Puerto Madero, recognized in urban planning circles as the Puerto Madero Waterfront, constitutes a district within Buenos Aires, situated in the heart of the central business district. It commands a substantial stretch of the Rio de la Plata riverbank and serves as a showcase for contemporary architectural tendencies.

Starting from the year 2000, a multitude of modern residential skyscrapers, some towering up to 50 stories high, have emerged, all oriented toward the Rio de la Plata. Noteworthy among these structures are the Alvear Tower, Renoir Towers, El Faro Towers, Chateau Tower of Puerto Madero, and Mulieris Towers, among others. Recent additions to the skyline encompass the Le Parc Tower as well as the Hilton and River View Towers. Concurrently, the development of office and hotel skyscrapers is in progress. For instance, the Repsol YPF Headquarters and the Conrad Buenos Aires Hotel & Resort are in the pipeline, with anticipated construction commencement towards the end of 2008 and a slated completion by late 2010.

Within this vicinity, an array of museums and art galleries further enrich the cultural landscape, including the Fortabat Art Collection, Faena Arts Center, and De la Cárcova Museum. Notable vessels such as ARA Presidente Sarmiento and ARA Uruguay also contribute to the local ambiance.

Calle Defensa (Defense Street) serves as a major thoroughfare traversing the historical core of Buenos Aires. Its significance lies in being a focal point for tourists, owing to its rich historical and cultural value to the city. During weekends, the majority of its stretch transforms into a pedestrian-only zone.

Stretching from south to north, this road cuts through two of Buenos Aires' oldest neighborhoods: Monserrat and San Telmo, eventually concluding its journey in the Barracas district. Within its central segment, you'll encounter well-preserved colonial structures, while the majority of homes date back to the latter half of the 19th century and the early 20th century.

This narrow cobblestone lane navigates the historical core of the capital, leading to the present-day Plaza de Mayo, once known as the Plaza Mayor when the city was established by Juan de Garay in 1580. Its modern name was bestowed upon it in 1849 as a tribute to the city's defense during the English invasions of 1806 and 1807. Towards the southern end, it terminated at today's Martín García Avenue, which connected to another route crossing the Riachuelo and spanning the present-day districts of Avellaneda and Quilmes (now Montes de Oca Avenue). In 1806, the English army entered Buenos Aires via this street, originating from Quilmes.

May Square is the oldest public square in Buenos Aires. Its story begins in 1580, when Juan de Garay founded the city. The plaza’s present form dates to 1884, when it was redesigned and named to honor the May Revolution of 1810, the movement that initiated Argentina’s break from Spanish rule.

As you stand at the center of the plaza, the Pyramid of May rises directly beside you. This white monument, first erected in 1811 to commemorate the May Revolution, was moved to this central position in 1912. From here, turn your attention east: the pale pink facade of the Pink House, the seat of the national government, dominates the entire side of the square. Directly in front of it, also on the east side of the square, stands the Equestrian Monument to General Manuel Belgrano, leader of the May Revolution, dedicated in 1873.

Next, look west, where the long, white, arched building on the left is the Cabildo, the only surviving colonial government structure on the plaza. The original town council was built in 1608, and the current version—completed in 1751—has undergone several modifications. Today it houses the National Museum of the Cabildo and the May Revolution, featuring colonial-era art and furnishings.

From the same position near the Cabildo, turn northwest to see the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires, the city’s principal Catholic church. Its neoclassical facade resembles a European temple, marking a contrast with the surrounding architecture. Finally, look toward the northeast corner of the square to spot the elegant Buenos Aires House of Culture, the building between the Cabildo and the Cathedral.

Standing here, with nearly four centuries of history surrounding you, May Square offers one of the clearest windows into the political and cultural life of Buenos Aires.

Pink House Museum is located inside the main office complex of the President of Argentina, known as Pink House. The museum features exhibits that explore more than 100 years of the Pink House’s role as the seat of power in Argentina.

The museum displays an extensive collection of objects belonging to Argentine leaders throughout the country’s history. The museum was created to exhibit presidential memorabilia. Among its holdings are artifacts from the remains of an old fort that once occupied the site, as well as elements from the former Customs House, designed by British architect Edward Taylor. At one time, the Customs House was the largest building in Argentina.

Exhibits include books, furniture, swords, uniforms, and carriages used by former presidents. More personal items—such as flatware and dolls used by presidential families—are also on display. Several underground rooms correspond to the foundations of earlier government structures that once stood here. In 2011, a modern extension was added to house a mural by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros—one of his most powerful and immersive works. There is also a dedicated section honoring Eva Perón, former First Lady of Argentina. A lesser-known highlight is the preserved section of colonial-era tunnels, offering a glimpse into the early defensive layout of Buenos Aires.

Tip:
Visitors must reserve in advance to join the free museum tours which are conducted in Spanish. These tours are absolutely worth it and easy to book online. On weekends, you can also visit the Pink House itself on a free guided tour available in both Spanish and English, also with a reservation.

The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral is the most significant Catholic church in the city. The site was originally designated for a church in 1580, and several structures were built throughout the 1600s. However, the current building dates to the early 1700s, with a Greek Revival facade added in the early 1800s. In 1836, the church was formally designated as the cathedral.

As you admire the cathedral's facade, you'll observe 12 Neo-Classical columns, symbolizing the twelve apostles. Its frontispiece features a large bas-relief depicting two important figures from the Old Testament: Jacob and Joseph in Egypt, intended as a metaphor for national reconciliation after periods of civil conflict. Walking inside, the cathedral impresses with a 134-foot vaulted ceiling and five naves. Pay attention to the Venetian mosaic flooring, covering the entire interior floor of the cathedral. It illustrates a series of religious motifs and geometric designs crafted by Italian artisans in the late 19th century.

The cathedral’s oldest artwork is the 1671 Christ of Buenos Aires. To find it, walk down the central nave and turn right, where the Chapel of the Holy Christ appears among the first on that side; the wooden 17th-century image stands in a small altar niche and is easy to spot thanks to its expressive colonial style. The main gilded wood altarpiece, dating to 1785, rises at the far end of the central nave, directly facing visitors as they enter the cathedral. The monumental 1871 organ, with more than 3,500 pipes, is positioned above the entrance on the choir balcony and becomes visible when you look back toward the main doors. The beautifully preserved 18th-century wooden pulpit, decorated with gold leaf, stands to the left of the central nave, raised on a carved base and easily noticed as you walk toward the altar.

Several important memorials are housed inside the cathedral, each easy to locate as you move through the nave. To the left of the main altar, an ornate marble mausoleum holds the remains of General José de San Martín, one of Latin America’s great liberators; the monument is guarded by statues representing Argentina, Peru, and Chile. Just beside it stands the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of Argentine Independence, marked by a simple yet solemn inscription.

Pope Francis celebrated Mass here during his years as Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio before his election as Pope in 2013. Today, the cathedral houses the Pope Francis Museum, displaying some of his personal items, liturgical garments, and photographs documenting his time in Buenos Aires.

Galerías Pacífico is an elegant shopping center renowned for its stunning architecture and marked a national historical monument thanks to its admirable design. This Beaux-Arts style building was completed in 1889 and emulates the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. Originally constructed as a Le Bon Marché department store, Galerías Pacífico was transformed into a shopping center in 1990 and has since become one of the most beautiful malls in the world.

The centerpiece of the building is its impressive dome, adorned with murals by some of Argentina's most celebrated artists. To appreciate the art work, head towards the central atrium, where you can gaze up and appreciate the intricate frescoes that depict themes of Argentine history and culture.

Inside, visitors will find a range of stores, from international brands and high-end fashion to local clothing shops and leather crafts boutiques. To access the main shopping area, enter through the main entrance directly on Florida Street or via the entrance on Córdoba avenue. The food court is located on the lower level, beneath the dome. It is always lively, offering a variety of quick dining options, with several spots to enjoy ice-cream—a popular treat in Buenos Aires. To reach the food court, take one of the elevators located directly to the right and left of the central fountain in the middle of the main atrium.

Beyond shopping, Borges Cultural Center—located inside the building—adds cultural depth. To visit, head to the upper floors and look for signs leading to the “Centro Cultural Borges” entrance. This venue hosts a tango school where visitors can learn the passionate dance, as well as watch a tango show. The cultural center also features art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events throughout the year, making it a must-visit for those interested in Argentine arts and heritage. The entrance to the tango shows is located in the back of the second floor, near the gallery spaces.

Tip:
If you plan to shop, be sure to look for the "tax-free" signs to take advantage of the tax refund system for foreign visitors before leaving Argentina.

The Colón Theater is regarded as one of the finest opera houses in the world. Its construction took several years and involved multiple architects, but the result was an architectural masterpiece that continues to be ranked among the top three opera houses globally for acoustics and architectural quality. The design blends Italian Neoclassical, French Beaux-Arts, and German Renaissance influences, due to the succession of architects involved.

The flourishing opera scene in 19th-century Buenos Aires, driven by touring European companies, led to the construction of the first Colón Theater in 1857. It operated successfully for 30 years, but the growing popularity of opera soon made it clear that a larger and more modern venue was needed. After nearly 20 years of construction, the current theater opened in 1908.

The present structure was built using carefully selected materials from across Europe. It features Italian marble, French stained glass, Venetian mosaics, and Slavonic woodwork, reflecting a rich mixture of European craftsmanship. The main hall, shaped like a horseshoe, accommodates more than 2,500 seated spectators, with four levels of galleries and standing room for an additional 1,000. The orchestra pit can host up to 120 musicians. The hall’s acoustics are famously precise—so much so that the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti once remarked that it is one of the most challenging auditoriums in the world, where “even the slightest mistake can be heard”. Above the auditorium, the dome contains a hidden choir gallery, creating the effect of voices descending from the heavens.

An interesting feature of the theater is its historic stage machinery, which was some of the most advanced in the world at the time of its construction. This includes hidden trapdoors and a manual counterweight system used for quick scene changes during performances.

Tip:
Guided tours are offered daily in several languages; check at the box office for current schedules or availability. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the backstage area, where you can see the production rooms and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the theater prepares for its world-class performances.

The Barolo Palace, commissioned by Argentine textile magnate Luis Barolo, was designed to house offices and stood as the tallest building in Buenos Aires until 1936 . Barolo hired Italian architect Mario Palanti in 1910, sharing the common fear among some Europeans of the era that Europe might collapse under the pressures of war. Palanti, an admirer of Dante Alighieri, designed the building as a symbolic architectural interpretation of The Divine Comedy.

The structure has 24 floors—2 underground and 22 above—with the basements and ground floor representing Hell, the first through fifteenth floors symbolizing Purgatory, and the sixteenth through twenty-second floors representing Paradise. The building’s height of 100 meters exceeded the legal limit for May Avenue, but Mayor Luis Cantilo granted a special exception to allow its ambitious scale. Construction was completed in 1923, and the building was inaugurated with a blessing from the papal representative, Monsignor Giovanni Beda Cardinali.

A remarkable architectural detail is the building’s lighthouse, designed to mirror the one atop the now-demolished Salvo Palace in Montevideo—also a Palanti design—symbolizing the spiritual link between the two sides of the River Plate. The lighthouse once projected a powerful rotating beam out to sea; today, it operates during special events and night tours. The building’s interior is rich in symbolic numerology: 22 floors for the 22 stanzas of Dante’s cantos, and 9 vaults representing the nine circles, terraces, and spheres of the afterlife.

Bilingual English and Spanish tours guide visitors through the Dante-inspired design and the story of its visionary owner. The upper-floor balconies offer panoramic views of Buenos Aires, and the lighthouse balcony provides one of the most dramatic night viewpoints in the city. The Barolo Palace was declared a National Historic Monument in 1997.

Tip:
All tours require advance reservations—check the official website for exact dates and times. Night tours are well worth the extra cost, offering breathtaking views from the lighthouse and a relaxed wine tasting to end the experience.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore is often referred to as the world's most beautiful bookstore. Housed in the former Grand Splendid theater, El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore retains the beauty of the original Beaux-Arts building.

The original theatre first opened in 1919 and hosted opera, ballet, tango performances, and film premiers. The old theatre was converted into a bookstore in 2000. The original dome, painted by Italian Nazaeron Orlandi, remains. A cafe sits on the theatre's old stage. Here, you can buy a coffee, tea, or a snack while reading and admiring the decor.

You'll find children's books in the basement and exhibitions on the upper floor. Soft lighting and comfortable chairs invite visitors to pick out a book and enjoy the read and surroundings.

Set in five and a half acres of land, the Recoleta Cemetery is referred to as the City of the Dead. Many of the gravestones and vaults are works of art and 94 have been declared as National Historic Monuments.

In the 18th century, the monks of the order of Recoletos built the church of Our Lady of Pilar. In 1822 the garden of the church was converted into a public cemetery by architect and civil engineer, Prospero Catelin. The entrance is through neoclassical styled gates with Doric columns. It hosts over 4600 graves and some of them are elaborate marble mausoleums. The layout is like a city with blocks, stone streets and small plazas. In 1881, the streets and the chapel were renovated and extensive maintenance of the sculptures and statues were carried out.

The Recoleta Cemetery is the final resting place of most Argentine Presidents and eminent personalities like Eva Peron, Carlos Guido y Spano (poet), Carlos Saavedra Lamas (the first Latin American Nobel Peace Prize Winner) and Victoria Ocampo (writer). The entrance ticket price is $20 (30ARS) for foreign visitors. Free guided tours of the cemetery are conducted in English on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 11.00 am. Visitors can purchase maps and take a self-guided tour around the graves and mausoleums of eminent Argentines.

The National Museum of Arts, locally known as Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, is an art museum that was established in 1896. The museum was originally held in the Bon Marche store building, but moved to its current location in 1933.

The museum's building once served as a pump house in the Recoleta neighborhood. Originally built in 1870, it was remodeled by architect Alejandro Bustillo to make room for the ever-growing collection.

The museum offers fine art from around the world as well as a vast array of works from Argentine artists. Masterpieces in the collection come from renowned painters like Monet, El Greco, Rembrandt, Gaughin and Van Gogh.

Patrons can see paintings, sculptures and photography on display in the museum's permanent exhibit. They can also find temporary exhibits that rotate every three to six months.

Along with art pieces, the National Museum of Arts holds a vast library and a public auditorium. It also has a gift shop that is open during all museum hours.

The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 7 PM.

The environmental kinetic sculpture Floralis Genérica was a gift to the city of Buenos Aires by architect, Eduardo Catalano. It opens every day at 8 a.m. to symbolize hope.

Eduardo Catalano was born in Buenos Aires and commissioned the Lockheed Airplane factory to fabricate the large flower based on his design. It was his gift to the city of his birth. No particular flower is depicted and it is a generic floral design that symbolizes all flowers. It is 23 meters high and stands at the center of a park above a reflecting pool. The paths around the sculpture are designed to give different perspectives of the structure. It has six petals that are 13 meters long and 7 meters wide.

An electrical mechanism automatically opens (morning) and closes (evening) the Floralis Genérica. A red light glows from inside the closed flower. It opens again in the morning depicting renewed hope. The opening process takes 20 minutes. The petals are also closed when strong winds blow as a protective measure. On May 25th, September 21st, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, the petals remain open all night and are illuminated by red floodlights. Green lights illuminate the paths around the sculpture giving it a spectacular effect on these special nights.

Why You Should Visit:
To witness a unique example of what a modern sculpture can contribute to the beauty of a city.
Grand in scale, eloquent in design, photographs well. Lovely open parkland surroundings.

Tip:
Try to visit in the morning as the sun rises to see the petals open up.

The mission of this art gallery in Buenos Aires is to promote contemporary Latin American artists and to display the brilliant and vibrant 20th-century artists of Latin America. It houses the vast, diverse and valuable collection of Argentine business magnate, Eduardo Constantini.

The Museum of Latin American Art, popularly known as MALBA opened its doors in 2001. It is run by the nonprofit organization, Foundation MALBA. The unique building in which the gallery is housed was designed by Argentine architectural firm, AFT architects. The permanent collection has over 200 artworks by 20th-century artists and temporary exhibitions from all over the world are held by the museum. Collections are constantly updated and the MALBA promotes the works of new contemporary artists across Latin America.

Collections at the MALBA include works by Diego Rivera, Frida Kalho, Xu Solar, Jorge de la Vega and the Argentine painter Antonio Berni. The art collection features works by well-known artists from Cuba, Uruguay, Colombia, Costa Rica and Venezuela. Exhibits include painting, sculpture, photographs, prints and sketches. The second floor has a theatre where classic and contemporary films from Argentina and around the world are filmed. The gift shop stocks books on Latin American Art in English and Spanish and also has a range of souvenirs like postcards, jewelry and notebooks.

Why You Should Visit:
Relatively small museum but collections (both permanent and temporary) are great.
Contemporary, defying, interactive, happening...

Tip:
Entrance is no longer free but worth the (small) investment.
Great little coffee shop (right outside) and gift shop (inside).
If you plan to eat after looking around, book a table on your way in.

The Japanese Garden is a tranquil green space in Palermo, Buenos Aires. The lush green garden has over 150 species of plants brought to Argentina from Japan.

The Japanese community of Buenos Aires established the five-acre garden in gratitude to the new nation where they made their home. It has all the amenities of a traditional Japanese garden including bridges, an artificial lake, a waterfall and a tea house. It was first laid in 1967 by the Japanese Cultural Foundation of Japan. The foundation maintains the garden till today. In 1977, it was redesigned by Japanese landscape artist, Yasuo Inomata based on the design of the Zen Gardens in honor of the visit of the Japanese Emperor to Argentina.

The Japanese Garden comprises a large artificial lake with bridges leading to small man-made islands. The lake has plenty of koi fish and the garden shop sells fish food for visitors who wish to feed them. The main island is the Island of the Gods. The curved Buena Ventura Bridge takes visitors to the Island. There is a monument to the immigrant within the garden and a large Japanese peace bell. There is also a Japanese restaurant and a tea house where Japanese cultural exhibitions, performances and events take place frequently. On weekends, tours are conducted to teach visitors the meaning and significance of a Zen garden.

Why You Should Visit:
To enjoy a Japanese culture sample in the heart of a Latin American city.
Good escape from the streets and plenty of areas to take photos.

Tip:
After a zen stroll, have lunch at the on-site restaurant (best by reservation). Not cheap, but the sushi quality is one of the best in BA.
Along with your meal, you will get to see displays of Japanese culture, art & clothing and to access a viewing balcony that overlooks the Jardín.

Parque Tres de Febrero, popularly known as Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods), stands as an urban park spanning around 400 hectares (nearly 989 acres) situated within the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It boasts remarkable arrays of woodland, serene lakes, and the captivating rose gardens, famously referred to as El Rosedal.

After the overthrow of the authoritarian rule of Juan Manuel de Rosas in 1852, his expansive properties in the north of Buenos Aires were designated as public lands. In 1862, a municipal decree was established to transform a significant portion of this land into a city park. The inception of Parque Tres de Febrero, named in commemoration of the defeat of Governor Rosas on February 3, 1852, was initiated in 1874 through the collaborative efforts of Congressman Vicente Fidel López and President Domingo Sarmiento. Sarmiento had been one of the opponents of Governor Rosas during that time.

The park's blueprint was envisioned by urban planner Jordán Czeslaw Wysocki and architect Julio Dormal. Its official inauguration took place on November 11, 1875. With the prosperous economic expansion of Buenos Aires in the subsequent years, the park was transitioned into municipal ownership in 1888. This paved the way for French Argentine urbanist Carlos Thays to undertake the task of expansion and enhancing its aesthetic appeal between 1892 and 1912. Thays' contributions encompassed the creation of the Zoological Gardens, the Botanical Gardens, the adjoining Plaza Italia, and the captivating Rose Garden.

The park is a daily retreat for numerous individuals, catering to both pedestrians and cyclists. However, the influx of visitors significantly rises during weekends. Within the park, three artificial lakes offer the opportunity for leisurely boat rides. Adjacent to the boating lake, one can find the Poets' Garden, adorned with stone and bronze busts of illustrious poets, including the likes of Jorge Luis Borges, Luigi Pirandello, and William Shakespeare.

Palermo stands out as one of the expansive and captivating neighborhoods within Buenos Aires, with Palermo Soho shining as one of its most enchanting districts. Palermo "Soho" has gained renown for its upscale food emporiums, vibrant nightlife, and bohemian ambiance that wafts through its streets and cafes. Despite being the oldest sector of Palermo, Palermo Soho remains far from dilapidated.

This locale is perfect for leisurely walks along avenues lined with trees, passing by historical buildings and contemporary enterprises that uphold their traditional exteriors. Visitors can explore street markets in Plaza Palermo or Plaza Julio Cortázar (also referred to as Placita Serrano) and make pit stops at eateries and bars that preserve their essence and original architecture while incorporating innovative decor.

Palermo Soho presents a myriad of culinary options, encompassing Mediterranean, Armenian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, and global fare. Yet, Argentine barbecue is the highlight for most tourists. Dining out is affordable, catering to various budgets. Regardless of your choice, you'll encounter elegantly presented, top-notch cuisine.

As the day transitions into the evening, you can unwind with a cup of tea or a beverage at one of the cafes or bars encircling Plaza Serrano. Many establishments offer outdoor seating where you can bask in the sunlight or observe the continuous stream of pedestrians meandering along Palermo's avenues.

The district is equally renowned for its array of apparel and accessory boutiques. Alongside stores carrying established and high-end brands, a plethora of independent shops showcase exclusive, limited-edition original designs. Palermo Soho emerges as a shopping haven, accommodating a diverse range of preferences. You can procure clothing, decorative items, furniture, accessories, scented candles, shoes, bed and bath goods, and much more.

Palermo's nights brim with activity. Both locals and tourists who throng the streets usually begin the evening with pre-dinner libations at various neighborhood pubs before culminating their night at one of the trendsetting nightclubs. Palermo appeals particularly to young adults due to its abundant entertainment choices: independent theater, live performances, and live music at pubs.