One Month Buenos Aires Itinerary and Costs
We’ve just wrapped up our first month in Buenos Aires, and what an incredible experience it has been! With 45 days total to explore this vibrant city, we’ve already fallen in love with its sprawling parks, mouthwatering food scene, and energetic lifestyle. It’s hard not to be captivated by a city that offers so much at every turn.
During our time here, we’ve had the chance to meet wonderful people—locals and fellow travelers alike. While it’s bittersweet to think about leaving soon, we’re thrilled about what’s next on our journey: a 22-day Antarctic cruise that will end in Santiago, Chile.
Our month in Buenos Aires has been filled with adventure, discovery, and a touch of practical learning. In this post, we’ll share all the details of our experience, including how we got around, where we stayed, what we ate, and, of course, how much it all cost.
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A Warm Welcome to Buenos Aires
We arrived in Buenos Aires on an overnight flight from Boston on October 31st, thanks to travel points from our Delta American Express card. The city welcomed us with clean streets, stunning parks, and an overall sense of safety. While we’ve been mindful of potential pickpocketing (especially grab-and-go robberies of phones), we’ve felt comfortable exploring both day and night by following basic city precautions.
November brought beautiful weather, with highs around 80°F and lows in the 50s, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Most days were sunny, with only a few rainy interruptions. As the city moves into its summer season, air conditioning has been essential, and we’re grateful that our accommodations had it.
Managing Money in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires remains an affordable city for long-term travelers, though inflation is evident. Restaurants and shops often update their prices daily, and we quickly learned a few hacks to stretch our budget:
- Cash Discounts: Many places offer a 10-15% discount for cash payments, though credit cards and Apple Pay are widely accepted.
- ATM Tips: We used a Charles Schwab account for fee refunds and good exchange rates. Red ATMs were particularly convenient, offering no fees and reliable cash availability.
- Exchange Rates: While the “blue rate” (offered by street exchangers) once provided significant savings, it’s now nearly identical to the official rate, making it easier to stick with ATMs or Western Union.
Our Place in Palermo Soho
For our month-long stay, we chose an Airbnb in the charming Palermo Soho neighborhood. The cost? A very reasonable $1,058.10 for 31 nights, including all utilities and access to the building’s amenities, such as a gym, sauna, hot tub, and pool.
Our one-bedroom apartment, with its peaceful balcony view, was a cozy retreat after long days of exploration. We loved the quiet streets, friendly neighbors, and easy access to public transportation. Plus, we had everything we needed right on our block—a supermarket and several fruit stands selling fresh, local produce.
Apartment Highlights:
- Laundry facilities ($1.20 per load)
- Super-fast internet and a Smart TV
- Excellent air conditioning
- A gym, pool, and sauna in the building
Of course, no place is perfect. The bed was a bit too low for our liking, and the apartment could have been cleaner when we arrived. Weekly cleaning would have been a nice touch, but these were minor inconveniences in an otherwise fantastic stay.
Getting Around: Travel Expenses and Insights
Navigating Buenos Aires is both convenient and budget-friendly, making it an ideal city for slow travelers. Over the course of our month-long stay, we spent a total of $813.11 on travel. This amount covered everything from flights and local transportation to an unforgettable side trip to Iguazú Falls.
Flight Here: Practically Free
Our flight to Buenos Aires from Boston was a great deal—just $11, thanks to points earned on our American Express Delta Card. If you’re planning a long-term trip, leveraging travel points is a game-changer for saving on major expenses.
Iguazú Falls: A Highlight of the Month
The biggest portion of our travel budget went to a two-day trip to the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, covering flights, hotel stays, and park admission. It was worth every penny, and we’re creating a dedicated guide and video (Follow us on YouTube to be notified when it comes out) to help you plan your own visit to this natural wonder.
Public Transportation: Incredibly Affordable
Buenos Aires has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. We relied heavily on it, spending just $34.30 for the entire month. A Sube card—essential for buses and subways—costs between $1 and $3 to purchase, and reloading the card is easy and cheap. Each bus or subway ride costs around 45 cents per person, and we reloaded our cards four times, spending $8 per reload. Reloads can be done at the machines or desks in the subway but the Sube card itself needs to be purchased at a local Kiosk, which is why the price varies.
Buses and Subways: A Smooth Ride
Using the bus system in Buenos Aires is straightforward but requires a little Spanish. Simply tell the driver your destination and the number of passengers before scanning your Sube card. Subways are even easier: scan and board. A recent upgrade allows you to tap on and off with your credit card, though this is currently available only on subways. Expect buses and trains to be crowded during rush hour but clean and efficient otherwise.
Uber: Convenient and Cost-Effective
For added convenience, we occasionally used Uber, which is significantly cheaper here than in the U.S. A typical ride costs a fraction of what you’d pay stateside, with our most expensive trip within the city totaling just $7. However, daily rides can add up if used regularly.
Special Excursions: Tradition Day
One of the most unique travel experiences was a day trip to San Antonio de Areco for Tradition Day, a celebration of gaucho heritage on November 10th. The round-trip Uber ride cost $100, which we split with another couple. If you’re in Buenos Aires during this time, we highly recommend making the trip—it’s a fantastic glimpse into Argentina’s culture.
Between affordable public transit, cost-effective Ubers, and exciting side trips, getting around Buenos Aires was easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods or venturing out to nearby attractions, travel here offers great value and unforgettable experiences.
Eating Out: A Plethora of Options
We dived headfirst into Buenos Aires’ thriving food scene, spending $1,588.72 on dining out over the month. Yes, it was a splurge, but one we’ll always remember.
Some highlights included dining at two of the world’s top restaurants, Don Julio and Niño Gordo, where the ambiance and food presentation elevated the entire experience. Buenos Aires’ culinary offerings extended beyond its famous steaks and Malbec. We explored a variety of cuisines, indulging in everything from ramen and hot pot to burgers and Mexican food.
One thing to note: dinner here starts late. Many restaurants don’t open until 7 or 8 PM, and locals often dine after 9 PM. As early birds, you will sometimes find yourself dining with tourists.
Another surprise? The Italian influence on the food culture. Fresh pasta shops and Italian-inspired dishes like burrata are everywhere—a reflection of the city’s strong Italian heritage. And while the bread wasn’t our favorite (a bit denser and crumbly than we’re used to), the fresh pasta and other delights more than made up for it.
Complete list of Restaurants we have eaten at: (Favorites are starred *)
- Katsu
- El Burrito Real*
- Chui*
- Guerrin Pizza*
- Felices Pasta
- Niño Gordo*
- Bulls BBQ
- Piccolina Cafe*
- Choripaneria Chori Al Paso*
- La Boqueria
- Lourdes Fábrica de Pasta
- Don Julio*
- Las Inmortales
- The Burger Joint*
- La Toscana, Puerto Iguazú*
- Choripoint El Gran Paraíso
- Las Cabras*
- Obrador Florida*
- Kefi*
- Mirutaki Ramen
- The Night Kitchen*
- Comida Araba “Sharma King”
Groceries: Shopping Local
Even with our frequent dining out, we spent $339.45 on groceries, stocking up on staples like eggs, bread, bacon, yogurt, fruit, and drinks like coffee, tea, wine and sparkling water. Buenos Aires is dotted with local fruit stands, butcher shops, and small markets, making shopping both convenient and enjoyable.
We also cooked a few dinners at home, usually simple meals of fresh pasta with veggies. Shopping at local fruit stands here does require some preparation: cash is a must, as are basic Spanish skills or a reliable translator app. Learning to navigate kilos versus pounds was an adventure in itself!
For anyone planning an extended stay, the local grocery scene is a great way to balance eating out with budget-friendly meals at home. We spoke with several of our neighbors who let us know that they spend around $1200 a month on groceries for two people per month.
Check Out The Video For More Details
Health and Wellness: Staying Fit Abroad
Long-term travel comes with its own set of health and wellness needs. This month, we spent $547.62 on health-related expenses.
We started with dental cleanings, which cost $60 for the two of us. The care was excellent and affordable—proof that routine checkups abroad are entirely possible. We also received yellow fever vaccines for $360, reimbursed by our insurance. These preparations ensured we’re ready for future adventures, especially as we plan to explore South America.
