El Centro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Downtown Buenos Aires
Downtown Buenos Aires showing heritage architecture and street scenes
Plaza San Martin showing street scenes, a high-rise building and a city
Florida Street featuring interior views
Downtown Buenos Aires

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

NH Collection Buenos Aires Jousten

NH Collection Buenos Aires Jousten

4 out of 5
Av. Corrientes 280, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$199 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$199
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (506 reviews)
Great stay!!!
"Very good location,Friendly and helpful staff, Clean and comfortable room.I would definitely stay at this hotel again."

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

NH Collection Buenos Aires Jousten
Libertador Hotel

Libertador Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Av. Cordoba 690, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$184 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$184
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (793 reviews)
"Hotel is good"

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2025

Libertador Hotel
Casa Lucia Member of Melia Collection

Casa Lucia Member of Melia Collection

5 out of 5
Arroyo 841, Buenos Aires, Recoleta
The price is AU$485 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$485
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
"Clean beautiful room, great reception and spa staff. Expensive for what we got. There is a small bar and lounge. On one of our 2 night stay this was being used by private party. So nowhere really to go as bar area chilly and too cold to sit outside. Second night very loud music from lobby until 11pm ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Casa Lucia Member of Melia Collection
Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center

Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center

4 out of 5
San Martin / 1225 1275, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$310 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
AU$310
22 Oct - 23 Oct
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (863 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center
Park Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buenos Aires

Park Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buenos Aires

5 out of 5
Avenida Leandro N Alem 1193, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$356 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$356
31 Oct - 1 Nov
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (437 reviews)
"I recently stayed at this hotel and had a great experience. The staff was welcoming and attentive from check-in to check-out. My room was clean, comfortable, and well-equipped with everything I needed for a relaxing stay. The location was convenient—close to shops, restaurants, and public transport. ..."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Park Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buenos Aires
El Misti Suites Buenos Aires

El Misti Suites Buenos Aires

2.5 out of 5
880 Maipú, Buenos Aires, Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires
The price is AU$48 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
AU$48
22 Oct - 23 Oct
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Obelisco ...
9/10 Wonderful! (69 reviews)
"Great location. Great price. Could smell cigarette smoke coming from other rooms. Saw couple bugs in the bathroom."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

El Misti Suites Buenos Aires
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 which includes 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 which includes 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
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
Default Image

Retiro

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

Retiro
San Telmo showing street scenes and markets as well as a large group of people

San Telmo

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

San Telmo is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to San Telmo Antiques Fair or Plaza Dorrego.

San Telmo


El Centro Travel Guide

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