Argentina · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Argentina
Our pick of places across Argentina, from famous glaciers, waterfalls and wineries to neighbourhood parrillas, milongas and folk clubs most visitors miss. Check opening days and book the popular ones ahead, especially in high season.
Places to Visit in Buenos Aires
Arts and Culture
- Teatro Colón (San Nicolás)
One of the great opera houses of the world, with guided tours most days and acoustics to match its reputation. - Cementerio de la Recoleta (Recoleta)
A city of marble mausoleums where Eva Perón and generations of Argentine grandees are buried. - MALBA (Palermo)
The Latin American art museum, home to Frida Kahlo, Xul Solar and Antonio Berni works. - Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Recoleta)
A free national collection of Argentine and European art, from gaucho painting to Rodin. - El Ateneo Grand Splendid (Recoleta)
A former theatre turned bookshop, with books in the boxes and a café on the old stage.
Things to Do
- Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada (Monserrat)
The political heart of the country, with the pink presidential palace and the Thursday march of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo. - Caminito (La Boca)
A short, colourful street of painted tin houses and tango dancers beside the old port; visit by day. - Tigre Delta (Tigre)
A short train ride north brings you to a maze of river channels, wooden launches and stilted houses.
Shopping and Markets
- Feria de San Telmo (San Telmo)
The Sunday antiques and street fair along Calle Defensa, with buskers and an evening milonga in Plaza Dorrego. - Mercado de San Telmo (San Telmo)
A nineteenth century iron market hall full of antiques, produce stalls and small places to eat.
Bars and Nightlife
- La Catedral Club (Almagro)
A rambling, candlelit tango hall in an old warehouse where beginners take classes before the milonga. - Salón Canning (Palermo)
One of the classic milongas, where serious local dancers gather on a polished floor. - La Viruta (Palermo)
A basement milonga with group classes that help nervous first-timers onto the dance floor. - Florería Atlántico (Retiro)
A cocktail bar hidden behind a flower shop, known for drinks built on Argentine ingredients. - Usina del Arte (La Boca)
A converted power station turned arts centre with concerts, often free, in a striking brick hall.
Restaurants
- Don Julio (Palermo Soho)
The parrilla that many locals point visitors to first, with dry aged beef and a deep Argentine wine list. - El Preferido de Palermo (Palermo)
A restored old corner bodega serving classic porteño dishes and house preserves. - El Cuartito (Retiro)
A no frills pizzeria hung with sports memorabilia, serving thick porteño pizza and fainá since the 1930s. - Pizzería Güerrín (San Nicolás)
A Corrientes Avenue institution where locals eat mozzarella heavy slices standing at the counter. - El Obrero (La Boca)
A family run bodegón for workers and football fans, with huge portions and walls of memorabilia.
Cafés
- Café Tortoni (Avenida de Mayo)
The country's most famous old café, all stained glass and marble, with evening tango shows. - Las Violetas (Almagro)
A grand belle époque confitería known for its afternoon tea and pastries. - El Gato Negro (Corrientes)
A tiny old spice and coffee shop that has barely changed in a century. - Café Los Angelitos (Balvanera)
A restored historic café linked to tango history, with shows at night.
Nature and Outdoors
- Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur (Puerto Madero)
A wild riverside nature reserve with birdlife and paths, minutes from the skyscrapers. - Bosques de Palermo (Palermo)
Lakes, rose gardens and paths where porteños run, cycle and picnic at weekends.
Events
- Tango BA Festival y Mundial (Citywide)
The city's tango festival and world championship, with free classes and shows, usually in August. - Superclásico at La Bombonera (La Boca)
A Boca Juniors match is one of the loudest football experiences anywhere; go with a reputable organised tour.
Stays
- Alvear Palace Hotel (Recoleta)
A grand old luxury hotel on Avenida Alvear, the classic Buenos Aires address. - Palacio Duhau, Park Hyatt (Recoleta)
A restored palace with gardens and one of the city's best wine cellars.
