Discover the Best of Buenos Aires, Argentina in Just One Day
- That's How We Travel
- May 3
- 3 min read
Updated: May 11
Summary. We had just one day to spend in Buenos Aires and wanted to make the most of our time in this vibrant city. We began with a walking tour through the elegant Recoleta and Retiro districts. The tour ended at Recoleta Cemetery, where we ventured on our own to see this unique burial ground is renowned for its elaborate tombs and mausoleums, housing the remains of many notable figures, including Eva Perón. After the cemetery, we made our way to the Palermo district, known for its bohemian atmosphere and vibrant parks. Here we stumbled upon the Evita Perón Museum, which is dedicated to the life and legacy of one of Argentina's most iconic figures. To wrap up our day, we participated in an empanada cooking class. This hands-on experience allowed us to learn the art of making these delicious pastries, a staple of Argentine cuisine. Our whirlwind day in Buenos Aires was a perfect blend of culture, history, and culinary delights. Each experience offered a unique insight into the heart of this dynamic city, leaving us eager to return for more adventures in the future.
[This blog is part of our 10-days in Patagonia trip].
Free Walking Tour. The day started with a 10:30 a.m. free walking tour of Recoleta and Retiro districts. This 3-hour tour starts outside of Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires' opera house (est. 1837).
Sights along the way. The tour goes through Av. 9 de Julio and Plaza San Martín, through several avenues featuring the colonial architectural influences from Spain, France, and Italy.
Recoleta Cemetery. The tour ends at Pilar Church, which is just outside of Recoleta Cemetery. This large cemetery, located in the heart of the city, has over 4600 above-ground vaults, some of which have been declared National Historical Monuments. After buying entrance tickets, we picked up a map and made our way through this maze of a cemetery.
Eva "Evita" Perón is buried in Recoleta Cemetery. Clearly the most famous resident of this cemetery, there was a small line to have a chance to review her tomb.
Palermo district. Next, we took an Uber to the Palermo district where we strolled through the streets and stumbled on the Eva Perón Museum, which was fitting since we just viewed her tomb. This small museum dedicated to The First Lady of Argentina and is packed with memorabilia from this famously beloved cultural and political leader of the post World War II era. When she died of cervical cancer at just 33, she was given a State Funeral, typically reserved for heads of state.
Rest break. With a little time to kill, we decided to have a rest/snack break at Cocu Boulangerie. This French bakery serves classic French pastries, as well as lunch and wine and spirits.
Empanada Cooking Class. The day ended with an empanada cooking class where we learned to make both meat and vegetarian empanadas by hand. The class is taught in English and of course involves eating more empanadas that you could possible want!
Alfajores. We also learned to make an Argentinian classic cookie called Alfajores. This cookie consists of two short bread cookies bound with a dulce de leche filling which is then rolled in fine coconut. We found this common dessert everywhere and even when we crossed the border into Chile later in the trip.
All in One Day. Afterwards, we headed back to the Airbnb to rest since we had an early flight to El Calafate. We realized it was a whirlwind day, and we only experienced a small part of Buenos Aires. However, due to the kids' college schedule, we chose to allocate more time in Patagonia and plan to return to Buenos Aires in the future. If you have the opportunity, we recommend spending at least one or two more days here. The city boasts beautiful buildings along its grand, luxurious avenues and is steeped in history we only just touched on. We will likely return to this safe, clean, and fascinating South American city.
Here is a recap of most but not the whole day:
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