El Centro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Downtown Buenos Aires
Downtown Buenos Aires showing heritage architecture and street scenes
Plaza San Martin showing street scenes, a high-rise building and a city
Florida Street featuring interior views
Downtown Buenos Aires
This multi-faceted Buenos Aires district is home to the financial district, a political hub and a shopping precinct. It’s also a popular tourist centre.

Right in the middle of this 'Downtown' area is the Plaza de Mayo, Argentina's political hub, where you'll find grand and historic buildings, excellent shopping and a selection of dining options. The office of the President of Argentina is located in the Casa Rosada - a striking, extravagant pink building. The Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada are of historical significance as they are on the site of the revolution that led to their independence from Spain in 1810.

One of Downtown’s attractions and the perfect spot to stop off and relax after a hard morning’s walking is the San Martin Square. The Square boasts plenty of grassed, open spaces and on a warm day, shade is provided by over 350 trees including beautiful lilac-flowering Jacarandas. As well as relaxing and joining the locals in having a bite to eat on the lawns, you can visit the historic memorial to those lost in the Falklands War, and take a photo underneath the old clock tower or beneath the massive evergreen Ombu tree.

From San Martin Square, wander to the nearby shopping areas. Stroll along tree-lined Florida Street, one of the two large pedestrian shopping streets in the area the other being Lavelle Street which crosses Florida Street. In this shopping precinct, discover delights in the diverse local boutiques or choose from well-known brands at the international department stores. After sunset, Florida and Lavelle Streets come alive with street performers, tango dancers and local restaurants spilling out onto the footpaths and entertaining locals and visitors alike.

For a perfect end to the day, enjoy with a meal at one of the many restaurants accompanied by a delicious Argentinian Malbec - the country's most famous red wine.

The downtown area and San Martin Square are accessible by public transport. Note that there have been incidences of crime in San Martin Square at night, hence caution is advised when walking through this area.


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 AU$51 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
AU$51
includes taxes & fees
10 Feb - 11 Feb
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.2/10 Good! (996 reviews)
"Very reasonably priced for this area of the city. Many places of interest within walking distance."

Reviewed on 3 Feb. 2025

Gran Hotel Argentino
Tango de Mayo Hotel
Tango de Mayo Hotel
4 out of 5
Av. de Mayo 1396, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$175 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
AU$175
includes taxes & fees
10 Feb - 11 Feb
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! (993 reviews)
"This was a nice property to relax after a long flight.Clean , spacious ,helpful staff and good value."

Reviewed on 7 Feb. 2025

Tango de Mayo Hotel
Efe Hotel & Cowork
Efe Hotel & Cowork
4 out of 5
Paraguay 474, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$154 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
AU$154
includes taxes & fees
10 Feb - 11 Feb
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (588 reviews)
"Excellent choice and location"

Reviewed on 7 Feb. 2025

Efe Hotel & Cowork
NH City Buenos Aires
NH City Buenos Aires
5 out of 5
Bolivar 160, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$197 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
AU$197
includes taxes & fees
15 Feb - 16 Feb
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Nicely kept property in an excellent location in town."

Reviewed on 16 Jan. 2025

NH City Buenos Aires
Savoy Hotel
Savoy Hotel
4 out of 5
Av. Callao 181, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$162 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
AU$162
includes taxes & fees
20 Feb - 21 Feb
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Great hotel with lot of history"

Reviewed on 1 Feb. 2025

Savoy Hotel
Libertador Hotel
Libertador Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Av. Cordoba 690, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$156 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
AU$156
includes taxes & fees
25 Feb - 26 Feb
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (739 reviews)
Hotel in Buenos Aires.
"Could not have been a more convenient location to see the site of Buenos Aires."

Reviewed on 16 Jan. 2025

Libertador Hotel
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

Florida Street and Lavalle 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
Default Image

Retiro

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Retiro. Spend some time visiting top spots like Quinquela Martín Cruise Terminal, and catch the metro at Retiro San Martín Station or Catalinas Station to see more of the area.

Retiro

El Centro Travel Guide

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