta cemetery is home to the remains of some of Argentina’s most famous sons and daughters.

Situated in the upscale Recoleta neighborhood, the cemetery is home to the tombs of Evita Perón, Napoleon’s granddaughter and, according to legend, Louis XVII of France, as well as numerous mausoleums where numerous former Argentine presidents were laid to rest. Although a burial site may be considered an unorthodox tourist attraction, Recoleta’s cemetery is certainly not to be missed, with the exquisite masonry of the tombs a memorable sight to behold.

JAPANESE GARDENS

One of the largest and most impressive gardens of its kind outside Japan, this tranquil site in Palermo offers a chance to relax and contemplate away from the busy roads and bright lights of Latin America’s third largest metropolis.

Featuring Japanese flora such as sakura, katsura and bonsai trees along with traditional sculptures and bridges, it is easy for the visitor to forget they are still in South America.

LAS VIOLETAS

First opened to the public in 1884, Las Violetas is steeped in history and stands out as one of Buenos Aires’s premier cafés, combining the city’s passion for delicious coffee with a healthy serving of traditional coffee shop culture.

The building was opened in the 1920s during an age of prosperity for Argentinians, and its Italian marble floors and amazing French stained glass windows ooze refinement as you enjoy coffee and cake in one of the city’s top spots for a bite to eat and a refreshing drink. Las Violetas was declared a city heritage site in 1998 and has since undergone refurbishment to preserve this little corner of history.

LATIN AMERICAN MUSEUM OF ART

Art enthusiasts would be foolish to overlook the opportunity to browse one of the most comprehensive collections of 20th century Latin American works in the continent.

Seeking to take visitors beyond a mere visual appreciation of the pieces on display, MALBA prides itself on providing comprehensive information on the cultural and historical significance of the artwork at its disposal, and, since its opening in 2001, has firmly established itself as one of the premier points on Buenos Aires’s cultural circuit. Frequent exhibitions further maintain MALBA’s status as one of the Argentine capital’s most intriguing spots.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE FINE ARTS

Founded in 1896 and home to more than 12,000 works of art, the National Museum of the Fine Arts (MNBA) is an essential point on Buenos Aires’ cultural circuit.

Housing Argentine and foreign works, the museum features guided tours in English as well as Spanish, and is an absolute must for art enthusiasts. As well as a comprehensive collection of works, the MNBA frequently plays host to exhibitions showcasing masterpieces from different artists and periods.

PLAZA DE MAYO

One of the city’s quintessential landmarks and the site of Argentina’s 1810 revolution which brought about the end of Spanish dominion over the territory and the birth of the republic, Plaza de Mayo is nowadays a focal point in city life.

Situated at the end of Avenida de Mayo, with the Argentine Congress a few kilometers down the street, the square houses the Casa Rosada, the pink-tinged presidential palace which over the years has been the location for many a demonstration and political rally. Put simply, it is unmissable, and is one of Buenos Aires’ defining places. In addition to the seat of the executive branch, the square is also home to the Cabildo, the exquisite colonial-epoch head of the city council, Buenos Aires’ Metropolitan Cathedral and the May Pyramid, the obeliscal structure in the center of the square which is the city’s oldest monument, having been originally ordered to celebrate the first anniversary of Argentina’s May Revolution in 1811.

HELICOPTER TOUR OF BUENOS AIRES

Observe Latin America’s second-largest metropolis from the air and take in the sheer scope of the city known as the Paris of the South.

Helicópteros Buenos Aires offers 60-minute tours of the city aboard its Robinson 22 and Robinson 44 craft, enabling you to gaze from the River Plate to the ocean and everywhere in between. The only way to appreciate the size of the Argentine capital and its surrounding districts is from the air, and the trip is certain to live long in the memory.

DAY TRIP TO COLONIA, URUGUAY

Take a day trip to one of Uruguay’s oldest towns and a place widely regarded as one of the best-preserved colonial centers in the whole of South America.

Situated just over the River Plate from the Argentine capital, UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by Portuguese explorers and the Old City boasts some magnificently well preserved structures to marvel at. The hydrofoil across the river takes just 45 minutes, meaning you are just a short boat ride from taking a trip back in time to the region’s colonial past. Your concierge will be only too happy to arrange a day trip for you.