Argentina
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Argentina: from the energy of Buenos Aires to a land of stunning landscapes and deep football culture
From the cultural rhythm of Buenos Aires to the remote landscapes of the south, Argentina spans a wide range of experiences. The capital is the country’s culinary hub, known for late-night dining, historic cafés, and a strong football identity. Palermo stands out as its most popular neighbourhood, with restaurants, bars, and leafy streets, while clubs like Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Racing Club highlight the city’s role in the nation’s broader football culture.
Further south, Patagonia offers a dramatic shift in scenery. Near El Chaltén, Mount Fitz Roy rises above some of the country’s best-known hiking routes, and close to El Calafate, the Perito Moreno Glacier remains one of the world’s few advancing glaciers.
In northern Patagonia, Bariloche brings a different landscape—an alpine region defined by forests, mountains, and a chain of clear glacial lakes that shape one of Argentina’s most scenic areas.
Best time of year to visit
Spring (September–November) is considered one of the best times to visit. Temperatures in Buenos Aires are comfortable for exploring the city, and Patagonia is quieter before the peak summer crowds arrive.
City
Buenos Aires: food, football & nightlife in Argentina’s cultural capital
Buenos Aires is a city that feels alive at every hour—full of restaurants, leafy streets, live music, and some of the most passionate football culture in the world. For most travelers, Palermo is the best place to stay. It’s packed with great cafés, bars, and small restaurants, and it’s considered one of the safest areas of the city (November 2025 – always double-check the safety situation on your local government website before traveling).
Stay at Casa Caravan
Casa Caravan is the best place to stay in Buenos Aires. This quiet, hidden hotel has a big garden and a beautiful swimming pool—rare for Palermo. They offer both dorms and private rooms, and the private rooms come with plenty of comfort. The vegan breakfast is excellent, and the location is perfect, with a jazz bar (Bebop club) right on the street. It’s peaceful, friendly, and ideal for travelers who want a relaxed base while staying close to everything.
Stay at Play Hostel Garden
A great affordable option in Palermo, Play Hostel Garden offers private rooms and dorms, plus a nice terrace for hanging out. They host a different activity each day—beer pong, karaoke, movie nights—which makes it a fun place to meet other travelers without feeling overly party-focused.
Where to eat
Tony Wu Cantina – The best spot for modern Hong Kong–style Chinese food. Creative dishes, great flavors, and consistently good quality.
Orno Cantina – An amazing place for pizza, perfect for a casual dinner.
Katsu Asian Street Food – The best sushi and Asian dishes in the area, including noodles and rice bowls.
Massey Familia – A great place for Italian food, especially pasta.
Sampa – An excellent fine-dining vegetarian restaurant with a well-designed tasting menu.
Chinofino – A good choice for ramen when you want something warm and comforting.
Falafelandia – A great spot for a quick falafel snack while exploring Palermo.
Where to drink
Piba – One of the best places in Palermo for drinks. It’s also the top spot to watch Premier League or Champions League matches, with outdoor terrace seating and a lively atmosphere.
Temple Craft Soho – Another strong choice for drinks, especially if you enjoy craft beer in a relaxed setting.
What to do
Bebop Club – one of the best jazz clubs in the city, with excellent concerts in an intimate setting.
Congo Club Cultural – a great place for salsa nights and live Latin music.
Museo de Arte Latinoamericano (MALBA) – a fantastic museum showcasing modern and contemporary Latin American art. On Wednesdays, tickets are half-price, making it a perfect mid-week activity.
Going to a football match
Going to a football match is one of the best things you can do in Buenos Aires. Whether it’s Boca Juniors, River Plate, or Racing Club, the atmosphere is unforgettable. Footballticketsargentina worked very well in November 2025 for Racing Club tickets, and the experience was amazing.
Nature
El Calafate: a small Patagonian town with one big reason to visit
El Calafate is a quiet, windswept town in Argentine Patagonia—small, simple, and built almost entirely around one of the most impressive glaciers on the continent. Most travellers stay only two nights, just enough time to visit Perito Morenoand enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town before heading deeper into Patagonia or flying to Buenos Aires.
Stay at Aonikenk B&B Calafate
Aonikenk B&B Calafate is an affordable and reliable base right on the main street of El Calafate. It offers basic private rooms with two shared bathrooms, a friendly atmosphere, and practical extras like on-site parking directly in front of the door. There’s also a shared kitchen, which is helpful if you want to make your own meals—especially for early-morning adventures.
Where to eat
Café Brown – Great for coffee or brunch, one of the better cafés in town, and they also sell lovely local art.
Pura Vida – A good restaurant with a cosy atmosphere and a terrace outside. Perfect for a warm evening.
Comida Árabe Elia Esber – An excellent affordable choice when you’re craving something fast and flavourful like falafel or shawarmas.
Where to drink
La Zorra Tap Room – A great bar with excellent craft beer and good happy hour prices.
Cerveza Patagonia – Another quality brewery with good views and solid drinks, though more expensive than La Zorra.
Pietro’s Café – The best place to watch Premier League, Champions League, or World Cup matches, thanks to its TVs and relaxed seating (also great for a meal).
What to do
Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier – The main reason to visit El Calafate is the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world and an unforgettable sight. For around 100 USD, you can book a private taxi (up to 4 people) to take you there and back.
To avoid the crowds, try to leave El Calafate at 7:15, arriving at the park when it opens at 8:00 (November 2025 timing). You’ll have the walkways almost to yourself for the first hour. Note that you will also need to pay the national park entrance fee, which can be done by card.
Reserva Laguna Nimez – A great place for a peaceful walk and birdwatching. Keep in mind it’s cash only, and you can rent a binocular at the entrance for a small fee.
A note about ATM’s
ATMs are very expensive in El Calafate. Fortunately, you can pay by card almost everywhere—hotels, restaurants, bars, taxis, and the national park. Mastercard and Visa work better than Maestro.
