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Travel advice for Argentina
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Argentina
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written by Madelaine Triebe
updated 12.07.2019
Buenos Aires has one of the most diverse bar scenes in South America. The last few years the Argentinean capital has become completely obsessed with craft beer and door cocktail hideouts, while still keeping it chic with wine bars as of course, local gems serving ice-cold one litre Quilmes beer bottles with no attention whatsoever to interior design. Add chatty porteños, a young expat community and visitors looking for a good time to the mix and you have an excellent place for a fun night out. Read on for the ten best bars in Buenos Aires.
10 days / from957 USD
The Great Lakes and Glaciers of Argentina
Experience the great outdoors, Argentina-style! Marvel at jaw-droppingly beautiful Patagonian landscapes, walk the shores of deep-blue lakes guarded by snow-capped mountains at Bariloche, explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!
customize ⤍13 days / from1729 USD
From Chile to Argentina, across the Andean Lakes
Travel from Chile to Argentina across the stunning Andean Lakes, also known as the Lakes District. Beginning in Santiago, you will travel to Puerto Varas, in Chile, and then across the lakes to Bariloche, Argentina, taking in the stunning mountain scenery, before ending your trip in Buenos Aires.
customize ⤍14 days / from1933 USD
An adventure across three countries: Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay
A trip filled with history, culture and nature spread out over three beautiful and unique countries, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Visit some of the most stunning sites, like the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls and UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento, during this 14-day trip.
customize ⤍13 days / from1310 USD
Argentinean Patagonia: from the Coast to the Andes
Explore the region's most fascinating corners: sea life in Puerto Madryn awaits before you head to the most southern city in the world: Ushuaia. Discover Tierra del Fuego before heading out to El Calafate and Bariloche, really soaking in the Argentinean vibes.
customize ⤍16 days / from1915 USD
Unforgettable Argentina
Argentina has a lot to offer travellers, in this itinerary you will explore the highlights in just two weeks. From busy Buenos Aires you will fly to Iguazu to marvel at the majestic waterfalls before heading south to Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia and El Calafate. Unforgettable Argentina awaits!
customize ⤍10 days / from1052 USD
Magical Patagonia and Cultural Buenos Aires
Combine exploring the contemporary city of Buenos Aires, with all its luxuries and grand, historical buildings, together with the wild, rugged land of Patagonia. Take in the culture and observe the landscape and wildlife to gain a complete picture of the true Argentina.
customize ⤍16 days / from3885 USD
Andean Triangle - Chile, Bolivia and Argentina
Start your South American adventure in Santiago de Chile before exploring the wonders of the Atacama desert. A short hop across the border and you'll find yourself in the middle of the Bolivian salt flat. Afterwards, you'll continue to Argentina with Salta and Buenos Aires.
customize ⤍13 days / from1397 USD
Argentina: Tango and Glaciers
Visit the grand, edgy and famously seductive Argentine capital of Buenos Aires for tango and culture; then head northeast to see the thundering Iguazú Falls. Finally, it’s off to the end of the Americas to deepest Patagonia for adventure, glaciers and limitless horizons.
customize ⤍13 days / from3742 USD
Wild Patagonia
Argentina has lots to offer its visitors: a glacier the size of a city, sizzling tango, fashionable barrios, artisan towns, ranches with horses and gauchos and wild untamed natural beauty. From Buenos Aires to Patagonia, you’ll get to see it all in this adventure-laden vacation.
customize ⤍7 days / from447 USD
Tango & Wines in Argentina
Argentina is known for its dances and gastronomy scene, both to be discovered on this trip. Explore Buenos Aires on your own and with a guide, including its famous nightlife before heading to the vineyards of Mendoza, one of the most developed wine regions in the country.
customize ⤍14 days / from2271 USD
Multi-country adventures from salt flats to the Andes
South America is full of wonders and this trip packs Argentina, Chile and Bolivia into 2 weeks. Bustling Buenos Aires, beautiful valleys around Salta, the surreal looking surroundings of San Pedro de Atacama, the salt flat of Uyuni as well as Lake Titicaca are all part of this itinerary.
customize ⤍10 days / from1870 USD
South American Wines Trail
All wine lovers unite! Start your tour in Buenos Aires before heading to the wine region of Mendoza. Sample some of Argentina's finest wines and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Afterwards, continue to Santiago de Chile with a day trip to Valparaiso.
customize ⤍13 days / from2600 USD
Argentina and Chile: Dazzling Cities and Magical Landscapes
Santiago is an emerging city, whilst Buenos Aires has long been a busy metropolis. Both offer historical buildings to admire, a local gastronomy scene to savour and sensuous dances to learn. Not to mention the mountainous terrain and desert landscapes outside the cities waiting to be explored.
