Tour the four docks of Buenos Aires’ refurbished Puerto Madero to find fine dining, museums and natural parkland. Enjoy the thriving waterfront neighbourhood, which was redeveloped in the 1990s and is now one of the city’s most vibrant districts. Get up close to one of the city’s most photographed sights, the pointed Puente de la Mujer (Women’s Bridge).
Puerto Madero’s northernmost zone is Dock Four. Upscale restaurants, bars and cafés are scattered throughout the area. For a cheaper eating option, stock up on food at an area grocery store and have a picnic at one of the nearby waterfront parks, which include Parque Muyeras Argentinas and Parque Micaela Bastidas.
Visit the port’s numerous museums. The Fortabat Art Collection features modern Argentine and international art, including works by Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol. Tour the museum on board the ARA Uruguay, which is Argentina’s oldest naval ship. Discover artefacts from regional shipwrecks and explore the cramped captain’s cabin. Another floating museum, the Fragata Sarmiento, stands at Dock Three.
Walk across the Puente de la Mujer (Women’s Bridge), a bright-white pedestrian bridge that spans the port. The bridge features one tall spike pointing diagonally into the sky. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, it depicts a tango-dancing couple.
Browse the attractions of the two southernmost docks. Here, you will find the campus of the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina alongside a floating casino, a cinema and a variety of restaurants.
To the east of Puerto Madero stands an ecological reserve that stretches out to the Rio de la Plata. Consisting of four lagoons, this reserve is bisected by several trails. Admire the area’s biodiversity, which includes many species of turtles, birds and butterflies. On the way out of the reserve, sample a choripan (chorizo sandwich) from one of the food stands along the neighbouring road.
Located just east of the Plaza de Mayo, Puerto Madero is easily accessible from Buenos Aires’ central attractions. Walk or bike along the streets around the docks, which feature little car traffic.
