Things to do in Buenos Aires

Landmark · Recoleta

An astonishing city-of-the-dead of marble mausoleums, including Eva Perón's tomb — the city's most famous sight.

Local tip: Go early, then walk to the adjoining Recoleta Cultural Centre and the grand cafés along Avenida Quintana.

Culture · San Telmo

Cobblestoned old town with antiques, street tango and a sprawling Sunday market down Calle Defensa.

Local tip: Come Sunday for the feria, but mind your phone and bag in the crowds; the covered Mercado de San Telmo is great any day.

Nature · Palermo

The city's great green lung — lakes, the Rosedal rose garden, and joggers, cyclists and picnickers all weekend.

Local tip: Rent a bike or rollerblade the lakes on Sunday; the nearby planetarium and Japanese Garden round out a day.

Culture · La Boca

Brightly painted tin houses, tango on the street and the Boca Juniors stadium (La Bombonera) nearby.

Local tip: Strictly daytime, and stick to the tourist streets — La Boca gets dodgy a block or two off Caminito.

Food · Monserrat

The city's grand 1858 café, all marble and stained glass, on the elegant Avenida de Mayo toward the Congreso.

Local tip: Expect a queue at Tortoni; for the same belle-époque feel without the wait, try other 'bares notables' around town.

Landmark · Recoleta

A sumptuous old theatre turned bookshop — frescoed ceiling, boxes and a stage-set café — often called the world's most beautiful.

Local tip: Have a coffee on the former stage; it's free to wander and a perfect rainy-afternoon stop.