More about: Buenos Aires Bike Tours
Argentina is a city of great culture, ingrained gastronomy, sophisticated architecture and memorable history, which leaves plenty of things to see and do in Buenos Aires, its capital city. If you feel like experiencing the best it has to offer, then I assure you that a bike tour is one of the most enjoyable ways to do it.
Bike culture is part of the everyday life of Argentines, so why not get to know Buenos Aires like the locals? In this article you will learn about the best routes with advantages and disadvantages, the neighborhoods you can't miss and the average prices. Whether you are a regular cyclist or an amateur, here is something for everyone to explore Buenos Aires on two wheels.
1. Tour getting to know Buenos Aires by bike
With the tour getting to know Buenos Aires by bike you can enjoy an overview of the capital with its contrasting neighborhoods, squares, parks and monuments. The starting point of this adventure is the picturesque neighborhood of San Telmo, where you will cycle through the narrowest streets of the area, surrounded by the Museum of Modern Art, the Casa Minima, the Solar de French Gallery and many other sites with charming architecture and cultural value.
The next stop makes its way with the passion for soccer as a watchword, at the famous stadium La Bombonera followed by the picturesque houses of the Caminito in the heart of the old port of La Boca. Afterwards, the group continues through the modern Puerto Madero, the newest and most sophisticated area of the city.
At noon, some operators include lunch or an hour's break to recharge your batteries in an area with a variety of restaurants with options for all diets. Then you return to the road to move on to the Ecological Reserve, where the feeling of serenity and tranquility intoxicates and energizes the spirit.
Then it's time to visit the Plaza de Mayo. Here, you will see the old Cabildo (city hall), the Primate Cathedral of Buenos Aires, which was the former residence of Pope Francis, and the Casa Rosada (Pink House). This square is an emblematic place for Argentines, as it has been the scene of many transcendental events in the country's history. And this is not all.
In the afternoon you also go to the neighborhoods: El Retiro, Palermo and you border the cemetery, which are some of the best things to do in La Recoleta, before returning to your point of origin.
Details of interest
- Price: from 32 € per person.
- Duration: 4-7 hours.
- Schedule: morning.
- What the tour may include: expert guide service in your language, lunch of typical Argentinean dish, bottled water and bicycle and helmet rental service.
- Means of transportation: manual, electric or bamboo bicycle.
- Pros: it is the most complete tour and covers north, center and south of Buenos Aires.
- Cons: sometimes groups can be large.
2. Half day bike tour of Buenos Aires urban art.
This half day tour invites you to get to know another perspective of Buenos Aires, it is about pedaling surrounded by eclectic, modern and often transgressive street art pieces, which portray the contemporary history of Buenos Aires in inhospitable places of the city surrounded by many of the best museums in Buenos Aires.
Together with your local guide, you will pedal through little visited neighborhoods, tracing the connection between labels and art, the architecture of the city and the expressions that give voice to the voiceless.
During the tour, you will photograph some of the most impressive works of urban art in Buenos Aires such as the colorful Cuartos de colores mural by author Gonzalo Prieto, the beautiful flower mural, the hugging girls by Juli Casas and Mar Bou and plants Mural cabernet by artist Josefina Di Nucci, and the famous Pared collage, a wide wall full of stickers, paintings and memorable phrases of local culture.
During the tour, your guide will share with you the history and anecdotes behind each work of art in spaces such as the Mugica neighborhood, San Telmo and the Barracas neighborhood, allowing you to better understand the role that urban art plays in the city.
Details of interest
- Price: from 78 € per person.
- Duration: 2 - 4 hours.
- Schedule: morning and afternoon.
- What can be included in the tour: guide service expert in urban art in your language. bike and helmet rental.
- Means of transportation: manual, electric or bamboo bicycle.
- Pros: groups are small and offer a different view of the country's artistic tradition.
- Cons: itineraries vary considerably among operators as avant-garde art is in constant transformation. Food and beverages are not included.
3. One day Bicycle Tour of northern Buenos Aires
This half-day bike tour in Buenos Aires takes you through the historical, architectural and natural heart of the belle époque Latin capital until you reach the Plaza de las Naciones Unidas where a metallic jewel that is emblematic of Buenos Aires awaits you.
You will begin your adventure in downtown Buenos Aires, where you will experience the vibrant energy of the city's financial district, just 3 kilometers from the Microcentro. The area in question is Retiro, where you will be impressed by the majesty of the palaces and emblematic buildings of the Belle Époque, while exploring the Plaza San Martin, the Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament, the Military Circle, the Plaza Hotel Buenos Aires, the Monumental Tower and its surroundings.
The next stop is in the Recoleta neighborhood, a neighborhood known for its historic cemetery, cafes, ice cream parlors, museums and monuments such as the Floralis Generica, an impressive metal flower that opens its petals in the Plaza de las Naciones Unidas. From there, you will continue north to Palermo, where the only religious theme park in Buenos Aires is located, bringing together gardens, hippodrome galleries, the largest Islamic temple in Latin America and the Galileo Galilei Planetarium.
But the real jewel of the tour is in the parks and in the Palermo Rose Garden, you will find yourself surrounded by lush vegetation and natural beauty. There you will take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying the breathtaking views and tranquility of this unique natural space.
On the way back, you will stop at the Plaza del Congreso, one of the most important meeting points of the city, where you will have the opportunity to admire the impressive building that represents the legislative power of Buenos Aires. After 4 hours of biking adventure, you return to the starting point with an unforgettable experience and a new appreciation for the history, architecture and nature of Buenos Aires.
