Find places in Argentina

Must-Haves

• 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.

Fun for Everyone

• Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Recoleta)
  A free national collection of Argentine and European art, from gaucho painting to Rodin.

Off the Beaten Path

• El Ateneo Grand Splendid (Recoleta)
  A former theatre turned bookshop, with books in the boxes and a café on the old stage.

Must-Haves

• 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.

Fun for Everyone

• Caminito (La Boca)
  A short, colourful street of painted tin houses and tango dancers beside the old port; visit by day.

Off the Beaten Path

• Tigre Delta (Tigre)
  A short train ride north brings you to a maze of river channels, wooden launches and stilted houses.

Must-Haves

• Feria de San Telmo (San Telmo)
  The Sunday antiques and street fair along Calle Defensa, with buskers and an evening milonga in Plaza Dorrego.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Mercado de San Telmo (San Telmo)
  A nineteenth century iron market hall full of antiques, produce stalls and small places to eat.

Great for Date Night

• La Catedral Club (Almagro)
  A rambling, candlelit tango hall in an old warehouse where beginners take classes before the milonga.
• Florería Atlántico (Retiro)
  A cocktail bar hidden behind a flower shop, known for drinks built on Argentine ingredients.

Must-Haves

• Salón Canning (Palermo)
  One of the classic milongas, where serious local dancers gather on a polished floor.

Low Cost and Authentic

• La Viruta (Palermo)
  A basement milonga with group classes that help nervous first-timers onto the dance floor.

Fun for Everyone

• Usina del Arte (La Boca)
  A converted power station turned arts centre with concerts, often free, in a striking brick hall.

Must-Haves

• Don Julio (Palermo Soho)
  The parrilla that many locals point visitors to first, with dry aged beef and a deep Argentine wine list.

Low Cost and Authentic

• 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.

Off the Beaten Path

• El Obrero (La Boca)
  A family run bodegón for workers and football fans, with huge portions and walls of memorabilia.

Must-Haves

• Café Tortoni (Avenida de Mayo)
  The country's most famous old café, all stained glass and marble, with evening tango shows.

Fun for Everyone

• Las Violetas (Almagro)
  A grand belle époque confitería known for its afternoon tea and pastries.

Low Cost and Authentic

• El Gato Negro (Corrientes)
  A tiny old spice and coffee shop that has barely changed in a century.

Off the Beaten Path

• Café Los Angelitos (Balvanera)
  A restored historic café linked to tango history, with shows at night.

Fun for Everyone

• 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.

Must-Haves

• Tango BA Festival y Mundial (Citywide)
  The city's tango festival and world championship, with free classes and shows, usually in August.

Fun for Everyone

• Superclásico at La Bombonera (La Boca)
  A Boca Juniors match is one of the loudest football experiences anywhere; go with a reputable organised tour.

Must-Haves

• Alvear Palace Hotel (Recoleta)
  A grand old luxury hotel on Avenida Alvear, the classic Buenos Aires address.

Great for Date Night

• Palacio Duhau, Park Hyatt (Recoleta)
  A restored palace with gardens and one of the city's best wine cellars.

Must-Haves

• 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.

Fun for Everyone

• 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.
• Foz do Iguaçu, Brazilian side (Brazil)
  The Brazilian side gives the great panoramic view; check entry rules for Brazil before crossing.

Off the Beaten Path

• Sendero Macuco (Iguazú National Park)
  A quiet jungle trail to a small waterfall, good for spotting birds, monkeys and butterflies.

Fun for Everyone

• Güirá Oga Animal Rescue Centre (Puerto Iguazú)
  A rescue centre for injured native wildlife, from toucans to big cats, visited on guided walks.
• Full moon walks (Iguazú National Park)
  On nights around the full moon the park runs guided walks to the Devil's Throat; book ahead.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Hito Tres Fronteras (Puerto Iguazú)
  The viewpoint where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet at the river junction, lovely at sunset.

Low Cost and Authentic

• La Feirinha (Puerto Iguazú)
  A small market of stalls selling cheese, salami, olives and cold beer, popular in the evening.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Aqva Restaurant (Puerto Iguazú)
  A popular spot for river fish such as surubí and pacú and regional dishes.

Must-Haves

• Gran Meliá Iguazú (Iguazú National Park)
  The only hotel inside the Argentine park, with falls views from many rooms.

Off the Beaten Path

• Loi Suites Iguazú (Selva Iryapú)
  A jungle hotel with walkways through the forest, a short drive from town.

Off the Beaten Path

• Misiones Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio Miní (San Ignacio)
  The best preserved Jesuit mission ruins in Argentina, a long day trip south.

Must-Haves

• 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.

Great for Date Night

• Bodega Salentein (Valle de Uco)
  A winery with a contemporary art gallery and a cross shaped underground cellar.

Fun for Everyone

• Bike and wine in Maipú (Maipú)
  Rent a bicycle and pedal between olive oil makers and family wineries on flat country lanes.

Great for Date Night

• Francis Mallmann 1884 (Godoy Cruz)
  Fire cooking by Argentina's famous chef in the old Escorihuela winery.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Mercado Central de Mendoza (Centro)
  An old food market for empanadas, cheese, olives and cheap lunches.

Must-Haves

• Azafrán (Centro)
  A wine shop turned restaurant with a cellar you choose from and regional cooking.

Must-Haves

• Aconcagua Provincial Park (Las Heras)
  Short walks to views of the highest mountain in the Americas, on the road to Chile.

Off the Beaten Path

• Puente del Inca (Las Heras)
  A natural rock bridge stained by mineral springs high in the Andes.
• Potrerillos reservoir (Luján de Cuyo)
  A turquoise lake in the mountains for rafting, kayaking and views.

