Low-cost Summer Plans in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, internationally known for its tango, ranks as the most visited city in South America and boasts a rich cultural and entertainment scene all year round. This city has it all and is always ready to welcome tourists of all kinds, offering everything from the most eccentric luxuries to low-cost plans suitable for everyone. The best part is that this means getting to know in depth the different corners of a city that is both classic and experimental in equal measure. 

1) Having a picnic in Puerto Madero's green spaces

If you are looking for a landscape with luxury buildings, top class restaurants, a bridge that portrays the elegance of tango and a blend of vintage and modern, Puerto Madero is the place for you. A trendy neighbourhood in one of the youngest areas of the city. The charm appears both during the day and at night, when lights do their thing to dress up the area. If you go during the day, there are plenty of green areas to enjoy a summer classic: the popular picnic. Places like the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, the Mujeres Argentinas Park and the Rose Garden in Puerto Madero are perfect for that. The big must-try, no matter which destination you choose, is mate, a typical Argentinian infusion that combines yerba mate with hot water.

2) Learning to dance the tango for free

A cultural tradition of Argentina. Two people, dressed in costumes, moving to the sound of melancholic music and melodies. The sensual dance of the couple draws the attention of foreigners who long for a live show. And when visiting Buenos Aires, they get it, as tango offers are plentiful. From free dance classes in Plaza Barrancas de Belgrano every Sunday, to live shows in the neighbourhood of San Telmo, more precisely in Plaza Dorrego. Another neighbourhood that exudes tango is Boedo, where there are options to marvel at the rhythm of the '2×4'. The method is always the same: each participant decides the amount they would like to contribute as a way of expressing their gratitude for the event.

3) Marvelling at the most beautiful bookshop in the world

A dome painted with clouds leaving the war behind. A red backdrop that hides a stage turned into a café. Walls with golden detailing and balconies that once used to be part of a theatre. This is the most famous bookshop in Buenos Aires and one of the most beautiful in the world. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is ideal to choose one of its thousands of books and sit down to read.

4) Admiring the city's street art

Art is everywhere in the streets of Buenos Aires. It can be found in exhibitions and museums, but also in alleyways and more improvised places, creating a unique style. Neighbourhoods like Palermo and La Boca are leaders when it comes to street art, and the murals drawn on their walls have become icons of the Buenos Aires capital. 

5) Visiting Chinatown and enjoying its celebrations

Walking into Chinatown feels like being taken to Asia for a moment. Its markets, gastronomic patios, fairs, and shows allow you to learn more about Chinese culture in a small area of the Belgrano neighbourhood. Between the last days of January and the first days of February, in the middle of summer, the Chinese New Year is celebrated. This is a free and open celebration with live shows, many musical performances and cultural activities.

6) Visiting the Centro Cultural Recoleta 

This is a place of diversity, dynamism, creation, and interaction with free admission. The Centro Cultural Recoleta is perfect for young people and teenagers. With its 27 showrooms, it offers a wide variety of exhibitions including visual arts, concerts, hip hop, electronic music and film evenings. This exceptional building is located in a historic centre with 300 years of history: the ideal mix of tradition and innovation.

7) Walking through the city's most popular places for tourists

Discovering the cultural highlights of a city is always a great idea at any time of the year, and if you add the possibility of getting to know their history and background, then the plan is even better. In Buenos Aires, you can have these experiences through the already famous free walking tours. There are several circuits planned, depending on the time you want to invest. The important thing is that all of them cover the historical places of Buenos Aires in a unique tour that also allows you to meet people from different parts of the world.

There are also iconic sites that offer a free visit in a very simple way. The Casa Rosada, one of the most representative buildings and also declared a historical monument, offers professional guided tours that describe each corner of the place to small groups of tourists. Visitors must book in advance through the website.

The Palacio San Martín, in turn, exhibits the elite and aristocracy of 20th century Argentina. Free guided tours are also available on its website. 

The Teatro Colón, an icon of Buenos Aires, adds to the list of must-sees and offers a guided tour of the theatre at a very low cost. Reservations can be made through its website (don't be late!).