Buenos Aires Map Guide, Puerto Madero Neighborhood

Puerto Madero Neighborhood Guide

Madalyn Roberg

By | September 29, 2020

ARA Uruguay Steam Gun Boat with Sails

Your guide to the neighborhood Puerto Madero in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Complete with restaurants, bars, and hotels, as well as things to see and do.

La Onda (The Vibe)

This ritzy area screams “international business” or “We’re ready for the Olympics” in comparison to the rest of the city. Clean, organized, 50-story towers that graze the skyline and recently renovated port- the safest area in Buenos Aires. Very nice to stroll around for fresh air and for photos. Puerto Madero is also home to some of finest dining in the city. The restaurant scene here isn’t quite as trendy as Palermo or Chacarita, but is home to of several of Buenos Aires top steakhouses serving up delicious food and wine with a waterfront view.

History

Puerto Madero had a difficult start and did not reach its full potential until the 1990’s. In the late 1800’s the Buenos Aires government came face to face with a major problem. The larger cargo ships were not able to directly dock and were having to anchor off shore. Passengers and cargo were often shipped in on ferries and other boats. The government contracted Eduardo Madero to construct a new port, which he completed in 1897. Unfortunately by 1907 larger cargo ships were arriving making the newer Puerto Madero obsolete as well!

A new port was completed in 1926 and Puerto Madero once again was superseded. For the next 65 years the port sat decaying and untouched. In the late 1980s, The government and some savvy investors decided that it was time to touch up this part of the city and a massive effort gave way. Throughout the 90s the warehouses on the west side of the river were developed into modern lofts and 5-star restaurants. Then following the construction of the Hilton hotel in 1999, the east side was developed with high rises, luxurious hotels and more restaurants and bars. Foreign investment and local support have created a new, fancy Puerto Madero rewarding their developers handsomely.

What to do

Puente de Mujer connects the east and west docks and is one of Buenos Aires’ most iconic sights. This landmark was named the “women’s bridge” as an homage to the influential women who many of the streets in the Puerto Madero district are named after.

Fun Fact: An asymmetrical piece of architectural art, Puente de Mujer was designed to represent a couple dancing tango. About as Argentine as it gets!

For gamblers searching for a casino in Buenos Aires you’ll only find one, and there’s an interesting reason why. Casinos are legal in Argentina, but not technically legal in the city of Buenos Aires. So, to skirt this law the National Lottery of Argentina constructed the Buenos Aires casino in the water. See, the Rio de Plata River and the water in the harbor belong to Argentina, not Buenos Aires. When you enter the casino you’re on land and in Buenos Aires city territory, and then a small hallway leads you to the boat that houses the games. You’re now on Argentine property and are thus free to gamble.

A pretty impressive loophole if you ask me! Is the Puerto Madero Casino worth a visit? If you’re a fan of gambling it could be, but despite the interesting backstory, once inside, the Puerto Madero casino doesn’t differ too much from your average river boat casino. Poker tables, craps, and other dealer based games are present surrounded with the typical slot machines.

Covering over 850 acres the Reserva Ecológica (ecological reserve) is the city of Buenos Aires’ biggest and most biodiverse green space. Tucked behind the towering skyscrapers of Puerto Madero, this area is surprisingly calm, and full of thriving flora and fauna. Take a stroll along one of several winding trails around three lagoons and you’ll likely catch a glimpse of turtles, muskrats or one of the 350 species of birds that live in the area.

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Eating and Drinking in Puerto Madero

Parrillas (Steak Houses)

Puerto Madero is known for having a few of the highest end steakhouses in Buenos Aires. Two of the best are Cabaña las Lilas, and La Cabaña. One of the most historical steakhouses in Buenos Aires, La Cabaña was an international hotspot in the 90s. Their claims to fame include having hosted Madonna, Steven Spielberg, Walt Disney, Bill Clinton, Sophia Loren, and Keith Richards, and for inventing the bife de chorizo cut of steak. Located right next door, Cabaña las Lilas, has a more modern vibe and an impressive list of accolades, including mentions in the New York Times and a 2019 award of excellence from Wine Spectator. At either you can expect some of the best steak in Buenos Aires, fine wines, impeccable service and international prices.

Contemporary

If you’re looking to branch out from steak, head to Chila, one of Puerto Madero’s most innovative and chicest restaurants. Their ever-transforming wine paired tasting menu, which is made with the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced from all over Argentina, combines unusual flavors to create food that resembles art. For fresh seafood, Osaka is a Japanese/Peruvian fusion restaurant that’s serving up some of the best sushi and ceviche in Buenos Aires.

To drink

One of Buenos Aires’ most popular and successful breweries, Temple serves a rotating list of house made and guest beers on tap. One of the more affordable bars in the neighborhood, Temple has a cool vibe that attracts a younger crowd. For discounts on pints head there during their weekday 6:00-8:00 pm happy hour. To indulge in a higher-class drink, that is also literally higher up, check out Trade Sky Bar. This rooftop bar is a few blocks away from Puerto Madero. But, it’s prime location on the 20th floor provides gorgeous views of the docks, especially at sunset. Serving up signature cocktails and tapas, this stylish bar plays host to the suited and booted after office crowd.

For more restaurant, cafe and bar recommendations, check out our restaurant guide for Puerto Madero and neighboring Centro and Retiro.

Where to stay

As one of the highest end neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, Puerto Madero is also home to some of the luxurious accommodation. For budget travelers, you’ll be able to save some money just by selecting another neighborhood to stay. For those looking to splurge, staying in Puerto Madero offers a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Buenos Aires.

A five-star hotel with a chic art deco aesthetic, Hotel Madero is one of the trendiest boutique hotels in upscale Puerto Madero. Complete with a heated pool, a hip rooftop bar, and private balconies on many of the rooms, this hotel guarantees a tranquil and comfortable stay.

It’s impossible to discuss hotels in Puerto Madero without mentioning the famous Faena Hotel, and for good reason. Frequently touted as one of Buenos Aires’ top hotels, the Faena drips luxury. The amenities include an infinity pool with drink service, a spa, three 5-star restaurants, and a glamorous nightly tango cabaret that channels the 1920s Buenos Aires tango scene. Lavishly styled with magnificent chandeliers, and embellished with gold finishing and red velvets, the Faena hotel provides unmatched extravagance and makes for an especially romantic stay for couples.

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