Whether it’s your first time visiting Buenos Aires or you’ve been drawn back by its irresistible mix of charm and chaos, one thing’s for sure, this city doesn’t do boring. It’s a place where late night dinners are the norm, strangers become friends over mate, and every neighborhood feels like its own little universe. But for all its magic, Buenos Aires can be a bit of a maze if you’re not prepared. That’s why we’ve pulled together our go to tips, straight from the streets, cafes, and colectivos, to help you navigate the city like a pro and fall in love with it like a local.
- Cash Is King
Bring crisp US dollars and exchange them once you’re there.
Use the blue dollar rate, it basically doubles your money compared to the bank rates.
(Pro tip: Western Union is the real MVP for getting pesos at the best rate. Wire to yourself is the best hack if you don’t want to carry tons of cash.)
Some western union locations don’t always have cash or they will only be able to give you a certain amount, below are a couple of locations we have never had any issue.
Recoleta:
Western Union- Pago Facil close to Plaza Rodríguez Peña & El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a main hub. Make sure you plan a little extra time for this one, sometimes the lines can be a bit long but usually move pretty quickly depending on how many tellers they have.
Almagro:
Western Union Pago Fácil – Centro de Servicios at the Sube red line Carlos Gardel station (cross streets Av. Corrientes & Agüero close to Abasto de Buenos Aires Shopping Mall.
Belgrano:
Western Union Pago Fácil – Agente was a hidden gem for us while in Belgrano. Right around the corner from a cozy cafe called Forêt. Located inside of a little convenience store.
2. Getting around Buenos Aires
Public transit is a breeze, especially if you’re used to cities like Chicago, New York, or Paris. The subway and bus system are super intuitive once you get the hang of it.
All you need is a SUBE card — basically your golden ticket for hopping on public transit.
They can be a little tricky to track down though. If you can snag one at the airport, definitely do it. Otherwise, you’ll need to pop into convenience stores and kiosks around the city and ask if they have them.
Once you’re loaded up, you’re free to explore the whole city like a local.
The buses (colectivos) are a BA rite of passage. They’re affordable and run everywhere. Use Google Maps, have your SUBE card preloaded. Oh, don’t forget to wave them down or they won’t stop.
Below is a map of the Buenos Aires train system for easy navigation.
3. Unbeatable Cafe Culture
The café culture here runs deep, blending European elegance with Latin American soul. Locals linger for hours over tiny cortados and medialunas, and no one rushes you out, it’s about the ritual, not the speed.
From century old institutions like Café Tortoni to modern specialty coffee spots in Palermo and Chacarita, there’s a café for every mood. Wi-Fi might be spotty and slow at times, but the ambiance is unbeatable. Coffee here isn’t just a drink, it’s a lifestyle.
4. Eating out as Vegetarian or Vegan
Plant-Based in the Land of Beef? Surprisingly Doable.
Buenos Aires might be famous for its steaks and asados, but don’t let that fool you, being vegetarian or vegan here is way more accessible than most people think. In the past few years, the city’s plant based scene has exploded, with everything from vegan parrillas (yes, really) to tofu topped sushi, oat milk lattes, and dreamy bakeries serving up cruelty free medialunas. One of our favorite spots was Gordo Vegano in Belgrano R. If you’re a lover of Tiramisu, it’s an absolute must.
Neighborhoods like Palermo and Villa Crespo are especially veg-friendly, and most restaurants now offer at least one solid meat free option. Even the classic empanada has a veggie version and fainá (chickpea flatbread) is naturally vegan. So fear not, herbivores, you won’t just survive in Buenos Aires, you’ll thrive.
5. The Best Grocery Stores and Fresh Fruit Markets
One of the best things about daily life in Buenos Aires is the abundance of local markets and neighborhood produce shops. Nearly every block has a verdulería. A small, often family owned fruit and veggie stand stacked with seasonal, vibrant produce at super affordable prices. These spots are the heart of the community, and shopping there not only supports locals but gives you a taste of what’s truly fresh and in season.
For bigger hauls, head to neighborhood ferias (open-air markets), where you’ll find everything from handmade pasta to artisanal cheeses. Grocery stores like Disco, Jumbo, and Carrefour cover the basics, but the real flavor of BA is in those corner stands bursting with color.
6. Our Favorite Barrios of BA: What to Expect in Each
Palermo Soho 🎨
Trendy, artsy, and full of murals: BA’s boho brunch and boutique capital.
Palermo Hollywood 🎬
Where foodies, creatives, and chill nightlife vibes collide.
Palermo Chico 🏛️
Upscale and elegant with embassy mansions and quiet green streets.
Recoleta 🕊️
European charm, luxe shopping, and the most glamorous cemetery you’ll ever see.
San Telmo 💃🏻
Cobblestone streets, tango soul, and vintage markets with major character. Sundays Are for San Telmo. Hit the San Telmo Market for antiques, art, and street tango. It’s chaotic, charming, and completely unmissable.
La Boca ⚽
Bright colors, fútbol fever, and Caminito’s bold tourist energy.
Villa Crespo 🧃
Authentically cool with local designers, Jewish delis, and zero pretense.
Chacarita 🪴
Edgy and emerging, full of indie flair and tucked away treasures.
Centro / Microcentro 🏙️
Downtown bustle meets historic icons, great for photos, less so for weekends.
Belgrano 🌳
Leafy, chill, and residential. Home to Chinatown and family friendly parks.
Almagro ☕
Tango roots, classic cafés, and real local flavor. Underrated and soulful.
7. Best Thrift and Vintage Spots
Clothing in Buenos Aires can be surprisingly pricey, especially for new or imported items, but the city’s thrift scene offers some solid workarounds. Galpón De Ropa is a decent go to. Think of it as the local version of Buffalo Exchange or Crossroads: curated, trendy, and fairly priced for secondhand.
That said, there are even better local gems that offer unique finds and stronger value. Feria “El Arcoiris” was our absolute favorite. There are quite a few other thrift shops clustered nearby, but this one stood out the most. Feria Parque Lezama along Av. Martín García also hosted a pop up thrift market every weekend with tons of local sellers, a true hidden gem with serious treasure hunt vibes. Dudou Vintage was another standout, especially for vintage lovers; it even had a basement packed with surprises. Prices vary, but it’s definitely worth the dig..
8. Markets and Happenings Around BA
Buenos Aires is buzzing with markets and events that bring the city’s creative soul to life. Beyond the iconic San Telmo Market, you’ll find spots like Feria de Recoleta; a lively weekend market set just outside the cultural center in Recoleta. It’s a colorful mix of artisan crafts, local art, and street performances, making it a perfect place to soak up BA’s bohemian vibe while supporting local makers.
In addition, it seems like there’s always something happening. Seriously, spontaneity is part of the charm. We randomly wandered into a full on French festival across the street from the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, complete with music, food, and locals dancing in the park. Pop up events, cultural fairs, and live performances seem to spring up everywhere, especially on weekends. So keep your eyes (and ears) open.
9. Street Style
People in BA are stylish without trying too hard. Think smart casual: sneakers, leather jackets, chill but put together.
Move like you belong. Confident, relaxed, and tuned into the rhythm of the city.
We lived there for six months and never had any issues. The key is staying present and vibing with the energy of the place.
10. Nightlife: Prepare to stay up late
Dinner at 10pm? Totally normal.
Nightclubs? Don’t even bother showing up before 2am.
For an unforgettable night out, hit up 2GTHR Club or Under Club
and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of my favorite local artists, DJ Toomy Disco, spinning a set that’ll keep you moving ‘til sunrise.
If you love slow, drawn out, magical nights, you’re gonna thrive here.
Final advice
Be flexible. Buenos Aires moves to its own rhythm.
Mornings here are peaceful and slow, the perfect invitation to wake up with the city.
Grab a seat at a corner café, listen to the sounds of the neighborhood waking up. The clinking of cups, the chatter of friends and families, the birds, the distant hum of the city.
It’s the perfect way to soak in the real beauty of BA, where nature and urban life blend into one steady heartbeat.
You’ll notice the dogs too.
In Buenos Aires, they are their own breed. Free, confident, completely unbothered. Many of them walk beside without a leash, moving through the city like they belong to it as much as anyone. It’s beautiful to watch: loyalty without force, freedom without fear.
The city breathes trust like that and if you let it, it’ll teach you how to move that way too.
Talk to strangers. Wander with no map. Let the city pull you in.
And never, ever say no to a good empanada or glass of Malbec.
For more tips check out our video below!
Away Somewhere 
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