The Top 10 Free Activities in Buenos Aires

Our Local Expert Says:

The Sunday fair also features a huge variety of clothes and accessories from local designers at a fraction of the price of similar things in Palermo. Be sure to venture down side streets to have a look in the stalls.

Description:

The San Pedro Telmo Antiques Fair is held every Sunday and the streets of charming San Telmo are extremely lively during the fair. Tourists can have a gala time, as there are tons of activities to choose from. Enjoy live performances by musicians or tango with the dancers. If you are in the mood for some shopping, check out the antiques and handicrafts sold here.

Our Local Expert Says:

For about a dollar you can purchase a map of the cemetery from vendors at the entrance. It will prove to be quite useful when you find yourself in the maze inside.

Description:

This cemetery was a church graveyard until 1882 when the Governor opened it to the general public and renamed it Cemetery of the North. Small, and situated on the city's most valuable land, its importance resides in the many illustrious people that rest here. One of the most visited tombstones is Eva Peron's. The majority of materials used in the construction of tombs between 1880 and 1930 were imported from Paris and Milan, and important sculptural works grace many of the tombs.

Our Local Expert Says:

Pick up the monthly CC Recoleta schedule in the lobby to see the listings of performances, exhibitions, film screenings, and classes offered at or sponsored by the center. There are also publications available here that list the cultural happenings all over the city.

Description:

Built in 1716 by the Franciscan Recoleto monks, this complex later served as a hospital during the English invasions. In 1928 it was reduced to make way for the expansion of the adjacent Recoleta Cemetery. Years later it became an asylum for over 800 homeless and elderly, until in 1978 it was destined for use as a cultural centre. The walls were fortified and painted in ochre and reddish tones, and it now bustles with cultural and educational activities for young and old. There is a small café, a gift shop and bookstore on the premises. Offices of the United Nations are also found here.

Our Local Expert Says:

This might be the most authentic "del campo" Argentine experience available (not to mention that leather and silver is cheapest here) within city limits and shouldn't be missed if you have an extra Sunday. The long bus or taxi ride is well worth it.

Description:

This traditional fair located across from the cattle market (Mercado de Hacienda) brings a little countryside to the city. Artisans offer traditional crafts made from silver, wood, textiles and ceramics, as well as regional food like empanadas, tamales, tortas fritas (sweet fried pastry), alfajores and mate cocido, a local infusion. There is also a small music and dance festival and skilled demonstrations of horsemanship and "gaucho." Visitors should try their luck at the game of sapo, climbing a lathered pole. Admission is free.

Our Local Expert Says:

Weekend bike rentals are available just behind Puerto Madero at Costanera Sur for just a few bucks an hour. Bring the bikes over to Puerto Madero to ride by the water and join in the hundreds of locals who prefer this sunny exercise spot.

Description:

Up until the epic restoration in 1994, the brick docks lining the old port of Buenos Aires remained abandoned. The area now thrives with modern residential and business lofts and offices, bars, restaurants, an eight-theatre cinema complex, and a university while retaining the original English redbrick facades. The 15-block area runs two kilometres along the river bank dotted with fine dining, such as the Parolaccia di Mare. Two historic ships from the Argentine Armada, the Corbeta Uruguay and the Fragata Sarmiento, are moored quayside as floating naval museums.

Our Local Expert Says:

Oftentimes live music entertains the crowds during the weekend fair, so if you're worn out from browsing, take a seat on the hill and enjoy the music and people-watching.

Description:

This plaza, founded in October 1909, comprises some 15,400 square meters of local flora surrounded by cultural centers and the largest outdoor handicrafts fair in the city, La Feria de Recoleta, taking place every Sunday. The appropriately named Francia a Argentina monument at its center was donated in 1910 by France to Argentina commemorating the Centennial of the Revolution of May. The Museum of Fine Arts, monolithic National Library and imposing University Faculty of Law flank the area.

Our Local Expert Says:

.Eating in el Caminito can be very expensive and of poor quality because you are mostly charged for the tango performances during your meal. You might consider sitting at an outdoor café for a drink instead, and you can watch all of the street shows for free.

Description:

This open-air "museum" brings the brushstrokes of painter Benito Quinquela Martín to life in its colors, sculptures and ceramics. In fact, more than a museum, it is an art market where a constant exhibit of works inspired by the surrounding port area and neighborhood are sold. A stroll through here is sure to thrill the tourist for its uniqueness and air of bohemia. Humble dwellings painted in vibrant colors frame the pedestrian street known as el Caminito and immortalized in a tango tune of the same name. Its first inhabitants were the working-class Genoese immigrants who settled along this path, which led from the river to the railroad tracks and is now home to innovative artists. Italian cantinas can be found in the surrounding vicinity near the port area.

Our Local Expert Says:

Don't worry about bringing your own picnic - the food vendors are plentiful, serving up local specialties such as choripan, a tasty sausage sandwich. There are also lots of drinks and ice cream available.

