Dreaming of exploring Buenos Aires in 2025 without spending a lot of money? The city of tango, street art and rich culture can be enjoyed even on a budget. In this guide, you'll find cheap flights, affordable accommodation, free attractions and practical tips for saving money

There are cities that you visit once and never forget. Buenos Aires is one of them. Known as the “Paris of South America,” Argentina’s capital blends European elegance with Latin American passion. Wide boulevards lined with neoclassical buildings, leafy parks where locals gather for mate, colorful markets, and the hypnotic rhythm of tango on every corner create an atmosphere that is both vibrant and welcoming.

In 2025, Buenos Aires continues to shine as one of the top budget travel destinations in South America. Affordable prices, free cultural activities, and a favorable exchange rate mean that travelers can enjoy the best of Argentine culture without spending a fortune. 

This extended guide will help you plan a memorable Buenos Aires budget trip in 2025, filled with practical tips, cheap eats, local secrets, and plenty of inspiration.

Even on a budget trip, it’s important to take care of your own safety. Affordable travel insurance for trips to South America will protect you from unforeseen situations — from medical expenses to flight delays. Apply for a policy in a few minutes online and enjoy Buenos Aires without unnecessary worries.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Buenos Aires in 2025?

The first question every traveler asks is: How much will I spend per day in Buenos Aires? The answer is pleasantly surprising.

Thanks to Argentina’s economic situation, foreigners enjoy an excellent exchange rate in 2025. Eating in restaurants, staying in centrally located accommodation, and exploring museums and attractions is far cheaper than in many European capitals.

- Backpackers can get by on $25–$40 per day, staying in hostels, cooking meals or grabbing empanadas, and joining free walking tours.

- Mid-range travelers with a budget of $50–$80 per day can enjoy private Airbnbs or budget hotels, dine out regularly, and still have money for tango shows and day trips.

- Digital nomads and comfort seekers will find $80–$120 per day enough for stylish apartments in Palermo, coworking spaces, and nightlife.

Pro tip: Bring both cash (USD or EUR) and cards. Many places prefer cash, and you’ll often get a much better rate by exchanging money at official exchange houses (cuevas). Apps like DolarHoy show daily exchange rates.

Argentina is not only a fantastic country to visit, but also a great place to live. It offers expats a unique blend of European and Latin American values, diverse landscapes and a rich culture. Argentina also stands out for its affordable prices. Read here how much does it cost to live in Argentina.

Cheap Flights to Buenos Aires 2025

Buenos Aires is far from most major travel hubs, but with some smart planning you can find cheap flights to Argentina.

Most international travelers arrive at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). Airlines like Aerolíneas Argentinas, Iberia, Air Europa, and LATAM regularly run promotions. Use flight comparison websites and set alerts to catch deals.

Best times for low fares:

- May–September (autumn and winter in Argentina, which is low tourist season).

- Mid-week flights are usually cheaper than weekends.

Travel hack: Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly into São Paulo or Santiago first, then book a budget flight to Buenos Aires. If you’re traveling through South America, this can save hundreds of dollars.

Best Budget Areas to Stay in Buenos Aires

Each neighborhood in Buenos Aires has its own soul, and the good news is that you can find affordable accommodation everywhere.

- Palermo: Trendy, green, and safe. Perfect for digital nomads and younger travelers. Streets are lined with cafes, street art, and bars. Hostels here are lively but pricier than in other areas.

- San Telmo: Bohemian and artistic. Known for tango shows, antique shops, and cobblestone streets. Hostels are very affordable and full of character.

- Recoleta: Chic and elegant, home to the famous Recoleta Cemetery. Budget hotels and guesthouses can still be found if you look beyond the luxury options.

- Microcentro (Downtown): Bustling, central, and budget-friendly, though noisy at night. Perfect for being close to attractions.

Tip: Book early for the best hostels in Buenos Aires. Many offer free breakfast, communal kitchens, and even Spanish lessons.

Getting Around: Public Transport & Budget Tips

One of the joys of Buenos Aires is how easy and cheap it is to move around.

- SUBE card: Buy one as soon as you arrive—it works for buses, metro (Subte), and trains. A metro ride in 2025 costs less than $0.20.

- Buses: They run all night and connect every corner of the city. Each line has its own number and color.

- Metro: Fast and efficient, though crowded at rush hour.

- Ride-sharing apps: Uber, Cabify, and Didi are safer and cheaper than flagging down a taxi.

- Walking & cycling: Buenos Aires is flat and walkable. The city bike program Ecobici is almost free for tourists and offers a fun way to explore neighborhoods like Palermo and Puerto Madero.

