taytrum travels

If you are visiting Buenos Aires on a budget, you won’t be short on things to do. There are many budget friendly things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From taking in iconic sights to free museum days, there are plenty of cool things to do in BA. Read on for Buenos Aires tips.

1. Puente de la Mujer

Named “Woman’s Bridge,” this bridge in Puerto Madero is designed to resemble a couple dancing tango. Finished in 2001, this 170 meter bridge was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. This artistic and functional bridge has become an famous symbol of Buenos Aires. You may notice that the bridge can actually swing open to allow boats to pass, although this doesn’t happen very often. The bridge earned it’s name “Women’s Bridge” due to the high number of streets in Puerto Madero with women’s names. The bridge was declared a Cultural Heritage of the City of Buenos Aires in 2018.

Many hawkers sell balloons or other goods at the entrances to the bridge. There are also often people in costumes offering to take pictures with you for a tip. It can get quite busy on the weekend or midday. On the east side of the bridge there is an outdoor food court and food trucks with snacks and drinks. There are also often people roller skating and biking near the bridge.

2. Floralis Genérica

One of the must-see things in Buenos Aires is Floralis Genérica. You can find it across the street from the Museo Nacional de Bellas. The aluminum and steel sculpture is a huge, 23-meter (75-foot) tall flower with petals that open and close depending on the time of day (or at least the petals moved until the gears broke several years ago).

It was designed and gifted to the city by the Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano in 2002. At night, the sculpture is illuminated with a lighting system that gives it a striking appearance. The sculpture is the centerpiece of Plaza Naciones Unidas, making it a quick and easy visit before or after the museum. This attraction is entirely free.

3. El Ateneo Grand Splendid

If you’re looking for things to do in Recoleta, consider starting at this unique sight. One of the coolest things to see in Buenos Aires is the reclaimed theater turned into a bookstore. El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a bookstore inside a beautifully restored 20th-century theater. The theater is historic for many reasons, but my favorite piece of history for this building is that in 1929 it became the first location to show sound film in the entire country. Where there used to be balcony theater seating, you can now go up to explore different genres and mediums of books, music, and movies available for purchase. There is a small selection of English language books on the ground floor near the stage, but they are primarily Shakespeare. There is also a cafe in the back on the stage. Visiting the bookstore is free, but you may want to leave with a book or souvenir.

It has been ranked as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world multiple years from sources like The Guardian and National Geographic.

Related: Three Cute Bookstores in Leblon and Ipanema

4. Ecoparque

One of the best things to do in Buenos Aires with kids is visit the Ecoparque. Best of all, admission is free. This Palermo eco-park was formerly the Buenos Aires Zoo until animal welfare activists succeeded in ending the inhumane conditions many of the zoo inhabitants were held under. In 2016, the city government of Buenos Aires started a comprehensive transformation of the zoo, aiming to improve the living conditions of the animals. Most animals were rehomed to zoos with more capacity or released into the wild when possible.

Today, the Ecoparque is home to animals that have not been able to be released into the wild, in addition to rescued animals that had been illegally kept as pets. Peacocks and Patagonian Maras roam freely within the park. There are also a few elephants and other large mammals in enclosures. One of the coolest animals there is the Andean Condor, generally considered to be the largest bird of prey in the world. Some might be excited to know there are capybara here, the world’s largest rodent and native to South America. There is also an enclosure for lions, although I never saw them on my many strolls through the park. I couldn’t get enough of the maras running around everywhere.

5. Torre Monumental

This eye catching marker in El Retiro was inaugurated in 1916 to celebrate May Revolution of 1810, the period that marked Argentina’s fight for independence. The tall tower is distinctively built with red bricks and white details with a bronze dome. It is more than 247 feet tall and features a clock on all four sides. It had been originally called English Tower, as it was a gift from the British. However, after the Malvinas (Falklands) War, the name has largely been dropped. In fact, just across the intersection you can find a monument to those who died in the Malvinas (Falklands) War. Just beyond that, for no clear particular reason, you can find a large quirky dinosaur egg sculpture. One plaza, so many free things to see.

6. Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires (MAMBA)

There are several free museums in Buenos Aires. MAMBA is free only on Wednesdays though, so plan accordingly. MAMBA is a popular museum in Buenos Aires dedicated to modern art. Established in 1956, the museum displays photography, paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. Many of the works feature social critiques with environmental and indigenous themes. It frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events. There is also a small, local cafe on the ground floor called Clout Cafe Collective with plenty of seating.

7. Plaza Dorrego

If you’re looking for an outdoor craft and antique fair, this is the spot to go on Sunday. You also can typically find tango dancers and other performers in the center. A good variety of cafes and restaurants circle the plaza and it is very close to the Mercado San Telmo. Of note, Plaza Dorrego is the city’s second oldest plaza. Your personal experience at the plaza will really depend on the day of the week that you visit. Most of the time it is pretty quiet and peaceful, but on Sunday it is packed.

8. Mercado de San Telmo

The historic market of San Telmo brings in locals and tourists alike. It is the crown jewel of the neighborhood. There are countless food stalls as well as antiques and souvenirs. It was originally built in 1897 and has since undergone several renovations and restorations to maintain its historical charm. The unique, ornate building features iron work that is prominently seen around the ceiling. It was established as a national monument in 2000. You could easily spend hours here eating and shopping. Many of the antique stores hold unique and cool treasures. You can barter for prices, although you’ll likely find things to be pretty affordable already.

9. Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur

This is a large nature park in Puerto Madero that was declared an ecological reserve in 1986. Along the reserve’s waterfront, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Río de la Plata. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 species found in the park. Birdwatchers with binoculars and telephoto camera lenses frequent the park. The reserve is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including wetlands, lagoons, marshes, forests, and grasslands. You can find miles of level paved and gravel trails for walking, biking, and running. It is a great quiet escape from the bustling city. This is a great option for people looking for romantic things to do in Buenos Aires (especially on a budget), as it is a perfect spot for a peaceful picnic near the waterfront.

10. El Caminito

A visit to Buenos Aires is incomplete without a visit to El Caminito. Known for its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets, El Caminito in La Boca neighborhood is a cultural hotspot and a hub for art and tango. In fact, La Boca is thought to be the place where Tango originated. La Boca is historically a neighborhood of immigrants, primarily Italians from the northwest Liguria region.

Today, visitors can explore open-air art exhibits, watch street performers, and visit small shops selling crafts and souvenirs. It is one of the most touristy places in Buenos Aires in my opinion. While the neighborhood is a bit “rough around the edges,” it is a can’t miss Buenos Aires activity. La Boca is also home to the world-renowned football (soccer) club La Boca Juniors. You can see their stadium nearby El Caminito or even catch a game if you are lucky.

11. Plaza de Mayo

Ranked among the best things to do in Buenos Aires is a visit to the Plaza de Mayo. If you are interested in history or politics, this is a great starting point and introduction to the rich history of the country. The Plaza de Mayo was the epicenter of the May Revolution, a pivotal event that led to Argentina’s independence from Spanish colonial rule. The plaza was also the site where the Argentine Declaration of Independence was first publicly read on July 9, 1816.

Throughout history, the Plaza de Mayo has also been the location of many protests. One of the most memorable protests is the “Madres de la Plaza de Mayo.” in the late 1970s during the military dictatorship, mothers and relatives of “disappeared” individuals gathered at the plaza to demand information about their missing loved ones. Their determined activism drew international attention and brought awareness to human rights abuses in Argentina. There are mosaic tiles on the ground in the plaza in the shape of while shawls to commemorate them.

In the plaza you can find a Statue of General Belgrano and a small white obelisk (relative to the much larger one on Avenidas 9 de Julio and Corrientes) built to mark the first anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain. This is another plaza with many free, cool things to do all in one spot.

12. Casa Rosada

Casa Rosada, or “Pink House,” is famous for being the home and workplace of the current President of Argentina while in office. Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina so many important government buildings can be found here. Located at one end of the Plaza de Mayo, it has played a historical and political significance in the country. For one, the balcony at the front is known for being the location where Eva Perón gave many speeches. Casa Rosada is open to the public for guided tours, allowing visitors to explore its historic rooms and the Presidential Museum.

Related: Three Weeks in Buenos Aires

13. Catedral Metropolitana

Another free thing to do in Buenos Aires is conveniently located right off the Plaza de Mayo. The Metropolitan Cathedral has special historical importance as it is the final resting place of General José de San Martín, one of Argentina’s most revered independence heroes. Visitors can see and walk around his mausoleum inside the cathedral. The cathedral also has a significant connection to Pope Francis, as he was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires before becoming pope. You can enter the cathedral and view the mausoleum for free.

14. Palacio del Congreso

The Palacio del Congreso is an imposing building that serves as the seat of Argentina’s National Congress. Built in Neoclassical style, it was completed in 1906 and was modeled after the U.S. Capitol. Argentina transitioned to civilian-led democracy in 1983 after several periods of military rule. The bicameral Congress is an important legislative institution which helps to balance power. It is the seat of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, the upper and lower houses respectively. Visitors can see it from outside or take a guided tour.

15. Obelisco

Another cheap thing to do in Buenos Aires (because it’s free) is to view to Obelisco. At 67 meters tall, the Obelisk is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Buenos Aires.

In 2022 when Argentina won the men’s football World Cup, massive crowds of adoring fans filled the streets around the Obelisk, bringing traffic to an absolute gridlock. The Obelisco construction and completion was in 1936. It was built to mark the 400th anniversary of Spanish settlement in the Rio de la Plata. Across the plaza you can see a large sculpture of Eva with a microphone placed up high against a white building. The installation is by Alejandro Marmo and Daniel Santoro. It is located at the intersection of avenues Corrientes and 9 de Julio.

Why visit Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires is often many people’s first stop when visiting Argentina before venturing off to Iguazu Falls or heading west for an adventure through Patagonia (such as a Chile itinerary for 3 weeks). It offers great food (think steak, empanadas, malbec, and more), music, dance, and a glimpse into urban life in the country. There are many unique neighborhoods like San Telmo and Palermo that have plenty to explore. Buenos Aires offers tourists many free things to do, including beautiful parks for leisure.

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