Are you a digital nomad, traveler, or expat looking to stay active while exploring the vibrant city of Buenos Aires?
ExpatPathways brings you the ultimate guide to “Sports Activities in Buenos Aires: Where to Practice Your Favorite Sports.” Whether you’re interested in swimming laps in an Olympic-sized pool, rallying on a tennis court, or joining a local soccer league, Buenos Aires offers a plethora of options to keep you moving.
Dive into our comprehensive roundup and discover the best spots in the city to engage in your favorite sports, making every moment of your stay as dynamic as the city itself!
Sports Activities in Buenos Aires: Where to Practice Your Favorite Sports
1. Football
In the land of Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, football is not just a sport but a core part of Argentine popular culture, especially palpable in Buenos Aires.
The city hosts the sports facilities of the country’s top football clubs like Boca Juniors and River Plate, reflecting the deep-rooted passion for the sport.
Buenos Aires boasts a diverse array of football pitches, ranging from indoor and outdoor options to surfaces like grass, synthetic turf, concrete, tile, and even wooden floors.
These fields come in various sizes and are available for rent, typically requiring a prior reservation and a deposit.
For those who enjoy a competitive edge and have a group of friends who are also football enthusiasts, there are numerous organized football championships available across these venues.
Places to play soccer
2. Tennis
Tennis is a popular sport in Buenos Aires, a city that has produced renowned professional players like Guillermo Vilas, Gabriela Sabatini, and Juan Martín del Potro.
Numerous tennis courts are scattered across different neighborhoods, ensuring accessibility for all enthusiasts.
The Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club stands as the premier venue for tennis in the city, alongside Parque Roca, which also hosts significant tennis events, although it is a bit more remote in the Villa Soldati area.
Tennis facilities are commonly found in the city, with most complexes offering courts made of cement or clay.
These courts are available for hourly rental, and many complexes include amenities such as snack bars or cafes, providing a complete leisure experience for players and spectators alike.
Places to play tennis
3. Running
Buenos Aires serves as a vibrant backdrop for various running events, including marathons, which are often promoted by private companies and government bodies to encourage physical activity among the populace.
The city is equipped with diverse routes that accommodate both professional athletes and casual runners, offering avenues, circuits, parks, and plazas perfect for running.
Several parks in the city also feature public-access athletic tracks, making Buenos Aires an ideal destination for those seeking a city in Latin America where running is a common and accessible daily activity.
Whether for professional training or leisurely jogs, the city’s well-maintained and scenic routes ensure a fulfilling running experience.
4. Table Tennis
Did you know that table tennis enjoys a significant following in Buenos Aires? This sport has permeated not just through professional federations but also into social venues like bars and clubs, where it doubles as a popular pastime.
Finding a place to play table tennis in Buenos Aires is easy, with numerous clubs and bars catering to enthusiasts.
These venues provide a casual atmosphere where you can spend an afternoon or evening enjoying friendly matches or participating in amateur tournaments.
Table tennis in Buenos Aires is more than just a sport; it’s a social activity enjoyed across various settings, offering both competitive play and leisurely fun.
Places to play table tennis
5. Basketball
Basketball is among the most played team sports in Argentina, although it does not reach the heights of popularity seen in countries like the United States.
In Buenos Aires, basketball is a familiar sport, integrated into the physical education curricula of many schools alongside football and volleyball.
While basketball courts are less commonly found in parks and plazas compared to the U.S., there are numerous clubs and organizations in Buenos Aires that offer courts for rent, making it easy to organize a game among friends.
The sport’s popularity in Argentina surged thanks to Emanuel Ginóbili, the most notable player in the country’s history. Ginóbili, along with other players who reached the NBA, were part of the acclaimed “Golden Generation” that clinched the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, elevating basketball’s profile nationwide.
Places to play basketball
6. Volleyball
Volleyball is another popular sport among Argentinians and is also included in school physical education programs.
The sport experienced a peak in Argentina towards the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st, with the national team achieving significant success in world championships and the Olympics.
Contrary to basketball, it is common to see people playing volleyball in Buenos Aires’ parks and plazas. Many training groups utilize these open spaces as default venues, taking advantage of the minimal equipment required—just a net strung between two trees or posts and a ball.
Additionally, volleyball is supported by numerous clubs and sports institutions in Buenos Aires, where it is practiced both at amateur and professional levels, contributing to its sustained popularity and accessibility.
We recommend the Beach Volleyball Park (public access) in the forests of Palermo or joining the training groups in parks and squares, which in some cases practice volleyball.
7. Swimming
Swimming is an increasingly popular activity in Buenos Aires, as more clubs and gyms are offering pools to members who are keen on swimming.
The sport is highly recommended by medical experts for its beneficial impacts on physical health.
While Buenos Aires lacks beaches for open-water swimming, the city compensates with an array of sports and Olympic-sized pools located across various neighborhoods.
Access to these facilities typically requires a membership, day pass, or subscription, but these are small compromises for those looking to maintain their swimming routine during their stay in Buenos Aires.
Places to swim
8. Gyms
Just as football is a ubiquitous presence in Buenos Aires, gyms are also prominently scattered throughout the city.
Traditional gyms equipped with specialized machines coexist with newer chain facilities that provide additional comforts and diverse training options.
There’s a broad selection of places to train, ensuring that anyone can find a suitable location. Most gyms offer monthly or annual memberships, as well as daily passes, accommodating various needs and preferences.
Whether you’re interested in CrossFit, aerobic training, or other fitness routines, Buenos Aires’ gyms provide all the necessary facilities to continue your fitness journey while in the city.
9. Padel
Padel, although less widespread than tennis but comparable in popularity to table tennis, is a well-liked sport in Buenos Aires.
It is increasingly becoming the sport of choice among groups of friends and coworkers, especially for weekend activities or as a mid-week break.
Padel merges recreation, socialization, and physical activity in a perfect formula, making it particularly popular among older adults.
Facilities to play padel are readily available, with courts for rent either in dedicated padel establishments or integrated within gyms and multi-sport training centers. This accessibility makes it easy for anyone looking to engage in this social yet competitive sport.
Places to play paddle
10. Chess
Settling the eternal debate of whether chess is a sport, it is, undeniably, a prevalent activity in Buenos Aires. The development of chess has surged among the younger generations, with Argentine teens and children making international headlines for their achievements.
Public spaces in Buenos Aires, such as parks and plazas, are equipped with chess tables, encouraging local residents to play.
However, for those looking to seriously engage with the game, specialized chess clubs and circles are recommended. These venues offer the opportunity to play multiple games, improve skills, and build friendships with other chess enthusiasts.
Places to play chess
Last Considerations
As you venture into the sporty lifestyle of Buenos Aires, remember that while public access to soccer, basketball, and volleyball fields is free and requires no prior registration, availability might be limited.
For those seeking more structured facilities, consider obtaining a membership at local gyms or swimming pools to fully benefit from their amenities.
Evaluate the safety and convenience of sports venues in relation to your residence—sometimes opting for a slightly more distant but safer facility is a wise choice.
ExpatPathways invites you to leverage this guide to “Sports Activities in Buenos Aires: Where to Practice Your Favorite Sports,” ensuring your active pursuits in Buenos Aires are both safe and satisfying.
(Featured Image Source: Suterh Osperyh/flickr.com)
