11 Things to Do in Buenos Aires in April
The Argentinean capital, with the autumnal air that characterises this time of the year, hosts different cultural, artistic and gastronomic events. Do you want to know them?
Buenos Aires is a wonderful city to visit throughout the year and April is no exception. Not only because the weather becomes very pleasant to walk around, but also because the cultural agenda is renewed and strengthened with very diverse proposals that will undoubtedly interest art and culture lovers.
On this date, you will find numerous options to enjoy the city's cinema, literature, theatre, architecture, contemporary art and gastronomy. But, of course, there is also tango, as an important festival is held in April. Discover the most interesting things to do in April, so you can make the most of your stay in Buenos Aires.
1. Attend a tango festival and go to the milongas
It is unthinkable to visit Buenos Aires and not immerse yourself in the atmosphere of its characteristic music and dance: the tango. A tour around some of its best milongas is a unique experience that every visitor, tango lover or simply curious, should experience at least once in their life. The most characteristic milongas in Buenos Aires are:
- La Catedral, located in the Almagro neighbourhood, well known for its cosy atmosphere and live music.
- La Viruta, a popular milonga in Palermo that offers tango lessons before opening the dance floor.
- El Beso, one of the oldest and most emblematic milongas in Buenos Aires. It is located in San Telmo, a neighbourhood with a great tango tradition, where you can take some of the best tango classes in Buenos Aires.
Doing this tour of milongas in April is an excellent idea as this is the time when the ECUNHI Tango Festival is held, one of the most important events in the city with numerous activities such as concerts, exhibitions, classes and dance competitions. But before that, I recommend you to book a tango lesson in Buenos Aires.
More information about the Festival
- Date range: Variable date usually in April, although previous editions have been held in May.
- Location: Av. del Libertador 8151, CABA.
- Admission fee: free with a solidarity contribution.
2. Take an excursion to the Tigre delta
Booking an excursion to the Tigre delta in April is a plan that you should include in your itinerary, as the weather is very pleasant to embark on this tour in which you will get to know one of the most impressive deltas in the world.
On this excursion, which lasts approximately 5 and a half hours and includes the transfer to and from a series of central locations in Buenos Aires, you will sail along the Paraná River while you learn about the history of the water channels, the surrounding houses and the life of the islanders with a tour guide who will accompany you throughout the tour and will offer you all kinds of anecdotes and curiosities.
You will also be able to see the Quinta de Olivos, the main residence of the President of Argentina, as well as the elegant mansions that you will find along the route.
More information about the tour
- Duration: 5 hours.
- Price of the tour: around 46 €.
3. See the impressive collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts
The National Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most important museums in Buenos Aires and Latin America. If you are planning to visit Buenos Aires in April, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit it when the touristic affluence is lower and you can visit it at your own pace.
You will be able to appreciate the works of artists such as Antonio Berni, Xul Solar, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Auguste Rodin or Vincent Van Gogh. Discover in detail its extensive collection, which includes works mainly from the 19th century to the present day, as well as collections of pre-Columbian and Egyptian art.
In April, the National Museum of Fine Arts has several exhibitions and activities specifically for this time of year, such as the open-air film series. Besides, as it is a low season month, you will be able to walk around the halls at your leisure, and also appreciate the architecture of one of the most emblematic buildings of Buenos Aires because the is in itself a work of art, a beautiful French-style palace built at the beginning of the 20th century.
More information about the museum
- Location: Av. del Libertador 1473, CABA.
- Admission: free.
- Days and Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 11 am to 8 pm. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 8 pm. Closed on Mondays.
- Interesting facts: the museum has an audio guide for blind or low vision people and is accessible for people with reduced mobility in all its rooms.
4. Visit the Recoleta Cemetery
The Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most fascinating places in Buenos Aires, as it is considered an open-air museum, where history and culture play an important role. There you can visit the tombs and graves of important political and cultural figures in Argentina, such as Eva Duarte de Perón.
Booking a tour of the Recoleta Cemetery in April is a great opportunity to enjoy its mystique and architecture, not only because of the more pleasant weather during the autumn season, but also because of the smaller number of visitors that allow you to visit it in a more relaxed way.
Moreover, during the guided tour you will be given detailed information about the most important mausoleums and the historical figures that rest there. If you are interested in learning more about history and architecture, and you are looking for a unique cultural and tourist experience.
More information about the tour
- Location: Junín 1760, CABA.
- Admission fee: free.
- Admissionwith guided tours: around 10 €.
- Days and hours: every day from 7 am to 5 pm.
5. Celebrate Empanada Day in Buenos Aires
One of the most popular foods in Argentina, and part of its identity, is the empanada, a baked or fried dough with different fillings and endless possibilities if we refer to its flavours that you can learn about if you book an Argentinean empanada cooking class. There are many options to enjoy them in the city of Buenos Aires, especially in April, since every 8th of this month is celebrated the Day of the Empanada.
On this day, many of the typical restaurants and empanaderías of the city offer discounts and special promotions so that you can savour these exquisite stuffed pastries. Another possibility is to take a gastronomic tour around Buenos Aires, where you will surely know the best places to eat in the city.
It is an ideal event for those who want to know the local gastronomy and taste the most diverse empanadas, from traditional recipes such as the empanadas criollas, to the most innovative ones with a gourmet touch. If you are interested in learning local recipes, remember that you can learn more in one of the best cooking classes in Buenos Aires.
More information
- Date: 8 April.
- Interesting fact: Many restaurants and empanaderías offer **special discounts and promotions.
6. Experience the latest in independent film at BAFICI
If you like to explore new cinematic trends away from the mainstream and are excited to find those new directors who could change the way cinema is made in the next decade, you can't miss the Buenos Aires International Independent Film Festival (BAFICI), which takes place every April.