customize ⤍14 days / from7857 USD
Southern Argentina & Antarctica
Explore the Antarctica on an intimate cruise from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Start in Buenos Aires before spending a few nights in El Calafate and Ushuaia to then board your cruise. 4 nights in the Antarctic are the highlight of your trip before heading to Chile's capital Santiago.
customize ⤍4 days / from420 USD
A city escape to Buenos Aires
Soak in the unique atmosphere of Buenos Aires on this 4-day tour premium tour. Stay at one of the most exclusive hotels and discover Argentina's capital on bike during the day and in style at a Tango show at night.
customize ⤍13 days / from1468 USD
Argentina and Chile - Wine Country Explored
Get a taste of the wines of Argentina and Chile on this tour of the country's best bodegas. Sway to the rhythm of tango in Buenos Aires before you head to high altitude towns and absorb stunning mountain scenery. Then it's across the border into Chile to sample Santiago's historic delights.
customize ⤍14 days / from3075 USD
Self Drive on the Atlantic Patagonia Blue Route
Travel across wild Patagonia in your own rental car. Full autonomy and freedom means being able to truly go off the beaten track. You'll come across plenty of wildlife like whales and penguins, as well as following Darwin's footsteps across the steppe.
customize ⤍13 days / from1315 USD
Argentina's Northern Highlights
Your journey begins in Bueno’s Aires, the Argentine capital and the home of tango, colonial buildings and cobbled streets. Explore museums, churches, and stunning mountain valleys; be awestruck by the roar of the Iguazú Falls; then explore the wineries of the Central Valley.
customize ⤍7 days / from440 USD
From the city to the jungle
Visit two of the most fascinating parts of Argentina: First, the electrifying capital of Buenos Aires in all of its glory before heading out to Puerto Iguazu to discover the majestic Iguazu waterfalls.
customize ⤍14 days / from7500 USD
Luxury Holidays in South America
Experience the best of Argentina and Brazil in luxury. From vibrant Buenos Aires to breathtaking Argentinian Falls, stunning Bariloche, and untamed Patagonia. Conclude in Rio de Janeiro's iconic beaches before immersing in cosmopolitan Sao Paulo.
customize ⤍9 days / from3300 USD
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Wine Country
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Argentina's diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. Explore the cosmopolitan charm of Buenos Aires, marvel at the awe-inspiring natural wonder of Puerto Iguazú's majestic waterfalls, and indulge in the renowned wines of Mendoza's picturesque vineyards.
customize ⤍10 days / from1250 USD
South Argentina and the Ends of the Earth
This trip goes to the southernmost point of Argentina and to the ends of the earth. Begin in Buenos Aires, then travel south to El Calafate and explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, before continuing to the southernmost city on earth, Ushuaia, and the Tierra del Fuego National Park.
customize ⤍11 days / from15375 USD
Classic Antarctica from Chile
Start and end your trip in Chile and discover the Antarctica on an intimate, Boutique-style expedition boat. Cruise the Drake Passage, visit Cape Horn and fly back to Punta Arenas before returning to the capital Santiago.
customize ⤍11 days / from3600 USD
Bariloche & Buenos Aires
Explore the stunning landscapes of Bariloche and immerse yourself in nature's wonders. Then, soak up the vibrant energy of Buenos Aires, with its captivating culture, history, and lively streets. A journey of breathtaking beauty and cultural immersion awaits.
customize ⤍12 days / from2500 USD
Islands & Waterfalls: Ihla Grande and Iguazu
A mesmerizing journey through Brazil and Argentina, starting with the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro. Explore the pristine paradise of Ilha Grande, then step back in time in the colonial gem of Paraty. Finally, marvel at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.
customize ⤍Set in the beautiful 122-year-old San Telmo market, Nilson is an intimate little wine bar facing Calle Carlos Calvo. Serving wine by the glass you can familiarise yourself with a carefully selected range of Argentine whites, rosés and reds without having to go through a whole bottle. The wine on the handwritten blackboard is divided into three different categories; light, medium or full-bodied, and covers everything from white torrontés from Cafayate in the north to big, bold cabernet sauvignons from Mendoza in the west. The atmosphere is intimate and cosy and the perfect place to wind down after a full day of sightseeing.
For all those cheese lovers out there’s also a small selection of cheese to accompany your vino al paso (wine by the glass); the chevrotin – a delicious Argentine version of the French white goats cheese – comes with the best bread you’ve tried in Buenos Aires and goes well with a glass of Mendoza red from Revolución Garage. On Thursdays, there’s live jazz.
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Serving the best vermouth in town, including special blends served on tap, Café San Juan is the place to go for a South American take on the classic Spanish aperitif accompanied by tapas. Take a seat at the bar at the front (there's a restaurant in the back), order a vermouth a la casa with Cinzano 1757 and a Korean pork bao (steamed bun) with kimchi. The bar is small– there are only a dozen bar stools – so you probably have to squeeze in between after-office suits,porteños, tourists and regulars.
You’re not likely to stumble across Dock’s Bar in Palermo – the metal door with no sign and the doorman dressed in a suit and an earpiece makes it look more like a members club than a bar. Which is kind of the point – Docks bar is part of a new fashion in Buenos Aires; hip secret speakeasies. Once you get inside this popular bar is all about the cocktails and the maritime theme: there's a lighthouse in the middle of the room, the waitresses are dressed as sailors and cocktails served in anchor-shaped jugs. You even have to listen to a short introduction about the history of the bootleg booze trade from London to the US in the 1920sbefore you can enter. The place is packed on weekends.
For the best craft beer in town, you need to venture out from Buenos Aires' bar hub number one, Palermo. You'll find Strange Brewing in Colegiales, an up and coming neighbourhood with a more local hipster flair. The slightly strange (on-brand) logo of a racoon mounting a dog sets the tone but don’t let the jovial and eyebrow-raising symbol fool you – this place takes its beer seriously and serve and make some of the best IPA's in the city. They don’t take reservations and the place is usually packed.
Sophisticated and classic, Verne Cocktail Club serves some of the finest cocktails in town – and is a well-deserved addition to our list of the best bars in Buenos Aires. With bartenders dressed in white shirts and black ties, dim lighting, brown chesterfield-inspired sofas and red carpets the atmosphere is sophisticated and classic.Take a seat at the bar to watch the skilled and knowledgeable bartenders make your desired cocktail to perfection or invent one based on your likings. The menu is inspired by Jules Verne’s 80 Days Around the World; the Royal Pear with Beefeater Gin, Carpano Dry and pear nectar gives you a taste of the British capital whilst the Bombay and Indian Tonic with a bold twist of 12-year-old Talisker whiskey, Fernet Branca and curry takes you right to India. The bar arranges cocktail-themed nights throughout the week.
Vico Wine Bar put wine on tap on the map in Buenos Aires. In a city where you struggle to find anything else than the house red served by the glass, Vico Wine Bar in Villa Crespo is one of few (if not the only) bars in the city serving that only serves red wine by the glass. It’s the perfect place to get familiar with Argentine wines and you can even choose the size of your serving. Surprisingly they also do excellent cocktails and their gimlet is one of the best in town. If you’re hungry don’t worry – order a cheese and cold cut platter including brie, blue cheese, mortadella and salami sprinkled with figs and walnuts. There’s also a branch in Palermo.
Café San Bernardo is situated on busy Avenida Corrientes in Villa Crespo and it's an old-school local’s place at heart. The bar has been around since 1912 and is classic no-frills. The place is spacious with big fans on the walls and the odd Quilmes beer crate on the floor – it's a great choice for an inexpensive night out. Share an ice-cold litre of beer, shoot some pool, and eat classic heavy Argentine minutas. The service is traditional – all waiters are male and the majority over 50. The bar organises truco tournaments if you want to have a go at the trick-taking card game that's very popular in Argentina.
416 Snack Bar in hip Palermo Hollywood is perfect for a date or just to sip delicious cocktails with friends in a sleek environment. The atmosphere is trendy yet romantic with very dim lighting and candle lit high tables with bar stools. On the menu you find delicious and innovative drinks flavoured with chilli or rose water, a few selected Argentine wines by the bottle and small plates with international flavours; think Indian daal, Korean pork buns and steak tartare (the owner hails from Canada and brings a dash of Toronto to Buenos Aires).
Formerly Dachshund and Hot Dogs, now called Artisano after a change in ownership, this bar is off the beaten track in Almagro and one for travellers wanting to branch out from the classic Palermo pub crawl. This is where Almagro locals come to chat over a beer and eat innovative hot dogs; some with guacamole and caramelised onion, others with provolone cheese and chimichurri mayonnaise. They serve craft beer on tap and get extra props for a complete second menu for vegetarians.
One for the bohemian art lovers, this popular neighbourhood bar would not look out of place in the movie Amélie. Busy even during the week, join the local crowd at Musetta to share a bottle of wine, eat pizza, drink beer and engage in deep conversations. The interior is charmingly eccentric with black and white checked flooring, a piano and books lining the walls.
For more on Buenos Aires check out our updated Where to Stay guide.
Top image: People sitting outside the Meridian 58 restaurant in the trendy area of Palermo Viejo known as Soho. Buenos Aires, Argentina © Yadid Levy/APA Digital
written by Madelaine Triebe
updated 12.07.2019
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