Insider tip: Join a free bike tour if you want to cover more ground while learning about the city’s history.

Free & Cheap Things to Do in Buenos Aires

This city is a treasure chest for budget travelers. You don’t need to spend much to soak up its culture.

- Recoleta Cemetery: A hauntingly beautiful city of mausoleums. Eva Perón is buried here. Free entry.

- San Telmo Market: Every Sunday, the streets fill with antique stalls, musicians, and tango dancers. The atmosphere is priceless.

- La Boca & Caminito: Famous for brightly painted houses, street performers, and open-air tango.

- Plaza de Mayo: The political heart of Argentina, surrounded by landmarks like Casa Rosada.

- Parks: Palermo Woods, Japanese Garden (small fee), and Reserva Ecológica, where you can picnic while overlooking the Río de la Plata.

- Museums: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is always free, while MALBA offers free entry on Wednesdays.

Don’t miss: Free walking tours in English. They’re tip-based, so you decide what to pay.

Eating on a Budget in Buenos Aires

Argentine cuisine is legendary, and you don’t need a big budget to try it all.

- Street food: Empanadas (around $1 each), choripán (grilled sausage in bread, about $2), and pizza by the slice are quick and filling.

- Parrillas: For a true Argentine steak, try a neighborhood grill (parrilla). A hearty steak meal with fries and a glass of Malbec can cost under $10.

- Markets: Mercado de San Telmo and Mercado de Belgrano are packed with food stalls offering cheap meals and snacks.

- Daily lunch specials: Look for menú del día—a set menu with starter, main, drink, and dessert for $5–$8.

Budget tip: Share dishes. Argentine portions are large, and splitting a steak between two is common practice.

Nightlife & Culture on a Budget

Buenos Aires has one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in the world, and you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy it.

- Tango: Instead of pricey tourist shows, head to a milonga – a local dance hall where Argentines gather to dance. Entry costs around $5.Free tango classes are often offered in cultural centers.

- Bars & nightlife: Palermo is packed with craft beer bars offering happy hour deals ($2–$3 a pint).

- Festivals: Throughout the year, Buenos Aires hosts free cultural events, from book fairs to film festivals.

Day Trips from Buenos Aires on a Budget

If you have extra days, escape the city with these cheap excursions:

- Tigre Delta: Just a $1 train ride away, this town is famous for its rivers and weekend markets. You can take a boat trip for a few dollars.

- La Plata: A smaller city with beautiful architecture and museums, one hour from Buenos Aires by train.

- Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay): A charming colonial town across the river. Ferries can be expensive, but if you book in advance or catch a promo, you can cross for under $40.

Practical Tips for Budget Travelers 2025

- Stay safe: Petty theft exists, so keep your phone and valuables close. Avoid deserted streets late at night.

- Connectivity: Local SIM cards with generous data packages cost under $5. Free Wi-Fi is common in parks and cafes.

- Travel insurance: Even if you’re on a budget, affordable travel insurance for South America is essential for peace of mind.

- Learn a few Spanish phrases: Locals appreciate when you try. Simple words like gracias (thank you) and por favor (please) go a long way.

Buenos Aires is a city that embraces visitors with open arms. In 2025, it remains one of the most exciting and affordable destinations for international travelers. From the rhythm of tango echoing through cobblestone streets, to the scent of sizzling steaks at a neighborhood parrilla, every experience is rich, authentic, and accessible – even on a tight budget.

Whether you are a backpacker chasing cheap eats in Buenos Aires, a digital nomad looking for coworking-friendly cafes, or a culture lover eager to discover free things to do in Buenos Aires 2025, the city offers endless opportunities.

Travel smart, plan early, and let yourself be carried away by the vibrant soul of Argentina’s capital. With the right approach, Buenos Aires budget travel 2025 will give you not only a trip full of memories, but also the satisfaction of discovering one of the world’s greatest cities without overspending.

Discover a simple and reliable way to travel! In the “Tourist Guide” from Visit Ukraine you will find:

- Step-by-step instructions for applying for a tourist visa: from filling out the application form to the interview.

- Information about the visa fee and application processing time.

- Photo of a tourist visa for clarity.

- Rules for correctly filling out a visa application form.

- Life hacks and tips for a comfortable visit to the country.

- A complete list of necessary documents for applying for a visa.

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Reminder! Argentina has announced the launch of a citizenship by investment (CBI) program with a minimum threshold of $500,000, and is also actively working on changing migration legislation. We have already talked about the features of the new immigration policy, the advantages of the Argentine passport, and changes in the rules for permanent residence in 2025.

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