Looking for a romantic vacation for two someone memorable? While you could take that special someone to Paris and spend a few months’ salary in the process, Argentina is one of the world’s best values now and you can do it all there without worrying about the tab. Buenos Aires travel offers romantics the chance to do it all.
You still get great restaurants to choose from, historic gravitas, and a wide range of activities to choose from, in a city that’s not as jammed up with other tourists as its famous European counterparts. You can order bottles of wine and the world’s best beef in a restaurant that didn’t require booking months ahead and your hotel room rate will be in three figures, not four. You can hire a private car and driver to pick you up at the airport and take you where you want to go in the city.
Buenos Aires beckons couples with its passionate spirit and romantic allure. The city’s mix of European charm and Latin flair creates a perfect backdrop for love. Stroll hand-in-hand through colorful streets, share intimate tango lessons, or enjoy candlelit dinners in cozy restaurants.
So order a flower bouquet nearby to arrive in your hotel room when you land and then follow our advice below to experience Buenos Aires for romantics.
Choose a Luxury Hotel for Romantics in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires offers dreamy accommodations for couples seeking a romantic getaway. You’ll find intimate boutique hotels and opulent luxury properties to set the mood for your amorous adventure. We have detailed reviews of the best Buenos Aires luxury hotels on our site, but here are a few favorites to suit different styles.
Alvear Palace
For old-world romance, the Alvear Palace Hotel can’t be beat. This grand dame of Buenos Aires hotels oozes luxury and sophistication. You’ll feel like royalty in the ornate rooms with chandeliers and marble bathrooms. Take it slow and enjoy traditional afternoon tea in the L’Orangerie restaurant.
The rooftop bar here offers amazing city views. It’s a magical spot for an evening cocktail with your sweetheart.
MIO Buenos Aires
If you’re young and in love, MIO Buenos Aires has big rooms where the centerpiece is a big carved wood bathtub a few steps from the bed. This romantic boutique hotel is in a prime location too, in Recoleta near the main attractions and plenty of restaurants to choose from.
It also has a library you can enjoy for a quiet break and there’s a spa on site for getting relaxed with a massage. There are only 30 rooms here, so there’s plenty of personal attention.
CasaSur Palermo
This contemporary 60-room hotel is a good match if you love modern design and want to be in the heart of a trendy neighborhood. CasaSur Palermo is in the Palermo Viejo area, walking distance to hot bars and restaurants. There are plenty of nice spots to cozy up together in the hotel, including lounge chairs beside the swimming pool and a great roof terrace where you can watch the twinkling lights of the city.
Faena Hotel + Universe
This hotel has been the rock star choice for two decades now, where the cool kids hang out and take selfies by the swimming pool. It’s a Philippe Starck design hotel where every detail is designed to inspire or delight and if you care more about artistic hotel design than being in a historic neighborhood, Faena Hotel + Universe is a good romantic lodging option.
One plus here: they host the long-running Rojo Tango show in their own theater, so you don’t have to head across town for that entertainment.
Stroll the Streets of Recoleta and Palermo
Get your bearings on your Buenos Aires travel jaunt by starting out at the Casa Rosada, Argentina’s pink presidential palace in Plaza de Mayo. Its balcony is where Eva Perón famously addressed her adoring fans. Continue the Eva theme at Recoleta Cemetery where she rests. The ornate mausoleums and sculptures make it feel like an outdoor museum.
Then take a lighter turn by strolling the streets of the city’s most upscale neighborhood. Join the locals for a coffee, a cocktail, or a glass of wine after exploring the interesting tree-lined streets with historic apartment buildings and mansions.
For a funkier vibe, mix it up with a more artistic crowd in the various sections of Palermo. Palermo is where you’ll find trendy shops and beautiful green spaces. The neighborhood is split into smaller areas, each with its own charm.
Palermo Soho is perfect for boutique shopping and hip cafes. You can spend hours browsing unique clothing stores and art galleries.
For a peaceful break, head to the Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods). This large park offers rose gardens, lakes, and quiet paths for a romantic walk. You can rent a pedal boat or rowboat to cruise around the lake. Pack a picnic and find a cozy spot on the grass to enjoy each other’s company.
The Botanical Gardens offer some nice green spaces to explore and a sculpture garden.
Or you can visit the Rosedal, a beautiful garden with over 18,000 roses. It’s lovely in spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom. Take a walk hand-in-hand through the winding paths and breathe in the sweet scent.
If antiques and history are more your thing, spend some time in the San Telmo neighborhood.
You’ll find all sorts of treasures here, from vintage jewelry to old maps. Street performers—including tango dancers—add to the lively atmosphere. On Sundays, the famous antique market fills Plaza Dorrego and nearby streets.
If the timing is right on your Buenos Aires travel dates, get show tickets for whatever is playing at historic Teatro Colon. The setting will be spectacular and romantic no matter what the event is.
Tango and Wine Bars
Tango is the heart of Buenos Aires’ romantic spirit. You can watch professional dancers at milongas, traditional tango halls. Or you can go to a tango show that’s flashy, traditional, or contemporary. These shows will take your breath away with their passion and skill and some include dinner or drinks.
For a more hands-on experience, try a tango class with your partner. Many studios offer lessons for beginners. You’ll learn basic steps and feel the music’s rhythm together. It’s a fun way to bond and create lasting memories. Dress up for the occasion and make it even more romantic.
Café culture is big in Buenos Aires and this is a city where the wine is always flowing. You and your partner can enjoy a cozy table for two at historic spots like Café Tortoni. It’s been around since 1858 and has a charming old-world feel.
For wine lovers, Buenos Aires is paradise. You can try local wines like Malbec and Torrontes at cozy wine bars. Many places offer guided wine tasting sessions where you can learn about Argentine wines. It’s a great way to spend an evening together.
Romantic Dining in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires offers a delicious mix of traditional Argentine flavors and modern culinary flair. You’ll find mouthwatering steaks, cozy parrillas, and gourmet restaurants perfect for romantic dinners.
Argentine beef is world-famous, and you’ll see why at Buenos Aires’ parrillas (steakhouses). Don’t miss the chance to try asado, a traditional barbecue that’s more of a social event that requires pacing, with empanadas and sausages in the mix.
The most famous places for steak and wine are Don Julio and Cabana Las Lilas, though the locals you ask will all quickly list off several places they think are better. With the Argentine aged beef quality being at such a high level throughout, you might be better off finding your own quiet place that’s not such a hassle to get into. (Don Julio doesn’t take reservations, so there’s always a line outside.)
If you don’t mind booking ahead, Buenos Aires always has a good showing on the lists of the best restaurants in Latin America. Here’s who made the top 50 in the latest results besides the steakhouse with a line mentioned above that came out on top:
Mishiguene
El Baqueno
Aramburu
Elena
La Cabrera
Gran Dabbang
Oviedo
Getting around Buenos Aires is easy and affordable. Rideshare apps like Uber are widely available and convenient for door-to-door service. Taxis are also common and can be hailed on the street or at designated stands.
For a special night out, consider booking a private car service to arrive in style. You can also arrange an airport pickup with Blacklane like we did on our romantic stay in Buenos Aires, kicking things off right from the moment we stepped out of baggage claim.
Then if you want to get out of the city for a while, see our article on great day trips from Buenos Aires.
All photos by editor Timothy Scott except top photo by Marcus Mayer of Unsplash.Â
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