Buenos Aires is no longer as cheap as it was a few years back. If you’re visiting the city on a budget, it certainly makes sense to take advantage of the free or affordable attractions in the city.
Here’s a list of the best free things to do in Buenos Aires! And don’t forget to check our hostel recommendations in the Argentine capital.
Bellas Artes
This classic art museum is arguably the best in the city. And it’s completely free to visit, as you can waltz right in.
You will find the museum in the northern part of the Recoleta neighborhood, on the iconic Libertador avenue. It’s easy to spend 2 hours inside the museum, and once you get out, try to enjoy some of the nearby parks and street markets.
Address: Av. del Libertador 1473
Recoleta Cemetery
Also near Bellas Artes, you’ll find the Recoleta Cemetery which is also free to visit.
This cemetery has a lot of grandeur. Many of Argentina’s most famous people in the past are buried here, often with great memorials.
You can visit from 8 am to 5 pm every day of the week. Guided tours in Spanish are also free, so if you speak the language, it’s good to take advantage of that.
Address: Junín 1760
Ecoparque
The former zoo of Buenos Aires is located in one of the best parts of Palermo. It is no longer a zoo, but now a conservation space for animals and a public park.
In the Ecoparque, you will find elephants, pumas, parrots and maras, plus many other animals. Several of them walk freely around the park.
There are cafés, restaurants and bathrooms inside the park. Visit between 11 am and 6 pm any day of the week! It’s free, so you just walk straight through the entrance!
Address: Av. Sarmiento 2601
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
El Ateneo is a huge bookstore. But what’s most interesting about it is that it used to be a theatre, so the interior looks absolutely stunning.
With three floors, a café inside, plus an uncountable amount of books, games, music records and more, it’s definitely a place to visit. It’s usually quite crowded and a lot of people are taking photos inside – but that just speaks to the popularity of the place.
Address: Av. Sta. Fe 1860
La Boca Caminito
La Boca is one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. It can be a bit unsafe, so we advise a day visit, and preferably to Caminito which is basically an open street museum in La Boca.
It is full of colorful houses, nice cafés, souvenir shops and much more. The architecture is the most interesting thing about Caminito. It’s obviously free to go there, but for a small payment you can probably get a local guide to tell you all the stories and learn why every house has a different color! Many hostels offer free tours to Caminito, so try to ask the staff at the hostel where you’re staying.
Address: Dr. del Valle Iberlucea & Magallanes
Ferias
Ferias are open markets and these are free to visit. They are especially common on Sundays in certain areas of Buenos Aires.
We highly recommend:
- Feria de San Telmo, open every Sunday on the street Defensa
- Feria Artesenal de Parque Centenario, in the neighborhood Caballito, open every Sunday
- Feria de Mataderos, in the southwest of the city, with fewer foreign visitors and a more local Argentinian vibe, open every Sunday
Museo del Cabildo
This historic building faces Plaza de Mayo on the opposite end of the Presidential Casa Rosada.
It’s another beautiful museum to visit, and it happens to be free as well. It was where the local city council ruled during the colonial era. The architecture is something unique and is one of the most important colonial buildings in Buenos Aires. On the inside, you’ll find cool objects, paintings and artifacts related to Argentina’s past.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday!
Address: Bolívar 65
Museo de la Inmigración
Argentina is a country of immigrants. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country attracted millions of people, mainly from the south of Europe, who came for a better life and more living space.
The vast majority of Argentina’s immigrants arrived in Buenos Aires. In that way, the city feels similar to New York.
The National Immigration Museum is placed inside an old building that used to be a large hotel for immigrants between 1911 and 1953. Today, it is full of stories, pictures, artifacts. You can visit the place and walk around in there – one of the highlights is the massive dining area where there is enough place for a thousand people.
The museum is free to visit and open from Wednesday to Sunday.
Address: Av. Antártida Argentina S/N
Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo
This museum is found inside a palace on Avenida Libertador, one of the city’s most famous avenues.
While we consider the palace the highlight in itself, you can also see a lot of art inside. Much of the art comes from Europe and the Far East. Outside the palace, there are tranquil gardens and even a small outdoor restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat.
Visits are free, but donations to the palace are encouraged.
Address: Av. del Libertador 1902
Free walking tours
Our final suggestion is not one specific attraction but rather that you sign up for some walking tours around the city!
Most hostels offer this daily. These tours will often be free, but tips appreciated. Not only is it a good way to discover the city, but also a good way to become part of a group and get to hang out with the other people from your hostel.
Even if you aren’t staying in a hostel, it is sometimes possible to find free tours anyway. Look on apps such as Meetup or simply ask around when you get to Buenos Aires.
We recommend walking tours in the areas of San Telmo, La Boca, Recoleta and Microcentro. They have the most attractions to see, and in the case of La Boca, it is nice to go there with a group and not alone. The other three are safe to walk through alone, in case you prefer walking on your own.