In an emergency
- Emergency911
- Police911Policía de la Ciudad); 101 also listed for police
- Tourist policeComisaría del Turista, Av. Corrientes 436San Nicolás), tel./WhatsApp +54 9 11 5050-9260, [email protected], 24 hours
- Ambulance107SAME, free, 24 hours
- Complaints147city of Buenos Aires citizen line); consumer complaints to the city's Defensa al Consumidor or the national Defensa del Consumidor (chatbot TINA, +54 11 3910-1010
Fire 100, civil defence 103, gender violence 144, people trafficking 145, children's line 102. To reach Buenos Aires 911 from outside Argentina, the UK lists +54 11 4309 9600, extensions 261099 or 261098. The tourist police speak English, Portuguese, French, Italian and Japanese and help with thefts, lost passports and contacting your embassy; officers patrol Plaza Dorrego, Caminito, Puerto Madero and the Florida and Lavalle pedestrian streets. The Defensoría del Turista (tourist ombudsman) is at the Museo Benito Quinquela Martín, Av. Pedro de Mendoza 1835, La Boca, 10:00-18:00 daily, +54 11 4302-7816. Public hospitals are open 24 hours and treat patients free of charge. Tap water is drinkable.
Fair prices
What locals pay. If you are asked for much more, you are probably being overcharged.
| Subte (metro) ride, registered SUBE cardFare from 1 Sep 2026; cheaper per ride after 20, 30 and 40 rides a month (1,402 / 1,227 / 1,052). An unregistered SUBE card pays 2,541.10. A further monthly rise to about 1,817 was projected for October 2026. | 1,753 ARS |
|---|---|
| Colectivo (city bus), shortest fare within the cityMinimum fare up to 3 km on the city-run lines was ARS 887.99 in Sep 2026, projected to rise to 920.85 from 1 Oct 2026. Fares go up with distance. | 888-921 ARS |
| Taxi bajada de bandera (meter start), dayNight (22:00-06:00) start is 2,300; each 200 m or minute waiting adds 192 (night 230). A city decree (309/2026) plans 2,550 day / 3,060 night after a public hearing on 13 Oct 2026, then 3,100 / 3,720 in Feb 2027. A 3 km daytime ride costs about 4,800 now, about 6,375 after the first rise (iProfesional, Sep 2026). | 1,920 ARS |
| Café (coffee) at a café or barArgentina national median, July 2026 (Fudo survey of 13,400+ venues). Buenos Aires-only figure not published; combos and promos excluded. | 3,200 ARS |
| One medialunaNational median price per medialuna, July 2026 (Fudo). Facturas are sold by the unit, half dozen or dozen. | 1,637 ARS |
| One empanadaNational median, July 2026 (Fudo). | 2,075 ARS |
| Whole pizza de muzzarellaNational median for a whole muzzarella pizza, July 2026 (Fudo); single slices were excluded from the survey. | 9,900 ARS |
| Beer in a barNational median, July 2026 (Fudo); the survey does not state the size. | 4,500 ARS |
| MilanesaNational median for a milanesa dish, July 2026 (Fudo). | 12,800 ARS |
| Kilo of helado (ice cream) at a heladeríaNational survey by Focus Market (MDZ, 23 Sep 2026); a quarter kilo costs 6,500-12,000. Some artisan shops charge more. | 18,000-32,000 ARS |
| Bife de chorizo at a famous Palermo parrilla (La Cabrera)Menu prices reported July 2026: 400 g 69,300, 800 g 92,200, served with small side dishes. A parrilla de barrio is usually cheaper, but no 2026 survey was found. | 69,300-92,200 ARS |
| Teatro Colón guided tourGeneral price; Argentine residents with DNI pay 17,000. Pesos or card only, no foreign currency (official site, Oct 2026). | 34,000 ARS |
| Feria del Libro day ticket2026 prices: 8,000 Mon-Thu, 12,000 Fri-Sun and holidays; each ticket included a 12,000 book voucher (BAE Negocios, Apr 2026). | 8,000-12,000 ARS |
Tickets
Official prices and the only places to buy. Anyone else selling on the street is a reseller.
