Full Day in La Boca & Puerto Madero: Complete Guide
Important note: To get to and from the neighborhood, it’s best to take a bus or taxi, always during daylight hours, from mid-morning onwards.
On Mondays, the Ecological Reserve remains closed, except on public holidays.
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How to Get to La Boca
Getting to La Boca is simple once you know your options. The most common way is by bus: lines 152, 64, 29 and 53 all connect with the neighborhood, with the 152 being one of the most direct from the city center. A taxi or rideshare (Uber, Cabify) is also a comfortable option, especially if you’re coming from Recoleta, Palermo or Microcentro, with rides usually taking between 20 and 35 minutes depending on traffic.
Keep in mind that La Boca is not served by the subte (subway), so combining a subte ride with a short bus or taxi connection is often the easiest route if you’re coming from further away. For more details on routes, schedules and other transport options around the city, check out our complete guide on how to get around Buenos Aires.
Whichever option you choose, it’s best to visit La Boca during the day, arriving in the morning or early afternoon, and to stick to the touristic area around Caminito and the stadium, as recommended above.
Visiting La Boca in the Morning
The most iconic features of La Boca are its port, the famous Caminito street, and the Boca Juniors Stadium. To explore these attractions in depth, you can join our Free Tour of La Boca, where a local guide takes you through corners that tourists rarely get to see. If you prefer to explore the neighborhood on your own, you’ll find more information in our article on what to do in La Boca.
Lunch in La Boca
Along Caminito street, you’ll find a wide variety of dining options, ranging from traditional taverns to restaurants with views of the colorful houses. You’ll also notice that the sidewalks in this neighborhood are among the highest in the city — so high they even have steps.
Another option is to have lunch at Parque Lezama. Around the park, you’ll find cafés with takeaway food, perfect for a relaxed meal under a tree on a sunny day. For more options, check out our list of the best traditional restaurants in Buenos Aires.
Visiting the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve
The only protected natural area in the City of Buenos Aires sits on the banks of the Río de la Plata, close to the Microcentro. From La Boca, you can get there by taking bus number 20, which drops you off about 5 blocks away. Admission is completely free.
Inside the reserve, you’ll find self-guided trails to discover the local flora and fauna. It also features a riverside beach, viewpoints, and over 350 hectares of green spaces, lagoons, and woodland — a perfect natural pause against a backdrop of skyscrapers. For more information, visit the official Ecological Reserve website or read our full article on the Reserve.
Walking Through Puerto Madero in the Afternoon
In the afternoon, Puerto Madero is the ideal plan. It is the most modern neighborhood in Buenos Aires and one of the most pleasant to walk through: on one side you have the Río de la Plata, and on the other, the historic docks that have been transformed into restaurants and offices. Among the main highlights, you’ll find the Women’s Bridge, the docks, historic ships moored along the waterfront, and the Fortabat Art Museum.
That said, keep an eye out while walking along the waterfront — there are always people running, cycling, or rollerblading. To learn more about the neighborhood’s attractions, you can read what to do in Puerto Madero or join our Puerto Madero Free Tour.
Dinner in Puerto Madero or in the City Center
To wrap up the day, you have several options. Puerto Madero has a large number of restaurants and bars, although most are above average in price. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, you can walk a few blocks to the Centro or San Telmo, where you’ll find options for every budget and easy access to public transportation.
Finally, if you’re after something more casual and inexpensive, the food stalls along the Costanera are a Buenos Aires classic. Bondiola sandwiches are the most popular choice, but you’ll also find choripán and other typical street food options.


