La Boca: Tours and Guided Visits

A trip to Argentina’s capital city would be incomplete without taking a tour of La Boca. No one can deny the passion coursing through this vibrant district of Buenos Aires — from the colorful façades of the buildings and football stadiums to the tango dancers somberly embracing in the streets.

On La Boca tours, you can visit the home of Boca Juniors football club and wander around “El Caminito” — an open-air museum known as the birthplace of tango music.

Here's all you need to know about La Boca, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Buenos Aires.

Where is La Boca located?

The La Boca district is located just south of downtown Buenos Aires. You cannot travel there directly by metro, so you must go by bus or taxi.

Travel by taxi

This is the most convenient option and will take about 20 to 25 minutes from downtown Buenos Aires. It costs from US$5 to US$8. Tell the driver to take you to El Caminito.

Travel by bus

This is a slightly longer, yet less expensive option. It will take about 30 to 40 minutes. You can take two different lines. Line 64 has a stop directly at El Caminito. Line 152 will take you two blocks away from El Caminito near the riverside, which is its last stop.

Alternatively, you can take a hop-on hop-off bus tour from downtown to La Boca.

What are the best things to do in La Boca?

Experience La Bombonera

This infamous stadium is home to Maradona’s beloved football club Boca Juniors, and is named La Bombonera for its chocolate box shape. It regularly hosts one of the most intimidating (and loud!) sports crowds around. Attending a match is sure to be memorable, but you can also visit its museum for a quieter time.

See tango dancers on the street

Tango is the city’s other passion, but you don’t have to go searching for it, as it will find you. The melody of a bandoneon and guitar is all a couple needs to perform this solemn dance.

Here you will see live musicians and dancers performing on the esplanades in front of restaurants and cafes. Why not sip a glass of vino while appreciating the free show?

Stroll or bike down El Caminito

Discover why this colorful little path is one of the 10 most photographed places in the world, according to Google Maps, on a tour of El Caminito. Appreciate the talent of the renowned artist, Quinquela Martín, who transformed a dull, gray riverside into this vibrant pedestrian avenue that is now the center of city life.

Appreciate the street art

Impactful murals of Argentina’s biggest idols, like Messi and Maradona, look down upon the sidewalks throughout this working-class “barrio.”

Whether simply decorative or sharply political, street art is central to the cultural identity of this Buenos Aires district. Learn more on a guided street art tour.

What are the best tours to visit La Boca?

Guided walking tour of La Boca

Explore the picturesque streets on a walking tour. You will hear about how immigration fueled the fire of the city’s two burning passions — tango and “futbol.” There will be plenty of stops to snap photos, rest, shop and indulge in the local cuisine. Don’t forget the chimichurri!

There are even free walking tours available if you want to limit your travel budget or you prefer to dedicate more of your pocket money to food, drinks and souvenirs. However, please still consider tipping your guide if you appreciated their efforts.

Have you got some anxious kids in tow? If so, this specially-designed tour in La Boca is perfect for children 4 to 12 years old. You will meet at Nicolás Avellaneda bridge, walk along El Caminito and stop for visits at the Benito Quinquela Martin museum, Conventillo Historico 1881 and La Bombonera stadium.

To keep the little ones occupied, the tour includes a copy of “Buenos Aires for Kids” with over 40 pages of activities, fun facts and stickers. Each child will also receive a snack during the tour to help prevent cranky cries and rumbling bellies.

Guided cycling tour of La Boca

Whiz through the pedestrian streets on a bike tour. This way you can hit up each stop quicker and explore more of the surrounding areas, such as San Telmo, Puerto Madero and Parque Lezama. A local guide will lead you on the best routes and reveal the hidden histories behind each point of interest.

Guided stadium tours of La Boca and River Plate

Every great football city has a timeless football rivalry. In Buenos Aires, the undeniable “clásico” is the annual battle between Boca Juniors and River Plate. Here you can follow the footballers' footsteps through the dressing rooms and tunnels of La Bombonera and El Monumental — and even step onto the field itself!

Private street art tour in La Boca

The street art splashed on the walls throughout La Boca gives the city its colorful liveliness. However, this art is not merely decorative. Behind each mural is a wealth of cultural history and social commentary.

Allow an expert guide to reveal how each piece fits into the context of the local narrative on gentrification, feminism, football hooliganism and much more.

What are the prices of La Boca tours?

The prices for guided walking tours of La Boca range from US$10 to US$100. Although some of the walking tours are technically free, it is customary to pay anywhere from US$10 to US$50, depending on your level of satisfaction.

The prices for cycling tours of La Boca range from US$35 to US$70 and include bike and helmet rental. The higher-priced tours are private and will only include participants from your group, while the lower-priced tours will also include others from outside your group.

The La Boca tour for kids has shared and private group options, which are priced at US$40 and US$90, respectively. Both tours include a snack and activity booklet for each child from 4 to 12 years old.

Where do La Boca tours start?

The most common meeting points for the walking tours are in front of either La Bombonera stadium or Benito Quinquela Martín museum.

The meeting points for cycling tours will normally be at the responsible tour provider’s bike shop.

For private walking tours, the meeting point is often flexible, so you can choose a convenient location to meet up with your guide.

When is the best time of day to visit La Boca?

As most tours are 2 to 4 hours long, it is best to take a tour either in the morning before lunch or in the afternoon after lunch. Evenings might be a romantic time to see the tango dancers, but La Boca is not the safest district after dark.

For stadium visits, keep in mind that on game or training days, it may not be possible to visit the soccer field due to security reasons.

Travel tips

• La Boca is safe by day, but you should be more vigilant at night. Be sure not to wander too far from El Caminito and only travel by taxi after sunset.
• For cycling tours, children generally must be at least 1.5 meters tall. Smaller bicycles for those under 1.5 meters are subject to availability.
• Some of the tours require a moderate fitness level. However, most are appropriate for all fitness levels.
• Gratuity is not included or obligatory. However, consider tipping your guide if you are impressed by the service.