Top Outdoor Activities in Buenos Aires
The Best Things to See and Do Outside in Argentina's Capital
Dec 10, 2008
When winter descends upon the Northern Hemisphere, travelers fly south to Buenos Aires to take advantage of the reversed seasons. Luckily, Argentina’s capital has lots of great things to do outside. Just don’t forget sunscreen. Of course, brave tourists can enjoy these activities year-round.
Play in Palermo’s Park
Inaugurated in November 1875, Parque Tres de Febrero (or Los Bosques de Palermo) is more than 80 hectares of green in the middle of Palermo. Highlights include two artificial lakes, a rose garden, the Museo de Artes Plásticas Eduardo Sívori, and the meditative Jardín Japonés. The beautiful Rosedale, home to nearly 12,000 roses, often hosts free Sunday afternoon jazz and classical music concerts in the summer. Sunbathe, bike ride, rollerblade, jog, or rent a paddle or rowboat ($20-30/half hour, daily from 11am-sundown).
Avenida Adolfo Berro between Avda. Sarmiento and Avda. Casares. Open daily. Admission free. *
Chill out in the Jardín Japonés
Created in 1967 to commemorate the visit of then Crown Princes Akihito and Michiko, the Jardín Japonés is a Zen oasis located in the corner of Parque Tres de Febrero. The small but worthwhile Jardín Japonés boasts a library, bonsai nursery, koi filled fish pond, teahouse, and sushi restaurant. Japanese cultural events are held here as well.
Avda. Figueroa Alcorta and Avda. Casares. Open daily 10am-6pm. Adm. $5, children under 6 free. Restaurant open Wed-Mon 10am-6pm, 7:30pm-midnight.
People Watch in Plaza Francia
Around the corner from the Recoleta Cemetery is Plaza Francia, home to an impressive weekend arts and crafts fair. Artisans crowd the plaza with stalls selling everything from clothes to jewelry to art. Locals and foreigners flock here to shop for souvenirs, drink mate, play music, practice capoeira, and learn circus tricks.
Avda. del Libertador and Pueyrredón. Fair open Sat – Sun, holidays 10am-7pm.
Go for a Nature Walk in the Reserva Ecológica
At the far end of Puerto Madero is the entrance to the Reserva Ecológica, 350 hectares of wilderness that was designated as an ecological reserve in 1986. Part grassland, marshland, and forest, the reserve is home to hundreds of animal species. A circular gravel path leads right up to the edge of the Río de la Plata and provides a pretty view of the Buenos Aires skyline. Bikes available for rent ($8/hr).
Avda. Tristán Achával Rodríguez 1550, Costanera Sur. Open Tue-Sun April-Oct 8am-6pm, Nov-March 8am-6:45pm. Adm. free.
Take a Day Trip to Tigre and the Delta
Less than an hour by train from the Buenos Aires city center is the riverside town of Tigre and the Delta del Paraná. Canals, water activities, and beaches make Tigre the ideal getaway. The water may not be crystal clear (sediment accounts for the brown color), but it’s safe to swim. Wander around the city, take a river taxi from the Estación Fluvial to a deserted island, or visit the Parque de la Costa amusement park.
Trains from Buenos Aires to Tigre depart from the Retiro train station daily until midnight. The Mitre line offers two options: direct service to Tigre, or change at the Mitre station to the Tren de la Costa.
Eat Ice Cream
Cool down after a long day of sightseeing at an ice cream shop. Argentine helado closely resembles Italian gelato, and comes in indulgent flavors such as dulce de leche with brownie, mascarpone with red berries, and banana split. Volta, Persicco, Freddo, Munchi’s, and Chungo are the big names, but any brand is sure to please.
*Prices listed in pesos.
**All prices and schedules subject to change.
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