Insider's Guide:
Our Favourite Places to See, Stay and Eat in Buenos Aires

Steph Gulledge

Latin America | Argentina

At Butterfield & Robinson, we pride ourselves on scouting out the best places in the world to walk, bike and immerse ourselves in local culture, no matter how far flung. Along the way, our journey often takes us through some of the world’s most famous and culturally rich cities.

Never ones to squander an opportunity, we asked B&R Trip Designer Steph Gulledge to apply her expert eye to compile a B&R-inspired list of things to see and do that you won’t find in a travel guide.

Buenos Aires Hotels: Where to Rest Your Head

Alvear Palace
This elegant 1930s hotel features classical lines, a marble-tiled lobby, and gorgeous interiors reminiscent of the high style of Louis XV and XVI. With grand public areas, an 8,600-square-foot spa, and a gorgeous room for afternoon high tea, this classic space is a place fit to hang up your crown at the end of the day.

Casa Sur Recoleta
A boutique hotel located in the heart of the Recoleta district, close to many of the city’s landmarks and important areas. The hotel doesn’t skimp on luxury, and even has an on-site spa and fitness centre for de-stressing. The neighbourhood is distinctive in the city for its European architecture and important landmarks like the National Library of Argentina and the National Fine Arts Museum, and even the Recoleta Cemetery (where Eva Peron is buried, among other famous Argentinians).

Four Seasons Buenos Aires
Luxuriously equipped to evoke a classic feel, the Four Seasons tips a (cowboy) hat to the country’s ranching heritage, but with an upmarket twist. From the art installation of rust-coloured horses outside the hotel to the in-room details like bridle-shaped handles on drawers, and saddle leather curtain-hangers, there is no mistaking you’re in Argentina. With two restaurants, a lounge for nighttime libations and dancing, a spa and even an outdoor Roman-style pool area, there’s still plenty to do if you stay on the grounds.

Legado Mítico
A themed boutique hotel, each of its 11 rooms is dedicated to an Argentinian icon, including famous writer Jorge Luis Borges and tango singer Carlos Gardel.

Designed to emblemize Argentina’s “legacy of settlers, Indians, Creoles and immigrants,” the concept just works, and includes miles of style and comfort.

Unbelievable Beauty Awaits

On our Argentina Biking trip, explore the unbelievable variety of the country’s northwest: from jaw-dropping mountain vistas to canyons that change colour with the sun.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Buenos Aires Restaurants: Where to Eat

Five-star: Tomo I
Created by the Concaro sisters, Tomo I is now run by Federico Fialayre, who doesn’t skip a beat. It truly represents French cuisine with an Argentinian vibe and stopping here should be a no-brainer.

Filo, Buenos Aires Restaurants — Filo, a downtown pizza place with an artsy edge, makes a phenomenal salad.

Chinatown
Not a restaurant, per se, but not to be missed. Located in Belgrano, Buenos Aires’ Chinatown started some years ago with only a few restaurants and has since grown into a fascinating and diverse place to eat and wander. With the recent influx of Peruvian cuisine and the freshest fish in town, you won’t want to miss the food stands where you can munch on eastern delicacies al paso (on the go).

Buenos Aires Attractions: What to See + Do

Museums

You first stop should be the MALBA, otherwise know as the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, which offers a private collection of Latin American art.

After that, check out the MNBA, the Museo National de Bellas Artes, only five minutes away and boasting an impressive collection of classical international art.

If you still have some time afterwards, take a peak at the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo (MNAD) paying special attention to the French chateau-style building. In need of a coffee after all that culture? The café is charming too!

Neighbourhoods

Retiro

This classic, older neighbourhood is often overlooked by visitors. Sure it’s busy and can be hectic at rush hour but trust me, it’s worth it.

Take your time and pay attention to some of the incredible buildings such as the French-style châteaux built by architects at the beginning of the 20^th century for wealthy European families. Make sure you keep an eye out too, because a few are open to the public. Some of my favourites are Palacio San Martin and Palacio Paz.

Olivos

Located just outside of town, Olivos offers visitors the chance to see the city skyline and Rio de la Plata in all of its splendor. Filled with beautiful homes and gardens, this is one of the greenest suburbs of Buenos Aires.

Bike paths line the coast of Rio de la Plata, running all the way up to Tigre, another neighbourhood worth checking out for its art museum and Puerto de Frutos (fruit port). The best part? You can jump on a boat with your bike and commute back to the city in style (and comfort!).

Steph Gulledge

Rather than ending up at an advertising firm after receiving her degree in communication studies, Steph ended up on a bike—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. After studying in Canada, Spain and France, Steph struck out on the road and she’s kept two wheels planted firmly on it ever since.