- Teatro Colón
ARS 34,000 general; ARS 17,000 Argentine residents with DNI; under-7s free (Oct 2026)
Buy at: https://teatrocolon.org.ar/visitas-guiadas/ or the box office at Tucumán 1171
Resellers add a mark-up; the theatre sells tours itself online and at the box office.
- Casa Rosada
Free (Time Out, Jan 2025)
Buy at: https://visitas.casarosada.gob.ar
Visits are free; do not pay a third party for a slot.
- Recoleta Cemetery
ARS 25,370 for non-residents (recoletacemetery.com, 2026); free for Argentine residents with ID
Buy at: https://entradasba.buenosaires.gob.ar/establecimientos/85 (linked from the city tourism site)
Buy only through the city's EntradasBA site or the QR code at the gate.
- MALBA
ARS 14,000 general Thu-Mon; ARS 7,000 on Wednesdays; students, teachers and retirees ARS 7,000 (free on Wednesdays) (Oct 2026)
Buy at: https://malba.liit.com.ar/decidir/
not verified
- Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Bono contribución (voluntary contribution)
Buy at: on site, Av. del Libertador 1473
not verified
- Museo Evita
Price not verified
Buy at: on site, Lafinur 2988 (museoevita.org.ar)
not verified
- Palacio Barolo
From ARS 85,996 on a third-party listing (Oct 2026); official price not verified
Buy at: https://palaciobarolotours.com.ar/ (Palacio Barolo Tours, the operator that started tours in the building)
The old domain palaciobarolo.com.ar now shows unrelated shopping content; do not book there. Agency resellers charge more.
- La Bombonera and Museo de la Pasión Boquense
ARS 47,000 general; ARS 41,000 general under-age; ARS 38,000 resident adults (Oct 2026)
Buy at: https://museoboquense.com/
The museum sells museum and tour tickets only on its own site and does not sell tickets for any match or concert.
- Fundación Proa
ARS 7,000 general; ARS 5,000 students, teachers and retirees; free on Wednesdays (Oct 2026)
Buy at: on site or proa.org
not verified
- Planetario Galileo Galilei
Price not verified
Buy at: https://planetario.buenosaires.gob.ar/tickets
not verified
Traps
- Watch outThe mustard trick
Someone squirts mustard or another liquid on you and an accomplice offers to help clean it off while a third takes your bag. The UK government names it as a common Buenos Aires scam: refuse help firmly and walk away.
Source: gov.uk - Watch outTeams that work by distraction
Thieves often work in pairs or groups and can cut handbags open in crowds. Keep bags closed and in front, and never hang one on the back of a chair.
Source: gov.uk, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - Watch outPhone snatching, including from motorbikes
Phones are grabbed from people using them on the street, and thieves on motorbikes snatch bags from pedestrians. Step into a shop or doorway to check a map.
Source: gov.uk - Watch outFake 20,000-peso notes
Fake ARS 20,000 notes circulate, and in one case people buying dollars on the street were paid in fake pesos. Check large notes: Alberdi watermark, windowed security thread, colour-shifting ink and raised print.
Source: iprofesional.com - Watch outStreet money changers on Florida
The 'arbolitos' calling 'cambio' on calle Florida trade dollars outside the legal system. As of Oct 2026 the street rate was about the same as the official one (ARS 1,540 vs 1,540 on 9 Oct), so there is nothing to gain and the risk of fake notes remains.
Source: iprofesional.com, eleconomista.com.ar - Watch outHail only licensed taxis, or book one
Book taxis in advance where you can; on the street use a radio taxi with the logo on the doors, or the city's BA Taxi app. Fares are in pesos only, and in Oct 2026 the meter should start at ARS 1,920 by day and 2,300 at night (until the planned rise).
Source: gov.uk, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar, iprofesional.com - Watch outExpress kidnappings
Short opportunistic abductions, in which victims are forced to empty accounts at ATMs, happen occasionally. Avoid casual taxis, don't wear expensive jewellery and tell someone where you are going.
