El Centro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Downtown Buenos Aires showing heritage architecture and street scenes
Downtown Buenos Aires is made up of several wonderful neighbourhoods: Retiro to the north and the Port to the East.

Right in the middle you will find the Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires’ political centre. Visitors come here to catch a glimpse of the Casa Rosada, the lavish pink building that houses the office of the President of Argentina. The Plaza de Mayo also boasts many other buildings, churches and monuments of architectural and historical significance.

Visitors come from all over just to stroll down Florida Street and to spend time in the elegant shops and boutiques as well as the international department stores before hitting Lavalle Street for a bite to eat. These two pedestrian streets offer visitors a different kind of hustle and bustle: the opportunity to stroll, shop, and dine in style.

A day in this part of town wouldn’t be complete, however, without a stop in San Martin Square in the Retiro area. Here, at the northern edge of downtown, you will find plenty of open spaces and lots of shade. You will want to stop into a local coffee shop for afternoon refreshment or stroll along the Falklands War Memorial and visit the old clock tower. In San Martin Plaza, you will also find the National Museum of Fine Arts and several magnificent mansions.

Don’t leave Buenos Aires without a trip to the port to take a picture on the architecturally breath-taking Puente de la Mujer — or Women’s Bridge — with the sun setting behind a striking backdrop. You can kick off the evening by heading back up to Florida Street where street performers and tango dancers come out to entertain on the footpaths in front of local restaurants. End a relaxing day by enjoying a local speciality while you sip a local wine: what better than a glass of Argentinian Malbec, one of Argentina’s famous red wines.

These two charming areas will really capture your imagination, and you may find that you need to spend a few days to really explore and enjoy them. There are no better places to relax and soak up Buenos Aires than Plaza de Mayo and San Martin Square.


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 NZ$48 per night from 23 May to 24 May
NZ$48
per night
23 May - 24 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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (996 reviews)
"This is a little gem. I was travelling on my own solo. Female and have never felt safer. The hotel Has everything you need. The staff are fabulous, so kind and friendly. I stayed here for a week and it was a fab stay whilst exploring. If you’re a solo traveller this is a fantastic place! No frills ..."

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Gran Hotel Argentino
El Conquistador Hotel
El Conquistador Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Suipacha 948, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is NZ$109 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
NZ$109
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
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)
"Location is perfect"

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

El Conquistador Hotel
Pestana Buenos Aires Hotel
Pestana Buenos Aires Hotel
4 out of 5
Carlos Pellegrini 877, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is NZ$156 per night from 25 May to 26 May
NZ$156
per night
25 May - 26 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! (673 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
Regente Palace Hotel
Regente Palace Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Suipacha 964, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is NZ$151 per night from 23 May to 24 May
NZ$151
per night
23 May - 24 May
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! (360 reviews)
Good stay in a good location
"The location is great and we were greeted when we checked in. Breakfast was good and the room was quiet may be soundproof. Overall, it is good place to stay if you are mostly sightseeing during the day."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Regente Palace Hotel
Efe Hotel & Cowork
Efe Hotel & Cowork
4 out of 5
Paraguay 474, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is NZ$176 per night from 24 May to 25 May
NZ$176
per night
24 May - 25 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! (344 reviews)
"Helpful staff, high quality hotel. The bed was comfortable and clean, and good breakfast selection."

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2024

Efe Hotel & Cowork
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$261 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
NZ$261
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
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! (762 reviews)
"Chose this hotel before a cruise. It is about a 5 minute drive to the terminal. It is within walking distance to Florida Street which has many shops, including souvenirs. The breakfast is decent, nothing spectacular. The reception desk was very friendly, but hostess at restaurant, not so much. Overall, ..."

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2024

Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center
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

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: