NAVIGATING THE CITY
01
KEY TOURIST SPOTS
02
GETTING AROUND
03
TRANSPORTATION
04
VISA & VACCINATIONS
05
STAY
06
WORK & COFFEE
07
GETAWAYS
08
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Buenos Aires is a city of contrasts — grand boulevards alongside cobblestone streets, elegant cafés next to parrillas grilling late into the night. With its deep cultural roots and vibrant creative scene, it's a place that rewards both planning and wandering. Cosmik curated this guide, alongside Crecimiento, to help you get the most out of LabWeek Web3 and your stay in Buenos Aires.

Navigating The City
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VENUE
LabWeek Web3 will take place across multiple venues in Buenos Aires, with a focus on Palermo and Recoleta. Events are spread throughout the city to highlight its diverse neighborhoods and cultural settings.
Transportation
Buenos Aires is best explored by a mix of walking, ride-hailing, and public transit. Uber and Cabify are widely used, while the Subte (subway) and buses connect most districts (you'll need a SUBE card). Traffic can be heavy, especially at rush hour, so allow extra time if you're traveling between neighborhoods.
Weather

November in Buenos Aires is spring, so expect it to be warm, sunny, and comfortable. Daytime temperatures usually range from 18°C (64°F) to 26°C (79°F). Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a jacket for cooler evenings. Rain showers are possible, so an umbrella is useful.

Market Hours

Street markets and neighborhood ferias often open late morning and continue into the evening. The famous San Telmo market is busiest on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Major shopping malls like Galerías Pacífico and Alto Palermo are generally open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Currency

The Argentine peso (ARS). In practice, cash is king, so bring USD and exchange at casas de cambio or trusted cuevas for the best dólar blue rate (Dólar Hoy). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants but not always in smaller shops. Avoid ATMs, which charge high fees and give poor exchange rates.

Tip : The “Blue Dollar”

The official exchange rate and the market rate (dólar blue) are very different. Most visitors use USD cash to get the better blue dollar rate. Only exchange with trusted sources. Ask locals or hosts for recommendations.

Safety

Buenos Aires is generally safe, but like any major city, petty crime exists. Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded places like San Telmo market or the Subte. At night, use licensed taxis or ride apps instead of hailing cabs on the street. Porteños are warm and helpful, and with a few precautions, the city is comfortable to explore day and night.

Local Rhythm

Life in Buenos Aires runs late. Dinners often start around 10pm, bars fill after midnight, and clubs don't get going until 2am or later. Markets and shops also open later than in many cities. Adjust your schedule, and you'll experience the city the way locals do.