Source: gov.uk - Watch outThieves posing as hotel guests
Keep your bags at your feet while checking in: thieves pose as guests and snatch luggage in lobbies.
Source: gov.uk - Watch outDrink spiking
Drinks and food can be spiked before a robbery. Don't leave drinks unattended or accept food or drink from strangers.
Source: gov.uk - Watch outLookalike official websites
Some old official domains now show other content: palaciobarolo.com.ar shows unrelated shopping pages and museoriver.com leads to a casino site. Use the links in this guide or the city tourism site.
Source: palaciobarolo.com.ar, museoriver.com, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - Watch outMatch tickets from strangers
Argentine match tickets are issued in the holder's name and checked against ID at the gate with the Tribuna Segura system. The Boca museum sells no match tickets. Tickets from touts may not get you in.
Source: tiempodesanjuan.com, museoboquense.com
Local life
- TipMate is shared, in a round
One person, the cebador, fills the gourd and passes it to each person in turn; you drink it all through the metal bombilla and hand it back to the cebador.
Source: es.wikipedia.org, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipThe first mate is the cebador's
The first, harsh mate of a round, the 'mate del sonso', is usually drunk by the cebador or thrown away.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - RuleDon't skip anyone
Leaving someone out of a mate round is a serious slight.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - TipMate in the park
The Bosques de Palermo, with its lakes and rose garden, is where porteños meet to share mate.
Source: timeout.com - TipFacturas go with mate
Facturas are the usual partner for mate at breakfast or merienda at home.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - TipPorteño time
Porteños eat late and go out late: bars fill from 22:00 and boliches start around 2:00. A siesta helps.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipThe merienda
The late-afternoon merienda, coffee with cake or medialunas, is a fixed part of the day; historic cafés serve it from breakfast to night.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipOrder a cortado
A cortado is espresso with a little hot milk; with two medialunas it is the classic café order.
Source: es.wiktionary.org, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipLágrima for milk lovers
A lágrima ('tear') is hot milk with just a drop of coffee.
Source: es.wiktionary.org - TipSubmarino on cold days
A submarino is a glass of hot milk with a bar of chocolate dropped in to melt.
Source: es.wiktionary.org - TipMedialunas de manteca or de grasa
Ask which you want: de manteca are the sweeter butter ones; de grasa are made with fat and not sweet.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - TipKnow your facturas
Ask the panadería for bolas de fraile (filled, sugared doughnuts), cañoncitos (pastry horns with dulce de leche) and sacramentos. Facturas are sold by the unit, half dozen or dozen.
Source: es.wiktionary.org, es.wiktionary.org, es.wikipedia.org - TipSacramento sandwiches
A sacramento is a large medialuna cut in half and filled, often with ham and cheese.
Source: es.wiktionary.org, es.wikipedia.org - TipThe asado is the reason to meet
Porteños need no excuse for an asado; three people are enough. Even rain doesn't cancel one.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipRoles at the asado
The asador buys the meat and charcoal and works the grill; everyone else opens the wine and cuts cheese and salami for the picada.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipChorizo and morcilla come first
The first things off the grill are chorizo and morcilla, eaten in bread as choripán and morcipán, before tira de asado, vacío, entraña or colita de cuadril.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar, es.wikipedia.org - TipThe picada
A picada is a shared board of small things to nibble, usually cheese and cold cuts, with a drink before the meal.