In addition to healthcare, we picked up essentials like shampoo, sunscreen ($20), and an electric razor ($50). Buenos Aires is well-stocked with familiar pharmacy brands, making it easy to find what you need on the go.
Staying Connected: Affordable Phone and WiFi
Navigating a bustling city like Buenos Aires requires solid connectivity. Thankfully, staying online was both easy and affordable, costing us just $39.30 for two months.
We started with a Claro tourist package for $28 each, which provided 25GB of data for 30 days. When we needed additional data for our remaining fifteen days, a quick trip to a local kiosk allowed us to reload 10GB for just $11.30. Plus, our Airbnb had blazing-fast WiFi, ideal for work and streaming.
Entertainment: Immersing in Culture
Buenos Aires is a city that doesn’t demand deep pockets to enjoy its riches. We spent $255.74 on entertainment, including visits to parks, museums, and historic landmarks.
From free activities like exploring the Polo, horse races, San Telmo Market and admiring the street art of La Boca, to splurges on tours of the Colon Theater ($42.89) and Palacio Barolo ($64.34), El Zanjon ($45.57) there was no shortage of memorable moments.
A standout was the Holocaust Museum ($8.00), which offered a profound glimpse into history through its impressive collection of artifacts. At night, the city’s vibrant theater district and famous pizza joints like Guerrin made for lively outings.
Everywhere we have visited:
- Eco Parque (Free)
- Jardin Botanico ($4.00)
- Walking streets of Palermo (Free)
- Street art in Palermo (Free)
- Recoleta Cemetery ($29.89)
- Guido Shoe Store (Free)
- Distrito Arcos Outlets (Free)
- Parroquia De San Inacio De Loyla ($4.00)
- Plaza Dorrego (Free)
- San Telmo Market (Free)
- Plaza de Mayo (Free)
- Jardin Japonés ($4.00)
- Lago El Rosedal Park (Free)
- Hipodromo de Palermo (Free)
- Polo Grounds – Campo de Argentina de Polo (Free except for the finals and semi finals)
- Tradition Day, San Antonio de Areco ($14.00)
- La Boca (Free)
- Puerto Madero (Free)
- Women’s Park – Parque Mujeres BA (Free)
- Reserva Ecológica (Free)
- Floralis Genérica (Free)
- National Museum of Art (Free)
- Patio Bullrich (Free)
- Plaza Congreso (Free)
- La Obelisco (Free)
- Plaza Lavalle (Free)
- Teatro Colón ($42.89)
- Palacio Barolo ($64.34)
- Iguazú Falls: Brazilian side and Argentinian side ($866 Food, Hotel, Flights, Transportation, Park Admission, Boat Ride)
- Colon Fábrica ($8.00)
- La Bombonera Fútbol Stadium (Free outside, Entrance fee for museum and Stadium tour $56.00)
- Librería El Ateneo (Free)
- BA Holocaust Museum ($8.00)
- Retiró Neighborhood & Avenue de Florida (Free)
- Galerias Pacifico (Free)
- El Zanjón de Granados ($45.57)
Shopping: Local Treasures & High Price Imports
Our shopping expenses for the month totaled $47.75—a relatively small amount compared to other categories. Most of this was spent on small Christmas gifts for our daughter and a pair of swim goggles, a practical purchase since our accommodations will have pools through April. These goggles replaced a broken pair and have already seen plenty of use.
One unexpected highlight was replacing a Patagonia jacket that leaked during our visit to Iguazú Falls. Thankfully, Patagonia’s stellar warranty meant the store here in Buenos Aires replaced it for free. It’s always a relief when a trusted brand stands by its products.
While shopping in Buenos Aires, we noticed that imported items, especially clothing and electronics, are significantly more expensive than in the U.S. This is due to high tariffs. For example, an iPhone here can cost around $5,000 USD. If you’re planning an extended stay or visit, we recommend packing essentials—clothing, shoes, and tech—to avoid these inflated prices.
For everyday purchases, there are plenty of local markets and shops to explore, offering unique souvenirs and affordable finds. We found the local markets particularly interesting, full of handmade goods and located around the main squares on the weekends.
