Sherpa Food Tours

Categoría: Explore

  • The 10 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires

    The 10 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires

    Often referred to as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires is a city that captivates with its vibrant culture, rich history, and dynamic lifestyle. From the thrill of a football match to the elegance of a tango performance, this city offers a diverse range of activities that cater to every interest. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, Buenos Aires has something for you. Here’s our guide to the ten best activities in Buenos Aires that you simply can’t miss.

    1. Food Tour

    Location: Palermo, San Telmo, Recoleta, Various Neighborhoods
    Website:     Sherpa Food Tours

    Dive into the culinary heart of Buenos Aires with a guided food tour. These tours take you through the city’s most iconic neighborhoods and restaurants, offering a taste of everything from empanadas to gourmet ice cream. Local guides share stories of the city’s food culture, making it a delicious way to experience Buenos Aires. Each tour is tailored to showcase the best bites in the area, whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of San Telmo or the modern cultural center of Palermo. This is a must for food enthusiasts looking to understand the flavors that define Argentina – and to try the best empanadas in the world!

    sherpa food tours things to do in buenos aires

    2. Fogón Asado 

    Location: Palermo Hollywood, Uriarte 1423
    Website: Fogón Asado

    For a truly immersive Argentine experience, Fogón Asado offers a modern take on the traditional barbecue, or asado. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a culinary event that takes you through different cuts of meat, all grilled to perfection right before your eyes. The interactive aspect allows you to learn about Argentine grilling techniques and flavors while enjoying each delicious bite. Located in the heart of Palermo Hollywood, Fogón Asado is perfect for those who want to have the best time experiencing Argentine cuisine in a social, interactive setting.

    3. The Argentine Experience

    Location: Palermo, Fitz Roy 2110
    Website: The Argentine Experience

    The Argentine Experience combines fine dining with hands-on cultural education. This interactive dinner party invites you to learn how to make empanadas, mix cocktails like the famous mate-infused gin and tonic, and understand the nuances of Argentine cuisine. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an evening filled with storytelling, laughter, and cultural exchange. Ideal for couples, groups, and solo travelers, The Argentine Experience offers a fun and engaging way to dive into local traditions.

    Bonus tip:

    Not 20 minutes away from The Argentine Experience, you’ll find a mural of Frida Kahlo. It’s well worth a visit for any art lover!

    4. Criolla Cooking Class

    Location: Villa Crespo, Address provided upon booking
    Website: Criolla Cooking

    Step into a local’s kitchen and learn the art of Argentine cooking with Criolla. This intimate cooking class in Villa Crespo gives you the opportunity to prepare traditional dishes like empanadas and dulce de leche pancakes under the guidance of a skilled chef. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention, making it an ideal way to immerse yourself in Argentine culinary traditions. After the cooking, enjoy the fruits of your labor with a communal meal, complete with wine and great company.

    For those interested in exploring Buenos Aires through the lens of its dynamic street art and cultural movements, Furia Tours offers guided walking tours that dive deep into the city’s alternative scenes. These tours take you off the beaten path, showcasing hidden murals, the studios of local artists, street performers, museums off the beaten track, and vibrant neighborhoods like Palermo and La Boca. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the city’s artistic pulse and cultural diversity. Furia Tours is perfect for those looking to experience Buenos Aires beyond its touristy facade.

    6. Polo Day Tour

    Location: Various Polo Clubs outside Buenos Aires

    Argentina is famous for its polo, and there’s no better place to experience this elite sport than in Buenos Aires. While Buenos Aires is a big city, a day trip to play polo still takes you to the outskirts of the city, where you can watch a thrilling polo match, visit stables, and even try your hand at playing. The tour typically includes a traditional Argentine asado, allowing you to enjoy the countryside while indulging in some delicious food. This is an ideal activity for those looking to combine sports, culture, and gastronomy in one unforgettable day.

    7. Cementerio de la Recoleta

    Location: Recoleta, Junín 1760

    More than just a cemetery, Cementerio de la Recoleta is a journey through Argentina’s rich history. This sprawling site is the final resting place of some of the country’s most iconic figures, including Eva Perón. The elaborate tombs and mausoleums, many of which are works of art, tell the story of Argentina’s political and social elite. A guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the historical and architectural significance of this Buenos Aires landmark. It’s a serene, reflective place that offers a unique perspective on the city’s past.

    8. Tango: Classes, Theatre, and Milonga

    Location: Various Locations

    Tango is the heartbeat of Buenos Aires, and there are countless ways to experience this passionate dance. Take to the dance floor with a tango class in a traditional dance studio, watch a professional tango show in a grand theatre, or visit a milonga where locals dance late into the night. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, engaging with tango culture is a quintessential Buenos Aires experience. Each setting offers a different perspective on the dance, from its origins in the city’s working-class neighborhoods to its status as a global symbol of Argentine culture. Tango dancers are true Argentine artists, and will transport you with their purposeful movements to carefully curated live music. The best tango show in our opinion is Secreto Tango Society

    Insider tip:

    See if you’re lucky enough to catch a tango show at the city’s famous Teatro Colón. With stunning architecture and surrounded by some of Buenos Aires’ best art museums, this is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true cultural experience.

    9. Football Match

    Location: Various Stadiums

    In Buenos Aires, football is more than just a game—it’s a religion. Watching a live match at one of the city’s legendary stadiums, such as La Bombonera (home to Boca Juniors) or El Monumental (home to River Plate), is an electrifying experience. The passion of the fans, the intensity of the game, and the vibrant atmosphere in the stands combine to create an unforgettable event for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a football fanatic or just curious, attending a match is an essential Buenos Aires experience that immerses you in the city’s fervent sports culture.

    10. San Telmo Market

    Location: San Telmo, Defensa 961

    To round out your Buenos Aires adventure, visit the San Telmo Market, a bustling hub of antiques, local crafts, and food stalls. Located in the historic San Telmo neighborhood, this market is a feast for the senses, offering everything from vintage treasures to artisanal goods. The food court is a must-visit, serving up traditional Argentine snacks and international flavors. The market is particularly lively on Sundays, when the entire neighborhood turns into a vibrant street fair. It’s a perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere, find unique souvenirs, and enjoy some street food.

    Bonus tip:

    When visiting the San Telmo Market, you can take a casual 20 minute stroll down to the Casa Rosada – Argentina’s federal government office. Housed in a pink palace, it is home to the presidential offices, and is located just on the Plaza de Mayo. 

    Need a quick break from all those cultural and foodie activities? Discover where to find the best leather goods and local boutiques in our guide to the best shopping areas in Buenos Aires.

  • 10 Fun Things to do in San Telmo

    10 Fun Things to do in San Telmo

    Welcome to San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires oldest neighborhoods, and one of the most traditional as well. Cobbled streets, art galleries, chic cafés, antiques, and fresh produce… old and new meet and mesh in San Telmo in wonderful ways, and we are here to show you just how.

    Here’s a quick overview:

    1. San Telmo Market (Defensa 963)
    2. Defensa Street Fair (Defensa 100 – 1500)
    3. Plaza Dorrego & Antique Market (Humberto 1º 400)
    4. San Telmo Food Tour
    5. Parque Lezama & National History Museum (Defensa 1600)
    6. Modern Art Museum (Av. San Juan 350)
    7. Pasaje de la Defensa (Defensa 1179)
    8. Casa Mínima (San Lorenzo 380)
    9. Mafalda Statue (Defensa 700)
    10. Comic Strip Walk (several stops)
    things to do in san telmo buenos aires

    San Telmo Market

    The San Telmo Market is open from Tuesday to Sunday, unlike the Feria de San Telmo which takes place every Sunday. The indoor market first opened in 1897 and it hasn’t changed much since. The San Telmo Market has it all: antique jewelry, knick-knacks, fresh produce, and several food stalls and cafés where you can grab a bite (we especially like Hornero for regional food and Beba Cocina for porteño staples with a twist).

    The San Telmo Market is located in Defensa 963. It opens from 10.30 am to 7.30 from Tuesday to Friday, and from 9 am to 8 pm during weekends and public holidays. It’s better to show up around midday, as Argentines aren’t early risers. Sundays can be very crowded, as the Market gets a lot of overflow from the neighboring Feria. The ideal day to visit is either a Saturday or a weekday. And wear sensible shoes (this goes for anything you do in San Telmo except maybe Tango dancing).

    Defensa Street Fair

    San Telmo’s flea market is the most well-known street fair in the entire city.

    Every Sunday, Defensa Street is covered with stalls selling everything and anything: kitschy souvenirs, leather goods, antiques, designer clothing, and stationery…Locals and tourists alike flock to the street fair to browse the goods; you can easily spend hours walking along the cobblestone streets. The best part? Most of what you will see here are handmade items made by the stall owners themselves. Bring cash, most won’t accept international cards.

