The Unexpected Buenos Aires Tour: Unusual Things To Do

Why Look for Unusual Things to Do in Buenos Aires?

Most people land in Buenos Aires Argentina, check off a tango show, wander through Recoleta Cemetery, and call it a trip. But the capital city has so much more going on if you’re willing to explore beyond the postcard stops. The real magic is in the side streets, quirky corners, and the hidden gems locals love to keep for themselves.

If you’re a digital nomad, this isn’t about ticking off tourist boxes. It’s about finding places that fit your rhythm—cafés that don’t rush you out, unexpected art hiding in San Telmo, and day trips that leave you feeling like you actually got to know Buenos Aires instead of just posing in front of it.

What Makes the Hidden Side of Buenos Aires Worth It?

• Fewer crowds than La Boca, where tour buses stop every hour.

• Local eats that cost a fraction of the tourist menus (think $3 choripán at Costanera Sur).

• Offbeat spots like the Japanese Gardens that double as a work break when WiFi fatigue hits.

• Experiences that feel authentic, not staged for a guidebook.

This guide isn’t here to repeat the obvious. It’s here to show you the unusual, the underground, and the just-plain-fun. From late-night speakeasies to street art safaris, the city has endless ways to surprise you—if you know where to look.

And if you plan on sticking around, you’ll want a solid home base to balance the chaos. Luckily, there are plenty of furnished apartments available in Buenos Aires, designed for remote workers who want both comfort and adventure.

Secret Nightlife: Hidden Bars and Underground Venues

When the sun sets in Buenos Aires, the real city wakes up. While tourists gather around Plaza de Mayo or line up for polished tango dancing shows, locals know the best fun is tucked behind unmarked doors and disguised storefronts. These speakeasies are the kind of hidden gems Buenos Aires does best—quirky, stylish, and often half the price of the big-name clubs in Puerto Madero.

Speakeasies That Locals Actually Recommend

• Florería Atlántico – Walk through a flower shop fridge door and you’ll find one of the city’s most famous cocktail dens. Drinks run about $10–15, with bartenders who love to experiment. Insider tip: go early in the week to snag a seat.

  

• Frank’s Bar – To get in, you’ll need a secret code from their social media (or a friend in the know). Inside it’s all 1920s glamour, with cocktails around $12.

• Victoria Brown – Hidden in Palermo, this spot looks like a coffee shop at first. Step through the back door and you’re in a steampunk-inspired lounge buzzing until 4 a.m.

Why These Spots Are Buenos Aires Worth Visiting

• More character than the polished chains near Puerto Madero.

• Prices are fair: most cocktails cost between $9–15, compared to $20+ in upscale tourist bars.

• Live DJs, unexpected themes, and sometimes even a nod to Carlos Gardel classics.

• A chance to mingle with locals instead of just other travelers.

Pro Tip for Night Owls

Weekends get packed, especially in neighborhoods like Palermo and San Telmo. If you want to avoid lines (and actually sit down), try going Tuesday or Wednesday night. Don’t be surprised if things only start getting busy around midnight—this is Buenos Aires Argentina, and nightlife runs late.

Alternative Culture: Museums and Experiences Beyond the Famous Landmarks

When people think of Buenos Aires, they picture a dramatic tango show, colorful houses in La Boca, or the grand Buenos Aires Cathedral in the city center. But the capital city is full of smaller, offbeat museums and cultural spaces that reveal a stranger, deeper side of life in South America. These spots aren’t just for history buffs—they’re for anyone who wants to connect with the city’s quirks and contradictions.

Surreal Worlds at Museo Xul Solar

If you like modern art with a twist, this is your place. Dedicated to painter and inventor Xul Solar, the Museo Xul Solar is part gallery, part dreamscape. Expect invented languages, mystical symbols, and even futuristic chessboards. Entry is around $3, and it’s close enough to combine with a walking tour of Recoleta.

Museo de la Pasión Boquense: Football Meets Culture

This one’s all about passion. Tucked next to La Bombonera, the stadium home to Boca Juniors, the museum dives deep into the team’s history and obsession.

Tickets cost about $6–8. If you’ve ever wanted to see why football in Latin America feels more like religion than sport, this is your answer.

Oddities at Museo de la Cárcova

Think of the Museo de la Cárcova as an open air museum—but inside. The halls are filled with replica sculptures of works you’d normally only see at a UNESCO World Heritage site in Europe. It’s a little eerie, a little fascinating, and usually blissfully empty. Free to enter, it’s one of those hidden gems that makes Buenos Aires worth lingering in.

