El Centro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Downtown Buenos Aires showing heritage architecture and street scenes
This multi-faceted Buenos Aires district is home to the financial district, a political hub and a shopping precinct. It’s also a popular tourist centre.

Right in the middle of this 'Downtown' area is the Plaza de Mayo, Argentina's political hub, where you'll find grand and historic buildings, excellent shopping and a selection of dining options. The office of the President of Argentina is located in the Casa Rosada - a striking, extravagant pink building. The Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada are of historical significance as they are on the site of the revolution that led to their independence from Spain in 1810.

One of Downtown’s attractions and the perfect spot to stop off and relax after a hard morning’s walking is the San Martin Square. The Square boasts plenty of grassed, open spaces and on a warm day, shade is provided by over 350 trees including beautiful lilac-flowering Jacarandas. As well as relaxing and joining the locals in having a bite to eat on the lawns, you can visit the historic memorial to those lost in the Falklands War, and take a photo underneath the old clock tower or beneath the massive evergreen Ombu tree.

From San Martin Square, wander to the nearby shopping areas. Stroll along tree-lined Florida Street, one of the two large pedestrian shopping streets in the area the other being Lavelle Street which crosses Florida Street. In this shopping precinct, discover delights in the diverse local boutiques or choose from well-known brands at the international department stores. After sunset, Florida and Lavelle Streets come alive with street performers, tango dancers and local restaurants spilling out onto the footpaths and entertaining locals and visitors alike.

For a perfect end to the day, enjoy with a meal at one of the many restaurants accompanied by a delicious Argentinian Malbec - the country's most famous red wine.

The downtown area and San Martin Square are accessible by public transport. Note that there have been incidences of crime in San Martin Square at night, hence caution is advised when walking through this area.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best El Centro Hotel Deals

Gran Hotel Argentino
Gran Hotel Argentino
3 out of 5
Carlos Pellegrini 37, Buenos Aires, BUE
The price is AU$44 per night from 7 May to 8 May
AU$44
per night
7 May - 8 May
Stay at this hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Obelisco and Plaza de Mayo are located ...
7/10 Good! (996 reviews)
"Excellent service and comfort"

Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2024

Gran Hotel Argentino
El Conquistador Hotel
El Conquistador Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Suipacha 948, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$101 per night from 21 May to 22 May
AU$101
per night
21 May - 22 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Great attention and services"

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

El Conquistador Hotel
Regente Palace Hotel
Regente Palace Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Suipacha 964, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$126 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
AU$126
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Obelisco and Galerias Pacifico are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (358 reviews)
Good value if budget minded
"I liked this hotel. For 1/3 to 1/2 the price of better known hotels, the Regent Palace was clean, comfortable, staff friendly, and well located. Centrally located for walking to the grand blvds., restaurants, and parks. It seems popular with the Latin American guests."

Reviewed on 18 Jan. 2024

Regente Palace Hotel
Alvear Art Hotel
Alvear Art Hotel
5 out of 5
Suipacha 1036, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$272 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
AU$272
per night
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (765 reviews)
"Nice stay Staff pleasant/ accomdating Hotel collected a $160 “Tax” because I did not have an airline boarding pass. We drove into Argentina from Brazil. Argentina no longer stamps your passport i was told and the website wad not functioning. Be aware"

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2024

Alvear Art Hotel
Pestana Buenos Aires Hotel
Pestana Buenos Aires Hotel
4 out of 5
Carlos Pellegrini 877, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$132 per night from 7 May to 8 May
AU$132
per night
7 May - 8 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Popular attractions Obelisco and Colón ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (669 reviews)
"Ideal location in the heart of the city with excellent dining, shopping and sight-seeing opportunities within easy walking distance"

Reviewed on 29 Oct. 2023

Pestana Buenos Aires Hotel
Efe Hotel & Cowork
Efe Hotel & Cowork
4 out of 5
Paraguay 474, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$163 per night from 8 May to 9 May
AU$163
per night
8 May - 9 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (342 reviews)
"Helpful staff, high quality hotel. The bed was comfortable and clean, and good breakfast selection."

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2024

Efe Hotel & Cowork
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around El Centro

Buenos Aires featuring art

San Nicolás

While you're in San Nicolás, take in top sights like Obelisco or Gran Rex Theatre, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at July 9 Station or Diagonal Norte Station.

San Nicolás
Buenos Aires featuring art

Buenos Aires Central Business District

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Buenos Aires Central Business District, check out sights like Obelisco or Luna Park Stadium and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Correo Central Station or Leandro N Alem Station.

Buenos Aires Central Business District
Casa Rosada which includes a square or plaza, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Microcentro

Sociedad Rural Argentina and Florida Street are top sights in Microcentro, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Florida Station or Lavalle Station to see more sights in the area.

Microcentro
Buenos Aires featuring art

Comuna 1

If you're spending time in Comuna 1, check out sights like Obelisco or Casa Rosada and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Cathedral Station or Catedral Station.

Comuna 1
Argentina featuring a city

Monserrat

Architecture, cafes and shopping highlight some notable features of Monserrat. Make a stop by Barolo Palace or 9 de Julio Avenue while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Moreno Station or Lima Station to get around town.

Monserrat
Plaza San Martin featuring a statue or sculpture, a city and a square or plaza

Retiro

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Retiro. Spend some time visiting top spots like Plaza San Martin, and catch the metro at Retiro San Martín Station or Catalinas Station to see more of the area.

Retiro

El Centro Travel Guide

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