Buenos Aires Guidebook

Quick facts

• Currency: Argentine peso (ARS). Exchange rates and the best way to pay can change quickly, so check current advice before you travel and keep some cash.
• Language: Spanish. English is spoken at many hotels and tourist sights, but less widely elsewhere.
• Time zone: Argentina Time (UTC-3).
• Power outlets: Type C and I, 220V. Bring an adapter if your plug is different.
• Tipping: About 10% in restaurants is customary, and it is usually not included in the bill.

When to go

Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are mild and the best times to visit.

Summer (December-February) is hot and humid, and many locals leave the city in January.

Winter (June-August) is cool, with fewer crowds and a full program of theatre and music.

What to pack

• Comfortable shoes for long days of walking on busy pavements.
• Layers; evenings can be cool even in the warmer months.
• Smart-casual clothes for the theatre, tango shows, and nicer restaurants.
• A small bag that closes securely; keep your phone out of sight.

Getting there & around

• From the airport: Ezeiza (EZE) handles most international flights and is about 35 km from the center. Aeroparque (AEP) is much closer to the center and handles many domestic flights. Taxis and transfers are the easiest options.
• Subte: The subway has several lines and covers most main sights. A rechargeable SUBE card works on the subway and on buses.
• Buses and taxis: The city has an extensive bus network, and taxis and rideshare are cheap and useful at night.
• On foot: Neighborhoods such as Recoleta, San Telmo, and the center are good for walking, though distances between them are long.

Good to know before you go

• Dinner is late: many restaurants only get busy after 9 pm, and tango shows and milongas run late.
• Phone snatching and pickpocketing happen in busy areas, so keep your belongings close and your phone out of sight.
• Book the Teatro Colón tour and popular tango shows ahead for weekends.
• Tap water is generally safe to drink in the city, though many visitors prefer bottled water.

Neighborhoods to know

• Recoleta: An elegant district with the famous cemetery, cafes, and a weekend craft fair.
• San Telmo: The oldest barrio, with cobbled streets, antiques, and a Sunday market.
• La Boca: A colourful port neighborhood with painted houses and a football stadium.

Don't miss in Buenos Aires

• Teatro Colón: One of the world's great opera houses.
• Recoleta Cemetery: A city of ornate mausoleums, including Eva Perón's tomb.
• El Ateneo Grand Splendid: A historic theatre turned bookshop.
• Plaza de Mayo and a tango show: The political heart of the country, and the dance that defines the city.