Description:

Originally owned by Governor Rosas, this park opened to the public in 1874. Visit the Jardín de los Poetas, with sculptures of famous writers such as Alfonsina Storni, Félix Amador, Paul Groussac and Enrique Larreta. Enjoy the Rosedal where the colorful roses are kept. Other features include pergolas, bridges, fountains, seats, street lamps and a magnificent array of sculptures. Many activities are available at the lake, including rowing and pedal boats. These woods are the preferred choice for local joggers and bicyclers.

Our Local Expert Says:

A lovely way to spend an early morning or late evening is to stroll from Plaza de Mayo down the grand Avenida de Mayo, a wide avenue parading some of the most magnificent architecture in Buenos Aires. With antique street lamps and grand old cafes, Avenida de Mayo retains the elegance of a past era. Walk until you get to Plaza de Congreso, another equally beautiful plaza with a daytime market located about ten blocks from the Casa Rosada.

Description:

Founded by Juan de Garay in 1580, this is the original centre of the city. The city's first monument, Pirámide de Mayo, is situated at its centre. Important institutions flank the plaza: the Casa Rosada (Pink Government House), Banco de la Nación (Nation's Bank), Catedral Metropolitana and Cabildo (Town Hall). Internationally known for the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo, women gather here in a silent vigil, every Thursday at 3pm to claim justice for their "disappeared" during the military rule in the 1980s.

Our Local Expert Says:

When the antiques stalls are taken down at sunset on Sundays, take a seat at an outdoor café in the plaza and watch as the locals slowly drift in to create an outdoor milonga, or tango hall. The spectacle rivals just about any overpriced tango show.

Description:

This historic plaza was the sight of the swearing of National Independence in 1816 before Don Juan Martín de Pueyrredón. During the colony, it was a resting post for wagons travelling from the port to what is now Plaza de Mayo along the first roadway, known today as Calle Defensa. Today it is the site of the San Pedro Telmo Antique Fair, where street performances by tango dancers, musicians, mimes and colourful characters mingle with the painters, antiquarians and street vendors in a bohemian rhapsody of song, dance and nostalgia. Ramble the colonial cobblestone streets of the Barrio de San Telmo to Avenida Independencia and Balcarce, to see El Viejo Almacén from the early colonial days, now a traditional tango bar/restaurant.

Description:

Gauchescas customs are firmly rooted in Argentina. And to prove it further, the rustic decoration only keeps the heritage alive at Estilo Campo. The traditional Argentine steak asado is succulent, and grilled to your taste. Fresh fish, meat and vegetables are used in the kitchen. The homemade pastes and ample desserts can make even non-foodies stick around longer. Parking is available.

Description:

An original alternative within the scope of barbecue-style restaurants. This is a top quality steak house, impeccable in every sense. Located in the modern complex of Puerto Madero (a recent dock-side development), it has a cutting edge, end of the 20th century style. The clientele often comprises an elegant and relaxed crowd. Specializing in offal and grilled sweetbreads, this restaurant is the flavored choice for tourists and Argentineans living abroad, who come back dreaming of a characteristic Argentine barbecue. Recommendations are barbecued pork ribs with potatoes au gratin; isla flotante (exotic dessert) and tiramisu. The decoration is a plain country style. The excellent fillet steaks are proof of the high quality meat they are known for, having bred their own cattle for more than 70 years.

Description:

This place is a characteristic "parrilla Argentina" (Argentinean barbecue): spacious, homely, luminous, and graced with excellent service. Local and overseas tourists visit Puerto Viejo. A typical order for 4 people: assorted parrilla (a variety of barbecued meats), dulce de leche crepes, and wine. As a suggestion, Provençal style mussels, are one of the most popular dishes. The premises are A/C and the urban landscape is surrounded by houses from the past on one side, and stranded boats on the other. They also have tables outside.

Our Local Expert Says:

If the weather is nice, request an outdoor table in the tiny, hidden courtyard. You will be able to get a little bit of space, seated away from the hordes of tourists that cram in here every night.

Description:

There's nothing pretentious about this bustling parrilla where jovial waiters serve plump steaks, spicy chorizo, and slabs of fried provolone to a festive crowd. Red house wine flows freely and hot-off-the-grill papas fritas burn the tongue as families and groups of friends chow down in a casual atmosphere that's true to San Telmo's working-class roots. Reservations aren't necessary, but a line wraps around the corner on weekend evenings - its best to show up just before the dinner rush. Bring a hearty appetite for red meat and a good sense of humor.

Our Local Expert Says:

Reservations are a must at Kansas any night of the week, but you'll be waiting regardless; this spot is a local family favorite, and for good reason. Consider going early, which is 8 or 9 p.m. local time.

Description:

An American-style barbeque may not jive with your concept of the Argentine culinary experience - huge steaks and sausages, piles of French fries, and inexpensive wine in pitchers define the norm here. However, Kansas, an American grill located adjacent to Buenos Aires' famous hipódromo horse racetrack, is an upscale, atmospheric grill with a comfortable bar area, classy black leather booths, and impressive service that would knock the socks off restaurant managers around the city - not to mention the food. Order up a few beers, enormous caesar salads, authentic bacon swiss cheeseburgers, and 20-inch rib racks, and top it off with an ice cream sundae to be amazed at just how well Buenos Aires does - or out-does - American barbeque food.