10 Best Things to Do in Recoleta Buenos Aires

If you really want to get to know Buenos Aires, then you can't miss Recoleta, one of the most traditional neighbourhoods in the Argentine capital and also one of the most attractive, apart from its beautiful Parisian architecture and its many green spaces where you can relax and rest between excursions.

Among the best activities you can see and do in Buenos Aires to discover Recoleta are visiting the neighbourhood cemetery, having a drink in one of the world's most famous signature bars, touring the National Museum of Fine Arts, enjoying a play at the Cervantes National Theatre and visiting the stately Duhau Palace, one of the most characteristic buildings in the area.

The Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world and one of the main tourist attractions in Buenos Aires. It was inaugurated in 1822 and has a large number of tombs and mausoleums of great architectural and artistic value, as the tombs and mausoleums are built in different architectural styles, such as neo-Gothic, neoclassical, art nouveau and art deco, and are considered true works of art in themselves.

Among the most notable tombs are those of important figures in Argentine history, such as:

• First Lady Eva Perón.
• The writer José Hernández.
• Argentine President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento.
• Musician Astor Piazzolla, one of the greatest representatives of tango in Buenos Aires.
• The legendary boxer Luis Ángel Firpo, who is also represented by a life-size bronze statue.

The cemetery offers guided tours that will allow you to learn about the history and details of the most important tombs, as well as the architecture and evolution of the cemetery over the years. However, if you prefer, you can also explore it on your own. In addition, this site is a green and peaceful space in the middle of the city, offering a unique perspective on Argentine history and culture.

Details of interest

• Price: admission costs approximately £5.
• Location: Junín 1760, Buenos Aires.
• Opening hours: every day from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is a Baroque-style church built in the 18th century, between 1732 and 1745. It is considered one of the oldest churches in the city and the epicentre of the Recoleta neighbourhood. It is dedicated to the Virgin of Pilar, and one of its courtyards features an image of this Virgin, which is the object of devotion for the Catholic faithful who visit the church, many of them on pilgrimage.

The basilica is usually included in the best tours of Buenos Aires for many reasons:

• It has striking architecture, with a Spanish Baroque façade and a Neoclassical tower, a combination of styles that make it unique.

• Inside, it houses a large number of works of art and religious objects of historical and artistic value. One of the most outstanding features is the altarpiece of the main altar, which was brought from Spain and has a wealth of carved details in wood.

• Its gardens and interior courtyards offer a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors.

Details of interest

• Price: admission to the basilica is free.
• Location: Junín 1892, Buenos Aires.
• Opening hours: every day from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you're looking for a place to have a drink in a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere, the Florería Atlántico bar in Recoleta is an excellent choice. This signature bar is located in the basement of a flower shop and features décor that combines vintage elements with modern and sophisticated touches. It is also considered one of the best signature bars in the world.

One of the highlights of the bar is its attention to detail in the preparation of drinks. The cocktails are made with fresh, quality ingredients, and each drink is presented with an artistic touch that makes every sip a unique experience. In the area where it is located, you can also discover some of the best buildings in Buenos Aires.

In addition to drinks, the bar has a menu of tapas and small dishes that perfectly complement the drinks. The dishes are creative and delicious, with options for all tastes, from vegetarian options to fresh meat and fish.

Details of interest

• Price: cocktails start at £6 and dishes at £13.
• Location: Arroyo 872, Buenos Aires.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and Sundays from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

The National Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see destination for those who enjoy art and culture. When visiting the museum, you can appreciate a wide variety of works of art, including paintings, sculptures and engravings, ranging from the 13th century to the present day, making it one of the best museums in Buenos Aires, where you can find:

• Collections of European, Argentine and pre-Hispanic art and works by artists such as Goya, El Greco, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet and Renoir, among others.
• A collection of pre-Hispanic art, including objects and artefacts from South American cultures.
• Collections of Argentine art, with works by national artists such as Benito Quinquela Martín, Antonio Berni and Xul Solar.
• Temporary exhibition rooms, where contemporary art exhibitions and other themed exhibitions are held.
• French art room, which features works by artists such as Rodin, Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec.
• The Oriental Art Room is also a must-see, where you can find Chinese, Japanese and Indian art objects.

In any case, this is a museum you cannot miss in Recoleta, and you can get there by public transport and the hop-on hop-off buses in Buenos Aires.

Details of interest

• Price: admission costs approximately £8.
• Location: Av. del Libertador 1473, Buenos Aires.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00.

Plaza Francia is one of the most picturesque spots in Buenos Aires. Located in the heart of Recoleta, it is an ideal place to take a break after a day of sightseeing, as it has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and is surrounded by bars and open views of some of the city's most beautiful buildings, such as the Doric building of the University of Buenos Aires Law School.

