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BA: A City of Contrasts, and How to Explore It Like a Local​

    We last reviewed this post on July 24th, 2025 

    Welcome to Buenos Aires — a city that’s both European and Latin American, modern and nostalgic, loud and peaceful, all at the same time.

    This is not a city you can fully understand at first glance. With each neighborhood, street corner, and café table, Buenos Aires reveals a new layer. Here, you might find neoclassical buildings next to glass towers, tango music echoing near a protest, or a quiet square just a block away from one of the busiest avenues in the world.

    Buenos Aires city center self guided tour

    Table of Contents

    So, how do you start exploring it?

    We believe the best way is area by area. Trying to visit “everything” in a single day usually ends in frustration — distances are longer than they seem, and there’s more to see than expected. Many visitors rush through places, only to realize later they missed something they would’ve loved… and have to go back.
    That’s why we’ve created this series of self-guided routes. Each one is designed to help you make the most of your time in one area before moving on to the next — so you don’t waste energy doubling back or missing out on key spots.

    Each route will help you:

    Discover the best of each neighborhood, from highlights to hidden corners.

    Understand its history, identity, and atmosphere.

    Know where to go, what to do, what to eat, and where to grab a good coffee (or a drink).

    These guides work for anyone — whether you’re walking, biking, or joining a local tour.

    What’s in this guide?

    traditional architecture in la boca buenos aires, self guided tour image
    This is the first article in a 6-part series. Here’s what’s coming next:

    1. Buenos Aires Founding Route: Self-Guided Tour of its Oldest Streets

    Where it all began — explore San Telmo, Monserrat, and the oldest parts of the city.

    2. The Paris of South America: A Self-Guided Tour Through Buenos Aires’ Elegant Side

    Discover the elegance of Recoleta and Retiro, with their French-style architecture and aristocratic past.

    3. Self-Guided Tour: Discover the Parks Locals Love in Buenos Aires

    Take a break in Palermo’s vast parks, vibrant culture, and relaxed atmosphere.

    4. History in Motion: Self-Guided Tour Through Buenos Aires’ Civic Landmarks

    See the rise of the modern city through Congreso and Tribunales — a blend of politics, history, and daily life.

    5. Self-Guided Tour Add-Ons: More Ways to Explore Buenos Aires Differently

    Not a route, but still essential: local food, hidden corners, markets, bars, mate rituals, and things that make this city unforgettable. Ideal to complement your visits or for those staying a bit longer.
    secret corner in la boca self guided tour
    Each article will include tips, maps, and suggestions to help you plan your own route in a smarter, more personal way.
    Let Buenos Aires surprise you. Wander with purpose, explore without rushing, and take your time to enjoy what makes this city so unique. We hope this series helps you connect with Buenos Aires in your own way.
    conversation with a local in palermo

    Start Exploring: Choose Your First Route

    We’ve crafted four main routes to help you explore Buenos Aires area by area — plus one extra guide with bonus tips to enrich your visit. Click on any image below to dive into a neighborhood and start planning your own experience.

    caminito in la boca in a visit of the city tour
    Buenos Aires Founding Route: Self-Guided Tour of its Oldest Streets
    grave at recoleta cemetery in buenos aires a top attraction
    The Paris of South America: A Self-Guided Tour Through Buenos Aires’ Elegant Side
    plaza de mayo and casa rosada in the city tour
    History in Motion: Self-Guided Tour Through Buenos Aires’ Civic Landmarks
    roses in the rose garden rosedal buenos aires
    Self-Guided Tour: Discover the Parks Locals Love in Buenos Aires
    vintage car in the touristic area of palermo
    Self-Guided Tour Add-Ons: More Ways to Explore Buenos Aires Differently