5-Day Buenos Aires Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Buenos Aires packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — tango, steak, and european-flavored passion in south america. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Palermo — leafy parks, boutiques, and the best restaurant scene. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to La Boca and Caminito street for your first taste of what makes Buenos Aires special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Palermo — leafy parks, boutiques, and the best restaurant scene area. Try Asado — Argentine barbecue with beef ribs, chorizo, and morcilla — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Teatro Colón. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to San Telmo Market. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Recoleta — elegant French-style architecture and cemetery neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Milanesa — breaded and fried beef cutlet, sometimes topped with ham and cheese (Napolitana) at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Recoleta Cemetery — one of Buenos Aires's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $8 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Microcentro — Obelisco, Avenida 9 de Julio, and theater district district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Dulce de Leche — caramelized milk spread on everything from ice cream to alfajores. Expect to spend around $15 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to El Ateneo Grand Splendid — stunning bookshop inside a converted 1920s theater — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Mercado de San Telmo — indoor market with artisan food stalls hidden behind the facade. The La Boca — colorful Caminito street and Boca Juniors stadium area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Buenos Aires's nightlife scene — Palermo Hollywood — craft cocktail bars and DJ lounges.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Palermo street art — large-scale murals on every corner of Palermo Hollywood or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at San Telmo Sunday antique fair — vintage finds along Defensa street — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Subte subway has 6 lines covering central Buenos Aires
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $60 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack smart casual clothes — porteños dress stylishly for dinner You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Greet everyone with a single kiss on the right cheek
• Safety: Avoid displaying expensive phones and cameras in La Boca beyond Caminito

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$25	$60	$200
5-Day Total	$125	$300	$1000

Final Thoughts

Five days in Buenos Aires is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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