Top 14 free things to do in Buenos Aires

Combine Argentina’s passion for all things cultural with its fierce community spirit and it’s hardly surprising that there’s such a wealth of free things to see and do in Buenos Aires. From top-notch shows and exhibitions to moving tributes to the country’s past, Buenos Aires welcomes travellers on a budget.

1. Recoleta Cemetery

The elaborate mausoleums and crumbling masonry of this historic cemetery stretch so far that you could almost get lost. Recoleta Cemetery is best known as the final resting place of Eva Peron, but you’ll also find the mausoleums of several former presidents and other members of high society. Junin 1760. 8am-6pm daily.

2. San Telmo Fair

San Telmo’s cobbled streets and ornate old edifices are lined with hip bars, designer boutiques and antiques shops, but its real forté is the fair. Crowding the pavements of Defensa all the way up to Plaza de Mayo, this handicrafts market happens every Sunday afternoon. Between the human statues and the plethora of street food vendors it’s a pretty full-on experience. To really get into the rhythm of things, go late in the afternoon when percussion bands drum in the street. Defensa. Sunday afternoons.

3. El Rosedal

El Rosedal is an elegantly landscaped rose garden in the parks of Palermo. With over 18,000 roses, it’s a captivating and beautiful place to stroll. Dotted along its gravel paths are busts of famous poets. Head there when it’s quiet to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings. Av. Libertador and Av. Sarmiento. Tuesday-Sunday, 8am-7pm.

4. El Ateneo Grand Splendid

This book shop in an old theatre is a veritable monument to the written word. The Grand Splendid first opened in 1919, and El Ateneo has carefully preserved the theatre’s opulent frescoes and ornamentation. The boxes have been turned into little reading rooms where you can curl up with a book. There’s even a cafe on stage, behind the plush velvet drapes. Av. Santa Fe 1860. Monday-Thursday 9am-10pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-midnight, Sunday midday-10pm.

You might also like: Highlights of Buenos Aires

5. Espacio Memoria y Derechos Humanos

Housed in the former Navy School of Mechanics, or ESMA, which was used as a secret detention and torture centre during Argentina’s last military dictatorship, The Espacio Memoria y Derechos Humanos (Space of Memory and Human Rights) is dedicated to human rights education and honours the legacy of the nearly 30,000 who disappeared during that time of unrest. Av. Del Libertador 8151. Monday-Sunday, 9am-10pm. 

6. Kirchner Cultural Center

The Kirchner Cultural Center is certainly palatial. Before being transformed into its current form, the building housed the central post office, which was known as the “postal palace”. Despite its grandiose fittings, all events at the center are free. Make sure to book tickets online before heading out, spots fill up fast.  Sarmiento 151.

7. Floralis genérica

To describe floralis genérica as just a massive metal flower would be the same as calling the Eiffel Tower a large metal structure. Designed by Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano as a tribute to flowers, this dynamic aluminium and stainless steel sculpture is fitted with special sensors that make it open and close with the light of day. Av. Figueroa Alcorta 2301. 

You might also like: Buenos Aires with children 

8. Mataderos Fair

Less frenetic than the San Telmo fair, the Mataderos fair is a neighbourhood affair on the outskirts of town. It’s especially famous for celebrating Argentine folklore as gauchos in full regalia occasionally put on performances. A central stage hosts peñas (folk dances), complete with swishing skirts, stomping boots and copious hanky waving. Take bus 126. Av. Lisandro de la Torre and Av. de los Corrales. Sundays and public holidays, 11am-8pm, March-December.

9. Chacarita Cemetery

Tango aficionados, take note: Carlos Gardel is buried in Chacarita Cemetery. Even if you’re not a fan of the famous tango singer, the cemetery is still worth visiting for its elaborate and varied tombs. It’s a quieter option to Recoleta Cemetry. Av. Guzman 730.

You might also like: Tango: the dance of Buenos Aires 

10.  Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve

Escape from the city at this enormous nature reserve on the shore of the River Plate. Keep your eyes peeled for coypus (otter-like aquatic mammals) in the lake on the way in. Inside, little green parrots flit across the paths. The reserve closes for bad weather, so check their Facebook page before you go. Viamonte entrance: Av. Int. Hernan M. Giralt. Brasil entrance: Av. Dr. Tristán Achavál Rodríguez. 8am-6pm April-October, 8am-7pm November-March.

11. La Usina del Arte

Events at the Usina del Arte encompass everything from concerts to succulent terrarium workshops – all free. Come for the culture, stay for the expansive, industrial-chic architecture. Agustín R. Caffarena 1

12. Cabildo 

Buenos Aires’ old town hall is now a fascinating museum about the history of the city and Argentina’s struggle for independence. Guided tours are available in Spanish and English. The Cabildo looks straight onto Plaza de Mayo, so make sure to cross the square and check out the presidential palace, the Casa Rosada (Pink House). Bolívar 65. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 10:30am-5pm. Thursday: 10:30am-8pm. Weekends and public holidays: 10:30am-6pm.

You might also like: Top 7 rooftop bars in Buenos Aires

13. Manzana de las Luces

This old Jesuit block in the heart of Buenos Aires has been a national historic monument since 1942. The tall, arched brickwork and aristocratic interiors are worth a visit in their own right, but the building also hosts a wide range of activities from free Sunday film screenings to literary activities for children. It’s even been known to hold tango dances on the patio. Perú 294. Weekdays: 11am-7pm. Weekends: 1-7pm.

14. Parque Lezama

Centrally located between San Telmo and La Boca, Parque Lezama is a picturesque urban park of broad paths winding between the dappled shade of immense trees. There’s a fair on the southern side on weekends. Defensa and Brasil.

You might also like:

A perfect day in Buenos Aires
Budget-friendly restaurants in Buenos Aires 
Eating, drinking and dancing like a porteño in Buenos Aires 

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter. Make sure you're ready for anything with travel insurance from our trusted partners.