Tour the central boulevard of Buenos Aires to find charming plazas, massive theatres and regional restaurants spread along one of the world’s grandest avenues.
Stepping onto 9 de Julio Avenue for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. Considered one of the widest streets in the world, this grand boulevard stretches 7 kilometres (4 miles) through the centre of Buenos Aires. Join locals and tourists at the city’s main hub of activity featuring architectural landmarks, shaded lawns, world-class theatres and much more. Walk or bus between the many attractions along Buenos Aires’ main thoroughfare.
Start out at Plazoleta Carlos Pellegrini on the north end of the street. This pleasant “small square” is crowned with a statue of its namesake, former Argentinian president Carlos Pellegrini. Take photos of the stately antique villas around the square, including the blue-roofed structure that houses the French embassy.
Teatro Colón, the city’s massive turn-of-the-century opera house, lies a 15-minute walk south along the avenue. Guided tours of the structure are available, which will teach you about the theatre’s history and the aspects of the building that give it some of the finest acoustics in the world. See an opera, ballet or classical music concert to hear the theatre’s world-class acoustics in action.
Look out over the city centre from the 23rd-floor observation deck of the Hotel Panamericano, which lies across the street from the opera house. If you feel you could stare at the view for hours, stick around and relax at the hotel’s spa.
Continue south to the oval-shaped Plaza de la República, which lies near the midpoint of 9 de Julio Avenue, where it crosses Corrientes Avenue, home to Buenos Aires’ theatre district. Admire the angular white tower at the heart of the plaza, known simply as El Obelisco. Visit the square on game day for one of Argentina’s international sports teams to see it packed with ecstatic fans beating drums, waving flags and chanting.
In addition to its sights and attractions, 9 de Julio Avenue is lined with cafés and restaurants serving Argentinian cuisine. Watch the sun set and the street lights come on along the boulevard as you relax over a delicious traditional meal on a restaurant terrace.
