What an amazing day I had with Tracy. My research into BuenosTours certainly paid off. I was fortunate to be the only one being low season. As I had seen quite a bit of the area around where I was staying, Tracy suggested adapting the itinerary and skipping that area for places I may not get a chance to see. This made for an exceptional experience. I had not delved very far into Argentina's history and Tracy's depth of knowledge was impressive and I was given a wonderful easy to understand synopsis. Although we did some extensive walking ( as I am a keen walker) we also used some public transport modes to get further afield which let me see more of the Argentinian way of life. There were many highlights of the day, right from the outstanding meeting place to Recoleta Cemetery, and on through many districts. I highly recommend this tour for those wanting to see the sights of Buenos Aires rather than looking through a bus window. I can't rate Tracy high enough as a guide!
Buenos Aires Essentials Tour: Your Perfect 1st Day (Max 7 Guests)
+15 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Price from
- $99 / person
- Location
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 332 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 7
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- BuenosTours
- Meeting point
- On Mondays to Saturdays, at 9.50am. Please do not turn up without a pre-existing booking! The exact meeting spot at El Ateneo Grand Splendid is sent to you approximately 24 hours before your tour start time, along with your guide details (name, photo, bio, contact).
Description
Make Buenos Aires click with a resident guide and no more than seven guests. BuenosTours has led conversational, English-language city walks since 2006. Rather than reciting a script, your guide connects architecture, politics, immigration and everyday life, answers your questions and helps you understand how the city fits together. Choose a half-day overview or a full-day route with coffee, Recoleta Cemetery entry, local transport and lunch included.
Tour Options
Itinerary
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Discover a book lover's paradise in this converted 1919 theater. Frequently ranked as the most beautiful bookstore in the world, El Ateneo Grand Splendid features breathtaking ceiling frescoes, original theater boxes converted into reading nooks, and a café situated on the former stage, where we meet for an introductory chat over coffee before getting started on our walk. It is a must-visit landmark that perfectly captures the "Paris of the South" elegance of Buenos Aires.
Barrio Norte
Witness the architectural grandeur of Barrio Norte. We'll marvel at the Palacio de Aguas Corrientes, a "water palace" disguised in 300,000 terracotta tiles, and the French-style Palacio Pizzurno. These majestic buildings perfectly illustrate the city’s golden age of opulence.
Recoleta
Admire the imposing Law Faculty building and the iconic, metallic Floralis Genérica sculpture before diving into Recoleta’s "Parisian" elegance. We’ll visit vibrant Plaza Francia, the historic Basílica del Pilar church, and the legendary Gomero tree, plus take a peak at the grandiose Avenida Alvear.
Recoleta Cemetery
The highlight of our tours for many: Explore this world-renowned "City of the Dead," famous for its stunning architecture and fascinating history. Over 45–60 minutes, we’ll navigate the marble-lined walkways to visit the tomb of Eva Perón and hear the captivating, often macabre, stories of the legends buried within these grand walls. There really is nowhere else on the planet quite like it. We cover the $16-20 USD per person cost of admission for you!
Plaza Lavalle (Lavalle Square)
Walk through Tribunales, the city’s judicial and cultural hub. We’ll admire the exterior of the world-class Teatro Colón, the imposing Supreme Court, and the stunning Mirador Massué. It’s a masterclass in varied architecture, from neoclassical power to Art Nouveau elegance.
Enjoy a quintessential local lunch. On weekdays, we dine at El Patio, tucked inside the serene courtyard of the historic Convento San Ramón Nonato. On weekends, we’ll visit a local favorite for authentic Argentine pizza or world-class empanadas.
Microcentro
Dive into the city’s bustling core. We’ll navigate Avenida Corrientes, "the street that never sleeps", have a photo op at the iconic Obelisk and Green BA sign, cross Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world, and pass by the beautifully restored Confiteria Ideal for a taste of Belle Époque splendor.
Plaza De Mayo
Stand at the epicenter of Argentine history, politics, culture, religion and economy. We’ll discuss the legends of Evita, the Mothers of the Plaza, and landmarks like the Casa Rosada, Metopolitan Cathedral, and the Cabildo. This is where the nation's most dramatic stories unfold, from colonial revolution to modern-day celebrations. Military coups, massive protests, financial crises, independence heroes, Peron, Evita, Maradona, the Pope and more... Plaza de Mayo hides story after story and cannot be fully appreciated without a knowledgeable guide.
San Telmo
Immerse yourself in the cobblestone charm of Buenos Aires’ oldest barrio. Once the aristocratic heart of the city, San Telmo is now a bohemian treasure trove of antiques, tango, and historic architecture. We’ll explore its colonial soul and vibrant market atmosphere.
What's included
Included
One bottle of water.
Morning coffee or an equivalent drink at the meeting point.
Recoleta Cemetery admission.
All subway and local bus fares used during the tour.
Full-day options only: one local lunch main and one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink.
English-speaking BuenosTours resident guide.
Not included
Transportation to the meeting point and from the finish.
Additional food and drinks beyond the listed inclusions.
Optional gratuities.
Traveller Ratings
5.0
332 reviews
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please arrive 10 minutes early, at 9:50 AM. The group may wait until 10:20 AM, but late arrival can mean missing part of the tour. Contact your guide if delayed.
