San Telmo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Telmo showing street scenes and markets as well as a large group of people
San Telmo
San Telmo which includes interior views
San Telmo
San Telmo

Thrift shops, flea markets, bookstores and a cinema museum make this colonial neighbourhood one of Buenos Aires’ most vibrant.

A bygone Buenos Aires is on display in San Telmo, one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. With its origins in the colonial city of the 17th century, San Telmo has been enriched over the centuries by waves of European immigrants, dockworkers and artists. Tour flea markets, watch street dancers tango and browse the area’s thrift stores and galleries.

Plaza Dorrego stands directly in the centre of San Telmo. Here you will find an open-air marketplace shaded by trees and lined with restaurant terraces. Sit on a park bench and watch professional dancers tango for the tips of passing tourists. Walk east to the San Pedro San Telmo Church, an 18th-century relic.

Passing along the east side of Plaza Dorrego is Defensa Street, San Telmo’s most popular stretch. Galleries, shops and bookstores attract tourists with their antique charm. Shop for vintage goods at a thrift store or the San Telmo Market. Visit on a Sunday to find an extensive fair with food stalls and street performers.

Step into the San Lorenzo Passage, which lies just off Defensa Street. This alley features street art and historic architecture, including an unbelievable 2.5-metre (8.2-foot) wide house, La Casa Minima.

Museums are located throughout the neighbourhood. Learn about the history of Argentine film at the Museo del Cine or the history of Argentine independence at the National Historical Museum. The Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (MAMBA) features modern and contemporary works, including paintings by Wassily Kandinsky.

At the very southern edge of the neighbourhood lies the Parque Lezama. Take a break in the shade of palm trees in this large urban park, which features many sculptures.

Visit San Telmo after dark to see it livelier than ever. Pubs, cafés and steakhouses stay busy late into the night.

San Telmo is located a short walk south of the Plaza de Mayo. Arrive in the neighbourhood on foot or by public transit from anywhere in the city centre. Ride the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus through the neighbourhood to get an audio tour of its attractions.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best San Telmo Hotel Deals

Tango de Mayo Hotel

Tango de Mayo Hotel

4 out of 5
Av. de Mayo 1396, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Some of the amenities were a bit older, but overall very positive experience."

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

Tango de Mayo Hotel
GrandView Hotel & Convention Center

GrandView Hotel & Convention Center

4 out of 5
Azcuenaga 45, Buenos Aires
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$90 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
AU$90
31 July - 1 Aug
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Obelisco and Colón Theatre ...
8/10 Very Good! (515 reviews)
"I liked the location and areas to shop. I didn't like that I wasn't offered to check in early 😕"

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

GrandView Hotel & Convention Center
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$220 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
AU$220
22 Aug - 23 Aug
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! (845 reviews)
"It was very good."

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center
El Conquistador Hotel

El Conquistador Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Suipacha 948, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$107 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$107
3 Aug - 4 Aug
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
"This hotel is well located close to many restaurants, shopping. Excellent breakfast, the restaurant on the 1st floor has very good choices, drinks .The staff with the breakfast buffet and the restaurant on the 1st floor were very kind, friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

El Conquistador Hotel
La Fresque Hotel

La Fresque Hotel

3 out of 5
Avenida de Mayo 984, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Obelisco and Plaza de Mayo are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (545 reviews)
Fun hotel in central area
"Central location easy walk to the Tango shows and plenty of shops nearby. We were able to leave our luggage after check out. Quirky room layout with upstairs bed"

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

La Fresque Hotel
Hilton Buenos Aires

Hilton Buenos Aires

5 out of 5
Av Macacha Guemes 351, Buenos Aires
The price is AU$320 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$320
3 Aug - 4 Aug
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 bars/lounges, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"Excellent infrastructure, location and service, although I can’t understand why they keep the room’s minibar completely empty, everything has to be ordered via room service, even simple bottles of water…"

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Hilton 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 San Telmo

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Puerto Madero

5/5(5 area reviews)

Puerto Madero is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Puerto Madero Casino and Port of Buenos Aires while you're in town.

Puerto Madero
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
Buenos Aires which includes 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
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
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
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


San Telmo Travel Guide

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