Buenos Aires is full of beautiful contradictions. European architecture with Latin warmth inside it, serious steakhouses next door to late-night tango halls, and a confidence that makes you feel welcome right away.
How do you do Buenos Aires in luxury? Stay at the Alvear Palace in Recoleta or the Faena in Puerto Madero, book a private milonga or a tango dinner show, and save one night for Don Julio in Palermo. Then fly just under two hours to Mendoza for wine country.
Key facts
- Where to stay: Alvear Palace Hotel in Recoleta for old-world polish, or Faena Hotel in Puerto Madero for drama.
- The steak: Don Julio in Palermo.
- Pair it with: Mendoza, just under two hours by air.
- Money: the exchange rate moves a lot, so check current prices before you assume a bargain.
Why Buenos Aires
Photo: Nestor Barbitta / Unsplash
It's a city made for slow days and late nights. Dinner starts around ten, the cafés are old and beautiful, and nobody rushes you out of a good meal.
The hotels
Alvear Palace Hotel in Recoleta is old-world luxury done right, with marble lobbies, butler service and an afternoon tea worth dressing for. It holds a MICHELIN Key. Faena Hotel in Puerto Madero, designed with Philippe Starck, is pure theater in red and gold.
Photo: Courtesy of Alvear Palace Hotel
Photo: Courtesy of Alvear Palace Hotel
The tango experience
- Private milonga with professional dancers
- Tango dinner shows at Rojo Tango (Faena)
- Dance lessons with Buenos Aires masters
Claire's take
Photo: Emerson Vieira / Unsplash
Buenos Aires has long been one of the better values in luxury travel, though the exchange rate moves a lot, so check current prices before you assume a bargain. I always pair it with Mendoza wine country, just under two hours by air. Don Julio in Palermo is the best steakhouse I've been to on any continent. And Francis Mallmann's Siete Fuegos in Mendoza is my pick for the ultimate Argentine meal.
If you have more time, head south. My Patagonia guide covers the glaciers and lodges.
Book a free consultation and we'll plan your Argentina. You deserve a city that dances until morning.
Destination Guide
Destination Guide
Destination Guide