Source: es.wiktionary.org, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipApplause for the asador
When the meat is served, the table applauds the asador.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipPizza and fainá, one on top of the other
Many porteños order a slice of fainá with their pizza and eat them stacked.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipPizza de parado
On the way home from work, people stop at a pizzería counter for a slice eaten standing.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipTheatre, then pizza on Corrientes
A classic night: a show on Avenida Corrientes, then pizza or coffee on the same street, and bookshops open late.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipHeladerías are an Italian legacy
Ice cream shops are everywhere; independent ones make the more unusual flavours.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipDulce de leche on a spoon
The national favourite: on a spoon, in an alfajor or in chocotorta.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar, es.wikipedia.org - TipFernet con Coca on a night out
The usual drink in a group is Fernet with cola.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar, es.wikipedia.org - TipGreet with a kiss
Porteños greet with a kiss on the cheek and talk for hours over coffee.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipEveryone has a team
'¿De qué cuadro sos?' needs an answer. Many choose by neighbourhood or family, and it's for life.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipWhen the Superclásico stops the city
When Boca play River, at least twice a year, the city comes to a halt.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar, en.wikipedia.org - TipMatch day like a local
Walk with the crowd to the ground, eat a choripán from a street grill, learn a chant and shout 'gol' as long as you can.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - RuleGoing to a match legally
Tickets are issued in the holder's name and ID is checked with Tribuna Segura. Visiting fans returned in 2025-2026 in limited numbers (3,000 Boca fans at Defensa y Justicia, Apr 2026). The city tourism board notes that many tour operators sell match tickets; the Boca museum sells none.
Source: tiempodesanjuan.com, eleconomista.com.ar, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipClub murals mark the barrio
Near stadiums, walls are painted in the local club's colours; clubs are tied to their neighbourhoods.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipThe picado
Street football, the picado, is played on improvised pitches in squares and parks; Maradona and Messi started that way.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - RuleThe cabeceo
At a milonga you invite with a look (mirada) and a nod (cabeceo), never out loud.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipTandas and cortinas
Music comes in tandas of three or four songs; a short cortina between them clears the floor and you change partners.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - RuleFloor rules
Couples move counterclockwise; don't teach on the floor or comment on your partner's dancing.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipWhere milongas are
Traditional milongas cluster in San Telmo and Constitución in the south and Palermo and Villa Crespo in the north.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - FunPsychoanalysis is normal
Seeing an analyst is ordinary in Buenos Aires; the Palermo area around Plaza Güemes is nicknamed Villa Freud.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - TipSpeak with vos
Porteños say 'vos sos' and 'vos tenés' instead of 'tú eres' and 'tú tienes'.
Source: en.wikipedia.org, es.wikipedia.org - TipLunfardo in daily speech
Old lunfardo slang is everywhere: laburo (work, from Italian), guita (money), morfar (to eat), and vesre, which reverses syllables.
Source: es.wikipedia.org, es.wiktionary.org, es.wiktionary.org - TipChe
'Che' is the all-purpose call and filler word.
Source: es.wiktionary.org - TipDirections by corners
Locals give addresses by the nearest corner ('Corrientes y Florida').
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipThe kiosco
Kioscos sell sweets and tobacco, and many sell and top up SUBE cards.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipSunday in San Telmo
The San Telmo antiques fair fills Plaza Dorrego and around every Sunday 10:00-16:00, with about 270 stalls.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - TipSunday in Mataderos
At the Feria de Mataderos, about 300 stalls sell empanadas, locro and gaucho crafts, with folk music, dancing and sortija horse races.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - TipBares Notables are the living room
Many locals use the old cafés from breakfast to late night; some have daily tango.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipLa Bomba del Tiempo on Mondays
For more than a decade the percussion show La Bomba del Tiempo has played every Monday night.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipWeekends at the Reserva
Locals walk or cycle the 350-hectare Reserva Ecológica on the river side.
Source: timeout.com - TipLocro on 25 de Mayo
On national holidays, especially in winter, families eat locro.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipMurgas in summer
Neighbourhood murgas, with bombo drums, dance at the February corsos.
Source: en.wikipedia.org, canal26.com - TipFileteado signs
Look for fileteado lettering with flowers and sayings on old shop signs and trucks.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipTip in cash
Card tips are legal since late 2024 but many places don't offer them, so porteños still leave pesos or transfer to the waiter's alias.
Source: infoviajera.com, mercado.com.ar - TipEcobici for errands
Residents use the free weekday Ecobici for short trips of up to 30 minutes.
Source: buenosaires.gob.ar - TipTenedor libre
For a big family meal on a budget, the tenedor libre gives all you can eat for a set price.
