From historic barrios to secret speakeasies, Buenos Aires is a captivating city to explore – and one of the best ways to do so is by joining a guided tour.
The Argentina capital pulsates with an energy that invites exploration beyond its famous tango halls and tree-lined boulevards. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the city’s history, art and architecture can best be discovered on a guided tour. Whether wandering alleyways dotted with street art, savouring local foodie flavours in bustling markets, or tracing the footsteps of literary greats, these tours offer a chance to see the city through a more intimate lens. Here are five of the best Buenos Aires city tours currently available.
City Highlights Guided Tour with Transfer
This 3-hour tour offers a snapshot of Buenos Aires’ most iconic sights. Starting at Plaza de Mayo, the city’s historic heart, where your guide will reveal the stories behind its landmarks, you’ll then stroll along Avenida de Mayo and through San Telmo’s cobblestone streets, soaking up its antique charm. In La Boca, you’ll get to watch traditional Argentine tango on vibrant Caminito Street and glimpse the famed Boca Juniors football stadium. Next, you’ll journey through the modern docks of Puerto Madero before passing the Retiro district. The tour concludes with a look around the elegant Recoleta neighbourhood, renowned for its beautiful architecture. The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. From $37 per person.
Bike Tour
(Photo: Civitatis.com)
Explore Buenos Aires on a guided bike tour with three route options: South, North, or the full tour. The South route (4 hours) covers San Telmo, Lezama Park, La Boca’s kaleidoscopic Caminito, Puerto Madero, the Ecological Reserve and Plaza de Mayo. The North tour (also 4 hours) includes Plaza San Martin, Barrio Parque, the Latin American Art Museum, Palermo Woods, and Recoleta’s famous cemetery and cafes. The full 7-hour tour combines both routes, with a centrally located lunch break. All tours start and end at Calle Chile in San Telmo. From $35 per person.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
One of the best ways to see lots of a city in a short space of time is a hop-on hop-off bus tour that lets you board and disembark at designated stops located close to the main landmarks and attractions. Valid for up to 48 hours, this hop-on hop-off tour ticket covers a route featuring a total of 25 stops, with buses running from each stop around every 25 minutes, The open-top double decker buses offer WiFi and complimentary audio guides so you can learn all about the city and its history while onboard. You can also upgrade your tour to add on themed activities such as a river cruise. From $39 per person.
Local Foodie Adventure
(Photo: Sherpa Food Tours / Courtesy Viator)
Buenos Aires has a rich food history that continues to thrive today – andd visitors can get a taste of it for themselves om this 3.5-hour small-group tour. The intimate tour takes place in the Palermo neighbourhood, where a local guide will lead you to four carefully selected restaurants, at each of which you’ll get to sample a selection of authentic Argentine dishes and drinks. Along the way, you’ll learn about local culinary traditions and the city’s long-standing food heritage. culture. All food and drink is included in the tour price. From $91 per person.
Full-Day Private Tour
If you’ve got the time and the budget, and like the idea of a more intimate and exclusive experience, this full-day private tour may well fit the bill. Travelling comfortably by private vehicle, you and your select group of family or friends will be taken to famed spots like the Caminito in La Boca and elegant Recoleta. During the day, you’ll also be immersed in authentic Argentine culture and cuisine, including traditional asado and empanadas. As a private tour, you can also customize your journey to focus on specific aspects of the city, such as history, urban art, or upscale neighbourhoods. From $149 per person.