Buenos Aires deserves all the time you can give it. Those planning an extended stay, say two weeks or more, should acquire Moon Buenos Aires, which is exhaustive on the capital itself but also includes more detail on excursions in Buenos Aires Province and neighboring Uruguay.

At a minimum, though, visitors should figure three days for highlights like the Plaza de Mayo, adjacent sights like the presidential palace and cathedral, and the Avenida de Mayo and Café Tortoni; the southern barrios of San Telmo (preferably on a Sunday) and La Boca; and the Teatro Colón, Recoleta and its famous cemetery, and Palermo (including the MALBA art museum). a01234567

But that’s pressing it, and at least a week would be desirable for seeing those sights thoroughly, at a more leisurely pace, and taking in the Puerto Madero waterfront, Palermo’s parks and fine arts museum, Chacarita cemetery, and the Paraná Delta.

Even that would permit only limited partaking of the rapidly evolving restaurant scene in Recoleta, PalermoSoho, PalermoHollywood, and Las Cañitas; the vibrant cultural life (including art galleries and theater); the hyperactive nightlife; and even compulsive shopping at Galerías Pacífico and other recycled landmarks.

No matter how much time you spend here, there’s always more to see and do.