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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$54 per night from 10 Dec to 11 Dec
AU$54
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Stay at this hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.2/10 Good! (998 reviews)
"It was fine. Breaking is available but there was no signs that you had to pay for it!"

Reviewed on 25 Sep. 2024

Gran Hotel Argentino
Exe Hotel Colón
Exe Hotel Colón
3.5 out of 5
Carlos Pellegrini 507 Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$97 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
AU$97
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Obelisco and Palermo ...
6.4/10 (997 reviews)
"Due to season our ac wasnt working and they would not put it on. Our room got extremely hot during the day and nights even with the windows fully open."

Reviewed on 26 Oct. 2024

Exe Hotel Colón
Libertador Hotel
Libertador Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Av. Cordoba 690, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$175 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
AU$175
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 Dec
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (715 reviews)
"People are working in different areas of the hotel. Everyone was great .Thanks"

Reviewed on 15 Oct. 2024

Libertador Hotel
Grand Brizo Buenos Aires
Grand Brizo Buenos Aires
4 out of 5
Cerrito 180, Buenos Aires
The price is AU$242 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
AU$242
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (443 reviews)
"I liked breakfast buffet."

Reviewed on 17 Nov. 2024

Grand Brizo Buenos Aires
Efe Hotel & Cowork
Efe Hotel & Cowork
4 out of 5
Paraguay 474, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$149 per night from 10 Dec to 11 Dec
AU$149
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (484 reviews)
Great stay in Buenos Aires
"We booked Efe Hotel & Cowork after our Flybondi flight was canceled. The price was good and the accommodations felt very luxe, especially considering it included a full breakfast. The bed was super comfortable and everything was spotlessly clean. Breakfast was well prepared, had good variety and ..."

Reviewed on 20 Nov. 2024

Efe Hotel & Cowork
Buenos Aires Marriott
Buenos Aires Marriott
5 out of 5
Av Carlos Pellegrini 551, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is AU$266 per night from 17 Dec to 18 Dec
AU$266
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (634 reviews)
"We needed a shower stall. We hate shower curtains. They were very accommodating, but the shower door was a disaster. You could hardly get in or out of it and it leaked."

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

Buenos Aires Marriott
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 Gran Rex Theatre 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

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: