15 Best Cities to Visit in Argentina are a sight to behold, with charming colonial architecture and picturesque tree-lined streets leading to a plethora of museums, restaurants, bars, and other attractions. Whether you’re seeking the passion of tango or the excitement of football, or simply want to immerse yourself in the country’s rich cultural heritage, Argentina’s top cities have it all and more.
But the wonders of Argentina don’t stop at its urban centers. With its diverse landscapes of deserts, lakes, mountains, and coastlines, this country offers unparalleled opportunities to explore breathtaking scenery and fall in love with its incredible people and culture.
Mar del Plata is one of the 15 Best Cities to Visit in Argentina
Mar del Plata, known as the “Happy City,” is a highly sought-after beach destination for Argentinians, resulting in crowded beaches during the peak seasons of January and February. Situated on the Atlantic coast, the city boasts a picturesque waterfront promenade and a bustling port with charming old boats and delectable seafood restaurants.
In addition to its stunning beaches, Mar del Plata offers a plethora of attractions, including museums, galleries, shopping malls, impressive architecture, and vibrant nightlife.
Salta
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Salta, known as “Salta the Fair,” is renowned for its charming architecture, elegant museums, and picturesque surroundings. Undoubtedly, the city lives up to its well-deserved reputation. Situated amidst majestic mountains, Salta attracts numerous tourists and its colonial-style buildings and captivating museums truly justify a visit.
Moreover, Salta offers an abundance of hotels, bars, and restaurants, ensuring visitors have a delightful experience. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the enchanting northwest region of the country.
San Juan
San Juan is nestled in a lush valley, blessed with abundant sunshine that makes it an ideal place for cultivating grapes. Although the city was ravaged by a catastrophic earthquake in 1944, it has since been rebuilt into a modern metropolis with wide tree-lined streets. Nowadays, San Juan is primarily known for its vineyards that envelop the city, and serves as a starting point for exploring the breathtaking landscapes that lie in close proximity.
San Carlos de Bariloche
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Bariloche is nestled on the lower slopes of the Andes, encircled by shimmering lakes, and boasts a truly stunning location. The city is situated within the Nahuel Hatapi National Park, making it a popular destination for both locals and foreigners alike. However, during peak times, the city can become quite crowded due to its popularity as a tourist hotspot. Fortunately, the surrounding natural beauty provides a tranquil escape. Exploring the awe-inspiring scenery through trekking or skiing is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Puerto Madryn
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Puerto Madryn’s stunning beaches on the Golfo Nuevo provide a delightful setting for leisurely activities. However, the primary reason for most visitors to come here is the abundance of marine treasures in the vicinity.
The city primarily focuses on catering to the tourism and industrial sectors, with the EcoCentro being a prominent attraction apart from the beaches. As the entry point to the breathtaking Peninsula Valdes, Puerto Madryn is the ultimate destination in Patagonia for those seeking whale or orca watching experiences, as well as the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions.
San Miguel de Tucuman
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Tucuman, the biggest city in the northwest, serves as the capital of the region and is a vibrant and dynamic place with a youthful populace. The city is a hub of commercial activity and its bustling business center can be quite overwhelming. However, thanks to the influx of young professionals, there are now numerous hotels, bars, and restaurants to cater to all tastes. After a busy day, the cool night air provides a welcome respite. Tucuman is also the city where Argentina declared its independence, and the nearby hills offer some incredible hang gliding opportunities.
Puerto Iguazu
Puerto Iguazu, situated at the border of Paraguay and Brazil, is a destination that primarily caters to tourists who come to witness the breathtaking waterfalls. Despite lacking a distinct identity, the city offers a relaxed atmosphere and a plethora of dining and accommodation options. The highlight of the city is undoubtedly the magnificent Iguazu Falls, which stretches across the Brazil-Argentina border. The Argentinian side of the falls boasts picturesque walkways amidst the cascading waters, providing visitors with unforgettable views. It is these falls that make Puerto Iguazu a must-visit destination.
Rosario
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Rosario, a significant port city, has transformed its old warehouses and deteriorating structures into a captivating blend of galleries, cafes, restaurants, and bars. The city’s lengthy waterfront is now a pleasure to explore, and the nearby inner-city delta islands, with their stunning beaches, only enhance Rosario’s appeal.
Ranked third in size after Buenos Aires and Cordoba, Rosario’s streets are a fusion of architectural styles, with contemporary buildings coexisting with Catalan Modernism edifices.
A chic and vibrant destination with a thriving nightlife, Rosario is often overshadowed by the nation’s capital. However, visitors are always amazed by the abundance of things to see and do in this city.
