Grandiose architecture,which is as beautiful as the best architecture from Europe, and which also creates a style of its own, is to be found everywhere. The central squares, Plaza de Mayo and Plaza Congreso,as well as the incredibly beautiful theatre building,Teatro Colon,are fine examples of this.
The city has 3 million inhabitants, Porteños (Buenos Aires' locals).
Below you will find a wide range of attractions that you can visit on your own in your free time in Buenos Aires.
Enjoy!
SAN TELMO
SUNDAY ANTIQUES MARKET
The Feria de San Telmo (San Telmo Antiques Maket) is one of the most notable and popular events
The true Feria de San Telmo is in Plaza Dorrego, although, it spills out into the surrounding blocks making it almost impossible to see the entire fair in just one Sunday. Plaza Dorrego houses mostly antique booths where one can find any number of valuables. Some, like original matchbox cars, gramophones and old telephones, which are still fully functional, may fetch a more expensive price, but the authenticity and uniqueness of these antiques make it well worth the extra pesos.
that takes place in Buenos Aires. Nestled in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, the San Telmo Fair is bustling with unique artisans and antiques every Sunday from about 10am to 4pm (depending on the season and the weather). Perhaps its greatest qualities, besides the architecturally beautiful neighborhood which it calls home, are its exclusive goods and reliable nature. Never a Sunday will there be without tourists pouring into the cobblestone streets of San Telmo for one of a kind antiques, trinkets, art, tango and delicious food.Many booths house truly one of a kind relics where a handmade backgammon board, full dinette sets and antique garments make you feel like you’re looking through your grandmother’s attic rather than a street fair. Antique knives, old jewelry and a myriad of figurines earn a spot in nearly every booth and soda siphons, artwork, mate trinkets and leather goods are in abundance. While the latter may begin to feel redundant all of these effects are an excellent example of Buenos Aires’ charming nature and rich history, and all of them deserve a spot on your shelf.
The Feria de San Telmo isn’t a time to speed shop, as walking too quickly through Plaza Dorrego may cause you to miss the very thing you’ve been looking for. Each booth ultimately has something different to offer and time well spent will turn up something to earn you “Ooohs and Ahhhs” the next time you have guests over.
Address: Plaza Dorrego, corner of Defensa & Humberto Primo,
PALERMO AREA
MALBA: Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires
The best museum and art gallery in the city showcases contemporary Latin American art, including a
Hours Wed noon–9pm, Thurs–Mon noon–8pm
Address: Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3415
Admission Adults: $75 pesos.
EVITA MUSEUM
.%20Eva%20Peron,%20known%20as%20Evita)
There is no better place to explore the mystique, controversy, and legend that is Evita Perón, perhaps the most famous Argentine of all. This museum offers a thorough and quite personal study of the life of the former first lady, known for her charity work, her fashion and beauty, as well as her tragic death in 1952 at the age of 33. Paradoxically, given Perón's working class roots and populist politics, the museum is housed in an elegant building in one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods. There is also a very popular café while the English-language audio tour is helpful.
Hours Tues-Sun 11am-7pm
Address: Lafinur 2988
Audio-system available. If your are a group of 5, you can make a reservation one week prior to your visit of English-speaking guide, which is highly recommended because the guides are sociologists and historians and they can answer all your questions. JAPANESE GARDEN
Buenos Aires' Japanese Garden gracefully transports you to the Nation of the Rising Sun with its tranquil complex of gardens, cultural center, restaurant, tea house, bonsai greenhouse and gift shop. The Zen-like garden areas include beautiful plants like cherry blossom trees as well as stone statues, a red bridge and a network of footpaths over the lake. (You can feed the fish.) In the tea house you can observe the Japanese tea ceremony and drink green tea. Then in the restaurant, you can watch the sushi chefs prepare different dishes and enjoy the views of the garden and the water.Hours: Everyday from 10 to 6 hs. (Saturday - Sunday & Public Holiday have the same timetable)
Address: Av. Casares 2966
Admission: Adults $50 pesos
As a green patch in the middle of concrete jungle, Bosques de Palermo occupy 25 acres of the neighborhood land filling of energy and optimism to those who choose to live moments of relaxation and entertainment nearby. Crowds daily enjoy the nature, artificial lakes, serenity and sports proposals in this corner of the City.
