If you’re looking for a Buenos Aires travel guide that’s both personal and practical, this is it. In May 2023, my husband and I enjoyed a four-day romantic escape to Argentina’s capital — a trip filled with culture, flavors, and heartfelt moments.
Buenos Aires had always intrigued me. Known as the “Paris of South America,” it’s praised for its European-style architecture, rich culture, and delicious food.
Buenos Aires Travel Guide: A Romantic Escape to Remember
I’m the kind of person who enjoys planning trips in detail. I spent about three months researching neighborhoods, restaurants, and local attractions. In the end, we chose to spend four days in the city — short but definitely unforgettable.
The moment we landed, I felt excited. The airport isn’t too far from the city center, and on the way to the hotel we passed by the beautiful Palermo neighborhood. Even from the car window, I could already sense the charm of the city.
Where We Stayed
We booked a hotel in downtown Buenos Aires because it was close to major tourist attractions. While it was practical for sightseeing, I later realized that Palermo would have been a better choice — full of lively streets, cozy cafes, and great restaurants, especially in the evening.
The hotel itself was fine, but the service wasn’t great overall. One memorable exception was a waiter who had previously worked in Brazil. He was so kind and welcoming — something we really appreciated.
Buenos Aires Travel Guide Tip: Discovering the City on Foot and by Tour
We joined a city bus tour that passed through landmarks like Casa Rosada, Recoleta, Caminito, and Palermo. While it gave us a quick overview, we made sure to go back to our favorite places on foot. This balance helped us appreciate the city’s unique charm and take better photos along the way.
Floraris Genérica – Recoleta
Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires
Caminito
The highlight of the trip, without a doubt, was the tango night. We bought tickets for a dinner-and-show experience and got a table close to the stage. I’ve always loved dancing, and seeing that live performance moved me deeply. There were moments I found myself tearing up, grateful to be there, living that dream.
Dinner with the dancers
Tango Porteño
Buenos Aires Travel Guide for Food Lovers: Where to Eat and What to Try
The food was one of the highlights of our trip, truly impressed me. From empanadas and gnocchi to rich Argentine wine and medialunas, we tried everything — and we were never disappointed. Whether it was a fancy place or a hidden gem, the flavors were always spot on.
Some favorite spots included CoChinChina, the Soho Market (with several food stands), and the famous Café Tortoni. The café is beautiful and iconic, but the line can be hours long. My tip: go early in the morning if you want to avoid the wait.
Café Tortoni
One unforgettable meal happened in Palermo — a small, simple restaurant where I ordered gnocchi with beef ragu and a glass of red wine. It wasn’t fancy, but it was perfect. The flavors were rich and comforting, and the wine complemented it beautifully.
A Few Souvenirs and Stories
We didn’t make it to the San Telmo market, but we brought back a few small souvenirs: a mini globe and a shot glass (which we collect from every trip), along with several bottles of wine and a good supply of alfajores.
We also had several conversations with local drivers, who openly talked about the country’s challenges and political changes. Despite the difficulties, many seemed hopeful for better days.
Unexpected Obstacles
One lesson learned: always bring your passport. Since it was a trip within South America, I thought my national ID (RG) would be enough. It technically is, but mine was over 10 years old, and I ran into issues when trying to withdraw money through Western Union — a great service for sending money, by the way, due to its favorable rates.
We had to redirect the transfer to my husband’s account, which took 24 hours to process, and unfortunately, the following day was a national holiday. We were stuck waiting. On top of that, several of our international cards (like Nomad and Wise) weren’t accepted in many places, which added stress when paying for things.
Eventually, we managed to get cash and continued the trip, but that initial uncertainty was frustrating. Lesson learned!
A Trip That Brought Us Closer
Beyond the tourist experiences, this trip was deeply personal. My husband and I have been together for 18 years — 16 of those as parents. So having time just for us, to reconnect as a couple, was very special. Buenos Aires gave us the chance to slow down, talk, and enjoy each other’s company in a different setting.
Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Next time, I’d stay in Palermo and bring my passport. Buenos Aires is a vibrant, romantic, and delicious city that deserves to be visited more than once.
If you’re thinking about going, my advice is: do your research. The city is big and full of surprises. Focus on the places that match your interests, and take your time to enjoy the charm of each neighborhood. And please, don’t leave without seeing a live tango show — it’s pure emotion, and a memory you’ll treasure forever.