Key Tourist Spots
Neighborhoods
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Palermo
The creative hub of Buenos Aires, divided into Soho and Hollywood. Expect tree-lined streets filled with cafés, boutiques, coworking spaces, and nightlife that stretches until dawn. A favorite for both locals and visitors.
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Recoleta
Elegant and European in style, Recoleta is known for its grand architecture, leafy plazas, and cultural landmarks. The Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón rests, is a must-visit.
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San Telmo
One of the city's oldest neighborhoods, famous for its cobblestone streets, antiques market, and Sunday feria. Street tango performances add to its bohemian charm.
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La Boca
Colorful houses, murals, and the legendary Boca Juniors fútbol stadium define La Boca. Best explored during the day, especially around Caminito Street, the open-air museum of brightly painted homes.
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Microcentro
The busy downtown area, home to the Obelisco, Plaza de Mayo, and Casa Rosada (the presidential palace). Full of historic landmarks, political energy, and the city's most iconic avenues.
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Puerto Madero
A redeveloped docklands district with modern skyscrapers, riverside parks, and upscale dining. The contrast with historic neighborhoods makes it a striking stop.
Museums and Galleries
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MALBA
The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires, featuring works from Frida Kahlo to contemporary Argentine artists. A centerpiece of the city’s cultural life.
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Teatro Colón
More than an opera house, it's a living museum of architecture and music. Take a guided tour or, better yet, catch a performance.
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Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Holds one of South America's most important art collections, spanning European masters and Argentine artists. Located in Recoleta.
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Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires (MAMBA)
A contemporary art space in San Telmo with rotating exhibitions that reflect the city's avant-garde spirit.
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Fundación PROA
Set in La Boca, PROA brings international exhibitions to Buenos Aires, with a rooftop café overlooking the Riachuelo.
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Evita Museum
Housed in a 1920s mansion, the museum traces the life and legacy of Eva Perón through personal artifacts, photos, and films.
Getting Around
Buenos Aires is a sprawling city, but it's walkable in central neighborhoods and well-connected by public transit. Traffic can be heavy, so combining walking, the Subte, buses, and ride-hailing apps is often the best way to move efficiently.
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Subte (Subway)
The fastest way to cross the city. The Subte has six lines that cover much of Buenos Aires, especially downtown and major neighborhoods like Palermo and Recoleta. You’ll need a SUBE card to ride.
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Colectivos (Buses)
The bus network is vast, with hundreds of routes running day and night. It’s inexpensive and covers areas the Subte doesn’t reach, though routes can be tricky for newcomers. The BA Cómo Llego app is useful for navigation.
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Walking
Buenos Aires is best experienced on foot. Central districts like Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo, and Microcentro are walkable, with plenty of cafés, shops, and plazas to break up the journey.
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Taxis & Ride-Sharing
Taxis are plentiful, but cash is required and drivers may not always give change. Apps like Uber and Cabify are more convenient and safer late at night.
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Trains
If you’re heading outside the city, toward Tigre, La Plata, or the suburbs, commuter trains are a cheap and scenic option. Trains depart from stations like Retiro and Constitución.
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Pro Tip
Buenos Aires runs on its own clock. Rush hour traffic peaks from 8-10am and 6-8pm. If you’re crossing neighborhoods for events, build in extra time.
Transportation
Flights
Buenos Aires is served by two main airports:
Ezeiza International Airport (EZE)
The main international gateway, located about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of the city center. Most long-haul international flights arrive here.
Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP)
Closer to downtown (just 5 miles / 8 km away), Aeroparque handles most domestic flights and some regional routes within South America.
Cabs
From Ezeiza, a taxi or private transfer to central neighborhoods (Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo) takes 45-60 minutes and typically costs around USD $25-35 when booked in advance. Avoid unlicensed taxis at the airport. Stick to official services like Taxi Ezeiza or book through a ride-hailing app. From Aeroparque, rides into the city are faster (15–25 minutes) and cheaper.
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Visa
Most visitors can enter Argentina for tourism without a visa for up to 90 days, though your passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival. Requirements vary, so confirm via the official Argentine migration site or your local consulate before travel.
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Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Argentina if you’re arriving from most countries. However, the CDC recommends being up to date on routine vaccines. Yellow fever vaccination is suggested if you plan to visit northern provinces near the Brazilian border. Consult a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Stay

While Protocol Labs isn't arranging a room block, here are a few hotel suggestions:

Palo Santo Hotel

An eco-friendly boutique hotel in Palermo Hollywood. Known for its vertical gardens, rooftop pool, and sustainable design, it's a green oasis in the middle of the city. (Link)

Home Hotel

A stylish boutique stay with a lush garden, spa, and outdoor pool. Set in Palermo Hollywood, it blends design and comfort with an easygoing vibe. (Link)

CasaSur Palermo

Modern and elegant, with spacious rooms and a prime location near Palermo's bars, restaurants, and shops. Perfect if you want to be in the center of the action. (Link)

Work & Coffee
Coworking

Buenos Aires has a thriving coworking scene. AreaTres Palermo offers a professional, startup-friendly space that attracts international founders. Huerta Cowork is more relaxed, with natural light and a community feel. Both are great if you want to balance work with exploring.

Coffee & Bites

Coffee culture is strong here, blending Italian heritage with third-wave precision. LAB Training Center is a mecca for specialty coffee lovers. Cuervo Café is minimalist and design-driven, with perfect pastries. Ninina offers an all-day café vibe, with fresh food and desserts worth lingering over.

Getaways

Buenos Aires is a hub for day trips and weekend escapes. The Tigre Delta, just an hour away, offers boat rides, riverside dining, and a slower pace of life. Across the Río de la Plata, Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay is a UNESCO World Heritage site with cobbled streets and a relaxed vibe. Closer by, La Plata is a lively university city with a rich cultural scene. If you have more time, head west to Mendoza for wine country or south to Patagonia for landscapes that feel like another world.