Buenos Aires – Top Sites to Visit

Visitors to Buenos Aires should carefully plan their trip based on the desired sites they wish to see, considering the size of the city and the significant amount of walking that may be involved. Several main tourist areas such as the markets located in La Boca are nice, but considerably more expensive than other locations. Popular attractions can also be very crowded, so it is recommended to consider off-peak areas for some of the city’s most popular destinations. Buenos Aires offers many green spaces and parks, as well as quaint neighborhoods full of small boutique shops and cafés.

 

 

Plaza de Mayo

Plaza de Mayo is the main center of Buenos Aires. The location has been the site of many historical events and demonstrations and is home to the May Period, Buenos Aires’ first national monument. The plaza is considered the first stop for many visitors to the city, with many significant landmarks and attractions located in or around the area. Adjacent to the plaza is the city’s financial district, referred to locally as ‘la City’.

Address: Avenida Rivadavia & Avenida Bolívar, Centro
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours:
– Open 24 hours
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website (unofficial)

 

 

Teatro Colón

One of the most visited locations in all of Buenos Aires, the Teatro Colón is considered one of the best opera houses in the world. It has also been recognized as one of the top five concert venues in the world. Construction on the current venue began in 1889 and was completed in 1908. The concrete building was fully restored in 2010. Prior to this, the original building stood in its place which was built in 1857. The theater has hosted various events, including the 125th Session of the International Olympic Committee. The venue includes seating for 2,487 people plus standing room for 1,000.

Address: Tucumán 1171, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires
Phone: +54 11 4378-7366
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:00am – 8:00pm
– Tuesday 9:00am – 8:00pm
– Wednesday 9:00am – 8:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 8:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 8:00pm
– Saturday 9:00am – 8:00pm
– Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Open every day, including holidays, except May 1, December 24, 25, 31 and January 1
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website

 

 

The Palermo Viejo District

Located in the northern part of Buenos Aires, Palermo is one of the city’s most famous neighborhood districts. It is home to the Palermo Open, a world-famous polo match for which the area is known for. Some of the wealthiest citizens of Argentina live here, specifically in the area referred to as ‘Palermo Chico’. It is here visitors will find the Museum of Latin American art as well as the large Paseo Alcorta shopping center. Palermo is home to many of Buenos Aires’ most popular tourist attractions and monuments, including the ‘Spanish Monument’, Buenos Aires Zoo, the Japanese Gardens and the Parque Tres de Febrero (Palermo Woods).

Address: Palermo Viejo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours:
– Open 24 hours
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website

 

 

San Telmo

The oldest neighborhood in the city of Buenos Aires, San Telmo is famous for its many colonial-style buildings and architecture. The area is home to an array of old churches, as well as many of the city’s museums. Visitors looking to experience ‘old’ Argentina will enjoy perusing the streets of this neighborhood which are flanked by small food stalls and antique shops. Tango, a popular dance type in Argentina, is regularly performed in this area including in the public square Plaza Dorrego. The area also boasts various art galleries and open-air art exhibits.

Address: San Telmo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours:
– Open 24 hours
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website

 

 

Obelisco de Buenos Aires

The Obelisk of Buenos Aires is located in Plaza de la República. Built in 1936, the national monument commemorates the foundation of the city. Each side of the monument has a unique inscription and due to its height is visible from many locations within the city. The monument stands at 71.5 meters in height and underwent a restoration effort in 2005. Although the interior does feature stairs and windows, visitors are not permitted to climb the Obelisk. The monument has been the site of various events and ceremonies including playing host to the opening ceremony of the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics.

Address: Corrientes Av. y 9 de Julio Av., Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours:
– Open 24 hours
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website

 

 

Casa de la Cultura

The Buenos Aires House of Culture was completed in 1898 and was previously the headquarters of the city’s second largest newspaper. Declared a national monument in 1995, the building included a passageway that connected it to the nearby Buenos Aires City Hall which has been converted to an art exhibition space. The House of Culture offers guided tours free of charge in which visitors can view the various galleries on site as well as the beautiful Golden Salon. The exterior of the building itself is also unique, including a spire and statue that stand 50 meters above the ground.

Address: Av. de Mayo 575, Subsuelo o Rivadavia 576
Phone: 4323-9669
Operating Hours:
– Monday closed
– Tuesday 2:00pm – 8:00pm
– Wednesday 2:00pm – 8:00pm
– Thursday 2:00pm – 8:00pm
– Friday 2:00pm – 8:00pm
– Saturday 2:00pm – 8:00pm
– Sunday 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website