- Depending on the option booked, this is a half-day or full-day walking tour at a relaxed pace, with seated breaks and public-transport journeys.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring a card or a small amount of Argentine pesos for optional purchases.
- Bring sun or rain protection appropriate to the forecast.
- Children are welcome: infants ages 0–1 are free, ages 2–12 pay the child price and ages 13+ pay the adult price.
- Bring a phone or camera if you wish, and keep personal belongings secure while walking.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Buenos Aires Essentials Tour: Your Perfect 1st Day (Max 7 Guests) lasts about 7 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $99 per person for this Buenos Aires experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is On Mondays to Saturdays, at 9.50am. Please do not turn up without a pre-existing booking! The exact meeting spot at El Ateneo Grand Splendid is sent to you approximately 24 hours before your tour start time, along with your guide details (name, photo, bio, contact). Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 7 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Children are welcome: infants ages 0–1 are free, ages 2–12 pay the child price and ages 13+ pay the adult price.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(332)
W
The best way to see Buenos Aires
J
Fun Day!
Tracy was so fun and knowledgeable about everything! We enjoyed the time that we spent with her and would highly recommend! It was one of our favorite days on our trip to BA and we had lots of great days!
M
Fantastic guide
Very knowledgeable and went above and beyond for our group.
S
When only the best will do…!!!
Delightful deep dive insights into Buenos Aires and its history and culture. Couldn’t have been happier to spend six hours with Chris, our host and informational source extraordinaire. Throughly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to know more with limited time.
W
Wonderful Buenos Aires walking tour
Absolutely amazing cultural tour. Tracy was our guide. My experience the best tour guide that I have worked with. She was beyond words wonderful. Easy pace covered 7 miles.
V
One of the best guides we have had traveling the world.
We had a wonderful experience touring Buenos Aires with Tracy. She struck the perfect balance between walking and driving, allowing us to see so much of the city comfortably while still feeling immersed in it. Along the way, she shared fascinating insights—not just about the history, but what it’s really like to live here. What truly sets her apart is her warmth. She has a way of making you feel welcomed from the very beginning. As an Argentine tango dancer, she also gave us a unique and meaningful perspective on tango that we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. I can’t recommend her highly enough—she made our time in Buenos Aires truly special. We travel often and can truly say she is one of the best guides we have had.
Operator response
Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We are so pleased Tracy could make your Buenos Aires private city tour an unforgettable experience. We are very lucky to have such a knowledgable, warm & welcoming guide on the BuenosTours team. And of course, her Argentine tango expertise adds an extra level to our tours! We hope your time in Buenos Aires has left beautiful memories for you. If you ever come back and would like another tour, or any of your friends or family visit, please don't hesitate to contact us. Even if just to ask any questions about the city, it doesn't necessarily need to be for another tour. We'd be more than happy to help. Take care!
B
Perfect First Day
Tracy was a great tour guide. So much knowledge and information on Buenos Aires. She tailored our tour to our small group and was flexible when we added stops along the way. There are a lot of street fairs with the long holiday weekend. I will definitely take her tour again when I come back. We went EVERYWHERE! It was a perfect first day to learn the area
Operator response
Thank you so much, Tina, for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted to hear that Tracy made your BA 101 full day city tour of Buenos Aires so memorable and accommodated your group’s preferences with such flexibility. Exploring the street fairs and discovering the city at the start of the holiday weekend sounds like a fantastic experience. We would love to welcome you back for another walking tour to continue discovering Buenos Aires' charm. Your feedback means a lot to us and future travelers too. Thanks again, and see you next time!
L
True Buenos Aires tour!
An amazing day - our guide Tracy was knowledgable and fun. She was flexible to our liking, showed us the true Buenos Aires - loved the local spots we visited. Thanks again Tracy! ❤️
Operator response
Thank you, Aby, for sharing your amazing experience! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed discovering the true charm of the city on our "BA 101" Full Day walking tour of Buenos Aires. It's wonderful that Tracy made the day flexible and fun for you, showcasing local gems. Happy travels!
9
Incredible day in BA!!
We had only a short time in BA and were looking to get a good sense of the culture and city life. We got SO lucky doing a full day with Tracy from Buenos Tours! First off - the company was incredibly flexible and super easy to communicate with. Our flight was cancelled and via whatsapp we were able to easily be in touch and ultimately rebook. We had friends booked who were not able to make it due to the cancellations and they refunded them almost immediately. The day with Tracy was full of history, culture, local color, delicious food, and humor! Tracy is incredibly knowledgable and took our cues on what we were interested in seeing and hearing about. You could tell she was making choices all day long about where to take us and what to point out or talk about based on what she was learning along the way about our interests. Her passion for tango was a bonus we enjoyed a lot. We found this to be an incredible value - Tracy was 100% focused on making the experience what we wanted it to be and she fully succeeded!
Operator response
Thank you so much, Polly, for sharing your wonderful experience & lovely photos! We're truly thrilled that your Buenos Aires city tour was such a memorable and personalized day. Tracy is indeed passionate about delivering a unique and enriching experience tailored to your interests, and we're glad you enjoyed her expertise in tango and local culture. We're also pleased that our team could support you effectively with your scheduling needs. Wishing you more amazing travels ahead!
J
ATTENTIVE AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF
I would like to evaluate the excellent funcinarios : Ana Lucia, Edvard, Danilo, Alex, Carlos, Eliene and Ivan.
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from$99
5.0(332) Free cancellation