Fun for Everyone

• 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.

Must-Haves

• 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.

Fun for Everyone

• Avenida Arístides Villanueva (Centro)
  The city's busiest bar street, lively on warm evenings.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Plaza Independencia cafés (Centro)
  Sit at a café on the main square under the plane trees and watch the city go by.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Museo del Área Fundacional (Centro)
  A small museum over the ruins of colonial Mendoza, destroyed by the earthquake of 1861.

Great for Date Night

• Cavas Wine Lodge (Luján de Cuyo)
  Adobe style rooms among the vines, each with a plunge pool and rooftop terrace.

Off the Beaten Path

• The Vines Resort and Spa (Valle de Uco)
  Villas among the vineyards of Los Chacayes with the Andes on the doorstep.

Must-Haves

• 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.
• 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.

Fun for Everyone

• Upsala and Spegazzini glacier cruise (Lago Argentino)
  A day on the lake past icebergs to some of the largest glaciers in the park.
• Laguna Torre trail (El Chaltén)
  A gentler day walk to a glacial lake facing Cerro Torre.

Must-Haves

• Glaciarium (El Calafate)
  An ice museum that explains how Patagonia's glaciers form and why they are shrinking.

Must-Haves

• La Tablita (El Calafate)
  A classic grill for Patagonian lamb roasted on the cross over open fire.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Pura Vida (El Calafate)
  A cosy restaurant for home style stews and vegetarian dishes.

Fun for Everyone

• La Cervecería (El Chaltén)
  A small brewpub where hikers swap stories over local beer and stews.

Off the Beaten Path

• Estancia Cristina (Lago Argentino)
  A remote historic sheep ranch reached by boat, with walks and glacier views.

Fun for Everyone

• Estancia Nibepo Aike (Lago Roca)
  A working ranch with horse riding, sheep shearing demonstrations and lamb asado.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Calafate ice cream on Avenida del Libertador (El Calafate)
  Try the purple calafate berry, the town's namesake, as ice cream or jam.

Must-Haves

• EOLO Lodge (El Calafate)
  A small lodge alone on the steppe with sweeping views of Lago Argentino.

Low Cost and Authentic

• America del Sur Hostel (El Calafate)
  A friendly, well run hostel with lake views and a big common room.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Avenida del Libertador shops (El Calafate)
  The main street for outdoor gear, maps and regional chocolates.

Must-Haves

• 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.

Fun for Everyone

• Cerro Catedral (Bariloche)
  The largest ski area in South America in winter and a hiking base in summer.
• 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.

Off the Beaten Path

• Refugio Frey (Cerro Catedral)
  A day hike or overnight to a mountain hut beneath granite spires.

Fun for Everyone

• Route of the Seven Lakes (Neuquén)
  A famous drive or bus route north to San Martín de los Andes past lake after lake.
• Villa La Angostura (Neuquén)
  A pretty lakeside village on the Seven Lakes route, good for a day out.

Off the Beaten Path

• Colonia Suiza (Lago Moreno)
  A small settlement of Swiss founders known for its curanto feast cooked underground.

Must-Haves

• Calle Mitre chocolate shops (Centro)
  The town's main street is lined with chocolate makers such as Rapa Nui and Mamuschka.

Fun for Everyone

• Rapa Nui (Centro)
  A chocolate shop and café with an ice rink inside, a hit with families.

Must-Haves

• El Boliche de Alberto (Centro)
  A popular parrilla for huge steaks and Patagonian lamb.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Cervecería Patagonia, Km 24 (Circuito Chico)
  A brewery with a lakeside garden and one of the best views in town.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Manush (Centro)
  A busy craft beer bar in the centre of town.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Centro Cívico (Centro)
  The alpine style stone civic square with the museum of Patagonia and lake views.

Must-Haves

• Llao Llao Hotel and Resort (Llao Llao)
  The famous timber hotel on a hill between two lakes.

Fun for Everyone

• Fiesta Nacional de la Nieve (Bariloche)
  The winter snow festival with torchlit descents on Cerro Catedral, usually in August.

Must-Haves

• MAAM Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (Plaza 9 de Julio)
  Home to the Inca child mummies found on Llullaillaco volcano, displayed with great care.

Fun for Everyone

• 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.

Fun for Everyone

• Teleférico San Bernardo (Centro)
  A cable car up to a hilltop with views over the city.

Must-Haves

• 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.

Off the Beaten Path

• 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.

Off the Beaten Path

• Salinas Grandes (Jujuy)
  Vast white salt flats at high altitude, best seen with a guide.

Must-Haves

• Cafayate and the Quebrada de las Conchas (Cafayate)
  Red rock canyons on the way to a wine town famous for Torrontés.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Peñas on Calle Balcarce (Balcarce)
  Folk music clubs where you eat empanadas while musicians play zambas and chacareras.

Fun for Everyone

• La Casona del Molino (Centro)
  A rambling old house where folk musicians gather for impromptu sessions.

Low Cost and Authentic

• El Patio de la Empanada (Centro)
  A courtyard of stalls serving Salta's small, juicy empanadas.

Must-Haves

• José Balcarce (Centro)
  Andean cooking with llama, quinoa and native potatoes.

Low Cost and Authentic

• Mercado Artesanal de Salta (San Martín)
  A craft market for ponchos, weavings and pottery in an old colonial building.

Great for Date Night

• House of Jasmines (La Merced)
  An estancia hotel with gardens and a spa outside the city.

Off the Beaten Path

• Patios de Cafayate (Cafayate)
  A colonial estancia among the vines in the wine town.

Fun for Everyone

• Carnival in the Quebrada (Jujuy)
  Humahuaca and nearby villages celebrate carnival with colourful music and dancing.