Other Offbeat Cultural Stops Worth Your Time

• National History Museum – Exhibits covering independence, the military dictatorship, and Argentina’s most turbulent decades. Entry is free.

• La Plata Museum – A short train from the city center, this natural history giant is packed with dinosaur fossils, mummies, and artifacts from across Latin America.

• La Bomba de Tiempo – Every Monday, in a small cultural center (Konex), a group of talented artists performs a percussion show that locals swear by. Wear comfortable shoes – you can't help but dance all night.

  

• Japanese Gardens – Technically more of a park than a museum, but it’s curated so carefully it feels like one. Entry is around $5, and it’s a calm break from the chaos of downtown.

Why These Spots Are Buenos Aires Worth Visiting

• They’re cheaper and less crowded than big-name famous landmarks.

• You’ll find a mix of politics, art, and football—not just the glossy tourist narrative.

• They offer insight into everything from the military dictatorship to avant-garde creativity.

• Perfect pairing options with a neighborhood walking tour so you get both history and atmosphere.

Street Art Adventures with Local Artists in Buenos Aires

If you’re visiting Buenos Aires, don’t just stop at a tango show in La Boca or a photo in front of the Pink House near Plaza de Mayo. The city is one of South America’s street art capitals, and murals here stretch across entire blocks. What makes it special is that much of the work is done by local artists, reflecting politics, football, daily life, and even love for dulce de leche. Exploring the city’s walls is like walking through a living gallery in Argentina's capital.

Guided Graffiti Tours Worth Trying

One of the best ways to dive in is with BA Street Art Tours, which run around €15–20. They cover areas like Palermo, Villa Urquiza, and sometimes even corners near La Bombonera. Expect big pieces, bold colors, and stories you wouldn’t catch on your own.

Other perks? Guides often know the street performers who share the sidewalks, so you’ll get a sense of how music, art, and everyday life blend. These tours usually last 2–3 hours, and you can set your own pace if you want to stop for photos or a quick cortado.

Cafés That Double as Art Stops

Street art pairs well with good coffee, and Buenos Aires hidden gems aren’t hard to find. Try:

• Café Registrado – Flat white ~$3.50, best WiFi in the mornings.

• **Full City Coffee **Roasters – Colombian beans, mural-covered interior, around $4 a cup.

• Lattente Palermo – A local favorite for both caffeine and atmosphere, ~$3 espresso.

  

Why Buenos Aires Street Art Is Worth It

• More authentic than polished tango performances staged for tourists.

• Murals change constantly, making every visit feel new.

• A cultural blend of de la Plata politics, music, and everyday life in paint.

• Easier on the wallet than museum tickets, and often right in the city center.

Exploring street art isn’t just about walls—it’s about seeing the city through its artists. From La Plata Cathedral day trips to back-alley murals near the Río de la Plata, this side of Buenos Aires tells the stories that museums often miss.

Foodie Finds in Buenos Aires: Beyond Steak and Malbec

Yes, the steak is amazing, and yes, the Malbec flows easily. But Buenos Aires is an incredible city where food is more than a checklist—it’s an entry point into Argentine life. If you only stick to parrillas and wine bars in Puerto Madero or La Boca, you’ll miss the kind of meals that locals rave about. From food trucks along the river to closed-door restaurants hidden in old houses, the capital of South America’s dining scene is full of surprises.

Choripán Culture Along the Río de la Plata

Start with the humble choripán. Along Costanera Sur, food trucks serve grilled chorizo in fresh bread for $2–3. Add chimichurri, grab a soda, and sit by the Río de la Plata. It’s not fancy, but it’s a slice of everyday Argentine culture.

Hidden Gems for Food Lovers in Buenos Aires

• Puerta – A “puerta cerrada” (closed-door restaurant) in a leafy residential area. Menus change weekly, usually vegetarian-forward, and cost around $40 per person. Reservations essential.

• El Zanjón de Granados – Part underground archeological site, part wine tasting room. Tickets with pairing start around $25, and you’ll learn how old tunnels shaped downtown Buenos Aires.

• Don Julio – Yes, it’s world famous, but this parrilla in Palermo earned its spot on the World’s 50 Best list. Order a traditional Argentine asado cut, like ojo de bife, and expect to pay around $35–40 per person.

Argentine Wine and Underground Dining

Pairing food with Argentine wine is practically a national sport. Smaller venues like Cava Jufré offer tastings starting at $20, while bigger experiences might run $50–60. What makes these sessions unique is the storytelling—expect history, humor, and maybe even a quick tangent about a French immigrant who influenced Argentina’s varietals.

Sweet Finishes and Historic Cafés

You can’t leave without trying dulce de leche desserts, from medialunas (croissants) to helado (ice cream). For a side of history with your sugar hit, stop by Café Tortoni, Buenos Aires oldest café. It once hosted writers and artists on its former stage, and coffee here is still under $3. Nearby, El Ateneo Grand Splendid—a bookshop inside an old theater—is worth a peek while you digest.

Food in Context: Eating as Part of Argentine Life

Dining in Buenos Aires Province and the city itself is as much about people as plates. Expect long conversations, late dinners (often after 10 p.m.), and nights that end with music at La Bomba de Tiempo in La Recoleta. Food here isn’t rushed—it’s social, layered, and tied to history.

Quirky Day Trips in South America from Buenos Aires

Living in Buenos Aires Argentina means you’re never far from a quick escape. While most tourists stay in La Boca or wander the city streets, locals know that some of the best experiences are just beyond the capital. From eco-parks to riverside markets, these day trips highlight the variety that makes South America such a dream for explorers.

Tigre Delta: Boats, Markets, and Hidden Gems

An hour by train from Buenos Aires, the Tigre Delta is a labyrinth of waterways lined with stilt houses, weekend cabins, and artisan markets. Boat rides start around $6, and browsing stalls by street vendors won’t cost you more than curiosity (and maybe a couple of pesos for fresh empanadas). This is one of those hidden gems where you can spend the whole afternoon and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.

Temaikèn Biopark: Nature Meets Education

Located about 30 miles from the city, Temaikèn is part-zoo, part-eco-reserve. Entry is around $12, making it affordable compared to other big-name attractions in Latin America. The park blends wildlife exhibits with environmental education—expect to see flamingos, tigers, and aquarium tunnels. Families and digital nomads alike head here when they want a slower pace than downtown.

Estancias: A Taste of Argentine Ranch Life

For something more traditional, head out to one of the estancias (ranches) in the Buenos Aires Province. Packages usually cost $70 and include horse rides, folkloric shows, and a traditional Argentine asado lunch. This isn’t staged for most tourists—it’s a real peek into the countryside’s rich history and culture, where gaucho life is still alive.

How to Get There Without the Stress

• Many of these trips are within walking distance of local train stations.

• Long distance buses are the go-to for ranches and further-flung estancias. Tickets usually run under $15.

• The suburban train to Tigre leaves every 15–20 minutes from Retiro station in Buenos Aires.

These day trips don’t just break the routine—they show a side of Argentina that feels authentic, playful, and grounded in tradition. Perfect for when city life starts to feel a little too loud.

San Telmo Market and Neighborhood Gems in Buenos Aires

If you’ve only seen Plaza de Mayo, the Pink House, or a polished tango show in downtown Buenos Aires, you’re missing the neighborhoods where locals actually hang out. The city is layered with culture, hidden gems, and a rich history that shows up in markets, cemeteries, and small tango bars. Exploring beyond La Recoleta or La Boca means finding spaces where life still feels lived-in, not staged.

San Telmo Market: The Heart of Buenos Aires Oldest Neighborhood

San Telmo is one of Buenos Aires oldest neighborhoods, and Sundays here mean the legendary San Telmo Market. Stalls spill out with antiques, quirky crafts, and vintage treasures. There’s always live music, and if you’re lucky, impromptu tango performances right on the cobblestones. A choripán or empanada from street vendors will cost you $2–3. Pair it with something sweet—yes, there’s always dulce de leche involved.

Nearby, the Mercado San Telmo (the covered food hall) is perfect for grabbing a quick bite. From fresh pasta to sushi, prices range $5–12. It’s also a great spot to practice tango in the evenings if you’re curious but not ready for the stage lights of tango stars.

Puerto Madero and Beyond: Modern Contrast to Rich History

Just a short stroll from Avenida de Mayo, the sleek waterfront of Puerto Madero feels like another city entirely. Glass towers, upscale restaurants, and trendy cocktail bars line the docks. A dinner at Don Julio here will run you $40+, but it’s one of the city’s true culinary landmarks. The contrast with San Telmo’s colonial vibe makes it a fascinating pairing for a day out.

