It’s easy to come up with a list of the top sites to see in Buenos Aires as there’s a lot to see and do. It’s a fascinating city and according to most lists, the most visited city in South America. On a recent trip, I enjoyed 4 sites that either don’t come up on many lists or are at the bottom of lists, but I think they deserve higher ranking.

1. El Zanjón, which is in the San Telmo area of the city. If you like architecture, archeology, and history, this tour of a historic dwelling puts it all together. As with many tours, it depends on who leads you through your experience. The tour lasts about an hour and the older woman who guided us had a wealth of information, not just about this site but about Argentine history as well. She also had a great sense of humor!

Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tanenhaus/2400379236

2. El Ateneo Grand Splendid. A while back, I read an article in the NY Times travel section about the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Given the sad disappearing act of bookstores in the states, this article stuck with me. When I planned my trip to Buenos Aires it was a must see for me! Just go there… you won’t want to leave!

In 2008, The Guardian named it as the second most beautiful bookshop in the world (https://www.theguardian.com/books/2008/jan/11/bestukbookshops)

3. The Water Company Palace (aka Palace of Flowing Waters). This building turned out to be my favorite of any I saw in Buenos Aires. Absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, the day I went to see it was a holiday, so getting inside was not possible. Next trip for sure.

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Water_Company_Palace

4. Teatro Colón. Whenever I travel, I always take tours of the opera houses. This one, given its world ranking, is a must. And if you can catch an opera there, all the better. I actually did catch an opera while in Buenos Aires, though it was a Live From The Met performance, so not done at Teatro Colón. Catching an opera, or any live performance, with an overseas audience is always a fun experience and one I’ve enjoyed in many places I’ve visited.

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teatro_Colón

I’ll throw in an ice cream tip, too. Don’t bother trying all the ice cream shops in Buenos Aires! Just head to Un Altra Volta and thank me later! Or better yet, bring me home some Dulce de Leche Granizado and I’ll be your new best friend!

Image source: http://www.unaltravolta.com.ar/helados

Have you visited these places when in Buenos Aires? Want to add any of your “must sees” that aren’t usually in the top 5?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.