At Sim Local, our team is spread out across the world, giving us a unique insider perspective in over a dozen cities. We created this series to highlight the must-see attractions, as well as some hidden gems that only locals know. This week, the spotlight is on Buenos Aires.
If you only had one day to show someone around Buenos Aires, where would you take them?
San Telmo and La Boca are steeped in cultural heritage, so it’s only right that we start with these places. These neighbourhoods were vibrant melting pots, filled with people from all corners of the world, particularly after World War II. The streets were alive with the sounds of different languages and the aromas of diverse cuisines. My dad used to bring us here for walks to help us understand where we came from. He’d tell us how my grandmother arrived in Buenos Aires by boat.
Now, over 20 years later, whenever I walk through those same streets, I’m reminded of him and the stories he shared. These places have resonance for everyone. If you want to soak up the atmosphere and history of a place, look no further.
Then I’d take you for a stroll through Recoleta, known for its historic cemetery, impressive architecture, and leafy plazas. Or a bike ride around the “Bosques de Palermo” with its beautiful lakes and rose gardens. Once there, I highly recommend finding one of the typical BBQ food trucks for a truly authentic food experience.
The streets of San TelmoFinding your way around the city can be tricky if you're not familiar with the place, so keep your maps ready. You'll find free Wi-Fi all over the city but quality can vary. If you don't want to rely on Wi-Fi signal (or expensive data roaming) consider opting for an affordable data plan that connects you to the local networks. You can do this with a travel SIM card or, even more convenient, an eSIM.
Where would you go to eat?
If you visit Puerto Madero, you’ll find plenty of lovely restaurants, but keep in mind they’re mostly designed for tourists. Locals don’t frequent them as much. Our cuisine is a blend of Spanish and Italian influences, though we tend to cook more with meat than fish.
In Buenos Aires, BBQ food trucks may not be as polished as those in Europe, but I guarantee that if you try a choripán or bondiola sandwich, you’ll be dreaming about it for the rest of your life. Choripán is a sausage made from a mix of beef and pork, grilled, sliced down the middle, and served on a roll. Bondiola is a sandwich made with thick slices of pork shoulder. Both can be topped with chimichurri sauce, a flavorful (but not spicy) condiment.
For pizza and empanadas, my favourite spot is "La Americana," with its original location on Callao 83. If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t miss our churros filled with dulce de leche—a caramel-like treat. The best ones are at "Churrerías El Topo" on Malabia 1784.
For a drink, one of the best speakeasies is "La Florería Atlántico." It looks like a regular flower shop, but if you walk in and pass through the “flower freezer,” you’ll find the hidden door to the bar.
Best of Buenos Aires
Best Pizza: La americana (Callao 83)
Best Tacos: Taco Box Palermo (Soler 5581)
Best Burger: Kiddo (Arévalo 2882)
Best Cocktail: La Florería Atlántico (Arroyo 872)
Best Bookshop: El Ateneo Grand Splendid (Santa Fe 1860)
Best Ice-Cream: Cadore (Av. Corrientes 1695)
Best Coffee: Habito Café (Mexico 1162)
Best Pastries: Atalaya (Av. Belgrano n°300)
Best Vegetarian: Gordo Vegano (Echeverría 3078)
What are some hidden gems that most tourists don’t know about?
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
I don't know if it's a hidden gem but El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a breathtaking bookstore that you absolutely must visit—and the best part is, it’s free! You can even grab a coffee and take your time soaking in the beauty of this unique spot. If you’re a coffee lover, I highly recommend “Habito Café” in San Nicolás, located at Mexico 1162.
One of the loveliest things to do in the city centre is to watch the sunset. For this, I’d suggest visiting a rooftop bar like Salón 1923. Located at Avenida de Mayo 1370 on the 16th floor, it's just 10 minutes from the Obelisco. You can fall in love with Buenos Aires as you sip on a cocktail and enjoy the stunning views of the city.
What are some popular activities or events in Buenos Aires?
There’s so much to do in Buenos Aires. Take Avenida Corrientes, for example—it has over 20 theatres offering a variety of performances, from musicals to dramas and comedies. Every block along the avenue is packed with dining and drinking options, making it a great place to explore.
We also host some unique events, like the MUZA 5K, a pizza marathon where participants visit multiple pizzerias, and “La Noche de las Librerías,” when bookstores along Avenida Corrientes stay open late into the night. This event takes place one Saturday every March, from 6 p.m. to midnight.
"Dinner here is considered "early" at around 9 p.m."Museums and art are at the heart of Porteño culture (the name for people born in the city). And keep in mind, dinner here is considered "early" at around 9 p.m. and restaurants stay open until at least midnight. Shopping centres and stores usually remain open until 10 p.m.!
If you're in Buenos Aires, the city offers a wealth of museums, many of which are free and scattered throughout various neighbourhoods. My personal favourites include:
Museo de la Inmigración (Av. Antártida Argentina 1355): This museum focuses on immigration in Argentina, and interestingly, the building itself was once a hotel where immigrants stayed upon arriving in the country.
Museo Quinquela Martín (Av. Don Pedro de Mendoza 1835): A fine arts museum that houses the largest collection of Quinquela Martín's oil paintings, capturing the essence of one of my favourite neighbourhoods — La Boca.
What about your favourite place outside the city?
Mar de las Pampas is a peaceful, family-friendly beach located about a five-hour drive from Buenos Aires. Nestled between the forest and the sea, it’s the perfect escape. The town itself is small but charming, with most of the cabins equipped with BBQ setups, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway.
Popular activities include walking, enjoying the serene surroundings, horseback riding along the beach, and cycling through the forest. Despite its size, Mar de las Pampas has everything you need, including a churro shop and a mini-golf course!
Abril Keinrath Felice is from Buenos Aires but currently lives in Dublin. She’s the Human Resources Administrator at Sim Local.