On weekends, the square is transformed into a craft and antique fair, where you can find unique and authentic objects of Argentine culture. The fair is very popular with tourists and locals alike and is one of the city's meeting points.

Located in an area close to the Recoleta Cemetery and the National Museum of Fine Arts, it is an ideal place to take a break between excursions and to go on some of the best food tours in Buenos Aires.

The Recoleta Mall is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Buenos Aires, especially for those looking for fashionable clothing, jewellery and designer items or top brands. It is a modern and elegant shopping centre full of shops and brands.

There you will find a wide variety of clothing stores, from international brands to local designers with unique and authentic styles. If you are interested in technology, the shopping centre also has electronics and gadget stores.

At Recoleta Mall, you will also find food and drink options, from cafes and ice cream parlours to sophisticated restaurants. It is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a snack or a full meal before continuing your shopping tour or your frenetic tour of the city, especially if you are planning a short stay. If that is the case, here is how to discover Buenos Aires in 3 days.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Vicente López 2050, Buenos Aires.
• Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 21:00.

The Recoleta Cultural Centre is one of the most emblematic places in Buenos Aires, especially because it is a cultural and artistic space that offers a wide variety of exhibitions, activities and events for all types of audiences.

It is a vibrant and dynamic place that always has something new to offer, making each visit a unique experience. It is also one of the best places to visit with children in Buenos Aires.

At the Recoleta Cultural Centre you will find:

• Different exhibitions of contemporary art, photography, cinema, theatre and music.
• A public library, where you can find a wide variety of books, magazines and newspapers to read in a quiet and relaxing environment.
• A souvenir shop where you can buy souvenirs and designer items by local artists.
• Its courtyard, where different events and outdoor activities take place. From concerts and festivals to art exhibitions, design fairs and tango classes.

Details of interest

• Price: rates vary depending on the exhibitions.
• Location: Junín 1930, Buenos Aires.
• Opening hours: every day from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Teatro Nacional Cervantes is one of the most iconic artistic centres in Buenos Aires and an important cultural hub in Argentina. Founded in 1921, this theatre has been home to some of the best plays, operas and ballets in the country and around the world.

Seeing a play at the Teatro Nacional Cervantes is a unique and exciting experience. The quality of the productions is exceptional, and the selection of plays includes both classics and new offerings from the theatre scene. Furthermore, the theatre's majestic architecture is an attraction in itself, with its impressive Renaissance-style façade and elegant interior decorated with marble columns.

If you are a fan of theatre and the performing arts and want to enjoy a cultural experience outside the famous Teatro Colón, the Cervantes could be just what you are looking for.

Details of interest

• Price: rates depend on the performance chosen, but you can find options starting at £15 per person.
• Location: Cerrito 618, Buenos Aires.
• Opening hours: performances start at 7pm.

Having a coffee at La Biela bar is an experience not to be missed during your visit to Buenos Aires. This place is an institution in the city and its history dates back more than 150 years. Its privileged location on the corner of Quintana Avenue and Junín Street, in the Recoleta neighbourhood, makes it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the city.

The bar owes its name to a famous French bicycle brand, as in its early years it was used as a meeting point for lovers of this sport. That is why it is one of the places where the best bike tours in Buenos Aires usually stop.

Over time, La Biela became an iconic place for intellectuals, writers and artists in Buenos Aires, as well as for motorists. Today, it is famous for its coffee, which is served with unique style and flavour. It also offers a wide selection of drinks and typical Argentine dishes such as empanadas and medialunas.

Details of interest

• Price: coffee starts at £4, while full breakfasts start at £11.
• Location: Quintana 596, Buenos Aires.
• Opening hours: every day from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

The majestic Duhau Palace is a perfect example of 19th-century French architecture, closely linked to the Recoleta style, which contributed to Buenos Aires' fame at a time when the city was known as the Paris of South America. The palace was originally built in 1934 for the Duhau family, one of the most influential in Argentina, and in 2006 it was restored and converted into a luxury hotel.

In addition to luxury accommodation, the Duhau Palace currently offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors:

• The garden is one of the largest and most beautiful in Buenos Aires and features an outdoor swimming pool, fountains, sculptures and a green space, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy a sunny day.

• The art gallery has a collection of contemporary and antique works by local and international artists.

• Restaurants and bars offer everything from gourmet cuisine to traditional Argentine dishes.

• You can also enjoy an afternoon tea experience in its elegant tea room, which is one of the most popular options among visitors.

Details of interest

• Location: Av. Alvear 1661, Buenos Aires.
• Opening hours: the palace gardens are open every day from 9:00 to 21:00.