The Grand Total: A Month in Buenos Aires
After an incredible month in Buenos Aires, our grand total came to $4,690.09. This figure includes all our expenses, from accommodations and dining to transportation and activities, as well as the $866 spent on our unforgettable two-day trip to Iguazú Falls.
Buenos Aires has been a perfect mix of affordability, culture, and comfort. From the endless green parks and lively neighborhoods to delicious meals and cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of things to do and see. The city has a way of welcoming visitors, making them feel at home while offering a vibrant, dynamic backdrop for exploration.
For a more visual look at our expenses, activities, and recommendations, check out our video.
We hope this breakdown inspires you to visit Buenos Aires and explore its many offerings while managing costs effectively. If you have questions or want tips tailored to your travel style, leave us a comment or reach out on social media!
Our One-Month Buenos Aires Itinerary
Week 1: Exploring the City’s Green Spaces and Culture
10/31
- Dinner: Katsu
11/1
- Visited: Eco Parque
- Strolled: Jardín Botánico
11/2
- Activity: Walked the streets of Palermo, exploring vibrant street art.
- Takeout: El Burrito Real
11/3
- Lunch: Chui with fellow nomads.
11/4
- Activity: Exploring the Theater District & Obelisk
- Dinner: Guerrin Pizza in the Theater District.
11/5
- Activity: Exploring Palermo.
- Takeout: Italian food from Felices Pasta.
11/6
- Practical: Yellow Fever Vaccines and consultation.
- Visited: Recoleta Cemetery and Guido, the oldest shoe store in BA.
- Dinner: Nino Gordo.
11/7
- Shopping: Distrito Arcos Outlets.
- Activities: Got a Sube Card, explored BA via subway.
- Visited: Parroquia de San Ignacio de Loyola, Plaza Dorrego, San Telmo Market, and Plaza de Mayo.
Week 2: History, Markets, and Street Vibes
11/8
- Strolled: Jardín Japonés.
11/9
- Activities: Walked Paseo and Lago El Rosedal Park, visited Hipódromo de Palermo, and the Polo Grounds.
- Dinner: Bulls BBQ.
11/10
- Cultural Experience: Tradition Day in San Antonio de Areco.
11/12
- Breakfast: Piccolina Cafe.
- Visited: La Boca and San Telmo Market.
- Lunch: Choripaneria Chori Al Paso.
11/13
- Activities: Explored Puerto Madero, Parque Mujeres BA, and Reserva Ecológica.
- Dinner: Katsu.
11/14
- Visited: Floralis Genérica and the National Museum of Art.
- Shopping: Patio Bullrich.
Week 3: Iconic Landmarks and Culinary Highlights
11/15
- Dinner: La Boqueria.
11/16
- Shopping: Mercado de La Pulgas.
- Takeout: Lourdes Fábrica de Pasta.
- Dinner: Don Julio.
11/18
- Visited: Plaza Congreso and La Obelisco.
- Lunch: Las Inmortales.
11/20
- Visited: Plaza Lavalle, Teatro Colón, and Palacio Barolo.
- Dinner: The Burger Joint.
11/21-22
- Trip: Iguazú Falls (Brazilian and Argentinian sides).
- Dinner: La Toscana, Puerto Iguazú.
Week 4: Museums, Markets, and Relaxation
11/23
- Activities: Explored Colon Fábrica and returned to La Boca.
- Lunch: Choripoint El Gran Paraíso.
- Visited: La Bombonera Fútbol Stadium.
- Dinner: Las Cabras.
- Dessert: Ice cream at Obrador Florida.
11/24
- Activity: Pool Day.
11/25
- Dinner: Kefi (Greek food).
11/26
- Breakfast: Piccolina Cafe.
- Activities: Visited Librería El Ateneo, toured the BA Holocaust Museum, checked out the decorations at Galerías Pacífico, and explored the BA Retiro Neighborhood.
- Takeout: Mirutaki Ramen.
11/27
- Activity: Explored El Zanjón de Granados and had lunch at San Telmo Market.
11/28
- Dinner: The Burger Joint (second visit).
11/29
- Revisited: Eco Parque.
- Dinner: The Night Kitchen (hot pot).
11/30
- Takeout: Comida Árabe – Shawarma King.