    The Street Fair goes all the way from Plaza de Mayo to Parque Lezama, but the best stalls are the ones closer to Plaza Dorrego. You can visit from 10 am to 5 pm (the earlier the better).

    Plaza Dorrego & Antique Market

    At the heart of San Telmo lies the iconic Plaza Dorrego, which hosts the antique market every Sunday. Some street vendors will also set up shop during the week. Bohemian, relaxed, and lively, this is the perfect place to take a break.

    Take a look around the square, grab a table at one of the nearby restaurants or cafés, and have a drink. The food here is nothing to write home about; we recommend a cup of coffee or maybe a lemonade or a soda during the hot summer months. What makes sitting down worth it are the tango dancers: you can always catch a show here, which is a great (and quicker) alternative to the 3-hour affairs that are most tango experiences.

    San Telmo Food Tour

    If what you are looking for is a tour of San Telmo with some fantastic food, the San Telmo Food Tour hosted by Sherpa (that’s us) is your go-to. The tour takes you to iconic historic restaurants and locations (including the San Telmo Market), and gives you the chance to try the very best dishes in Argentine cuisine, including some unexpected treats you probably haven’t heard about yet.

    There’s drinks, there’s wine, there’s steak (of course) and there’s fun guaranteed (but don’t take our word for it – take a look at our stellar reviews from previous guests).

    Parque Lezama & National History Museum

    If you visit San Telmo on a Sunday, the Defensa Street Fair will eventually lead you to Parque Lezama, a quieter park in the neighborhood. It has its own fair, as most important parks do, but the real highlight here is the National History Museum.

    Housed in a colonial mansion, the museum is a gorgeous architectural piece to visit. If you are lucky, you may catch the grenadier guard change – two granaderos are permanently stationed to watch the sword of national hero José de San Martín, which is kept at the museum. Admission is free, so take a quick peek if you can.

    Modern Art Museum

    Bright, quiet, and often colorful, the Modern Art Museum clashes a little bit with the old flair of San Telmo, but the change is welcome. Admission is free for locals only, but the entrance fee is quite cheap (and free on Wednesdays). Even if modern art isn’t your jam, the museum is the perfect spot to catch a break if you are visiting during the summer months – there’s AC, free wifi, and a lovely little café that serves a great iced latte.

    Pasaje de la Defensa

    While a visit to San Telmo almost always entails a trip to the Market or a stroll through Defensa Street, you should definitely stop by Pasaje de la Defensa (Defensa Alley) during your tour of the area.

    This mansion used to be the home of the aristocratic Ezeiza family back in the 19th century. The Ezeizas fled the place when the yellow fever struck, affecting the area closest to the river. The building was converted into a multi-family tenement home or “conventillo”, as happened with most of the once luxurious mansions in San Telmo and Barracas.

    The present-day Pasaje de la Defensa is a beautiful gallery featuring gorgeous architecture, antique shops, and cafés.

    Casa Mínima

    With just 2.5 meters width (that’s 2,73 yards for our friends from the US) this is the narrowest house in town, and maybe the world (the latter is just a guess, but we Argentines enjoy making claims of being the most at something). The tour is lackluster, but this is a great location to snap a picture (stretch your arms to the sides as much as you can for maximum comedic effect). It’s right around the corner from Defensa Street and Independencia Avenue, so you don’t have to go out of your way to see it.

    Mafalda Statue

    Argentina is pretty well known for our comic strips, with Mafalda being a world-famous character, a beloved local icon, and even a UNESCO ambassador. Fun fact: Mafalda has a small easter egg appearance in the DCU, showing up in a keychain Suicide Squad 2 (which takes place in the fictional “Argentine-adjacent” island of Corto Maltese.

    There’s a Mafalda statue in San Telmo, and people will line up to take a picture with Argentina’s favorite kid. You can skip the queue if you are in San Telmo during the week (usually), or very early during the weekend.

    Comic Strip Walk

    If you are into comic strips, check out the Paseo de la Historieta, i.e. “comic strip walk”. The Mafalda statue is one of many statues that pay homage to the most famous national comic strips. This is a fun walk you can do to explore San Telmo and the nearby areas of Montserrat and Puerto Madero, and a great activity for people of all ages, particularly kids. Here are all the stops!