Source: es.wiktionary.org
Money
- TipExchange rates as of Oct 2026
As of 9 Oct 2026 Banco Nación sold dollars at ARS 1,540, the blue (street) rate was 1,540, MEP 1,539. Since January 2026 the peso floats in a band and individuals can buy dollars without the old cepo limits, so the old gap between rates has almost gone.
Source: eleconomista.com.ar, economis.com.ar - TipCard or cash
With official and street rates nearly equal in Oct 2026, paying by foreign card is no longer the loss it was in the cepo years. You may be asked for your passport when paying by card, so carry a copy.
Source: eleconomista.com.ar, gov.uk - Rule21% off hotel bills for foreign visitors
Non-resident foreigners get the 21% VAT (IVA) taken off accommodation, including breakfast, if they pay with a foreign card or an international transfer and show their passport and immigration entry record. The discount is automatic on the invoice. (Argentina's official tourism site, July 2025; no 2026 change found.)
Source: argentina.travel - TipTax free on Argentine-made goods
Shops in the Global Blue scheme give a tax refund cheque on Argentine-made products; show your passport and entry record, and validate it at the airport when leaving (official tourism site, July 2025).
Source: argentina.travel - RuleKnow what the cubierto must include
A restaurant charging servicio de mesa (cubierto) must state its price on the menu and include at least a glass of drinkable water per person, a bread basket with a gluten-free option and low-sodium salt (city law).
Source: buenosaires.gob.ar - TipTipping
Tips are voluntary. Since Nov 2024 they can legally be added by card, and card tips in the city have averaged more than 10% of the bill, but many places still don't offer it, so carry pesos or expect the waiter to ask for a transfer.
Source: mercado.com.ar, infoviajera.com - RulePesos only for many official tickets
The Teatro Colón box office takes pesos or cards but no foreign currency, and taxis charge only in pesos.
Source: teatrocolon.org.ar, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - RuleDeclare large sums of cash
You must declare cash or travellers' cheques worth more than USD 10,000 when entering Argentina.
Source: gov.uk - TipResident prices
Many sights charge foreigners more than residents with a DNI: the Colón tour is ARS 34,000 vs 17,000, and Recoleta Cemetery is free for residents but ARS 25,370 for visitors (Oct 2026).
Source: teatrocolon.org.ar, recoletacemetery.com
Transport
- RuleGet a SUBE card first
Buses and the subte take only the rechargeable SUBE card. Buy it at subte stations, tourist assistance centres or many kioscos, and top up at stations, lottery outlets and some kioscos.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipRegister your SUBE
A registered SUBE paid ARS 1,753 a subte ride in Sep 2026; an unregistered card paid 2,541.10. Rides get cheaper after 20 trips in a month.
Source: iprofesional.com - TipSubte hours and rush hours
Trains run roughly 5:30-23:30 on weekdays, 6:00-midnight on Saturdays and 8:00-22:30 on Sundays and holidays (city tourism board). Avoid 8:00-9:30 and 17:00-19:00 when cars are packed.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipColectivos run all night
City buses (colectivos, or bondis) run 24 hours. Tell the driver the cross street where you want to get off; the fare depends on distance, from ARS 888-921 for short trips in Oct 2026.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar, derechadiario.com.ar - TipPlan routes with BA Cómo Llego
The city's free BA Cómo Llego app and web map show the best route by bus, subte, car or on foot.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipGive the cross street, not the number
Tell a taxi driver 'Corrientes y Florida' rather than 'Corrientes 585'. Hail from the right-hand side; a lit 'libre' sign means free.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipRemises and the BA Taxi app
A remís is a pre-booked car with a set fare, usually dearer than a taxi. Regular taxis can be called through the city's BA Taxi app.
Source: es.wiktionary.org, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - RuleEcobici: free for residents, passes for visitors
The city bike share is free for residents on weekdays (four 30-minute trips). Foreign visitors buy tourist passes in the app, registering with a valid passport, an international credit card and a Buenos Aires address.
Source: buenosaires.gob.ar, iprofesional.com - TipTrain to Tigre
Trains to Tigre and the delta leave from Retiro station and stop at Belgrano C; pay with SUBE or buy a ticket at the station.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - Watch outAvoid street blockades
Pickets and marches can block roads into and out of the city and cause long delays. Don't try to cross a blockade.
Source: gov.uk
Etiquette
- TipOne kiss on the cheek
Porteños greet with a kiss on the cheek, even at a first meeting, and hug easily. Follow your host's lead.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipUse vos, not tú
Buenos Aires uses vos with its own verb forms: 'vos sos', 'vos tenés', 'vení'. Using tú is understood but marks you as foreign.
Source: en.wikipedia.org, es.wikipedia.org - RuleSaying gracias in a mate round means 'no more'
Don't thank the cebador for each mate. Saying 'gracias' when you hand it back means you are done.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - RuleNever ask for a dance out loud at a milonga
Invitations are made with eye contact (the mirada) and a nod (the cabeceo); you accept with a nod or refuse by looking away. Nobody is obliged to accept.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipApplaud the asador
At an asado there is always a round of applause for whoever worked the grill.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - RuleNo smoking indoors
Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, on public transport and in restaurants, bars and cafés; only some large venues have sealed smoking rooms.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipChoose a team or be ready to be asked
'¿De qué cuadro sos?' (which team do you support?) is a normal question, and the choice is for life. Keep comments about rival clubs light.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - Watch outCareful with boludo
'Boludo' is an insult meaning fool, but between friends it is a casual way to call someone. From a stranger it can offend.
Source: es.wiktionary.org
Food
- TipBares Notables
The city lists more than 70 historic cafés and bars as Bares Notables. Order a cortado and medialunas; many stay open late for dinner and drinks.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipHow pizza porteña works
Most pizza is al molde: thick, spongy and loaded with cheese. Muzzarella often comes with an olive on each slice; fugazza is onion without cheese, fugazzeta is onion with cheese inside. Order a slice of fainá (chickpea flatbread) and put it on top.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipEat pizza standing at the counter
Traditional pizzerías keep a counter where people eat a quick slice standing on the way home, plus a dining room with table service.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipChoripán with chimichurri
The choripán (grilled chorizo in bread) is the food of football days and street grills. Chimichurri is parsley, oregano, garlic and onion; salsa criolla is pepper, onion and tomato.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar, es.wikipedia.org, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipLocro on patriotic holidays
Locro, a thick maize and meat stew from the Andes, is a winter dish eaten especially on national holidays; mondongo and carbonada are other traditional stews.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipDulce de leche everywhere
Eat it off a spoon, in an alfajor or in chocotorta, and in churros dipped in hot chocolate.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipPostre vigilante
A classic bodegón dessert: a slab of cheese with quince or sweet-potato paste.
Source: es.wiktionary.org - TipTenedor libre
A tenedor libre is an all-you-can-eat restaurant at a fixed price.
Source: es.wiktionary.org - TipFernet con Coca
Fernet, a bitter Italian spirit, mixed with cola is the drink of many nights out; the mix comes from Córdoba province and is nicknamed 'Fernandito'.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar, es.wikipedia.org
Safety
- Watch outWhere the UK says to be most careful
The FCDO names Palermo, San Telmo market and area, La Boca, the Ecological Reserve, Retiro, Florida, 9 de Julio, Avenida de Mayo, Rivadavia near the Obelisco, Retiro bus terminal and the cruise and ferry terminals.
Source: gov.uk - Watch outLa Boca: stay in the Caminito area
Armed robberies happen. In La Boca stay inside the patrolled Caminito tourist area, especially outside it after dark. If robbed, hand over valuables without resistance.
Source: gov.uk - Watch outKeep away from demonstrations
Protests are common near Congress and the Casa Rosada and can turn violent.
Source: gov.uk - TipTourist police on the main corridors
Uniformed tourist police, with flags on their uniforms for the languages they speak, patrol Plaza Dorrego, Caminito, Puerto Madero and the Florida and Lavalle pedestrian streets.