The Bosques de Palermo, distinguished by the creative imprint of the landscaper Carlos Thays, and gently caressed by clear waters, has the official name of Parque 3 de Febrero and gather in its length numerous attractions such as the Rosedal area graced by the Patio Andaluz, Glorieta, Puente Blanco and the wonderful Jardín de los Poetas, with busts of famous writers of all time and space.
Address: Av. Del Libertador intersection Av. Sarmiento
PALERMO SOHO & PALERMO HOLLYWOOD
GREAT FOR WEEKENDS
Palermo Hollywood, like neighboring Palermo Soho, is part of the sub-barrio of Palermo Viejo.
Laidback by day, it springs to life at night when sharply-dressed Porteños come out to play at the hordes of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. The area itself sits between the streets Juan B. Justo, Córdoba, Dorrego and Santa Fe and Carranza.
GREAT FOR WEEKENDS
Palermo Hollywood, like neighboring Palermo Soho, is part of the sub-barrio of Palermo Viejo.
Laidback by day, it springs to life at night when sharply-dressed Porteños come out to play at the hordes of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. The area itself sits between the streets Juan B. Justo, Córdoba, Dorrego and Santa Fe and Carranza.
Buenos Aires’ finest boutiques are here, from clothing stores and specialists in leather goods to bookstores and wine shops. What makes it all the more appealing is that the shops are expertly set in recycled houses, former warehouses and elegant old homes. Stroll along Jorge Luis Borges, Gurruchaga or Malabia streets and you’ll see what we mean.
Weekends are especially busy in the area when it seems that tourists and Porteños alike don their coolest attire and head to the open-air markets on Plaza Serrano and Plaza Armenia.
Read more
DOWN-TOWN
CAFE TORTONI
This is the oldest cafe in Buenos Aires.
The Cafe Tortoni epitomizes the "porteño café", but little is known about its origins. Just that a
French immigrant named Touan decided to open it at the end of 1858, and that the name was taken from an establishment on Boulevard des Italiens, where the elites of Parisian culture used to meet up.
The place was frequented by a group of painters, writers, journalists and musicians and scientists such as Benito Quinquela Martin, Federico García Lorca, Albert Einstein and Jorge Luis Borges, among others.
Address: Av. de Mayo 825
PALACIO BAROLO
The Barolo Palace references an homage to the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri.
A unique architectural style with a mixture of neo-romanti, neo-Gothic , and even the dome with its unique Indian style Budanishar region representing the Tantric union between Dante and Beatriche , the protagonists of the Divine Comedy.
CASA ROSADA (Pink House)
GREAT FOR WEEKENDS
La Casa Rosada (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈkasa roˈsaða], English: The Pink House) is the executive mansion and office of the President of Argentina. The palatial mansion is known officially as Casa de Gobierno, ("House of Government" or "Government House").
Sitting at the edge of Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada is one of the most iconic buildings in Buenos Aires. With its pink façade and palace-like design, the governmental house has served as the backdrop to countless numbers of protests, famous speeches and significant moments in Argentina’s history. A stroll through the Casa Rosada offers visitors a peek into Argentina’s turbulent history and the wealth of the nation.
The presidential balcony is the highlight of the tour for many, as it’s a chance to take the stage where former presidents have given historic speeches, get a bird’s eye view of Plaza de Mayo and get a great picture to take home.
The tours are available in Spanish, English and Portuguese. They begin every 10 to 15 minutes and last about an hour.
Address: Balcarce 50
Free admission
Saturdays-Sundays and holidays from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Florida Street
Buenos Aires’ downtown thoroughfare Florida Street is the city’s most notable pedestrian area and an
enduring neutral ground for a diverse cross-section of humanity.
