Planning a solo trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:
QUICK FACTS
- Argentina’s capital (and largest city), with an urban population of 3 million people.
- Founded by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Mendoza in 1536. Given the name Nuestra Señora Santa María del Buen Aire (“Our Lady St. Mary of the Good Air”).
- Often abbreviated as Bs.As. or CABA (Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires)
- Buenos Aires locals are referred to as porteños (“people of the port”) because so many of the city’s inhabitants historically arrived there by boat from Europe.
- Nicknames: BA, La Reina Del Plata (“Queen of the River Plate”)
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Argentine peso (ARS).
- Spoken languages: predominantly Spanish. The more Spanish you learn prior to the trip, the better the experience! Consider downloading a language translation app to your phone.
- Best time to visit: from September to May (cool in spring/fall, hot and humid in the summer).
- Arriving via airport: airport shuttle to downtown Buenos Aires costs about $20.
- Local cafes and many public spaces now offer free Wi-Fi.
WHERE TO STAY
- Best hostel for solo travelers in Buenos Aires: Chill House (very welcoming staff, great location, safe, and clean). Make sure to book ahead during high season!
- Downtown (Microcentro) can feel deserted at night, making it less ideal for solo travelers despite its convenient location.
- Palermo Soho remains excellent for those seeking nightlife, while Belgrano C, Las Cañitas, Recoleta, and Nuñez offer more tranquil environments with good safety profiles.
GETTING AROUND
- The systems for getting around town include the Subte (subway) and city buses. The Subte will take you to most centrally located sites of interest.
- The SUBE card can be used for public transportation (Subte and buses). Super convenient (cards are available for purchase in kiosks throughout the city).
- Subway (Subte) fare is AR$757 for registered SUBE cardholders and AR$859.07 for unregistered users.
- There are also city buses – if you need to take one, make sure you have a map of the route. Don’t be shy about announcing your destination to the driver beforehand.
– Bus fares vary by distance (between AR$76.92 and AR$105.45) - Though you will be able to see much of the city on foot, a “radio taxi” is your best bet if you need taxi service. Either have your hotel call you one or hail one on the street, and make sure the cab says “radio taxi” on the side.
- While Uber is available, registered radio taxis remain a reliable alternative, particularly for travelers uncomfortable with ride-sharing apps.
– Many locals continue to use both options depending on time of day and location.
BUENOS AIRES NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, no official last call (bars are open until early morning).
- Hip/local scene: bars in San Telmo and Palermo Soho.
- Night entertainment: casinos, arcades and bingo halls can be found along Lavalle Street.
- Great bars in BA for solo travelers: Frank’s Bar ($$$ – cocktails), BlackBird Club Colegiales (brewpub), Taberna Odin ($$), Verne Club (cocktails), Floreria Atlántico ($$$), and Cossab (gastropub).
- For the club experience, check out Makena Cantina Club (funk – it gets wild here).
- In town for the fine wine? Don’t miss Wine Boutique Alvear.
- Wearing all black could help blend in with fashion-conscious locals.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Plaza de Mayo. Founded in 1580, it is the city’s first central plaza.
- Check out Casa Rosada (presidential offices), built in 1862.
- Cementerio de la Recoleta. Fascinating cemetery, where you can find acres of crypts, tombs and statues. Look for the burial site of the mythical Eva Perón.
- Jardín Japonés. A picturesque Japanese garden with a teahouse, koi ponds and more – right in the middle of the city.
- Borges’ house: See where legendary Argentine author Jorge Luis Borges lived.
- The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (for art lovers) and La Boca neighborhood, famous for colorful buildings and tango dancers in the streets.
- Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA): houses significant works by Latin American artists, including paintings by Frida Kahlo.
- Visit San Telmo Market, great for food as well as for antiques and crafts.
- Day trip ideas from Buenos Aires:
– El Tigre (the Tigre Delta): Take a boat ride through thousands of islands in a subtropical rain forest ecosystem
– Gaiman Welsh village (for those interested in Argentina’s surprising Welsh heritage)
– San Isidro with its Gothic Revival cathedral
INTERESTING WALKS
- Downtown Buenos Aires is the easiest area for walking. Be sure to see the Obelisco, an obelisk that can be seen from different points of the downtown area.
- If you want to go anywhere else and want a guided explanation while you are strolling, a walking tour is always a good option.
WHERE TO EAT
- Traditional Argentine dining can be later than you might be accustomed to, with dinner often starting around 9 PM.
- Great restaurants that locals love: Ristorante Maria Fedele ($$ – Italian), Siamo nel Forno ($$ – pizza), El Ferroviario ($$), Parrilla SecreTiTo ($$), Gordo Vegano (vegan), Donnet (vegan).
- Where to find good cheap eats: don’t miss this chance to eat some of the best steak in the world. Ask for a bife de chorizo. And don’t forget to pair it with some good wine. All of this is very affordable in Buenos Aires.
- Great local food to try in BA: empanadas, choripán (sausage sandwich), and medialunas (crescent-shaped croissants).
LOCAL WISDOM
- Bring a sweater and/or light jacket if you are visiting in spring or fall. Drink plenty of liquids if you are there in the summer, as it can be quite hot and humid.
- Consider attending a tango show or even taking a tango lesson. Tango is a significant part of Buenos Aires culture, and many places offer beginner classes (a great way to meet others).
- One of the best way to meet others in BA is by going to a language exchange meetup. Mundo Lingo hosts them frequently (see the schedule here).
- The city has friendly, outgoing inhabitants. Most people are willing to engage you in a conversation.
- Try and learn to enjoy the local custom of “siesta,” particularly in the hotter months when many shops and restaurants may close during the afternoon.
- Don’t be surprised to see locals greeting each other with a quick kiss on the cheek – this is the way here!
- Do not carry any valuables on you. Take only the cash you need with you. Never take your wallet out in public to count money.
- Cash transactions, particularly with US dollars, often receive better rates than credit card payments, making it advantageous to carry some hard currency.
– However, ensure this is exchanged through legitimate channels to avoid potential scams. - Dangerous areas: avoid the shanty towns around Retiro train station, which can be dangerous for tourists. As a general rule, stay in well-lit, populated areas, particularly after dark.
- Safety tips:
– At night, stick to well-lit areas in the tourist districts.
– Never use your phone on public transportation or when waiting at bus stops, as this presents the highest risk of theft.
– Carry bags on the front side of your body, especially in crowded areas and on the subway.
– Keep nothing valuable in back pockets. - Be aware of “motochorros” – thieves operating on motorcycles who can quickly snatch belongings from distracted pedestrians. They frequently target busy intersections and tourist-heavy areas like the Sunday San Telmo Market.
Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days (5 days if adding day trips)