🇦🇷 Argentina
In my view Argentina is a huge, spread-out country where Buenos Aires stands out as one of the best cities in the world, and smaller towns range from skippable to hidden gems. Day-to-day it is cheaper than Chile or Brazil and, sticking to central areas, about as safe as much of Europe – but the distances make planning a route harder.
Country overview
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Money & Currency+
Travel Insurance+
- Travel insurance is mandatory to enter Argentina (since 1 July 2025)
Transport Overview+
Culture & Etiquette+
Safety Overview+
My City Rankings (best to worst)+
Destinations
Buenos AiresBuenos Aires›
Argentina's capital and one of my favourite cities in the world: huge and spread out, with distinct neighbourhoods (Palermo, San Telmo, La Boca, Recoleta, Belgrano, Puerto Madero), strong nightlife, an affordable subway and a steak-and-wine food culture.
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La PlataBuenos Aires Province›
Argentina's oldest planned city, built on an elaborate grid, 1.5 hours by train from Buenos Aires. Not touristy, but I found it very liveable – good for a day trip or weekend.
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Mar del PlataBuenos Aires Province›
Argentina's most popular summer beach resort, busiest December–February. I rate it a genuinely liveable city with a great café scene, despite patchy weather and so-so beaches.
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RosarioSanta Fe Province›
Argentina's third-biggest city and Lionel Messi's hometown. Often called the country's most dangerous city, but I spent weeks there and felt safe in the central areas.
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CórdobaCórdoba Province›
Argentina's second-largest city and its student capital – lively weekend nightlife and, in my view, the friendliest people in the country. Few big sights, but a great base for Córdoba Province.
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Villa Carlos PazCórdoba Province›
A popular Argentine resort town on a reservoir near Córdoba. I found it disappointing and rank it last of my 17 Argentine cities.
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Villa General BelgranoCórdoba Province›
Argentina's German town, founded by German settlers in the 1930s and home to the country's Oktoberfest. I call it one of the most beautiful towns in Argentina.
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La CumbreCórdoba Province›
A small town in the Córdoba hills partly built by British railway workers in the late 1800s. Pretty, but I felt one day is enough.
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MendozaMendoza Province›
Argentina's wine capital at the foot of the Andes. I found the city centre underwhelming – my most controversial ranking – but the wine tours and mountain trips are excellent.
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SaltaSalta Province›
One of the most underrated places in Latin America in my view – colonial architecture, mountain scenery, the cheapest prices in Argentina and the best empanadas.
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CafayateSalta Province›
Argentina's second wine region after Mendoza, surrounded by striking red mountains. I say the town itself is tiny – a few hours is enough.
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Puerto IguazúMisiones Province›
The Argentine town for Iguazú Falls, which I rank as a must-see. Quiet and pricey by day, livelier at night with good bars and restaurants.
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BarilocheRío Negro, Patagonia›
One of my favourite places in Argentina – a lake-and-mountain town famous for chocolate, beer and Patagonian lamb. My only complaint: it's cold most of the year.
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San Martín de los AndesNeuquén, Patagonia›
A chilled-out Lake District town at the end of the Seven Lakes Route. I liked it but wouldn't call it a must-visit on its own.
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Puerto Madryn & Punta TomboChubut, Patagonia›
My base for Patagonian whale watching and Punta Tombo, the largest penguin colony in South America, about 2 hours' drive south.
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GaimanChubut, Patagonia›
A small Welsh-heritage town in Patagonia, best known for its traditional tea houses. An easy day trip from Puerto Madryn.
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UshuaiaTierra del Fuego, Patagonia›
The 'end of the world'. I found the town just okay, but the Beagle Channel boat trip to see penguins was one of my best experiences in Argentina.