While pleasant for a nice stroll away from the rumbling Buenos Aires buses and home to quite a few architectural gems, it’s admittedly not one of the city’s most dazzling destinations.
On the weekdays, Florida is flooded with office workers and vendors selling everything from tango tours to leather goods on the fancier northern end of the mall and handmade jewelry and hair braiding on the southern side.
RECOLETA
National Museum of Decorative Arts
The museum has its origins in a marriage in 1897 between two prominent members of turn-of-the-century Argentine high society: Matías Errazúriz, the son of Chilean émigrés, and Josefina de Alvear, the granddaughter of Independence-era leader Carlos María de Alvear.
The couple commissioned French architect René Sergent in 1911 to design a mansion for Errazúriz's future retirement from the diplomatic corps, in which he had been Ambassador to France for a number of years. The ornate Neoclassical structure inspired the Bosch family to commission a similar palace nearby (today the United States Ambassador's residence). Completed in 1916, the couple devoted the following two years to decorating the palace, purchasing a large volume of antiques and other objets d'art.
When Mrs. Errazúriz died in 1935, however, the widower bequeathed the mansion to the Argentine government, on his son's and daughter's advice. The National Museum of Decorative Arts was established in 1937.
Special Guided Tour in English
Tuesday to Friday 2.30 p.m.
$ 30 pesos + admission
Address: Av.del Libertador 1902
Tuesday to Sunday 2.00 - 7.00 pm
Admission $20 pesos
DOWN-TOWN
CAFE TORTONI
This is the oldest cafe in Buenos Aires.
The Cafe Tortoni epitomizes the "porteño café", but little is known about its origins. Just that a
French immigrant named Touan decided to open it at the end of 1858, and that the name was taken from an establishment on Boulevard des Italiens, where the elites of Parisian culture used to meet up.
The place was frequented by a group of painters, writers, journalists and musicians and scientists such as Benito Quinquela Martin, Federico García Lorca, Albert Einstein and Jorge Luis Borges, among others.
Address: Av. de Mayo 825
PALACIO BAROLO
The Barolo Palace references an homage to the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri.A unique architectural style with a mixture of neo-romanti, neo-Gothic , and even the dome with its unique Indian style Budanishar region representing the Tantric union between Dante and Beatriche , the protagonists of the Divine Comedy.
Luis Barolo, progressive and powerful farmer, came to Argentina in 1890. He was the first who brought cotton spinning machines and dedicated to the import of tissues. He installed the first combed wool spinning country and initiated the first crop of cotton in the Chaco.
On the centenary of the May Revolution, he met Arq. Mario Palanti (1885-1979), whom he hired for the project of a building he had in mind. This would become a property exclusively for rent. Luis Barolo thought, like all European installed in Argentina, that Europe would suffer numerous wars that destroy entire continent.
Desperate to preserve the ashes of the famous Dante Alighieri, he wanted to build a design inspired by the poet's work, "The Divine Comedy" building.
In 1919, this building became the highest in Latin America , and one of the world's tallest reinforced concrete.
Guided visits in English available (you have to book in advance).
Address: Av. de Mayo 1370
CASA ROSADA (Pink House)
La Casa Rosada (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈkasa roˈsaða], English: The Pink House) is the executive mansion and office of the President of Argentina. The palatial mansion is known officially as Casa de Gobierno, ("House of Government" or "Government House").
Sitting at the edge of Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada is one of the most iconic buildings in Buenos Aires. With its pink façade and palace-like design, the governmental house has served as the backdrop to countless numbers of protests, famous speeches and significant moments in Argentina’s history. A stroll through the Casa Rosada offers visitors a peek into Argentina’s turbulent history and the wealth of the nation.
The presidential balcony is the highlight of the tour for many, as it’s a chance to take the stage where former presidents have given historic speeches, get a bird’s eye view of Plaza de Mayo and get a great picture to take home.
