More things to do in Buenos Aires—perfect solo ideas or additions to existing routes
Beautiful neighborhoods, unique traditions, and daily cultural life await. These experiences may be spread out across the city or tied to specific days, but they all offer a deeper, more local taste of Buenos Aires — you can enjoy them on their own or mix and match with any of our main routes!
Feria de San Telmo (San Telmo Sunday Market)
If you visit San Telmo on a Sunday morning, you’re in for a treat. From 10 a.m., Defensa Street springs to life with the iconic Feria de San Telmo, stretching for more than 10 blocks between Plaza de Mayo and San Juan Avenue.
It’s much more than just a market. Alongside antiques, vinyl records, and handmade crafts, you’ll find tango dancers twirling on cobblestones, musicians filling the air with rhythm, and performers captivating small crowds with mime, acrobatics, and street theater.
As the sun goes down, Plaza Dorrego hosts a spontaneous milonga — a casual tango gathering that gives you a peek into local dance culture. And there’s great food too! Grab some empanadas, churros, or choripán while you browse.
Feria de Recoleta (Recoleta Handicraft & Art Market)
Every weekend and holiday, Plaza Francia — the green space just across from the Recoleta Cemetery — fills with artisans and artists offering authentic handmade creations.
You’ll find leather goods, jewelry, woolen garments, ceramics, original paintings, and small artworks ready to travel in a suitcase. Each artisan has passed a city-run selection process that ensures the quality and originality of what they sell — it’s not mass-produced, and it’s not imported.
There are also performers, live music, and sometimes even dance or circus acts. If you’re looking for genuine, local souvenirs — or even a striking piece of art — this is the perfect spot.
Fútbol in Buenos Aires
Fútbol (soccer) in Argentina isn’t just a sport — it’s an identity, a feeling, and sometimes, a religion. Watching a match at a local stadium can be as thrilling as the game itself. The fans — singing, jumping, waving flags — turn the stands into a living, breathing wave of emotion. It’s intense, passionate, and often unforgettable, even if you’re not a fútbol fan.
That said, attending a match on your own can be tricky. Tickets aren’t easy to come by, especially for popular teams, and navigating stadium areas as a tourist can feel a bit chaotic. This is why organized options are so valuable, providing not just tickets but also peace of mind and convenience.
Luckily, some safe and organized options exist. For example, River Plate, one of Argentina’s most iconic clubs, now offers an official Hincha Package through a partnership with the travel agency Almundo. It includes:
- A ticket in the dedicated fan section,
- Round-trip transportation from central BA, and
- Club gear like a hat or scarf to help you blend in.
You can also find other organized fútbol experiences through various travel platforms. Whether it’s River Plate’s massive Monumental Stadium or another legendary venue, watching fútbol in Argentina is an unforgettable cultural experience.
Tango & Milongas (More Than Just a Show)
Tango was born in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century — and today it still pulses through the city’s streets. It’s more than music or dance: it’s nostalgia, seduction, and identity wrapped into a rhythm.
There are two ways to experience tango:
- A Tango Show There are dozens of venues offering tango shows in BA, some with dinner included. These are theatrical performances created for tourists — polished, dramatic, and beautifully choreographed. Expect a professional production, often with a corresponding price.
- A Milonga For something more authentic, head to a milonga. These social tango nights are where locals dance — and where tango lives in its most genuine form.
Most milongas start around 10 p.m., often with a beginner-friendly class (many in English), followed by hours of dancing. Even if you don’t dance, the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed. You can just sip a drink and take it all in. There are milongas happening every night, all over the city. If you’re curious, this is your best chance to discover the true spirit of tango — no flashy costumes, just connection and music.
La Bomba de Tiempo (Monday Drum Show)
If you’re in Buenos Aires on a Monday and wondering what to do… look no further. La Bomba de Tiempo turns Monday night into one of the week’s best parties.
Held at the outdoor patio of Centro Cultural Konex, it’s a massive percussion-only concert — all improvised live by a rotating cast of musicians. The conductor uses hand signals to guide the music in real time, so every show is unique.
Expect people dancing barefoot, sharing beers, and losing themselves in rhythm. National and international guest artists often join in, adding layers to the experience.
Tickets sell out fast, so buy in advance.
Tigre & the Paraná Delta
Just 30 kilometers north of Buenos Aires, Tigre feels like a different universe. It’s where the city ends and the Delta begins — a lush, maze-like network of rivers and islands accessible only by boat.
Hop on a train at Retiro or Lisandro de la Torre in Palermo, and in under an hour, you’ll arrive at the Tigre riverfront. From there, take a boat tour to explore this fascinating landscape where homes, schools, and even supermarkets float on water. Everything in the Delta moves by boat — the mail, the groceries, the school kids. Some people only stay for weekends, but many live there year-round.
For a more intimate experience, rent a kayak and explore the narrow canals — where motorboats can’t go. You’ll discover quiet corners, birdsong, and a side of Argentina that feels beautifully untouched.
Day Trip to Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay)
If you want to add another country to your trip, hop on a ferry and cross the Río de la Plata to visit Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay — just one hour away.
Colonia is one of the oldest towns in South America, with cobbled streets, colonial-era buildings, and river views that feel a world away from BA’s buzz. The historical center is quite compact and incredibly easy to explore on foot, making it perfect for a day trip; a couple of hours are often enough to experience its main charm.
Visit the lighthouse, the old city gate, and local museums. Stroll the rambla, enjoy a meal by the water, and be back in Buenos Aires by night.
Buy your tickets in advance with Buquebus or Colonia Express, and don’t forget your passport. You’ll be crossing an international border, so plan to arrive at the port at least two hours before departure.
Feria de Mataderos (Mataderos Tradition Market)
Far from the tourist zones, in a neighborhood of tree-lined avenues and modest homes, Mataderos hosts a truly local experience. Every Sunday from April to December, you’ll find the Feria de las Artesanías y Tradiciones Populares Argentinas — a celebration of gaucho culture and folklore.
Picture horse shows, dancers in traditional dress, wooden toys, silver knives, ponchos, and grilled meats. The smell of wood fires, the sounds of live chacarera music — it’s like stepping into another Argentina.
It’s not easy to reach by public transport, so we recommend a taxi or ride app. But if you’re curious about Argentina’s rural heritage, this market is worth every minute of the ride. (Important: it doesn’t operate January–March.)
Conclusion
With these extras, your visit to Buenos Aires becomes richer, more varied, and uniquely yours. Dive into a Sunday market, cheer in a stadium, kayak through the islands, or learn your first tango steps — the city’s spirit reveals itself in countless ways. These hidden gems don’t always appear on guidebooks, but they often create the best memories. Pick a few that match your rhythm, mix them with one of our four main routes, and turn your stay in Buenos Aires into a truly personal adventure.
👉 Here’s the full self-guided series:
