Buenos Aires: Your Complete Guide

Autumn, spanning March to May, brings comfortably mild temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it an excellent time for sightseeing before the summer heat. The city's parks showcase beautiful fall foliage, perfect for leisurely walks in places like the Rosedal rose garden. Cultural activities like wine tastings, art exhibitions, and theater festivals are also prevalent during this season.

Spring, from September to November, offers pleasant, mild weather with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F), making it ideal for outdoor exploration. The city bursts into color with blooming jacaranda trees and hosts events like the Buenos Aires Book Fair and Primavera Sound. It's a fantastic time for strolls in parks and enjoying open-air markets.

Summer, from December to February, is hot and humid, with average daytime highs around 30°C (86°F), often accompanied by dramatic thunderstorms. This is peak tourist season, especially around Christmas and New Year, so booking accommodation and flights in advance is crucial. Locals often head to the coast, leaving the city slightly quieter, but vibrant outdoor music festivals and Carnival celebrations still take place.

Winter, from June to August, features cooler, generally drier weather, with temperatures typically between 7°C and 16°C (45°F to 61°F). While snowfall is rare, sunny winter days are perfect for exploring indoor cultural gems like the Teatro Colón and various museums with fewer crowds and potentially lower prices. The internationally renowned Buenos Aires Tango Festival and World Cup often take place in August.

Buenos Aires' largest and trendiest neighborhood, Palermo is known for its stylish boutiques, artisanal cafes, and vibrant nightlife. It features expansive green spaces like Bosques de Palermo, ideal for relaxation and recreation, alongside lively sub-districts like Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood.

An upscale district with a distinct European charm, Recoleta is often called the "Paris of South America" due to its elegant architecture and tree-lined avenues. It is home to high-end shops, fashionable restaurants, and the famous Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place of historical figures like Eva Perón.

The city's oldest neighborhood, San Telmo exudes a bohemian atmosphere with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and rich tango heritage. Sundays come alive with the famous Feria de San Telmo antique market in Plaza Dorrego, street performers, and spontaneous tango dances, offering a glimpse into Buenos Aires' past.

Famous for its vividly painted houses along the Caminito pedestrian street, La Boca is a working-class neighborhood brimming with artistic flair and tango culture. It's also home to La Bombonera stadium, the iconic ground of the Boca Juniors football club, providing an energetic and colorful experience for visitors.

The bustling heart of Buenos Aires, Microcentro is where many historic landmarks are concentrated. Key attractions include the Plaza de Mayo with Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral, the iconic Obelisco, and Corrientes Avenue, known for its numerous theaters, bookstores, and pizzerias.

Exploring Buenos Aires by bike is an excellent option, thanks to its flat landscape and over 300 km of dedicated bike lanes across 30 neighborhoods. The city offers a free public bike-sharing system called Ecobici, operated by Tembici. To use it, download the 'BA Ecobici by Tembici' app and register with your passport and an international credit card. Bikes can be used for up to one hour on weekdays and two hours on weekends or holidays; if you need more time, simply return the bike and wait five minutes before taking another. Popular cycling routes include the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve and the green expanses of Bosques de Palermo.

Buenos Aires is a highly walkable city, particularly its central and tourist-friendly neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo, and Microcentro. You can comfortably explore many major attractions on foot, soaking in the European-inspired architecture and vibrant street life. Pedestrian zones are common, and the city's flat terrain makes walking enjoyable. While generally safe in well-trafficked areas during the day, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in less populated areas or at night.

Buenos Aires is served by two main airports: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) for international flights, located about 32 km (20 miles) from downtown, and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) for domestic flights, closer to the city center. From EZE, options include taxis (approx. 38,000 ARS / 38-45 USD, 40-60 min, higher at night), Remis (private car services, similar cost), and official airport shuttle services like Tienda León (approx. 8,000-10,500 ARS / 8-10.5 USD, 50-60 min to their Retiro terminal or Obelisco, hourly departures). NEO Bus offers another efficient shuttle option, running 24/7 every 40 minutes and taking about 50 minutes. The public bus line 8 is the cheapest (approx. 890 ARS / 0.7-0.9 USD) but slowest (1.5-2.5 hours) and requires a SUBE card, not ideal with luggage. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are available but finding your driver at EZE can sometimes add extra time.

Buenos Aires boasts an extensive public transportation network comprising the Subte (underground metro), Colectivos (buses), and trains. A SUBE card is essential for all public transport as cash payments are not accepted on buses. You can purchase a SUBE card for approximately 880 ARS (around 1 USD) at Subte stations, 'kioskos' (corner shops), and Tourist Assistance Centers, often requiring your passport for registration. Cards can be topped up at these locations, automatic machines in Subte stations, or via apps like Mercado Pago. The Subte operates roughly from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM on weekdays, 6:00 AM to midnight on Saturdays, and 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM on Sundays and public holidays. Colectivos run frequently, with many routes operating 24/7. Use the 'BA Cómo llego?' app to plan routes effectively.