Buenos Aires—known for tango, football, and endless steak. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, my Buenos Aires travel experience was… Different.
What You’ll Find In This Blog
Arriving in Buenos Aires
My Buenos Aires Travel experience started on December 24, 2024, right before Christmas and New Year’s, with the idea of staying for a few months to learn the language and soak in the culture. South America had always been high on my list—I love the music, the laid-back lifestyle, the beaches, and, let’s be honest, I’ve got a soft spot for Latinas.
However, Buenos Aires wasn’t necessarily a planned stop; my friend and I ended up there almost by chance. We didn’t do much research because, well, it’s South America—how bad could it be? As long as the people were friendly, the drinks were strong, and the music flowed through the streets, we figured we’d be fine.
Spoiler alert: we were wrong.
Expectations vs. Reality
Buenos Aires has a reputation as a melting pot of cultures, a city with deep European influences, world-famous tango, and, of course, football. Boca Juniors and River Plate are practically religions here. And let’s not forget the national obsession with maté, that tea-like drink Messi, Agüero, and every Argentinian swear by. But honestly, I have to say that it’s probably the most impractical drink I’ve ever come across. I saw people drinking it constantly on the street, and yeah, it looked kinda ridiculous… But hey, who am I to judge?
At the same time, I have to admit, it was kind of cool to see how this drink brings people together. There’s a real maté culture in Buenos Aires, and it’s a social ritual that genuinely unites people.
Then there’s the famous asado—big chunks of grilled meat paired with a solid glass of Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. Sounds amazing, right? Well… I’ve had better.
The Financial Chaos – Inflation Like You’ve Never Seen Before
One thing we absolutely underestimated was the insane economic situation in Argentina. When we arrived, inflation was over 250% (Statista), and you could feel it everywhere. The local currency? Absolute Monopoly money. For reference, 1 USD = 1,051 pesos / 1 EUR = 1,094 pesos.
Everything felt unstable. Locals were struggling, businesses were closing, and the atmosphere wasn’t exactly welcoming. We, as two Western tourists, stood out but not in a good way. Everyone told us that the people in Buenos Aires were incredibly hospitable, but our experience? Quite the opposite of what we expected. Maybe it was just bad luck, but we constantly felt out of place.
And the prices? Insane! Coming from Amsterdam, we’re used to expensive nights out, but Buenos Aires took it to another level. A simple asado could cost €35-45 per person, and half the time, we were served overcooked meat with terrible wine and zero hospitality. We expected quality food, considering Argentina’s reputation, but honestly? It didn’t meet our standards and expectations.
Despite the financial mess and overall vibe, I wasn’t ready to write Buenos Aires off just yet. So, I started exploring its neighborhoods—each with its own character, for better or worse…
From Chaos to Charm – A Dive Into Buenos Aires Neighborhoods
Sure, the financial chaos and overall vibe weren’t what we hoped for, but Buenos Aires is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Some spots had a charm that almost made up for the struggles, while others just added to the disappointment. I won’t leave you completely empty-handed, though—there’s still some useful info sprinkled in here. Here’s my honest take on the areas we explored and what (if anything) made them stand out…
Palermo – The Trendy District
Palermo is one of the liveliest and trendiest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. While it can be overpriced and hit-or-miss in terms of quality, it’s the beating heart of the city’s nightlife and social scene. If you’re visiting Buenos Aires, this is a neighborhood you can’t skip—it offers a vibrant atmosphere, diverse food spots, and some of the best nightlife in town. Here are some personal highlights and recommendations.
- Tres Monos – Ranked #7 in the world’s best bars, though personally, I wouldn’t put it that high. I’ve been to many of the Top 50 Best Bars in the World, and while this one has its charm, I wouldn’t rank it there. That said, for Argentine standards, the drinks are solid, the prices (€8-9 per cocktail) are reasonable, and the bartenders (if you find the right one) make the night fun. Sit at the bar, order a shot of Fernet Branca for them, and you’ll instantly gain some respect. Bonus: it keeps you awake, and there’s a good chance they’ll give you it on the house!
- Chori – If you’re in Buenos Aires, you have to try a proper Choripán, and Chori is the place to get one. It’s a bit pricey but worth it, especially if you pair it with a Fernet Cola. This way, you’ve checked off two Argentine specialties in one go. And in my opinion, there aren’t that many standout local specialties, so you might as well try them all while you’re here!
