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Buenos AiresvsRio de Janeiro

Both Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro are incredible destinations. Buenos Aires excels in tango and steak, while Rio de Janeiro stands out for Carnival and beaches.

Best for:nightlife · Buenos Airesbeaches · Rio de Janeiro

At a glance

Buenos AiresRio de Janeiro
Daily budget (mid-range)€104€131
Hotel per night (mid-range)€60€85
Best monthsMar, Apr, OctDecember to March (Carnival in February)
Summer / winter28°C / 12°C30°C / 23°C
LanguageSpanishPortuguese
CurrencyArgentine Peso (ARS)Brazilian Real (R$)
Getting between themFlight · 2h 45m · Flight from €122

How they compare

  • Culture & History
    Buenos AiresRio de Janeiro
  • Food & Dining
    Buenos AiresRio de Janeiro
  • Nightlife
    Buenos AiresRio de Janeiro

Top tours and experiences in Buenos Aires

The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.

Local Foodie Adventure in Buenos Aires with Sherpa Food Tours

Local Foodie Adventure in Buenos Aires with Sherpa Food Tours

5.08,290 reviews3h 30m
Buenos Aires City Private Tour with Local Guide

Buenos Aires City Private Tour with Local Guide

4.94,018 reviews4h
Buenos Aires Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Free Walking Tours & Discounts

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

4.43,092 reviews3h 30m
All things to do in Buenos Aires →

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Top tours and experiences in Rio de Janeiro

The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.

Full Day in Rio Christ Sugarloaf Selaron and Barbecue Lunch

Full Day in Rio Christ Sugarloaf Selaron and Barbecue Lunch

4.73,406 reviews8h
Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included

Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included

4.93,033 reviews6h
Hang gliding Hang gliding Experience Rotorfly

Hang gliding Hang gliding Experience Rotorfly

5.02,259 reviews1h 30m
The Best Half Day in Rio with Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Hill

The Best Half Day in Rio with Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Hill

4.81,619 reviews5h
All things to do in Rio de Janeiro →

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Is Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro cheaper?

For a mid-range traveller, Buenos Aires is about 21% cheaper per day than Rio de Janeiro.

Mid-rangeBuenos AiresRio de Janeiro
Accommodation (per night)€60€85
Food and drinks (per day)€28€28
Sightseeing and activities (per day)€16€18
Total per day€104€131

Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport.

Travelling between Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro

Planning to visit both? Compare the train, bus and flight options between the two cities.

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Top Attractions in Buenos Aires

  • 1La Boca & Caminito
  • 2Recoleta Cemetery
  • 3Plaza de Mayo
  • 4San Telmo Market
  • 5Teatro Colón
  • 6Tango Shows

Top Attractions in Rio de Janeiro

  • 1Christ the Redeemer
  • 2Copacabana Beach
  • 3Sugarloaf Mountain
  • 4Ipanema
  • 5Selaron Steps
  • 6Tijuca National Park

Buenos Aires is Popular With

tango lovers
foodies
culture enthusiasts
nightlife seekers

Rio de Janeiro is Popular With

beach lovers
party enthusiasts
nature lovers
couples

Hidden Gems

Discover lesser-known attractions in each city

Hidden Gems in Buenos Aires

  • 1

    El Zanjón de Granados

    An extraordinary archaeological site in San Telmo, consisting of restored 19th-century mansions built over original river tunnels and foundations from the 1730s.

  • 2

    Barrio Chino (Belgrano)

    A compact but vibrant Chinatown located in the Belgrano neighborhood, centered on Arribeños Street.

Hidden Gems in Rio de Janeiro

  • 1

    Parque Lage

    A beautiful public park at the foot of Corcovado, featuring a stunning Italianate mansion (now an art school), tropical gardens, and a café in the courtyard.

  • 2

    Pedra do Sal

    A historic rocky outcrop in the Saúde neighborhood, considered the birthplace of samba in Rio.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Discover the best areas to visit in each city

Top Areas in Buenos Aires

  • Palermo

    Buenos Aires's largest and trendiest barrio, split into sub-districts like Soho and Hollywood.

  • San Telmo

    The city's oldest neighborhood, with colonial charm oozing from its cobblestone streets and antique shops.

Top Areas in Rio de Janeiro

  • Santa Teresa

    A historic, bohemian hilltop neighborhood known for its winding cobblestone streets, colorful colonial mansions, and stunning city views.

  • Lapa

    The epicenter of Rio's nightlife, famous for the grand Carioca Aqueduct (Arcos da Lapa).

Budget Comparison

Compare the cost of traveling in each city

Budget in Buenos Aires

Daily Budget€80-150 / $90-165 for mid-range (boutique hotels, restaurant meals, some taxis, attractions)
Cost Level
budget

Budget in Rio de Janeiro

Daily Budget€100-200 / $110-220 per day for comfortable hotels/Airbnbs, restaurant meals, and some taxis.
Cost Level
budget

Where to stay in Buenos Aires

Hotels close to the centre of Buenos Aires, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.

Globales RepublicaMid-range

Globales Republica

0.1 km from the centre

€45 / night

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Alma de Buenos AiresMid-range

Alma de Buenos Aires

0.3 km from the centre

€29 / night

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NH Buenos Aires LatinoUpscale

NH Buenos Aires Latino

0.2 km from the centre

€72 / night

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Broadway Hotel & SuitesUpscale

Broadway Hotel & Suites

0.2 km from the centre

€64 / night

Check availability
Compare the best neighbourhoods to stay in Buenos Aires

Hotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro

Hotels close to the centre of Rio de Janeiro, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.

Hotel Aeroporto OthonMid-range

Hotel Aeroporto Othon

0.4 km from the centre

€37 / night

Check availability
ibis Rio de Janeiro Santos DumontMid-range

ibis Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont

0.4 km from the centre

€49 / night

Check availability
Novotel RJ Santos DumontUpscale

Novotel RJ Santos Dumont

0.3 km from the centre

€88 / night

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Windsor Guanabara HotelUpscale

Windsor Guanabara Hotel

0.9 km from the centre

€63 / night

Check availability
Compare the best neighbourhoods to stay in Rio de Janeiro

Hotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Getting There

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Find cheap transport to Rio de Janeiro

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