Corrientes Avenue, Buenos Aires
Stretching across 69 blocks, Corrientes Avenue derives its name from one of Argentina's provinces. Over the centuries, it has undergone various name changes, initially known as Del Sol during the 17th century, then Saint Nicolás from 1738 to 1808, and De Incháurregui from 1808 to 1822, before finally adopting its present name.
Before its major widening in the 1930s, Corrientes was popularly called “Narrow Corrientes”. In 1936, the avenue was expanded, and this coincided with the construction of the Buenos Aires Obelisk. Despite being officially known as Corrientes Avenue, many still refer to it as "Corrientes Street", especially in its famous central section, which has been immortalized in tango lyrics.
The street's history is deeply intertwined with tango and the identity of the people of Buenos Aires. This connection is evident in the numerous commemorative plaques—around 40 in total—placed on street corners, honoring significant figures from the history of tango.
In the 20th century, Corrientes Street became Buenos Aires' lively nightlife hub, known as "the street that never sleeps". It's filled with theaters, cinemas, and stunning Art Deco architecture from the 1930s and 1940s. Since the 1950s, it has been a favorite spot for intellectuals due to its numerous bookshops. The famous pizza parlors and restaurants make it the go-to place for urban weekend entertainment.
At the far end of Corrientes, Luna Park remains a symbol of mass sports and entertainment events, hosting boxing matches, concerts, and other attractions.
Before its major widening in the 1930s, Corrientes was popularly called “Narrow Corrientes”. In 1936, the avenue was expanded, and this coincided with the construction of the Buenos Aires Obelisk. Despite being officially known as Corrientes Avenue, many still refer to it as "Corrientes Street", especially in its famous central section, which has been immortalized in tango lyrics.
The street's history is deeply intertwined with tango and the identity of the people of Buenos Aires. This connection is evident in the numerous commemorative plaques—around 40 in total—placed on street corners, honoring significant figures from the history of tango.
In the 20th century, Corrientes Street became Buenos Aires' lively nightlife hub, known as "the street that never sleeps". It's filled with theaters, cinemas, and stunning Art Deco architecture from the 1930s and 1940s. Since the 1950s, it has been a favorite spot for intellectuals due to its numerous bookshops. The famous pizza parlors and restaurants make it the go-to place for urban weekend entertainment.
At the far end of Corrientes, Luna Park remains a symbol of mass sports and entertainment events, hosting boxing matches, concerts, and other attractions.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Buenos Aires. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Corrientes Avenue on Map
Sight Name: Corrientes Avenue
Sight Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina (See walking tours in Buenos Aires)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina (See walking tours in Buenos Aires)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Create Your Own Walk in Buenos Aires
Creating your own self-guided walk in Buenos Aires is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
May Avenue Walking Tour
May Avenue (Avenida de Mayo) is one of the grandest and most important avenues in Buenos Aires, leading from Plaza de Mayo with the Pink House at one end, to Argentina’s National Congress building at the other. Named in honor of the May Revolution of 1810 which lead to the country’s independence from Spain, it is difficult not to compare this grand thoroughfare to other major boulevards around... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Buenos Aires Introduction Walking Tour
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, has a history marked by exploration, colonial rivalry, mass immigration, and political change. Its name derives from the Spanish dedication “Our Lady Saint Mary of the Good Air,” a title of the Virgin Mary venerated by sailors from Sardinia. The phrase “Buen Aire” originally referred to the clean, favorable winds near a sanctuary in the city of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Palermo Area Walking Tour
Situated just back from one of the main thoroughfares, Santa Fe Avenue (Avenida Santa Fe), Palermo is a relaxed and culturally delightful area full of restaurants, cafes, and wall murals. The tree-lined streets are shady and many of the older Spanish-style houses were converted into small shops without compromising their original character. It’s an excellent place in which to sample the city’s... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Recoleta Neighborhood Walking Tour
One of Buenos Aires’ most beautiful neighborhoods, Recoleta is the city’s heart of art and elegance, grace and modernism, culture and leisure. Here you will find lots of things to do, like visiting museums, galleries and cultural centers; relaxing in one of the beautiful parks and plazas; or sampling the delicious local food.
This walking tour along Recoleta begins at the Ateneo Grand... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
This walking tour along Recoleta begins at the Ateneo Grand... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
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