Chacarita and Recoleta Cemetery for the Unexpected

If you’ve been to Recoleta Cemetery, you know it’s beautiful but crowded. For something different, head to Chacarita Cemetery. It’s quieter, dotted with unusual mausoleums, and gives a more local feel. Meanwhile, La Recoleta is still worth wandering—it’s where Argentina’s tango stars and political icons rest, surrounded by intricate statues and a sense of history.

Cafés, Bookshops, and Hidden Corners

• Café Tortoni – The classic stop, with coffee under $3, where intellectuals once debated on its former stage.

• El Ateneo Grand Splendid – A converted theater turned bookshop, one of the most beautiful in the world.

• Japanese Gardens – A serene break from the chaos, entry around $5, and a great spot before heading back to downtown Buenos Aires.

Why These Neighborhoods Matter

Exploring neighborhoods like San Telmo, Puerto Madero, and Recoleta shows the city’s contrasts—colonial streets next to futuristic towers, impromptu dances alongside polished tango night venues. These are the parts of Buenos Aires that still surprise even locals, and that’s why they stick.

Coworking Spaces and Cafés in Downtown Buenos Aires

Remote work in Buenos Aires isn’t just about finding WiFi—it’s about finding spaces that inspire. Sure, you can grab a quick coffee near Plaza de Mayo or even check emails in Café Tortoni, but if you want focus, comfort, and a bit of creativity, the city has some true hidden gems. Whether you’re in Palermo or the San Telmo neighborhood, there are work spots that feel more like homes than offices.

AreaTres El Salvador: Argentine talent Meets Coworking

One of the coolest coworking spots in the city, AreaTres is set in the heart of Buenos Aires' cultural hub. A day pass is about $15, giving you access to bright rooms, garden courtyards, and a professional community. It feels less corporate and more like working from someone’s very stylish home.

La Maquinita: Networking Meets Nightlife

La Maquinita takes the coworking idea and adds a creative twist. Monthly memberships run around $200, and the perk isn’t just the desk—it’s the community. Expect networking nights, creative workshops, and even casual hangouts that spill into nearby bars. For nomads who want both productivity and connection, this place nails it.

Café Alternatives for Flexible Days

Not every work session needs a membership card. If you’re in Palermo, Lattente is a favorite among locals. A flat white costs about $3, and the WiFi is strongest before 2 p.m. Other spots worth checking out include:

• Mercado San Telmo – Inside this historic market, you’ll find small cafés perfect for a laptop session.

• Don Julio – Okay, it’s technically a parrilla, but if you grab an early table before the dinner rush, it doubles as a calm workspace with legendary food.

• Japanese Gardens Café – Within the gardens, there’s a tea house where you can sip matcha and work in peace for about $5.

  

From Coworking to Culture in Buenos Aires Hidden Gems

The best part of working in this city? When you close the laptop, you’re surrounded by culture. In downtown Buenos Aires, you can head from coworking to a tango show, wander through the Recoleta Cemetery, or explore San Telmo for live music and markets. If you want something different, plan a wine tasting after work or visit the Museo de la Plata on a weekend trip.

Coworking here isn’t just about productivity—it’s about balance. Work hard, then reward yourself with a night out, a good meal, or a wander through the city’s endless hidden gems.

Living the Unexpected Side of Buenos Aires

What makes Buenos Aires so addictive isn’t just the tango halls or the colorful corners of La Boca. It’s the little things—the hidden gems tucked behind old doors, the cafés where locals linger, and the neighborhoods where history and modern life mix without a script. The city’s real charm lies in these unexpected corners, where every block feels like a discovery.

Why Hidden Gems Define the City

• A speakeasy behind a flower shop instead of a big-name nightclub.

• A small antique stall at a Sunday market that feels like a time capsule.

• A local café where your cortado costs less than $3, and the regulars might just chat with you like an old friend.

Stay Local, Live Like a Resident

Exploring the city means more when you stay in the neighborhoods themselves. From evenings out in La Boca to morning coffee near a hidden gem bookstore, basing yourself in a local flat makes every day feel less like tourism and more like life. And when you’re ready to settle into that rhythm, RentRemote makes it simple—choose your base, set up your workspace, and enjoy the freedom of the city.

Rent a flat in Buenos Aires hassle-free and experience the capital as more than just a visitor.