Places to Visit in Puerto Iguazú
Nature and Outdoors
- Iguazú National Park, Argentine side (Puerto Iguazú)
Walkways lead to the edge of the Devil's Throat and along dozens of cascades; give it a full day. - Garganta del Diablo walkway (Iguazú National Park)
The walkway out over the river ends above the biggest drop in the falls, soaking and unforgettable. - Gran Aventura boat trip (Iguazú National Park)
A speedboat ride that runs right under the falls; bring a dry bag and expect to be drenched. - Sendero Macuco (Iguazú National Park)
A quiet jungle trail to a small waterfall, good for spotting birds, monkeys and butterflies. - Foz do Iguaçu, Brazilian side (Brazil)
The Brazilian side gives the great panoramic view; check entry rules for Brazil before crossing.
Things to Do
- Güirá Oga Animal Rescue Centre (Puerto Iguazú)
A rescue centre for injured native wildlife, from toucans to big cats, visited on guided walks. - Hito Tres Fronteras (Puerto Iguazú)
The viewpoint where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet at the river junction, lovely at sunset. - Full moon walks (Iguazú National Park)
On nights around the full moon the park runs guided walks to the Devil's Throat; book ahead.
Shopping and Markets
- La Feirinha (Puerto Iguazú)
A small market of stalls selling cheese, salami, olives and cold beer, popular in the evening.
Restaurants
- Aqva Restaurant (Puerto Iguazú)
A popular spot for river fish such as surubí and pacú and regional dishes.
Stays
- Gran Meliá Iguazú (Iguazú National Park)
The only hotel inside the Argentine park, with falls views from many rooms. - Loi Suites Iguazú (Selva Iryapú)
A jungle hotel with walkways through the forest, a short drive from town.
Arts and Culture
- Misiones Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio Miní (San Ignacio)
The best preserved Jesuit mission ruins in Argentina, a long day trip south.
Places to Visit in Mendoza
Things to Do
- Uco Valley wineries (Valle de Uco)
High altitude vineyards beneath the Andes, home to some of Argentina's most celebrated Malbecs. - Zuccardi Valle de Uco (Paraje Altamira)
A striking stone winery built from the valley's own rocks, with tastings and a restaurant. - Catena Zapata (Luján de Cuyo)
A pyramid shaped winery that helped put Argentine Malbec on the world map. - Bodega Salentein (Valle de Uco)
A winery with a contemporary art gallery and a cross shaped underground cellar. - Bike and wine in Maipú (Maipú)
Rent a bicycle and pedal between olive oil makers and family wineries on flat country lanes.
Restaurants
- Francis Mallmann 1884 (Godoy Cruz)
Fire cooking by Argentina's famous chef in the old Escorihuela winery. - Mercado Central de Mendoza (Centro)
An old food market for empanadas, cheese, olives and cheap lunches. - Azafrán (Centro)
A wine shop turned restaurant with a cellar you choose from and regional cooking.
Nature and Outdoors
- Aconcagua Provincial Park (Las Heras)
Short walks to views of the highest mountain in the Americas, on the road to Chile. - Puente del Inca (Las Heras)
A natural rock bridge stained by mineral springs high in the Andes. - Parque General San Martín (Centro)
A huge city park with a lake and the Cerro de la Gloria monument and viewpoint. - Termas Cacheuta (Luján de Cuyo)
Thermal pools in the foothills, an easy half day out after wine tastings. - Potrerillos reservoir (Luján de Cuyo)
A turquoise lake in the mountains for rafting, kayaking and views.
Events
- Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (Mendoza)
The grape harvest festival, with parades and a huge show in the Greek theatre, usually in late February and March.
Bars and Nightlife
- Avenida Arístides Villanueva (Centro)
The city's busiest bar street, lively on warm evenings.
Cafés
- Plaza Independencia cafés (Centro)
Sit at a café on the main square under the plane trees and watch the city go by.
Arts and Culture
- Museo del Área Fundacional (Centro)
A small museum over the ruins of colonial Mendoza, destroyed by the earthquake of 1861.
Stays
- Cavas Wine Lodge (Luján de Cuyo)
Adobe style rooms among the vines, each with a plunge pool and rooftop terrace. - The Vines Resort and Spa (Valle de Uco)
Villas among the vineyards of Los Chacayes with the Andes on the doorstep.