Cordoba
Rosario, a significant port city, has transformed its old warehouses and deteriorating structures into a captivating blend of galleries, cafes, restaurants, and bars. The city’s lengthy waterfront is now a pleasure to explore, and the nearby inner-city delta islands, with their stunning beaches, only enhance Rosario’s appeal.
Ranked third in size after Buenos Aires and Cordoba, Rosario’s streets are a fusion of architectural styles, with contemporary buildings coexisting with Catalan Modernism edifices.
A chic and vibrant destination with a thriving nightlife, Rosario is often overshadowed by the nation’s capital. However, visitors are always amazed by the abundance of things to see and do in this city.
Ushuaia
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Ushuaia, situated in the Tierra Del Fuego, stands as one of the southernmost cities in the world. Its picturesque coastline is adorned with low-lying buildings, complemented by the breathtaking snowy Martial Range in the background. Despite its disorganized streets, Ushuaia boasts a selection of charming museums, delightful restaurants, and even a casino for those seeking entertainment. However, the true allure of this city lies in its proximity to awe-inspiring natural wonders. From Ushuaia, one can embark on thrilling adventures, such as kayaking, trekking, sailing, scuba diving, and skiing, all amidst the incredible landscapes and ecosystems. Whether your heart yearns for Antarctica or the Andes, Ushuaia serves as the ideal starting point for exploration.
Mendoza [SEE MAP]
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Mendoza, situated in the midst of the region that produces numerous world-famous wines of Argentina, boasts of its charming tree-lined streets and sophisticated squares that exude a relaxed atmosphere. After a catastrophic earthquake in the late 1800s, the city was rebuilt with the broad streets that we now admire, providing it with a sense of openness. Despite the bustling streets during the day, Mendoza’s nightlife is vibrant, with its restaurants and bars bustling with activity. While strolling around town, one can still catch a glimpse of some of the beautiful old historic buildings that have survived.
The valley where the city is situated is adorned with majestic snow-capped mountains, offering a picturesque view. From this location, you have the opportunity to arrange thrilling adventure tours in the nearby Andes, with the magnificent Aconcagua mountain not too distant. Don’t forget to indulge in the local wine before your departure!
Buenos Aires [SEE MAP]
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Buenos Aires, the capital of the country, is a captivating destination where European and Latin influences blend harmoniously, resulting in a refined and vibrant city. Its streets are adorned with magnificent buildings, while street art adds a touch of creativity to the barrios, where you can find exceptional restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Situated on the banks of the Rio de la Plata, Buenos Aires boasts world-class museums, galleries, and theaters, making it the thriving cultural hub of Argentina. The city’s infectious nightlife, filled with the passionate rhythms of tango and pulsating nightclubs, adds an extra layer of excitement and celebration to the already lively atmosphere.
Buenos Aires is a city that is a feast for the eyes, with its stunning visuals and a population of around fifteen million people. This gigantic metropolis has something to offer everyone, whether you are looking for passionate football matches, delicious juicy steaks, or gorgeous opera performances. Buenos Aires never fails to impress.
San Martin de los Andes
San Martin de los Andes, nestled among mountains and situated on the shores of Lake Lacar, offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere throughout the year. However, during the summer and winter seasons, it becomes a bustling hub for tourists. The charming and uniform chalets that dot the landscape enhance the picturesque beauty of this destination, making it a favorite among travelers.
During the winter, Cerro Chapelco attracts many visitors as a renowned ski resort. On the other hand, in the summer months, Lanin National Park offers incredible opportunities for trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts. A boat ride on the lake is an essential experience that should not be missed when exploring this delightful city.
La Plata
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La Plata, despite its close proximity to Buenos Aires, faces the risk of being overshadowed by its neighboring city. However, it serves as an ideal destination for those seeking a refreshing day trip away from the bustling capital. As a thriving university town, La Plata’s planned city layout is evident, showcasing its organized structure. The city owes its vibrant cultural scene, in part, to the students, with the Natural History Museum standing out as its finest attraction.
Featuring a magnificent neo-Gothic cathedral, a picturesque central park, and a lively nightlife, La Plata often goes unnoticed. Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly a place worth visiting.
Neuquen
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Situated at the confluence of the Neuquen and Limay rivers, this urban center serves as the regional capital and offers a handful of commendable museums and excellent dining establishments that are worth exploring. With its serene tree-lined streets and relaxed public squares, Neuquen presents a delightful destination for a brief visit, although many travelers tend to only pass by en route to Patagonia and the Lake District. In the vicinity of the city, one can also discover remarkable wineries and astonishing paleontological sites.
