The route at a glance
Day 1: The centre and San Telmo
Begin at Plaza de Mayo, looking at the Casa Rosada from the square, then follow the historic streets towards San Telmo. Stop at Mercado de San Telmo for lunch and leave the afternoon for Defensa and Plaza Dorrego. These stops form a sensible walking route; take a taxi or public transport back rather than adding Palermo at the other end of the city.
If tango is a priority, book one evening and keep the afternoon light. Sunday brings a different market atmosphere around San Telmo, but the neighbourhood is worth visiting on other days too.
Day 2: Recoleta, books and art
Start around Recoleta Cemetery and the Basilica del Pilar. Choose whether to go inside the cemetery after checking its current ticket arrangements. Continue to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes if art appeals, or spend longer in the surrounding squares. Later, make a separate stop at El Ateneo Grand Splendid on Avenida Santa Fe.
Bookshop, museum and cemetery interiors make useful wet-weather choices. Resist treating the whole neighbourhood as a brisk transfer between photographs: allow time for a café and a proper lunch.
Day 3: Palermo at a slower pace
Give the morning to the Rosedal and the parks of Palermo. Use transport between the park district and Palermo Soho rather than assuming every part of Palermo is next door. Spend the afternoon around its shops and cafés, then stay for dinner. MALBA is an alternative to part of the park visit for an art-focused trip.
La Boca is an optional swap, not an extra stop after a full Palermo day. If you choose Caminito, arrange transport there and back and keep the outing to the established visitor area in daylight.
Make the practical details work
Base yourself in Recoleta or Palermo near useful transport if you value neighbourhood restaurants; the historic centre is convenient for day one. Compare the actual street and connections, not just the district name.
Buenos Aires prices and exchange arrangements can change quickly. Build a budget from accommodation, transport and the activities you choose, checking current charges directly rather than relying on a fixed sterling total.
This route uses walking plus city transport or taxis. Tell the planner if you want shorter walks, fewer museums or a tango evening; three full days should not become three days of crossing town.
Make this route fit your trip
Change the length, pace, interests or starting point. The planner opens with Buenos Aires and 3 days already selected.
Create my own itinerary →Useful planning links
Route reviewed 30 October 2026. Use the linked visitor and operator information to check current ticket arrangements before booking.