Source: canal26.com, buenosaires.gob.ar - TipReport a theft
The Comisaría del Turista (Av. Corrientes 436, +54 9 11 5050-9260, 24 hours) takes reports and helps with lost passports and embassy contact. Emergencies: 911.
Source: buenosaires.gob.ar, gov.uk - TipUse well-lit streets at night
The city tourism board advises staying on well-lit streets in the evening, keeping bags closed and using licensed taxis.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipHealthcare and water
Public hospitals are open 24 hours and treat patients free; call 107 for an ambulance. Tap water is safe to drink.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipMoney belt, not back pocket
Carry cash out of sight, ideally in a money belt, and watch your things on public transport and at bus and train terminals.
Source: gov.uk
Free
- TipFree city walking tours
City tourism guides run free walking tours with booking: Plaza de Mayo, Recoleta, La Boca, Florida's galleries, and a Maradona tour on 29 Oct 2026. Arrive 10 minutes early; tours are cancelled in bad weather.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipProa free on Wednesdays, MALBA half price
Fundación Proa is free on Wednesdays; MALBA charges ARS 7,000 instead of 14,000 on Wednesdays (Oct 2026).
Source: proa.org, malba.org.ar - TipBellas Artes by contribution
The national fine arts museum asks only a voluntary contribution (bono contribución).
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipCabildo and Congress
The Cabildo museum is free with guided visits every day; the Congress offers free guided tours Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri 12:30-17:00 with prior sign-up (Time Out).
Source: timeout.com - TipCasa Rosada for free
Guided visits of the presidential palace are free with online booking at visitas.casarosada.gob.ar.
Source: timeout.com - TipParks, Ecoparque and the Reserva
Bosques de Palermo, the Ecoparque and the 350-hectare Reserva Ecológica are free; the reserve can be walked or cycled.
Source: timeout.com - TipFree milongas in historic cafés
In May 2026 the city ran free milonga concerts in Bares Notables such as Las Violetas and Café de García; watch the city agenda for similar cycles.
Source: buenosaires.gob.ar - TipWatch the Tango World Cup for free
The qualifying rounds and quarter-finals of the Mundial de Tango at the Usina del Arte are free until full (Aug 2026 edition).
Source: perfil.com - TipParque Rivadavia book fair
Second-hand books, magazines and records at the Parque Rivadavia fair in Caballito; free to browse.
Source: timeout.com
Fun
- FunLatin America's first subway
Line A opened on 1 Dec 1913 as the first underground in South America, the Southern Hemisphere and the Spanish-speaking world, making Buenos Aires the 13th city in the world with one.
Source: en.wikipedia.org, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - FunA century of wooden cars
Line A ran its original Belgian La Brugeoise cars, with wooden bodies, for almost 100 years until 2013.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunA building that follows Dante
Palacio Barolo (1923) is laid out like the Divine Comedy, from Hell to Purgatory to Heaven, with a lighthouse as the Empyrean. Its twin, Palacio Salvo, by the same architect, stands in Montevideo.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - FunThe Barolo lighthouse turns pink in October
Since 2015 the Barolo lighthouse glows pink every night in October for breast cancer awareness.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - FunThe Obelisco went up in 31 days
The 67.5 m Obelisco was built in 1936 for the 400th anniversary of the city's first founding, by 157 workers in a record 31 days.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - FunFacturas named by anarchist bakers
In the late 1800s the anarchist bakers' union renamed pastries to mock power: bolas de fraile (friar's balls), suspiros de monja (nun's sighs), sacramentos and vigilantes (cops).
Source: es.wikipedia.org - FunThe colectivo was invented here
On 24 Sep 1928 taxi drivers in Buenos Aires began running fixed routes and taking several passengers for one shared fare: the first colectivos.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - FunVilla Freud
The area around Plaza Güemes in Palermo is nicknamed Villa Freud for its concentration of psychoanalysts since the 1960s; Buenos Aires has one psychologist for every 120 people (La Nación data, 2006).