Details of interest
- Price: from 32 € per person.
- Duration: 4 hours.
- Schedule: morning.
- What the tour may include: guide service with expert cyclist in your language. Rental of bicycle and helmet.
- Means of transport: hand bike.
- Pros: the group is small, the price is cheap and it evokes the nostalgia of the city among a variety of the best buildings in Buenos Aires.
- Cons: only includes the bike ride, no food or drinks included. You will probably want to spend more time in this area if your interest leans toward 19th century architecture.
4. One day bike tour of the south in Buenos Aires
A One Day Bike Tour of the South in Buenos Aires is the perfect adventure for those who wish to explore the historical center of the city, including its Afro-Argentine roots, amidst a network of emblematic streets. The adventure usually begins in San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood. Here, you will be able to see how time has stood still since the beginning of the 20th century, preserving the splendor of its historic center, which still retains the Creole mystique of the Porteños.
From there, the group advances to Lezama Park, one of the natural lungs of the city where you can learn about the founding of Buenos Aires, immigration stories with the National Historical Museum as the central axis of the section.
Next, you pedal to the edge of La Boca, where you can admire La Bombonera, the famous soccer stadium of Boca Juniors, one of the most popular teams in Argentina. Afterwards, you continue past traditional mansions and parishes to reach the colorful area of "El Caminito", which used to be the first port of Buenos Aires and is now a neighborhood full of local artists, antiques and handicrafts.
After leaving the old town, you advance with the group to Puerto Madero, the second port of the city, which has evolved to become the most avant-garde and eclectic neighborhood in Argentina. Here, you will see the evolution of the city through its architecture and impressive buildings that have redefined the city's skyline with the female figure at the heart of the change.
Then, it's time to approach the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, a natural reserve that occupies 350 hectares between the city and the Río de la Plata. Here, you can enjoy the nature and tranquility of this green oasis. The last stop of the tour is Plaza de Mayo, where the city of Buenos Aires was founded in 1580.
Details of interest
- Price: from 32 € per person.
- Duration: 4 - 5 hours.
- Schedule: morning.
- What the tour may include: guide service with expert cyclist in Spanish. Rental of bicycle and helmet.
- Means of transport: hand bike.
- Pros: it is a very complete tour and the groups are small (maximum 8 people), which makes the tour more enjoyable.
- Cons: food, drinks or entrance fees to any monument are not included.
5. Downtown and La Boca Bicycle Day Tour in Buenos Aires
Do you want to explore the historic center of Buenos Aires and get to know one of the most emblematic neighborhoods of the city? Then you can't miss this half day bike tour through downtown and La Boca. The tour usually starts in San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city where its flea market is a must-see icon on Sundays. On this stretch you will see its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.
Afterwards, you will continue to Puerto Madero, the most modern neighborhood of Buenos Aires, where women who have played an important role in the history of Argentina are honored in its streets. Here you will enjoy breathtaking views of the port and the city's skyscrapers.
And once you leave the sophistication of the port, you will pedal inland to La Boca, one of the most colorful and authentic neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. There, you can visit "El Caminito", a colorful pedestrian street, full of craft stores and restaurants where you can taste the typical food of the city. Also, you can't miss a visit to La Bombonera stadium, home of the famous Boca Juniors soccer team.
Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to listen to the interesting commentary of your guide, who will tell you everything you need to know about the history, culture and people of Buenos Aires. Also, the use of the cycling equipment is included, so you won't have to worry about anything.
Interesting details
- Price: from 32,5 € per person.
- Duration: 4 hours.
- Schedule: morning.
- What the tour may include: local expert guide service in your language. Bicycle rental service with helmets.
- Means of transport: hand bike.
- Pros: the tour route is quite convenient, the price is cheap and they usually ride in small groups which enhances the experience by making it more personalized.
- Cons: does not usually include lunch, snacks or water.
What are the neighborhoods in Buenos Aires that I should not miss?
Traditional, contemporary and hipster neighborhoods converge in Buenos Aires. If there was a capital that inspired the phrase " variety is the spice of life", it was surely the Argentine capital and these are its reference neighborhoods:
San Telmo
San Telmo, known for its history, culture and gastronomy. Here you can learn about the past of the city and see how it has evolved over time. You can also visit some of the most famous places in Buenos Aires such as Plaza Dorrego or the San Telmo Market.
If you want to get out of the city by bike, but be close enough so you don't have to go far from your base, this tour is perfect for you!
Puerto Madero
If you want to explore the trendy side of Buenos Aires, Puerto Madero is the answer. This trendy neighborhood offers beautiful views of the city skyline and its famous port. Here the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, inspired by the city's historical past and the nature of the place, designed the famous Puente de la Mujer in 2001.
In addition, you will find a variety of other beautiful and interesting sites such as the Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat Art Collection, the Faena Art Center and not to mention its ecological reserve, a visual delight.
La Boca
La Boca is a historic and culturally enriching neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is home to the famous La Bombonera soccer stadium and the Caminito, where you will find local artisans and artists. It is a must-see for those who wish to experience authentic Argentine culture.
San Nicolas
San Nicolás is a historic neighborhood of Buenos Aires that is home to some of the city's most emblematic buildings, such as the Teatro Colón and Galerías Pacífico. It also has a wealth of stores, restaurants and bars that make it perfect for strolling around.