- Minga – A solid parrilla (Argentinian grill) with good service and reasonable prices.
- La UAT – A great cocktail bar that also serves as a club for those who want to keep the night going.
- Don Julio – Ranked as the best restaurant in the world. If you can get a table—and have some money to spare—it’s worth trying
- Parque Tres Febrero – A beautiful park with open green spaces and fitness facilities, ideal for a morning jog or a relaxed afternoon.
Palermo is hands down the best area for food and nightlife in Buenos Aires. Whether you’re looking for high-end steakhouses or laid-back cocktail bars, this is where you want to be
San Telmo
San Telmo is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant street art. It’s the hotspot for artists, musicians, and antique lovers, making it feel like an open-air museum of culture. Every Sunday, the San Telmo Market takes over the streets, packed with handcrafted goods, street performers, and tango dancers pulling off their moves.
Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of these types of markets, but to be fair, it’s probably one of the best things San Telmo has to offer. As for food? I don’t have any standout recommendations—everything I tried was just okay, nothing that really blew me away unfortunately…
La Boca
La Boca is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, mainly known for its colorful streets and football culture. Home to La Bombonera, Boca Juniors’ stadium, this area is a must-visit for football lovers. Even if you’re not into the sport, the energy around the stadium is exciting. Then there’s El Caminito, the Instagram spot with Messi holding on to the world cup trophy. It’s very touristic but it is kind of cool to visit, and yes, it looks cool in your Instragram pictures… If you visit this place, grab a bite at El Gran Paraiso, this is a decent parilla in a nice outdoor setting with good prices!
Recoleta
Recoleta is something completely different from the rest of Buenos Aires. It’s one of the wealthier areas, filled with European-style architecture and well-maintained parks. The biggest attraction is the Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place of Argentina’s elite, including Eva Perón. The district is great for outdoor activities, with plenty of parks where locals gather to exercise, relax our drink their well-beloved maté. If you plan on visiting this neighborhood, be ready to spend some cash. When we were there, they wanted to charge us a $16 entrance fee just to walk around the cemetery..
If you don’t like running, drinking maté, or spend too much on activities here are some other highlights:
- Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes – One of Argentina’s best art museums, with works by Van Gogh and Monet.
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid – A bookstore located in a converted theater.
Final Thoughts – A City of Contrasts
Before coming to Buenos Aires, we had a completely different image in our heads—one of passion, culture, and vibrant energy. And to be fair, those elements are there. The city has charm, with its European-style architecture, tango in the streets, and deep football culture. But the reality? It just didn’t hit the way we had hoped.
A huge part of that has to do with the current financial situation. The insane inflation, the struggling economy, and the overall tension in the air made the experience feel more stressful than exciting. It’s clear that Buenos Aires has the potential to be an incredible place, but at this moment, it feels like a city trying to keep its head above water.
That being said, we can see why some people love it. If you’re into chaotic cities with a raw edge, you might find beauty in the imperfection. But for us, it was hard to ignore the struggles happening around us. Maybe in a few years, if the economy stabilizes and the energy shifts back to a more welcoming and thriving atmosphere, we’d give it another shot. But for now? Buenos Aires is off our list of places to return to.
Have you been to Buenos Aires? Did it exceed your expectations, or did you feel the same way I did? Let me know in the comments — and if you’re curious how a totally different city made me feel, check out my post on Florianópolis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buenos Aires worth visiting right now?
That really depends on when you go and what kind of traveler you are. When I visited in December 2024, Argentina was dealing with extreme inflation — over 250% — which had a big impact on the vibe, prices, and overall experience. The city has charm, no doubt: music, culture, passionate locals, and beautiful neighborhoods. But it also felt tense and unstable at times. If you’re planning to visit, definitely check the current inflation and economic situation — it can seriously affect both cost and atmosphere.
Is Buenos Aires expensive for tourists?
Surprisingly, yes. Prices can be all over the place, especially during high inflation. When I was there, a basic asado dinner could cost between €35–45 per person, and the quality didn’t always match the price. The local currency (Argentine peso) was fluctuating daily, so it’s smart to keep an eye on the exchange rate and ask locals where to eat or drink without overpaying.
What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Buenos Aires?
Palermo is your best bet for nightlife and food. San Telmo is artsy and historic, La Boca is touristy but colorful, and Recoleta offers parks and museums with a European feel.