The tours are available in Spanish, English and Portuguese. They begin every 10 to 15 minutes and last about an hour.
Address: Balcarce 50
Free admission
Saturdays-Sundays and holidays from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Florida Street
Buenos Aires’ downtown thoroughfare Florida Street is the city’s most notable pedestrian area and anenduring neutral ground for a diverse cross-section of humanity.
While pleasant for a nice stroll away from the rumbling Buenos Aires buses and home to quite a few architectural gems, it’s admittedly not one of the city’s most dazzling destinations.
On the weekdays, Florida is flooded with office workers and vendors selling everything from tango tours to leather goods on the fancier northern end of the mall and handmade jewelry and hair braiding on the southern side.
RECOLETA
National Museum of Decorative ArtsThe museum has its origins in a marriage in 1897 between two prominent members of turn-of-the-century Argentine high society: Matías Errazúriz, the son of Chilean émigrés, and Josefina de Alvear, the granddaughter of Independence-era leader Carlos María de Alvear.
The couple commissioned French architect René Sergent in 1911 to design a mansion for Errazúriz's future retirement from the diplomatic corps, in which he had been Ambassador to France for a number of years. The ornate Neoclassical structure inspired the Bosch family to commission a similar palace nearby (today the United States Ambassador's residence). Completed in 1916, the couple devoted the following two years to decorating the palace, purchasing a large volume of antiques and other objets d'art.
When Mrs. Errazúriz died in 1935, however, the widower bequeathed the mansion to the Argentine government, on his son's and daughter's advice. The National Museum of Decorative Arts was established in 1937.
Special Guided Tour in English
Tuesday to Friday 2.30 p.m.
$ 30 pesos + admission
Address: Av.del Libertador 1902
Tuesday to Sunday 2.00 - 7.00 pm
Admission $20 pesos
More in Recoleta on weekends: You will find tango dancers, musicians and other artists on the streets. We recommend visiting Recoleta Cultural Centre and the Fine Arts National Museum. Recoleta handicraft fair is the best in town.
Belgrano it is considered a residential area. However, there are several attractions you can visit during your staying in this district.
Rather than being inundated with must-see sights, Belgrano is a great place for aimlessly strolling and discovering what lies around the next corner. A popular meeting point of locals is Barrancas de Belgrano, a green park designed by French-Argentine landscaper Carlos Thays. At the heart of the park is a pergola and if you are lucky you might catch the public milongas (tango dances) that take place during the weekend.
Marking the center of Belgrano, you will find Plaza Manuel Belgrano, a pleasant square that hosts a weekend artisan fair where local venders display a range of handicrafts and jewelry. If you take a walk around the edge of the plaza, you will discover some of Belgrano’s most famous landmarks. The Iglesia de Inmaculda Concepcion de Belgrano, also known as La Redonda, is a stunning church where you’ll often get a glimpse of Argentine weddings. On the corner of Juramento and Vuelta de Obligada streets is the Museo de Arte Espanol Enrique Larreta dedicated to the life of writer Enrique Larreta and one block east along Juramento is the Museo Sarmiento, which houses memorabilia belonging to Domingo Faustino Sarmiento and Nicolas Avellaneda, both former presidents of Argentina.
Owing to its affluence, Belgrano is also popular for shopping. Avenida Cabildo runs the entire width of the barrio and is lined with a huge quantity of clothing and shoe shops ranging from chain stores to independent boutiques.
If you have come to Belgrano in search of something different then head past Barrancas de Belgrano in the Belgrano C area to find Barrio Chino (Chinatown). A collection of around 100 Asian-owned shops and restaurants, this mini-barrio covers two blocks of Arribeños street, between Juramento and Olazabal. This is a great location to experience the life of the city’s Asian population, pick up some souvenirs or dine out. It is here that you will also find the city’s best selection of fresh fish; ideal if you are staying in a rented apartment and feel like eating in.
