The cafe is a cornerstone of Porteño culture, a place for work, relaxation, and conversation.
This directory will help you navigate the many coffee shops in Buenos Aires. Find everything from historic cafes to modern specialty brewers focused on perfecting the art of the espresso.
Embrace the vibrant cafe culture that’s central to daily life in Buenos Aires. Unlike fast-paced coffee runs back home, porteños (Buenos Aires locals) treat cafes as social hubs where meetings happen, work gets done, and time slows down.
Buenos Aires has a unique cafe tradition blending Italian espresso culture with Spanish leisurely pacing. Most cafes open around 8 AM and stay open until midnight, serving everything from morning espresso to late-night cortados.
Don’t expect mobile ordering — most places require you to order at the counter.
Many cafes offer free refills on filtered water (agua de chapa), but tap water isn’t recommended for drinking.
Weekday mornings (8-10 AM) are ideal for quick service, while afternoons fill with socializers.
Most cafes welcome remote workers, but purchasing at least one item per hour is customary.