Source: es.wikipedia.org - FunWhy it's called La Bombonera
Boca's stadium is 'the chocolate box', named for its resemblance to one, according to its architect Viktor Sulčič.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunThe first Superclásico
In 1913 both Boca and River had their grounds in La Boca; their first official match was played on 24 Aug 1913.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunPizza made for the stands
Pizza canchera has tomato sauce but no cheese so the pieces could be stacked and sold at football grounds (cancha).
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - FunQuilombo came from Africa
Quilombo, now slang for a mess, comes from Kimbundu (Angola); in old lunfardo it meant a cheap brothel.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - FunFileteado began on horse carts
The ornate fileteado lettering on old signs and buses started on the horse-drawn carts delivering milk and bread in the late 1800s.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunThe 'gimme curry' theory
One theory says chimichurri comes from 'gimme curry', shouted by British troops during their invasions of Buenos Aires in the early 1800s.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - FunA dulce de leche legend
A story kept at the National History Museum says dulce de leche was born in 1829 when Rosas' maid forgot milk and sugar on the fire; historians say it arrived earlier from Chile.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - FunTortoni since 1858
Café Tortoni on Avenida de Mayo opened in 1858.
Source: es.wikipedia.org
When to go
- TipFeria del Libro, late April to mid May
The Buenos Aires International Book Fair at La Rural ran 23 Apr-11 May 2026 (50th edition, Peru as guest of honour). Students and retirees entered free on weekdays.
Source: batimes.com.ar, baenegocios.com - TipAugust is tango month
The Semana de las Milongas (1-7 Aug 2026) offered free milonga entries and classes with booking; Tango BA Festival y Mundial followed 19 Aug-2 Sep 2026 in 50+ venues.
Source: buenosaires.gob.ar, perfil.com - TipNoche de los Museos in November
Over 300 museums and cultural spaces open free 19:00-02:00 for one night, with free buses and subte. The 2025 edition was Saturday 8 Nov; the 2026 date had not been announced when checked.
Source: iprofesional.com - TipCarnaval murgas in February
Murgas parade at neighbourhood corsos in February. In 2026 it ran 7 Feb-1 Mar on weekends, with 19 corsos in barrios such as Boedo, Palermo, San Telmo and La Boca.
Source: canal26.com, en.wikipedia.org - TipDía del Tango, 11 December
Argentina celebrates National Tango Day on 11 Dec, the birthday of Carlos Gardel and Julio de Caro.
Source: es.wikipedia.org - TipMatear, the mate fair
Matear, the mate expo, returns to La Rural on 17-18 Oct 2026, 12:00-20:00.
Source: mercado.com.ar - TipWinter stews
Locro is eaten in winter and especially on national holidays.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar
Words
- TipChe
Hey, mate; used to call someone or add emphasis. '¿Cómo te llamás, che?'
Source: es.wiktionary.org - Watch outBoludo / boluda
Fool. Between friends a casual way to address someone; from strangers an insult.
Source: es.wiktionary.org - TipPibe / piba
Kid, young guy or young woman; also an affectionate address between friends.
Source: es.wiktionary.org - TipLaburo
Work, a job (from Italian lavoro); laburar = to work.
Source: es.wiktionary.org, es.wikipedia.org - TipMina
Woman (old lunfardo, informal; can sound crude).
Source: es.wiktionary.org - TipQuilombo
A mess, chaos, a fuss.
Source: es.wikipedia.org, es.wikipedia.org - TipBondi / colectivo
City bus.
Source: es.wiktionary.org, turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipSubte
The metro (subterráneo).
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - TipBirra
Beer.
Source: es.wiktionary.org - TipChabón / chabona
Guy, someone whose name doesn't matter.
Source: es.wiktionary.org - TipGuita
Money.
Source: es.wiktionary.org - TipFiaca
Laziness, not feeling like doing anything.
Source: es.wiktionary.org - TipMorfar
To eat.
Source: es.wiktionary.org - TipBoliche
Nightclub; they get going around 2:00.
Source: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar - FunFeca con chele
Vesre (syllables reversed) for café con leche.
Source: es.wikipedia.org
Checked October 2026. Every item links to where it came from.