Buenos AiresCapital
Argentina · Country profile
Buenos Aires is Argentina’s elegant, passionate capital, a Parisian-style city of wide boulevards, grand plazas and the unmistakable rhythm of tango. Neighbourhoods like the colourful Caminito in La Boca, the leafy Palermo and the evocative Recoleta reveal a city of art, steak and late-night life, bookended by the riverfront Costanera. Its café culture is legendary — stay for coffee, medialunas and an asado — and its parks and theatres echo the city’s European soul. Seductive and melancholy all at once, Buenos Aires charms visitors who slow down and settle in.
About Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina. The city's documented population is around 3,120,612 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS) and Spanish is spoken; the dialling code is +54. It is served by 2 airports in our guide: Ministro Pistarini International Airport and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery.
Boulevards, Tango and Dinner at Ten
Buenos Aires is an elegant, European-feeling capital of wide boulevards, grand plazas, cafés and tango, set on the flat banks of the Río de la Plata. It is a city that rewards slowing down — the culture is built on long café visits, late dinners and evening strolls, and the mood is both passionate and reflective. The district character varies hugely, from the colourful Caminito of La Boca to the leafy, fashionable Palermo and the historic skyline around the Obelisco. It is a city of art, steak and theatre, with a laid-back warmth that grows deeper the longer you stay.
Navigate the Currency Before You Navigate the Streets
The currency and payment situation moves quickly in Argentina — check the current rate and how cards versus cash are handled before you go, because the official picture can differ from the reality on the ground. Mealtimes are very late, with dinner often starting around 9 or 10 pm, so plan your eating schedule accordingly. Palermo and the main museums get busy on weekends, so book ahead where tickets exist. The seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere — the warm months run roughly November to March. Learn a little Spanish — English is less widespread than in some capitals.
Late-Night Culture, Steak and a Modest Metro
The city uses a mix of metro (the Subte), buses and taxis; the Subte is fast but limited, so buses and ride apps carry much of the load, and the Buenos Aires card prepays the buses — sort it early. Palermo, Recoleta and the historic centre are the main bases, each walkable in its own area. Tipping is modest — around 10% at restaurants and loose change at cafés. The culture runs late, so don’t expect an early dinner or an empty street at midnight. The country’s iconic steak and asado culture is a highlight, and the café is central to daily life. The city is big, so pick an area and explore it well.
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- Country
- Argentina
- Population
- 3,120,612
- Coordinates
- -34.8222, -58.5358
- Capital
- Buenos Aires
- Region
- South America
- Currency
- Argentine Peso (ARS)
- Languages
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +54
- Country code
- AR
Entry requirements for Argentina
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Argentina for tourism.
Getting to Buenos Aires
Airports we list for Buenos Aires:
Frequently asked questions
Is Buenos Aires the capital of Argentina?
Yes — Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina.
What currency do I need in Buenos Aires?
The local currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). Languages spoken in Argentina include Spanish.
What is the dialling code for Argentina?
The international dialling code for Argentina is +54.
Which airport should I fly into for Buenos Aires?
The airports we list for Buenos Aires are Ministro Pistarini International Airport and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery.
Do I need a visa to visit Argentina?
It depends on your passport. Among the origins we track, travellers from Australia, Canada, France, Germany and Italy currently enter Argentina visa-free for tourism. Use the entry requirements tool to check your own nationality and purpose of travel.
Flying out of Buenos Aires? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.