Places to Visit in El Calafate
Nature and Outdoors
- Perito Moreno Glacier (Los Glaciares National Park)
A wall of blue ice you watch from balconies as chunks crash into the lake. - Minitrekking on Perito Moreno (Los Glaciares National Park)
Strap on crampons and walk across the glacier with licensed guides. - Upsala and Spegazzini glacier cruise (Lago Argentino)
A day on the lake past icebergs to some of the largest glaciers in the park. - Laguna de los Tres trail (El Chaltén)
The classic day hike to the foot of Fitz Roy, steep at the end and worth every step. - Laguna Torre trail (El Chaltén)
A gentler day walk to a glacial lake facing Cerro Torre. - Laguna Nimez Nature Reserve (El Calafate)
A wetland reserve on the edge of town where flamingos feed in the lagoon. - Lago del Desierto (El Chaltén)
A quiet lake north of El Chaltén with forest walks and a glacier view.
Arts and Culture
- Glaciarium (El Calafate)
An ice museum that explains how Patagonia's glaciers form and why they are shrinking.
Restaurants
- La Tablita (El Calafate)
A classic grill for Patagonian lamb roasted on the cross over open fire. - Pura Vida (El Calafate)
A cosy restaurant for home style stews and vegetarian dishes.
Bars and Nightlife
- La Cervecería (El Chaltén)
A small brewpub where hikers swap stories over local beer and stews.
Things to Do
- Estancia Cristina (Lago Argentino)
A remote historic sheep ranch reached by boat, with walks and glacier views. - Estancia Nibepo Aike (Lago Roca)
A working ranch with horse riding, sheep shearing demonstrations and lamb asado.
Cafés
- Calafate ice cream on Avenida del Libertador (El Calafate)
Try the purple calafate berry, the town's namesake, as ice cream or jam.
Stays
- EOLO Lodge (El Calafate)
A small lodge alone on the steppe with sweeping views of Lago Argentino. - America del Sur Hostel (El Calafate)
A friendly, well run hostel with lake views and a big common room.
Shopping and Markets
- Avenida del Libertador shops (El Calafate)
The main street for outdoor gear, maps and regional chocolates.
Places to Visit in Bariloche
Nature and Outdoors
- Cerro Campanario (Bariloche)
A short chairlift to one of the best lake views in Patagonia. - Circuito Chico (Llao Llao)
A scenic loop of lakes, forest and viewpoints, easy by bus or bicycle. - Cerro Catedral (Bariloche)
The largest ski area in South America in winter and a hiking base in summer. - Refugio Frey (Cerro Catedral)
A day hike or overnight to a mountain hut beneath granite spires. - Isla Victoria and Bosque de Arrayanes (Nahuel Huapi National Park)
A boat trip across the lake to a rare forest of cinnamon coloured myrtle trees. - Cerro Tronador (Pampa Linda)
An extinct volcano with hanging glaciers and the Ventisquero Negro black glacier.
Things to Do
- Route of the Seven Lakes (Neuquén)
A famous drive or bus route north to San Martín de los Andes past lake after lake. - Colonia Suiza (Lago Moreno)
A small settlement of Swiss founders known for its curanto feast cooked underground. - Villa La Angostura (Neuquén)
A pretty lakeside village on the Seven Lakes route, good for a day out.
Shopping and Markets
- Calle Mitre chocolate shops (Centro)
The town's main street is lined with chocolate makers such as Rapa Nui and Mamuschka.
Cafés
- Rapa Nui (Centro)
A chocolate shop and café with an ice rink inside, a hit with families.
Restaurants
- El Boliche de Alberto (Centro)
A popular parrilla for huge steaks and Patagonian lamb. - Cervecería Patagonia, Km 24 (Circuito Chico)
A brewery with a lakeside garden and one of the best views in town.
Bars and Nightlife
- Manush (Centro)
A busy craft beer bar in the centre of town.
Arts and Culture
- Centro Cívico (Centro)
The alpine style stone civic square with the museum of Patagonia and lake views.
Stays
- Llao Llao Hotel and Resort (Llao Llao)
The famous timber hotel on a hill between two lakes.
