Buenos Aires: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Walking Tours & Discounts

Summary

See Buenos Aires your way with flexible bus routes, guided walks, and local perks

You’ll ride through Buenos Aires at your own pace by open-top bus, jump into free walking tours led by locals, and find small surprises at every stop — from secret carvings to football chants echoing through La Boca. With included discounts and multilingual audio guides, you’ll feel both guided and free to wander as much as you want.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so giddy sitting on the top deck of a Buenos Aires hop-on hop-off bus — but there’s something about weaving past the Obelisk with the wind in your face and that mix of city smells (coffee, exhaust, a hint of street food) that just hits you. We’d barely started when a couple behind us started arguing about which stop was closest to MALBA. The driver just grinned at me in the mirror like, “Welcome to BA.”

Our audio guide kept chiming in with stories — some I half-caught over the honking taxis — but I liked that I could jump off wherever. We got out at San Telmo for one of those free walking tours; our guide, Lucía, waved us over like we were old friends. She pointed out these tiny details on old buildings I’d never have noticed (there’s a face carved into a doorframe near Plaza Dorrego — she swears it’s good luck). The cobblestones were slick from last night’s rain, so I nearly slipped trying to take a photo. Lucía laughed and told me Porteños believe you should always watch your step here.

Later we hopped back on toward Recoleta Cemetery. There was this weird quiet as we passed rows of mausoleums — even the usual city noise seemed softer there. At one point I just sat with my headphones off and watched people on Avenida 9 de Julio below: kids chasing pigeons, an old man reading his newspaper under the trees. The flexibility meant we could stop for empanadas or just keep riding if our feet hurt (they did). Oh — if you’re into football, you can add museum tickets for Boca Juniors or River Plate; we skipped it but heard some fans singing at Bombonera stop anyway.

I still think about how easy it felt to get lost and found again in Buenos Aires with that little yellow bus ticket in my pocket. Not every city lets you wander this way — or gives you discounts on coffee when your legs finally give out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Buenos Aires by Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

• Board bus at Diagonal Norte
• Visit Congreso stop
• Stop at Paseo de la Historieta
• Explore San Telmo and Plaza Dorrego
• Visit Usina del Arte
• See Bombonera stadium
• Walk around La Boca and Caminito
• Stop at Costanera Sur
• Visit Puerto Madero
• Stop at Estación Fluvial
• Explore Galerías Pacífico
• Visit El Ateneo bookstore
• Stop at Plaza San Martín
• See Floralis Genérica sculpture
• Visit MALBA museum
• Stop at Planetario
• Visit Club de Pescadores
• Stop at Aeroparque
• See Parque de la Memoria
• Visit Monumental stadium
• Stop at Barrio Chino
• Visit Campo Argentino de Polo
• See Monumento a los Españoles
• Stop at Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo
• Explore Recoleta neighborhood
• Visit Teatro Colón
• Join free walking tours from select stops

Top questions

How does the Buenos Aires hop-on hop-off bus work?

You can board and exit at any official stop along the route using your ticket for flexible sightseeing throughout Buenos Aires.

Are free walking tours included with the bus ticket?

Yes, free walking tours are included and depart from select stops; tips for guides are voluntary.

Is there an audio guide available on the bus?

Yes, each bus has a multilingual audio guide sharing history and stories about Buenos Aires attractions.

Which attractions does the bus route cover?

The route covers places like Teatro Colón, MALBA, Recoleta Cemetery, La Boca (Caminito), San Telmo, Obelisk, Palermo parks, and more.

Can I combine my ticket with other activities?

You can choose options that include activities like river navigation, museum entry (Boca Juniors or River Plate), wine tasting, tea at Palacio Paz, brunch at El Gato Negro or Colón Fábrica tour.

Is wheelchair access available?

Yes, buses are wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

How do I join a walking tour?

You join by arriving at the designated stop; check schedules with guides onboard as times may vary due to weather or operations.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation is available close to many stops along the route.

What happens if I want to change my ticket duration?

If you need to change duration after booking, cancel your current reservation first before making a new one to receive an updated QR code.

What’s included

Your day includes unlimited rides on open-top double-decker buses with air conditioning and sunroof across Buenos Aires’ main sights; access to multilingual audio guides; participation in exclusive free walking tours led by locals; plus a voucherbook packed with discounts for shops and cafés along your route. Depending on your chosen option you can also add museum entries or food experiences before heading home whenever you feel ready.