What da heck do I do in Buenos Aires for 3 months?

[BSR]

I will be in BA for 3 months, May 31 to Aug 29.  Aside from doing tons of reading to improve my written Spanish and exploring the chapero (“escort” in Spain, no idea how porteños say it) scene, what do I do in Buenos Aires for 3 whole months?  I can’t read and f*** every waking hour.  Well, maybe some of you can, but not at my age.

So how do I fill my days?  I could join a local gym, even thought of bringing a couple of rackets to start up tennis again, but I feel like I need some structure.

This 3-month stay is sandwiched between 2 stints in Madrid where I’ll be attending a language school, which gives me the structure I’m looking for.  But as for BA, I’m very much open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

[+ JamesB]

47 minutes ago, BSR said:

I can’t read and f*** every waking hour.

Give it a try!! You never know. 😁

[corndog]

Whatever you do, bring sufficient US dollars or Euros. Unlike most places, where you'll get a decent exchange rate using an ATM (or using a credit card for everything), in Argentina, their economy is such a disaster that you'll get a MUCH better rate exchanging cash for Argentinian Pesos through sketchy street vendors.

Check out this site for a little more information:

Blue Dollar Rates : Informal Rate, Formal Rate & Bank Rate of US Dollar in Argentina

BLUEDOLLAR.NET

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Blue Dolar is unofficial Dollar Rate in Argentina. Get all information on the Blue Dollar such as Quotes, Charts, News. All types of Informal Rate, Formal Rate & Bank...

 

[AtticusBK]

I just spent a month there from mid-November to mid-December, and I just wired money to myself via Western Union, which was v easy. Otherwise, I used my AmEx (accepted most places), and sometimes paid in US dollars (also accepted most places). Many places give a discount when you pay in cash (en efectivo).

I wish I’d had 3 months to stay but I was there at the beginning of Summer and spent a lot of time at the pool at my building in Palermo. 

The food scene is much much better than it used to be (when I last went around 15 yrs ago), with quite a few restaurants included in the Michelin Guide. Check out this list. I also took bike tours, went to the museums and sites, and walked all over. It’s such a chill, relaxing city — in comparison to NYC. I’m jealous.

[Njguy2]

It's been many years since i've been to BA but some suggestions - can take in a multitude of Spanish accents and see a bit of the region.

1.  Day or weekend trip to Uruguay, Montevideo; ferry from BA to Montevideo is about 4 hours;  

2.  Ferry ride to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay - UNESCO Heritage designated town. Day trip

3. Fly to Iguazu Falls (Argentina) , can cross over to Paraguay and Brazil.

4. Take a few days in Santiago Chile (flight)

5. Food or wine tours in Buenos Aires or into the province(s), also in Uruguay.

 

 

 

[+ José Soplanucas]

Being in Buenos Aires, I would try to enjoy her unique treats. The city has a scene arts life that I think has no match all over the world. Start by checking the offering in the Teatro Municipal General San Martin and the Teatro Nacional Cervantes. I would not waste my time trying the comedies on Avenida Corrientes, but the off is amazing. 

Walk the city's many neighborhoods and parks. Go to the Reserva Ecológica. Take a trip to the North and spend a day in Tigre. Eat every day in a different place. Visit the local China Town, in San Isidro. Pay attention to the programming in the Sociedad Rural, in Palermo. If Boca and River have a match, do not miss it.

I may be wrong, but I think in April is the annual Feria del Libro, one of the biggest books expo in the world. Explore the bookstores in Avda Corrientes, some open 24/7, and scout among the sales tables looking for some hidden treasure.

Edited February 3 by José Soplanucas

[CuriousByNature]

3 hours ago, José Soplanucas said:

Being in Buenos Aires, I would try to enjoy her unique tricks. The city has a scene arts life that I think has no match all over the world. Start by checking the offering in the Teatro Municipal General San Martin and the Teatro Nacional Cervantes. I would not waste my time trying the comedies on Avenida Corrientes, but the off is amazing. 

Walk the city's many neighborhoods and parks. Go to the Reserva Ecológica. Take a trip to the North and spend a day in Tigre. Eat every day in a different place. Visit the local China Town, in Dan Isidro. Pay attention to the programming in the Sociedad Rural, in Palermo. If Boca and River have a match, do not miss it.

I may be wrong, but I think in April is the annual Feria del Libro, one of the biggest books expo in the world. Explore the bookstores in Avda Corrientes, some open 24/7, and scout among the sales tables looking for some hidden treasure.

Based on your experience, what would be the best time of year to visit Buenos Aires?  I know very little Spanish, so would it be a challenge getting around, visiting museums (any English translations for exhibits?), or eating out?  I don't want to be a tourist that is disrespectful by having an expectation that things need to be catered to my ignorance  

[+ José Soplanucas]

12 hours ago, CuriousByNature said:

Based on your experience, what would be the best time of year to visit Buenos Aires?  I know very little Spanish, so would it be a challenge getting around, visiting museums (any English translations for exhibits?), or eating out?  I don't want to be a tourist that is disrespectful by having an expectation that things need to be catered to my ignorance  

BA is one of the places in Latam whith the highest level of English speakers. In touristic places, you will not have problems finding them. About seasons to visit, the city is a huge metropolis where there is always something going on. I would just dodge the worse of the summer, Dec to Feb/March. Winter is mild, Spring and Fall are great.

Edited February 3 by José Soplanucas

[pubic_assistance]

On 2/3/2025 at 1:01 AM, CuriousByNature said:

I know very little Spanish, so would it be a challenge getting around, visiting museums (any English translations for exhibits?), or eating out?  I don't want to be a tourist that is disrespectful by having an expectation that things need to be catered to my ignorance

There are few tourist destinations left on the planet where you can't get by with English in most museums, hotels and restaurants as long as you stick to the standard tourism destinations.

I do learn how to say: "Do you speak English?" in every language of every country that I've traveled to. The minimum expectation of being polite when you're a foreigner is to at least ask and don't expect. It's also good to learn a few basics like please & thank you.

Outside of that I haven't been anywhere in many years that doesn't accommodate the international standard of English language for tourism. Even when I DO try speaking French, Italian or Spanish they recognize the American accent and immediately switch to English. 🤣

 

[CuriousByNature]

30 minutes ago, pubic_assistance said:

There are few tourist destinations left on the planet where you can't get by with English in most museums, hotels and restaurants as long as you stick to the standard tourism destinations.

I do learn how to say: "Do you speak English?" in every language of every country that I've traveled to. The minimum expectation of being polite when you're a foreigner is to at least ask and don't expect. It's also good to learn a few basics like please & thank you.

Outside of that I haven't been anywhere in many years that doesn't accommodate the international standard of English language for tourism. Even when I DO try speaking French, Italian or Spanish they recognize the American accent and immediately switch to English. 🤣

 

Yes, I do the same.  I learn phrases as best as I can, though I often mix up my Spanish and French - especially the pronouns.  I find that most people are very accommodating when I try, and will often switch graciously to English for our mutual benefit - lol.  I love museums, but get concerned that I might not be able to decipher the labeling.  But I suppose getting an audio guide in English could solve that issue.  I'm just a complete tech luddite, unfortunately, so even trying to use a translator app would be a struggle. 🤣 

[+ José Soplanucas]

I figured something else out. I may be wrong, @BSR, but I think you would like to improve your Spanish. Being in BA, of course you would get the best possible conditions to learn the Rio de la Plata dialectal version. I recommend you to research the Laboratorio de Idiomas de la UBA. The link should take you to the Spanish as second language page, where you can see the courses offerings. They have even one month courses.

I strongly recommend the school. It is the very prestigious, and very popular among locals looking to learn languages other than Spanish as well as among foreigners trying to improve their Spanish. It is very affordable, and as it is strongest source of additional money for the Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, they are very well organized and ran at high standards. 

Additionally, it is a great place for networking and making very diverse friends, but predominantly college age.

[BSR]

1 hour ago, José Soplanucas said:

I figured something else out. I may be wrong, @BSR, but I think you would like to improve your Spanish. Being in BA, of course you would get the best possible conditions to learn the Rio de la Plata dialectal version. I recommend you to research the Laboratorio de Idiomas de la UBA. The link should take you to the Spanish as second language page, where you can see the courses offerings. They have even one month courses.

I strongly recommend the school. It is the very prestigious, and very popular among locals looking to learn languages other than Spanish as well as among foreigners trying to improve their Spanish. It is very affordable, and as it is strongest source of additional money for the Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, they are very well organized and ran at high standards. 

Additionally, it is a great place for networking and making very diverse friends, but predominantly college age.

Thanks for the great advice, I will seriously consider it.  Even though my Spanish is already at C1 (according to the AIL Madrid placement test) and I am taking an intensive (20hrs/wk) 13-week course in Madrid, I am tempted to enroll for 3 reasons:  1) no matter your level in a 2nd language, there’s always so much more to learn, 2) I want to get my C2 DELE in the fall (back in Madrid) and I’ve heard that C1->C2 is a helluva leap, and 3) I will be in BA for the first time with no clue and no contacts.  As much as you can learn from the Internet, advice from people whose full-time job is dealing with and helping foreign students is worth its weight in gold.  Not sure if I’ll feel comfortable asking the staff for tips & tricks how to navigate SoyTuyo.com, but I’m sure they’ll be very helpful with other matters.

Yes, the tuition is very reasonable, less than half the cost of my course in Madrid.  Oh good, that means a bigger SoyTuyo budget!

[+ José Soplanucas]

56 minutes ago, BSR said:

Thanks for the great advice, I will seriously consider it.  Even though my Spanish is already at C1 (according to the AIL Madrid placement test) and I am taking an intensive (20hrs/wk) 13-week course in Madrid, I am tempted to enroll for 3 reasons:  1) no matter your level in a 2nd language, there’s always so much more to learn, 2) I want to get my C2 DELE in the fall (back in Madrid) and I’ve heard that C1->C2 is a helluva leap, and 3) I will be in BA for the first time with no clue and no contacts.  As much as you can learn from the Internet, advice from people whose full-time job is dealing with and helping foreign students is worth its weight in gold.  Not sure if I’ll feel comfortable asking the staff for tips & tricks how to navigate SoyTuyo.com, but I’m sure they’ll be very helpful with other matters.

Yes, the tuition is very reasonable, less than half the cost of my course in Madrid.  Oh good, that means a bigger SoyTuyo budget!

Do not expect a concierge service. It is a hub where you have travelers and immigrants from all over the world learning the local language, together with Argentineans learning other languages. Everyone in one place.

Actually, I wrote that and then I thought that I am not sure. My experience with them was 25 years ago. Perhaps they grew since then.

Edited February 8 by José Soplanucas

[BSR]

1 hour ago, José Soplanucas said:

Do not expect a concierge service. It is a hub where you have travelers and immigrants from all over the world learning the local language, together with Argentineans learning other languages. Everyone in one place.

No, I shan’t be asking them to book me a pedicure, LOL.  I was thinking more stuff like tips from locals (whether staff or bonaerenses also studying at the center) on their fave restaurants, cafes, and most important any “hidden jewels,” things worth seeing & doing but not necessarily found in YouTube videos or Google searches.  

Funny, I’m chatty as hell in Spanish and feel so comfortable striking up conversation with just about anyone but nowhere nearly as outgoing in English.  I’ve gotten so much helpful advice from latinos here in Las Vegas just by striking up conversation in Spanish.  Maybe they’re a bit tickled that an Asian-American speaks their language, maybe they’re just naturally super-helpful.  A guy I struck up convo with in the gym’s hot tub talked my ear off for an hour on everything a visitor needs to know about his hometown DF and how to make a fortune in crypto.  I don’t expect such outpourings of wisdom in BA, but I’m sure I’ll learn a lot by chatting people up.  

Also, I hope to learn a lot by asking my fellow foreigners at the school.  Even someone who’s been in BA just a month will know so much more than just-arrived me.  If you ask someone “what’s the best & worst thing you spent money on since you got here?”, they’re usually quite eager to share their experiences.  Being a student at a language school gives me a connection to other people that I won’t have with just the Internet all by myself in an AirBnB.

Edited February 8 by BSR
Wording

[BSR]

1 hour ago, José Soplanucas said:

Actually, I wrote that and then I thought that I am not sure. My experience with them was 25 years ago. Perhaps they grew since then.

The Madrid language school I enrolled in offers a fairly large team on staff whose primary job is to help students:  from how to buy a monthly metro pass to how to open a local bank account, plus stuff like the best flamenco show in town or what to expect at your first bullfight.  In other words, a concierge service for students.  Since I didn't see anything like that on the Laboratorio website, I don’t expect the amenity.  But if you feel comfortable enough to ask a staff member for advice, prolly doesn’t hurt to ask.  If I do end up enrolling in Laboratorio, I’ll give you the latest scoop.

[+ José Soplanucas]

12 hours ago, BSR said:

bonaerenses

I think you meant "porteños", people from Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires. 

"Bonaerense" means from Provincia de Buenos Aires, and it is not very coloquial. 

[BSR]

2 hours ago, José Soplanucas said:

I think you meant "porteños", people from Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires. 

"Bonaerense" means from Provincia de Buenos Aires, and it is not very coloquial. 

Thanks, I read bonaerense once and assumed the two terms were synonymous.

While I’m still considering enrolling in a BA language school, I have some doubts about Laboratorio.  Granted, you certainly can’t believe everything you read in Internet reviews, but you shouldn’t completely dismiss them either.  
The Google reviews for Laboratorio are a bit mixed.  While most were quite positive, there were enough bad ones to cause concern.  A few of the bad reviews sounded like whiners who are always unhappy, but some sounded like legitimate beefs.  The rep from the school didn’t deny the complaints, just thanked the reviewer for the feedback and promised to take the comments into consideration.  Hmmm …

Edited February 8 by BSR
Typo

[+ Axiom2001]

In the early 2000s I visited Buenos Aires on five occasions.  ...had a great cultural and social times and one of the very best fucks in my life.  

Since COVID has changed a lot that I experienced.  I will recommend that you hire stellar and superb Marcelo (a professional tour guide (who happens to be gay) for your cultural explorations.  His exploring  around with me was superb.  At the time I had him contact some of my interested conquests, but today I think he frowns on doing this, and I would NOT ask.  

 

Check out gaycities.com/BuenosAires.  It should help in some ways.

For escorts there are three or more websites.  I remember using the one below.  Had some sizzling romps, but again it depends on your partners.

Marcelo is a FB amigo of mine, but we rarely communicate.  If you're interested send me a pvt. and I'll contact him via FB to let him know that you're interested in engaging his services.

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I stayed at Airbnb lodgings in Recoleta and Palermo.  The rates were reasonable: the apartments were beautiful.  My last one was a penthouse in Palermo which was magnificent.

 

Edited March 14 by Axiom2001

[Pipe1940]

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Good luck.