Events
- Fiesta Nacional de la Nieve (Bariloche)
The winter snow festival with torchlit descents on Cerro Catedral, usually in August.
Places to Visit in Salta
Arts and Culture
- MAAM Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (Plaza 9 de Julio)
Home to the Inca child mummies found on Llullaillaco volcano, displayed with great care. - Cathedral and Plaza 9 de Julio (Centro)
The city's colonial square, at its best in the evening when the cathedral is lit. - Iglesia San Francisco (Centro)
A deep red and gold church with a tall bell tower, the city's signature building.
Things to Do
- Teleférico San Bernardo (Centro)
A cable car up to a hilltop with views over the city. - Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy)
A UNESCO listed valley of multicoloured mountains and adobe villages. - Purmamarca and the Hill of Seven Colours (Jujuy)
A village beneath striped red, green and purple hills. - Cachi (Valles Calchaquíes)
A whitewashed village reached on a spectacular mountain road through cactus forest. - Tren a las Nubes (San Antonio de los Cobres)
One of the highest railways in the world, crossing the La Polvorilla viaduct.
Nature and Outdoors
- Salinas Grandes (Jujuy)
Vast white salt flats at high altitude, best seen with a guide. - Cafayate and the Quebrada de las Conchas (Cafayate)
Red rock canyons on the way to a wine town famous for Torrontés.
Bars and Nightlife
- Peñas on Calle Balcarce (Balcarce)
Folk music clubs where you eat empanadas while musicians play zambas and chacareras. - La Casona del Molino (Centro)
A rambling old house where folk musicians gather for impromptu sessions.
Restaurants
- El Patio de la Empanada (Centro)
A courtyard of stalls serving Salta's small, juicy empanadas. - José Balcarce (Centro)
Andean cooking with llama, quinoa and native potatoes.
Shopping and Markets
- Mercado Artesanal de Salta (San Martín)
A craft market for ponchos, weavings and pottery in an old colonial building.
Stays
- House of Jasmines (La Merced)
An estancia hotel with gardens and a spa outside the city. - Patios de Cafayate (Cafayate)
A colonial estancia among the vines in the wine town.
Events
- Carnival in the Quebrada (Jujuy)
Humahuaca and nearby villages celebrate carnival with colourful music and dancing.
Places to Visit in Córdoba
Arts and Culture
- Jesuit Block of Córdoba (Centro)
UNESCO listed Jesuit buildings, including the old university and church.
Nature and Outdoors
- Quebrada del Condorito National Park (Córdoba)
A canyon where Andean condors soar on the thermals.
Places to Visit in Ushuaia
Nature and Outdoors
- Tierra del Fuego National Park (Ushuaia)
Forest trails and coastal walks at the end of the world.
Things to Do
- Beagle Channel boat trip (Ushuaia)
Cruise past sea lion colonies and the famous lighthouse.
Places to Visit in Puerto Madryn
Nature and Outdoors
- Península Valdés (Chubut)
Southern right whales, elephant seals and penguins on a UNESCO listed peninsula.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Proper (Palermo, Buenos Aires)
A wood fired kitchen in an old garage, cooking seasonal small plates for sharing. - Casa Ecológica de Aves (Puerto Iguazú, Puerto Iguazú)
A small bird rescue garden where you see toucans and parrots up close. - La Dama Juana (Puerto Iguazú, Puerto Iguazú)
A relaxed parrilla and regional kitchen in the town centre. - Saltos del Moconá (Misiones, Puerto Iguazú)
Unusual falls that run along the river rather than across it, a remote trip for the curious. - Café Benjamin (Puerto Iguazú, Puerto Iguazú)
A casual town café for coffee and medialunas before the park. - Fiesta Nacional del Litoral (Misiones, Puerto Iguazú)
Regional music and food festivals take place across Misiones; check the provincial calendar. - Mi Rancho (El Calafate, El Calafate)
A tiny, warm restaurant in an old house, good for a special dinner. - Charming Luxury Lodge (Playa Bonita, Bariloche)
A small lakeside lodge with fireplaces and a spa. - Café del Tiempo (Balcarce, Salta)
A relaxed café and bar on the main nightlife street.