Since 1999, BAFICI has brought together thousands of spectators to offer them the most interesting independent films from around the world. This month, hundreds of films of the most varied origins and various activities related to cinema are presented in different venues of the city, which you can reach comfortably if you book the Buenos Aires tourist bus.
During this event, presentations, conferences and retrospectives are held in the traditional cinemas of the historic centre for about 15 days. In particular, Corrientes Street, which concentrates the main theatres of the city, is ablaze with feature films, short films, documentaries and all the aesthetic and emotional experiences that these arouse.
For more information
- Dates: takes place in the second half of April approximately.
- Interesting fact: many of the exhibitions and activities are free of charge.
7. Visit the fair that unites good food and reading
In April, many fairs and events take place in Buenos Aires. One of the most classic ones is called Leer y comer, and it is a perfect mix between reading and gastronomy. It takes place during two consecutive days at the beginning of April and it is a traditional event in the city that gathers the best of literature, art and gastronomy in one place.
The fair was declared of National Tourist Interest and proposes meetings with the most renowned artists, producers, chefs and writers of Argentina and the world. You will be able to participate in thematic talks and book presentations, and visit publishing stands. There are also workshops, games and experiences for children. And at nightfall, there are DJs and artists from the emerging scene of Buenos Aires, which undoubtedly makes it one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires at night.
As if this were not enough, this event offers a very tasty gourmet gastronomic proposal at very affordable prices, ideal for those who want to take a gastronomic tour in Buenos Aires. The wide range of offerings includes food from different parts of the world and vegetarian, vegan and TAAC-free options, so food lovers will also love it.
More information about
- Location: Concepción Arenal and Warnes CABA.
- Admission: free of charge.
8. Soak up reading at the Buenos Aires International Book Fair
One of the most outstanding aspects of Buenos Aires is its intense cultural life. For this reason, you cannot miss the International Book Fair, one of the most outstanding in the world. It is held at La Rural de Palermo and is a unique opportunity to enjoy world literature in a city famous for its writers and the books that have narrated it.
You can find a huge variety of books of all genres and subjects, from great publishing successes to cult literature, by browsing through its hundreds of stands. And in its presentations and conferences you can have close contact with authors and publishers.
Some of the activities in which you can participate if you attend are the Dialogues of writers, the International Poetry Festival, the Reading Marathon, the International Meeting of Oral Narration, and much more. Without a doubt, it is one of the best things to do in Palermo in April.
More info
- Location: at La Rural, Av. Sarmiento 2704, CABA.
- Entrance fee: around 4 €.
- Interesting fact: each ticket includes discount vouchers that can be used to buy books at the stands. The vouchers are cumulative.
9. Attend the festival of Italian culture in Argentina
Buenos Aires is known for being a multicultural city, having received immigrants from all over the world. One of the communities that have had a significant presence in the city is the Calabrian. That is why, to celebrate its rich cultural heritage, the BA Celebra Calabria takes place every year in April.
This event, organised by the Calabrian community, features a wide variety of cultural activities, including music and dance performances, art and craft exhibitions, traditional food tastings and much more. Moreover, in the festival you will find different stands with typical Calabrian products.
Celebra Calabria is a unique opportunity to know and enjoy the Italian culture in Buenos Aires, with ideal proposals to share with friends and family.
More info
- Location: Avenida de Mayo and Bolívar, CABA.
10. Celebrate Easter in Buenos Aires
The celebrations of Holy Week and Easter are very important worldwide, that is why in Buenos Aires you will also find a great number of events and activities related to this celebration. One of the most popular is the visit to Tierra Santa, a religious theme park located in the city.
During these dates, Tierra Santa offers visitors a series of shows and theatrical performances that recreate the Passion of Christ and other biblical scenes. In addition, there is a wide variety of religious celebrations in the churches and cathedrals, such as the famous Good Friday procession that ends at the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Gastronomy is also a strong point during these festivities, with traditional dishes such as empanadas de vigilia and roscas de pascuas, which you can find in many restaurants and bakeries in the city. In addition, many places offer activities for the little ones, such as Easter egg decorating workshops, very entertaining if you visit Buenos Aires with children.
More information
- Location: Tierra Santa. Av. Rafael Obligado Costanera, CABA.
- Price: between 12 and 17 euros approximately.
- Days and hours: during Easter Week the opening hours are from 12:00 to 22:00.
11. Search for literary treasures in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a city with a long literary tradition and a great passion for books. From the iconic bookshops on Corrientes Street to its elegant literary cafés, these are must-visit destinations for literature lovers. International Book and Copyright Day is celebrated on 23 April and Booksellers' Day on 26 April.
In Buenos Aires, much attention is paid to the latter, which recognises the work of booksellers in the city and promotes culture and reading. Many of these include discounts on books, presentations, talks and story readings for children. Some bookshops also host special events such as concerts, film screenings and art exhibitions related to books and literature.
In April you can't miss a stroll along Corrientes Street to visit the most emblematic bookshops and enjoy a delicious coffee.
More info
- Location: Corrientes Street.
- Price: free.
What to pack to visit Buenos Aires in April
April is autumn in Argentina, so the weather is warm during the day and cool at night, without being too hot or too cold. Therefore, it is one of the best times to visit the Argentine capital and enjoy all the things to see and do in Buenos Aires, as it is also low season and receives fewer tourists.
It is best to bring light summer clothes, such as T-shirts, blouses, shorts and dresses, and warm clothes for the evening, such as jackets, jumpers or sweatshirts. It is also important to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses, to better enjoy your stay.