Buenos Aires is a melting pot of European influences with the flair of a South American capital. Downtown you’ll see architecture reminiscent of Italy, Spain, and France. When it’s time to eat, get ready for some truly incredible meat. It’s one of our favorite South American cities for a reason.
Steak from La Cabrera
Where to Eat
We had just two days in Buenos Aires, so we only got to try a handful of restaurants. They did not disappoint, though, and below are our two favorites.
La Cabrera: This restaurant offers everything you want from Argentinian steak and then some. No joke, it is one of the best steaks we’ve ever had. So tender. So juicy. Just perfect. An the chimichurri sauces too! The only problem is that everyone knows about this spot, so you have to arrive early. We got there 30 minutes before they opened, and there was already a long line of people waiting. Don’t worry though; it’s worth it. Plan for an early dinner to take advantage of the happy hour special. If you eat later in the evening, you’ll have a pretty steep bill on your hands.
Empanada from Santos Manjares
Santos Manjares: If you want more steak (and really, who doesn’t), take a trip to Santos Manjares. This budget-friendly spot shouldn’t be a substitute for La Cabrera, but rather another great dinner option. The empanadas are the highlight here, so order a few for the table to enjoy with your bottle of wine.
Graffiti in Palermo
Things to Do
Free Walking Tour: We love free walking tours. They are great, cheap ways to learn more about a city and get some local tips. The tour we did in Buenos Aires was especially interesting, as our guide pointed out all the different influences in the city and provided some topical commentary on the current political situation in Argentina. Make sure to leave a good tip for your guide!
Caminito: The streets in the La Boca neighborhood are filled with colors and artists. Yes, Caminito is especially touristy, but that doesn’t make it any less fantastic a place to buy some cheap artwork and take some cool photos. We recommend avoiding this area at night, though, because crime tends to pick up.
Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta Cemetery: This beautiful cemetery serves as the resting place for many of Argentina’s famous historical figures. Make sure to grab a map when entering because you can easily get lost (speaking from experience). The guide will also highlight the most famous tombs in the cemetery to help you make the most of your time.
Palermo: This upscale neighborhood in Buenos Aires is well worth a visit. In addition to having amazing food (see: La Cabrera), it has interesting graffiti art, good shopping, and plenty of bars to grab a few drinks. Take some time here to wander the streets before dinner.
Other Tips & Tricks
Where to Stay: We used points to stay at the Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center, and we were very happy with the choice. The hotel has a good, central location within walking distance of many restaurants and attractions. If you have Marriott status, the hotel also offers a solid breakfast to help you save some money and have a quick start to your day. Overall, though, we would probably opt to stay in the Palermo neighborhood on our next visit. It’s just a trendier area with more dining and nightlife options.
Currency Exchange: Do some research before exchanging your money somewhere random. Not all exchanges in the city are legitimate, and some offer better rates than others. Your best bet is going with a recognized name or one recommended by a tour guide.
Safety: Overall, we felt very safe in Buenos Aires. We were still careful to avoid areas known to have crime after dark, but it didn’t detract from the trip. Just be smart, do some research, and you’ll have a great time.