Buenos Aires: A Must-Visit Downtown Guide
- Mary
- 12 de mar.
- 5 min de leitura
I’ve been to Buenos Aires several times, and no matter how short or long your visit is, the historic downtown is an absolute must-go. For me, the places mentioned in this text are non-negotiable highlights. Ideally, you’d take your time exploring them over two days, but even if you only have one day to focus on the city center, you can still make this tour work.
1. Obelisk of Buenos Aires
The Obelisk of Buenos Aires is an excellent starting point for a tour of downtown Buenos Aires. This historic monument was built to commemorate the city's 400th anniversary and is located at the busy intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Corrientes. There you can take a classic photo with the Obelisk and the BA Verde sculpture in the background to truly feel like you’re in Buenos Aires! downtown buenos aires visit
2. Avenida 9 de Julio
Avenida 9 de Julio is one of the major avenues that crosses downtown Buenos Aires. It is known as the widest avenue in the world. With its impressive 140 meters in width. downtown buenos aires visit
Besides the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, the massive steel portraits of Eva Perón on the Ministry of Social Development building’s north and south facades stand out on this famous avenue. Created by sculptor Alejandro Marmo, inspired by Havana’s Che Guevara murals, they mark the site of one of Evita’s iconic speeches. The south-facing portrait, toward the poorer region, shows her with a gentle look, while the north-facing one, toward the wealthier side, captures her defiant stance.
3. Teatro Colón
Teatro Colón is the most famous theater in Buenos Aires, is just a few blocks from the Obelisk, also on Avenida 9 de Julio. National Geographic ranked it among the top 10 opera houses in the world.
You can admire the building’s stunning architecture, do a guided tour or purchase tickets to enjoy a show from its seasonal program.
4. Avenida de Mayo
Another important avenue in downtown Buenos Aires is Avenida de Mayo, inaugurated in 1894.
It is considered the backbone of the Microcentro, and along its 10-block stretch—between Plaza de Mayo and Plaza del Congreso—you’ll find some of the most important historical attractions in the Montserrat neighborhood. Starting at Plaza de Mayo, the oldest and most important square in the Argentine capital.
Here, you will find key buildings such as:
Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace)
Cabildo de Buenos Aires
Banco de la Nación Argentina
Government Palace of Buenos Aires
Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires
Plaza de Mayo:
At the heart of Plaza de Mayo stands the Pyramid of May, a monument celebrating the first anniversary of the May Revolution, which sparked Argentina’s independence. The plaza also holds deep historical weight as the site of the first Madres de Plaza de Mayo march in 1977—a peaceful protest by mothers and grandmothers of political prisoners who vanished during the country’s last military dictatorship. Every Thursday since, women from the movement circle the pyramid, honoring their disappeared loved ones.
Casa Rosada.
Casa Rosada, the "Pink House," is the main office of Argentina’s president in Buenos Aires, located in Plaza de Mayo. Known for its unique pink color, it’s a historic landmark built in the 19th century, blending Italian and French styles. It also features a museum and a famous balcony tied to figures like Eva Perón.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires
Facing the Plaza de Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral stands as Argentina’s most important Catholic church. Before becoming Pope in 2013, Jorge Bergoglio—later known as Pope Francis—regularly led mass here as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In his honor, the cathedral now houses the Pope Francis Museum, showcasing personal and liturgical items from his time in Argentina.
Blending architectural styles from different eras, the cathedral features a neoclassical 19th-century façade, an 18th-century dome and nave, and an intricate mosaic floor imported from England. Inside, visitors can also admire its stunning golden high altar.
Cabildo de Buenos Aires
The Cabildo de Buenos Aires, a striking historic monument near Plaza de Mayo, houses the National Historical Museum of the Cabildo and the May Revolution. It was here, in 1810, during an open "Cabildo" meeting, that the Spanish government was outvoted, sparking Argentina’s independence process—formalized six years later—with the creation of the First Junta of Government.
5. Palácio Barolo
Heading down Avenida de Mayo, we’ll cross Avenida 9 de Julio toward Plaza del Congreso. Along the way, the stunning Palacio Barolo is a must-see! Built in 1923 by Italian architect Mario Palanti, it’s inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, with 22 floors split into three sections—Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. The wild idea of Palanti and Luis Barolo, who commissioned it, was to bring Dante’s ashes to Buenos Aires. You can learn more and explore inside with a guided tour.
6. Plaza del Congresso
Next on our Buenos Aires downtown tour is Plaza del Congreso, at one end of Avenida de Mayo. Designed by Carlos Thays, this stunning square connects to Plaza Lorea and Plaza Mariano Moreno, featuring notable statues like a replica of Rodin’s The Thinker. As the city’s kilometer zero, it’s the starting point for all distance measurements in Argentina. The highlight here is the Palacio del Congreso, a breathtaking building by Vittorio Meano, opened in 1906.
Avenida Corrientes:
photo by: turismo buenos aires
Avenida Corrientes is one of Buenos Aires’ most iconic streets, known as “the street that never sleeps.” Stretching from Puerto Madero to Chacarita, it’s a cultural heartbeat of the city, packed with theaters, classic pizzerias like Güerrin, and late-night bookstores. It played a starring role in tango’s golden age and remains a lively hub of nightlife and history.
8.Centro Cultural Kirchner (CCK)
The Centro Cultural Kirchner (CCK), at the corner of Avenida Corrientes and Leandro N. Alem, is Latin America’s largest cultural center and the world’s third biggest. Opened in 2015 in the former Buenos Aires Central Post Office, this massive 100,000-square-meter building offers a rich cultural program. I recommend visiting, even if your time in Buenos Aires is short.
9.Calle Florida and Galerias Pacifico
