The historic district of San Telmo is a must-do for those wanting to catch a glimpse of Buenos Aires’ past. The neighbourhood dates back to the 17th century. Its unique atmosphere has been influenced by the European immigrants, aristocrats, artists and dockworkers who have lived here. Explore the antiques stores and museums housed in colonial architecture, catch a tango show or dine out at a traditional steakhouse.
Enjoy a view of tango dancers from a terrace seat at one of the bars and restaurants of Plaza Dorrego. This central square is surrounded by greenery. During the weekends the square is the site of an antiques and flea market. On Sundays the market expands down Defensa Street, when street performers, tango dancers and food stalls create a festival atmosphere.
San Telmo’s Defensa Street has a bohemian vibe with bookstores, art galleries and antiques shops. Find bargain vintage clothing at San Telmo Market. Check out the incredibly narrow La Casa Minima, a house just 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) wide. Go down San Lorenzo Passage to experience Buenos Aires street art and historic architecture.
San Telmo is dotted with cultural institutions. See contemporary artworks, including paintings by Wassily Kandinsky at the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (MAMBA). Head to Museo del Cine to discover Argentina’s cinema history from 1896 onwards. Learn about Argentina’s wars of independence at the National Historical Museum. Relax in the sculpture garden in Parque Lezama and marvel at the ornate 18th-century San Pedro Telmo Church.
Spend an evening in San Telmo enjoying the company of locals and visitors in the traditional steakhouses, multi-cultural restaurants, craft beer pubs and cafés. Some restaurants have wooden floors where you can dance the night away. See professional dancers at a tango show at El Viejo Almacen theatre and restaurant.
San Telmo is located just south of Plaza de Mayo. Get here on foot or come by taxi, bus or metro. Pick up some local insights on the affordable hop-on hop-off tourist bus. The bus departs near Casa Rosada in Plaza de Mayo and offers audio commentary.
