Top Ten Sights in Buenos Aires

The Paris of South America Reigns Supreme

Aug 28, 2008 José Luis Rodríguez-Olveira

After a time of economic turmoil, Buenos Aires is resurfacing as one of the most important tourist destinations in South America.

Argentina suffered many years of political and economical instability. It went through a bloody dictatorship in the late 70s and early 80s that tested the endurance of the republic. Nowadays Buenos Aires is one of the biggest cities in the world that keeps attracting a legion of tourists looking for a touch of class.

San Telmo

Buenos Aires was born here. This is the oldest quarter of the town with buildings and baroque churches that helps the visitor to immerse in Buenos Aires’ past. A must-see is Plaza Dorrego with an antiques’ fair on Sundays and lots of second-hand and antiques shops along Defensa Street.

Florida Street

This is very popular with tourists and it is full of shops and commercial galleries. It has been pedestrianised for more comfort. The old building of Harrod’s, the only branch of the department store outside London, can still be seen at the corner of Florida Street and Cordoba Avenue. It is now closed.

Recoleta

A very refined quarter. Its most famous tourist place is the cemetery where many prominent citizens are buried, Evita Perón among them. The church of “El Pilar” next to the cemetery is worth a visit. Great restaurants and cafés.

Palermo

This is the quarter that the wealthy population chose after abandoning San Telmo due to a bout of yellow fever. Today it is divided in different areas: Palermo Viejo, Palermo Hollywood and Palermo Soho.

Each with its own charm, secluded squares and great restaurants and bars. “Villa Freud” is located here and receives that name thanks to the amount of psychoanalysts that work here.

Plaza de Mayo

This square has been witness to every single important event in the city. The main buildings around it are the Cathedral, the “Cabildo” (colonial government house) and the Pink House (Casa Rosada) or Government building where the president of the republic works.

People usually demonstrate in the square and it has been the meeting place of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo who have been demonstrating since their sons and daughters started disappearing in 1978 under the bloody dictatorship ran by the Military Junta.

Manzana de las luces

It is a cluster of buildings in San Telmo that was meant as an enclave for higher learning. The Jesuits played an important role in the development of this area. Visits are recommended to the churches and the historic tunnels that connect several churches with the “Cabildo”.

Puerto Madero

This is the newest quarter in Buenos Aires after a regeneration project that converted the old warehouses in the docks into restaurants, shopping centres and luxury accommodation. Modern buildings were also erected to accommodate a growing number of well-off professionals.

Museums

The offer of museums and art galleries is truly extensive and impressive. A must-see is the new Malba (Museum of Latin American Art) and the museum of Eva Perón.

Obelisco

The Obelisk is the landmark of Buenos Aires, set in the centre of the widest boulevard in the world: Avenida 9 de Julio. From there one can have an idea of the vastness of the city.

Abasto Shopping Centre

This 1934 Art Deco building opened as a wholesale distribution centre for food production. In 1999 it opened as a shopping experience after extensive interior refurbishment whilst keeping the original Art Deco façade.

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