South America is, and always has been, one of the most important continents for football, and perhaps no country has been more vital than Argentina.
They have not only treated us to some of the game's most iconic players, such as the likes of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, but also to some truly unforgettable moments on the pitch – Argentina really is one of the few undying heartbeats of football.
It is, therefore, one of the best places to watch a football match on earth, but what are the best stadiums to visit? This guide will run you through our top five suggestions.
The five best Football away days in Argentina
Contents
5. C.A. Mitre
A new five-meter statue of the late Diego Maradona was unveiled last night outside the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades stadium in Santiago del Estero (Argentina) 🇦🇷#EternoD10s pic.twitter.com/aqy6t8ff5S
— AS USA (@English_AS) June 4, 2021
Perhaps one of the most modern grounds in the world of football right now, Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades was first opened in March 2021 and is the home of Central Atletico Mitre, who currently compete in the second division of Argentine football.
Given its incredibly recent construction, it understandably lacks the history and prestige of other stadiums in the country, but the facilities, infrastructure, and overall matchday experience are up there with the very best.
Located in what is believed to be the oldest city in the world, the local area is rich with culture and has plenty of options for pre and post-match activities.
Best pubs for C.A, Mitre
- Bar Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades, Costanera Norte, G4200 Santiago del Estero, Argentina
- Shamrock Irish Bar, Pellegrini 510, G4200 Santiago del Estero, Argentina
Best places to stay for C.A Mitre away
- Hilton Garden Inn Santiago del Estero, Leandro N. Alem 148, G4200 Santiago del Estero, Argentina
- Hotel Altos del Estero, Salta 40, G4200 Santiago del Estero, Argentina
- Hotel Casino Carlos V, Independencia 110, G4204 Santiago del Estero, Argentina
4. Rosario Central
Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, home to Rosario Central. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/Z1UD33G3Rj
— LearnEnglishThroughFootball (@LETFootball) December 15, 2020
The home of the Argentine first-division team Rosario Central, Estadio Gigante de Arroyito is the next away day to be included on the list.
Whereas the previous entry was lacking in pedigree, this is a stadium steeped in history. Not only was the 41,000-seater ground a venue for the 1978 World Cup, but the city in which it is located, Rosario, is the birthplace of footballing icons Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi.
If you appreciate the culture of the sport, this is a must-visit.
Best pubs near Estadio Gigante de Arroyito
- Queens River, SOT, Av. de la Costa Estanislao López 2550, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Beatmemo, bis, Blvd. Oroño 107, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Garcia bar, Av. Ovidio Lagos 30, S2000LNN Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Best hotels near Rosario Central
- Mercure Rosario, Blvd. Rondeau 101, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Dazzler Rosario, Junín 187, S2013 DJC, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Ros Tower Hotel, Mitre 299, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
3. Godoy Cruz
Another incredibly unique ground in Argentina is Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, home of first-division outfit Godoy Cruz. Located in the city of Mendoza, the stadium is an excellent choice for those who prefer football grounds to be surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Set among the backdrop of the Andes mountains, this venue is the epitome of destination football There is quite possibly nothing like it in world football.
Best pubs near Estadio Malvinas Argentinas
- The Garnish Bar, Av. Colón 670, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina
- Antares Mendoza, Arístides Villanueva 161, M5500 Capital, Mendoza, Argentina
- BEERLIN, Avenida Arístides Villanueva 129. Tel: +54 9 261 213 6399, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina
Best hotels near Godoy Cruz
- Park Hyatt Mendoza, Chile 1124, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina
- Diplomatic Hotel, Av. Belgrano 1041, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina
- Huentala Hotel, AEK, Primitivo de la Reta 1007, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina
2. River Plate
River Plate removed the running track to renovate their Estadio Monumental. More seats, fans closer to the pitch, capacity up from 75,000 to 83,000. This lot would sort Hampden out.
🏟⚽️🔥😍 #Football #Argentinapic.twitter.com/qpwYrllDDl— Barry Anderson (@BarryAnderson_) February 17, 2023
However, if you can only visit one city during your trip to Argentina, then for the best football away days in the country you must visit Buenos Aires – the country's capital city.
Buenos Aires is the home of two football stadiums on this list, the first of which is River Plate's El Monumental in Nunez. Opened in 1938, not only is the ground one of the oldest in the continent, it is also one of the largest with a capacity of over 80,000.
The best time to visit is during the ‘Superclasico' derby against their rivals Boca Juniors, but the atmosphere at this ground is phenomenal in every single match.
Best pubs near El Monumental
- Houdini Pub, Manuela Pedraza 2179, C1429 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cervecería Stammtisch, Manuela Pedraza 1810, C1429 CBH, Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Luzmala Bar, C1429AZD, Arcos 2950, C1429 AZD, Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Best hotels for River Plate away
- Mine Hotel Boutique, Gorriti 4770, C1414 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Monroe Suites, Av. Monroe 1555, C1428 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Argenta Suites Belgrano, Cdad. de la Paz 1868, C1428CPD Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
1. Boca Juniors
Everyone should experience La Bombonera at least once in their lifetime. Just look at it pic.twitter.com/wCXlHEOJA0
— Jack Kenmare (@jackkenmare_) August 18, 2024
Boca Juniors' ‘La Bombonera' is one of the most iconic stadiums in world football, and is a must-visit for any football supporter visiting the country. It is arguably on par with the likes of Camp Nou and the Santiago Bernabeu in Europe, producing an atmosphere unlike anything else in the world.
The stands are incredibly close to the pitch which, combined with the ground's 84,000 capacity, makes for an electric matchday experience during every Boca Juniors home match. La Albiceleste legend Diego Maradona also played his football here at one stage during his career, providing the stadium with an extra layer of importance in the sport.
Much like with River Plate, the best time to visit is for the ‘Superclasico' derby.
Best pubs near La Bombonera
- La Puerta Roja, Chacabuco 733, C1069 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- The Gibraltar, Perú 895, C1068AAG Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Santo Remedio, Chile 700, C1098AAN Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Best hotels for River Plate away
- L'Adresse Hôtel, C1141AAE, Bolívar 1491, C1141AAE Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Anselmo Buenos Aires, Don Anselmo Aieta 1069, C1103AAA Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- InterContinental Buenos Aires, Moreno 809, C1091AAQ Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina