The Best Places To Visit In Argentina On A First Trip
Looking to explore Argentina for the first time? Here are the best places to visit In Argentina that you can’t miss on your first visit to the country. From the buzzing streets of Buenos Aires to the stunning landscapes of Patagonia, Argentina offers a little bit of everything. You’ll experience the scenic Perito Moreno Glacier, the natural wonders of Iguazu Falls, visit a winery in Mendoza, and even reach the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Whether you’re into city life, nature, or wine, you will find in this guide the most beautiful place in Argentina to go to. Let’s explore the country’s must-see spots the great places to visit in Argentina on your first trip!
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Buenos Aires: The Paris of South America
You should visit the city of Buenos Aires for its unique mix of culture, history, and vibrant city life. The city offers European-style architecture, a world-famous tango, and a thriving arts scene. From exploring historic neighborhoods like San Telmo and Recoleta to enjoying the trendy nightlife of Palermo, Buenos Aires is full of contrasts. You’ll find incredible food, with asado (Argentine barbecue) and Malbec wine being its highlights. The city’s rich culture, with museums, theaters, and street markets, gives you endless things to do and discover. Plus, it’s a great jumping-off point for exploring other parts of Argentina.
Check out my guide on Domestic Flights In Argentina: How To Choose And Why
The Best Neighborhoods In Buenos Aires To Explore
Palermo. You should visit Palermo in Buenos Aires for its perfect mix of style, culture, and fun. It’s the place to explore cool boutiques, enjoy some of the city’s best restaurants, and relax in its beautiful parks. Whether you’re into art, shopping, or just soaking up the local vibe at a café, Palermo has something for everyone. At night, the area comes alive with bars and clubs, making it one of the top spots for nightlife in Buenos Aires. If you want to experience the city’s modern and trendy side, Palermo is a must.
Recoleta is an upscale neighborhood with Parisian-style buildings. When I was walking around Recoleta I felt like having a glimpse into the city’s luxurious past. You should visit Recoleta in Buenos Aires for its rich history, elegant architecture, and cultural attractions. A must-see is the Recoleta Cemetery, famous for its stunning mausoleums and as the resting place of Eva Perón. Other attractions include Teatro Colón, the Recoleta Cultural Center, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, and El Ateneo Grand Splendid, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. The neighborhood also offers charming parks, cafés, and plazas, perfect for a leisurely day of exploring.
San Telmo. San Telmo in Buenos Aires is a must-visit for its rich historic charm and vibrant cultural scene. Wander through its cobblestone streets and admire the colonial architecture that gives the neighborhood its unique atmosphere. Explore the San Telmo Market, where you can find everything from antiques to hand-made artisanal items. Don’t miss Plaza Dorrego, especially on Sundays when it hosts a bustling antiques market with vintage items, live music, and tango performances. San Telmo is also a hotspot for tango enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities to see impromptu dance performances or join a milonga.
La Boca in Buenos Aires is a vibrant and colorful neighborhood that’s definitely worth a visit for its brightly painted houses and lively street atmosphere. The iconic Caminito Street is a must-see, with its artistic murals, tango dancers performing on the streets, and charming shops and cafés. You’ll also find the Boca Juniors Stadium. If you are a soccer fan, this is the place to experience the passion of Argentine football.
Puerto Madero is a modern, upscale waterfront district that’s well worth a visit. It offers a sleek, contemporary contrast to the city’s historic neighborhoods. The area is known for its stunning skyline, featuring sleek skyscrapers and luxury residences. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, which is perfect for a relaxing walk with views of the Rio de la Plata. Puente de la Mujer bridge is an architectural highlight. For dining and nightlife, Puerto Madero is home to some of the city’s most upscale restaurants and bars, making it a great spot for a meal or a night out. The Museo Fragata Sarmiento is a historic ship turned into a museum.
Check out also Where To Stay In Buenos Aires: Best Neighborhoods Guide
And don’t miss to find out which are the Best Hotels In Buenos Aires: Boutique, Luxury & Budget Options
Must Places To See in Buenos Aires
What to visit in Buenos Aires? Here are some of the best places to see in Buenos Aires. If you have enough time to explore the city, you will find many more things to visit in Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires continues to surprise and amaze me. No matter how many times I visit and how much time I spend there, I always discover wonderful places and hidden gems. Here are some of the top places of interest in Buenos Aires.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid. You should visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires because it’s one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Housed in a former theater, this stunning space combines historical architecture with a love for literature. The grand auditorium has been transformed into bookstacks, with a café set on the stage, allowing you to enjoy a coffee surrounded by books. The ornate ceilings, intricate moldings, and opulent décor create a mesmerizing atmosphere that makes browsing through books feel like a special experience.
Teatro Colon is one of the world’s most prestigious and beautiful opera houses. Its stunning architecture, including a grand facade and opulent interiors, makes it a cultural gem. The acoustics are exceptional, and attending a performance here is a memorable experience. If you can’t catch a performance, take a guided tour. Guided tours offer an inside look at its lavish décor, history, and behind-the-scenes areas.
Palacio Barolo is my number one of all Buenos Aires’ must-sees. It is a stunning example of early 20th-century architecture with a unique design inspired by Dante’s “Divine Comedy.” Take a guided tour, otherwise you will only be allowed to visit the entry hall. Guided tours offer insights into its creative design, including its thematic floors and the panoramic views from the lighthouse-like top.
Street Markets in Buenos Aires are a one-of-a-kind experience. Every Saturday and Sunday almost every park in the city turns into a street market, though two of them are a must. They are the San Telmo Sunday market and the Mataderos fair.
In San Telmo Sunday market you can browse antiques, handcrafted goods, and unique souvenirs. You will see street performers and tango dancers, and you will feel the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit.
Mataderos Market, on the other hand, offers a more traditional Argentine experience. It is focused on local food and regional specialties. There is always a stage with musicians and dancers performing Argentine folk music and dance.
Historic Cafés. There are dozens of historic bars and cafes in Buenos Aires. These spots have been gathering places for writers, artists, and intellectuals for decades. For their significant contribution to the city’s culture and history, they have been awarded the title of “notable”. You can find them everywhere in Buenos Aires. Step inside, grab a drink or something to eat, and feel the city’s glorious and turbulent past. Some are so famous, like Cafe Tortoni, that you have to wait in a long line to get in, while others are almost invisible and frequented mainly by locals.
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The Best Time To Visit Buenos Aires
The best time to visit Buenos Aires is spring (September to November) or fall (March to May), when the weather is comfortable and the crowds are smaller—perfect for exploring the city’s outdoor spots and lively street scene.
If you’re there in August, don’t miss the Tango Festival and World Championship, where dancers and fans from around the world gather for performances, classes, and milongas (tango dance events).
Patagonia: Ushuaia And Perito Moreno Glacier At Los Glaciares National Park
You should visit Patagonia for its stunning nature and wildlife and endless adventure opportunities.
Start in Ushuaia, the end of the world, where you can explore Tierra del Fuego National Park and sail through the Beagle Channel to see penguins, sea lions, and remote islands.
Want to know which are the best places to stay in Ushuaia? Check out Best Hotels in Ushuaia: Tips On How To Choose.
Most popular tours in Patagonia fill up quickly so make sure to book well in advance!
Flying back north, the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park is a must-see. You can hike on the glacier or simply admire its immense ice walls from nearby walkways.
Don’t limit yourself to visiting Perito Moreno only. It is the most popular glacier but is by no means the most impressive. Plan a day more in El Calafate for a full-day Lago Argentino cruise and check out Spegazzini and Upsala glaciers, which are way more impressive than Perito Moreno.
Patagonia’s vast landscapes are also home to diverse wildlife, including whales, penguins, and guanacos.
Best Time To Go To Patagonia
Patagonian weather is unpredictable year-round, but the best time to visit is during the southern summer, from December to February when it’s mild and the trails are easier to access.
In winter (June to August), the region turns into a snowy paradise, ideal for skiing, though some areas may be harder to reach and some roads may be closed.
For lower prices, consider going in November or March, during the shoulder seasons.
Iguazú Falls: One Of The Best Places To Visit In Argentina
Iguazu Falls is one of the most majestic waterfalls in the world. It is in the Misiones province, along the border between Brazil and Argentina, Iguazu features over 250 waterfalls cascading through lush rainforests. The sheer power and beauty of the falls, especially at the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), left me speechless.
On the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls, you can get up close to the falls with extensive walking trails and viewing platforms, while the Brazilian side offers panoramic views. Iguazu National Park is full of wildlife like toucans, monkeys, and butterflies. Iguazu Falls is an unforgettable destination.
It’s easy to visit from Buenos Aires, but plan to spend there at least 2-3 nights to fully enjoy the area. Don’t miss the Brazilian side for the best views.
The Best Time To Visit Iguazu Falls
The falls are at their most impressive during the rainy season (November to March), but it can get hot and humid, and some trails might be closed due to flooding.
For a more comfortable visit, go between April and October when the weather is cooler and drier, though the water flow is less intense.
Mendoza Wine Tastings
Mendoza is Argentina’s premier wine region, famous for producing world-class Malbec. Visiting vineyards that offer wine tastings right at the source, and enjoy the stunning views of the Andes Mountains.
Beyond wine, the Mendoza region offers outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and white-water rafting. The region’s natural beauty, with its vast vineyards and proximity to the Andes, makes it perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Salta And Jujuy
Salta and Jujuy are worth visiting for their stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique experiences.
Salta is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture with vibrant plazas, beautiful churches, and interesting museums.
Jujuy is where you’ll find some of Argentina’s most dramatic landscapes, like the multicolored hills of Purmamarca (Cerro de los Siete Colores) and the breathtaking Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region is also rich in indigenous culture, with local markets, crafts, and traditions that give you a different perspective on Argentina.
Suggested Itineraries For Different Lengths Of Stay
One Week Argentina Itinerary
One week is not enough to visit all the places in Argentina mentioned above. You’ll need to focus on a few key destinations. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a first-time visit:
Days 1-2: Buenos Aires
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, and explore Recoleta and Palermo. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Argentine asado or a tango show.
Day 2: Visit San Telmo, La Boca, and Puerto Madero. Walk through Plaza de Mayo and visit Palacio Barolo.
Days 3-4: Iguazu Falls
Day 3: Fly to Puerto Iguazú and spend the afternoon exploring the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls.
Day 4: Spend the day on the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls. In the evening, fly back to Buenos Aires.
Days 5-7: Mendoza or Ushuaia
Option 1: Mendoza (if you prefer wine and relaxation)
Day 5: Fly to Mendoza in the morning. Spend the afternoon visiting vineyards for wine tasting. Enjoy a relaxing day with views of the Andes.
Day 6: In the morning take a half-day tour to the nearby Andes Mountains. Fly back to Buenos Aires in the evening.
Day 7: Spend the day in Buenos Aires
Option 2: Ushuaia (for nature and adventure)
Day 5: Fly to Ushuaia early. Spend the day exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Day 6: Take a Beagle Channel boat tour for wildlife sightings. Eat centolla (king crab) in the evening.
Ushuaia Best Restaurants: Where To Eat Seafood And Centolla
Day 7: Take a trip to the Martial Glacier. Fly back to Buenos Aires in the evening.
Two Weeks Argentina Itinerary
Two weeks will give you enough time to visit the best places in Argentina, though it will be a bit of a rush. Here’s a suggested two-week itinerary for a first-time visit to Argentina, covering major highlights across the country:
Day 1-3: Buenos Aires
Arrive in Buenos Aires and spend your first few days exploring the city.
Day 4-5: Iguazu Falls
Fly to Puerto Iguazú in the morning and visit the Brazilian side of the falls in the Afternoon. Spend the next day exploring the Argentine side of Iguazu FallsFly back to Buenos Aires in the evening of Day 5.
Day 6-8: Mendoza
Fly to Mendoza and spend a few days in Argentina’s famous wine country. Tour vineyards, taste local Malbec, and enjoy the scenic views of the Andes. Beyond wine tasting, take part in outdoor activities like horseback riding or hiking through the surrounding mountains. Consider a day trip to the Aconcagua Mountain viewpoint or go rafting.
Day 9-11: El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier
Fly to El Calafate in Patagonia. Spend day 10 visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, where you can take a boat tour or trek on the glacier itself. On the next day, explore more of the park, and take a day boat tour to visit the Upsala and Spegazini Glaciers.
Days 12-14: Ushuaia
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Spend a day exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park, hiking through its stunning landscapes of mountains, lakes, and forests. On the next day, take a boat tour of the Beagle Channel to see wildlife like penguins, sea lions, and seabirds. Visit the Martial Glacier for panoramic views.
Day 15: Fly back to Buenos Aires.
Conclusion
In a country as vast and diverse as Argentina, there’s something for every type of traveler. From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia, the towering Iguazu Falls, and the serene vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina offers unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re exploring the cultural hubs, hiking glaciers, or sipping wine, each region brings its own flavor to your adventure. If you’re planning your first trip, these places to visit in Argentina will give you a taste of the country’s best, leaving you eager to go in Argentina again and discover even more.
