Buenos Aires Map Guide, Centro Neighborhood, Featured Content

Centro Neighborhood Guide (Downtown Buenos Aires)

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By | May 20, 2020

Obelisco in downtown Buenos Aires

The area dubbed Centro isn’t so much a neighborhood as it is a term that ties together the different sectors that make up the Buenos Aires downtown area. This part of town is almost like a concentrated dose of everything that gives Buenos Aires its inimitable flavor.

La Onda (The Vibe): This is the heart of the business center of Argentina. Filled with busy workers rushing to offices and tourists snapping photos of historical landmarks, it’s a must to walk through the narrow streets of Centro and get a sense for bustling Buenos Aires work life. While by day the city center becomes congested (especially during rush hour 8am – 10am, 5:30pm – 7:30pm), at night it empties out with the exception of bright light theater area of Corrientes avenue.

The area dubbed Centro isn’t so much a neighborhood as it is a term that ties together the different sectors that make up the Buenos Aires downtown area. This part of town is almost like a concentrated dose of everything that gives Buenos Aires its inimitable flavor. You have the grandiosity of 9 de Julio Avenue and the Obelisk, you have the explosion of nightlife on Corrientes avenue, the arts and culture of Florida street, the frantic hustle-and-bustle of microcentro, among other things. Between serving as a microcosm of the Buenos Aires experience as well as the site of many culturally relevant attractions, Centro is a go-to destination for first-time visitors and frequent travelers alike.

If this is where you have decided to stay in Buenos Aires (that article breaks down the pros and cons of each barrio) we would suggest trying to stay within walking distance of the subway. Traffic can get congested on weekdays especially around rush hours in the morning and night.

Downtown Buenos Aires: Main sites to see

In many ways, all roads lead to 9 de Julio, the oversize avenue that runs through the heart of the city. It is often referred to as one of the widest streets in the entire world, spanning 12 lanes that pose an interesting challenge to anyone trying to cross it in a single go (attempting this is not advised!). In particularly quiet days — say, for instance, an early Saturday morning, or if you happen to be in town in the middle of a national census — the site of a deserted, enormously wide avenue makes for a fantastic opportunity for picture-taking.

Along 9 de Julio, you’ll find Teatro Colón, one of the most beautiful and widely celebrated theaters in the world (routinely popping up in lists of Best Music Venues globally). Stop on by to marvel at its spectacular interiors, and maybe grab tickets for a show while you’re in town.

In the heart of 9 de Julio you’ll find the Obelisco, a national historic monument built in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Buenos Aires. On special occasions, the large monument is decorated with lights or other things, such as Julio Le Parc’s artistic intervention in 2019, or the time it was covered in a gigantic condom in 2005 as part of a safe sex awareness campaign.

You’ll also find yourself walking into Avenida Corrientes, one of the most famous avenues in the city. Not only is Corrientes home to many restaurants and bars, it also serves as the Buenos Aires equivalent to New York’s Broadway, as home of the city’s thriving theater scene. Corrientes is one of the city’s busiest and most culturally significant streets, and home to many of the bookstores that gave Buenos Aires the distinction of having the most bookstores per capita of any city in the world. Don’t skip trying a slice of Argentine style pizza at one of the many famous restaurants. Güerrin or Las Cuartetas are both consistent winners among the Argentines.

Old buildings and bookstore in Centro

Avenida Florida is also nearby, a pedestrian street that is bustling with shopping, arts and crafts. Shops range from the high-end Galerias Pacifico mall to economic knickknacks. Accessible leather goods, musical instruments or even electronics can all be found on Florida street. You’re bound to find something good to bring back as a souvenir. You’ll also be able to enjoy the many buskers and street performers.

Best Restaurants, Bars and Clubs: Full list of the best Centro restaurants, bars and cafes

A short distance away, you’ll end up in Plaza de Mayo, one of the prettiest and most well-preserved city squares. Take in the lovely sights, as well as the stunning sculptures and architecture that surround the area. Plaza de Mayo has a strong political history, serving as a hub since Argentina fought for independence, and remains one of the most active sites for political demonstrations. Of course, this stands to reason, as right in front of Plaza de Mayo is Casa Rosada. The famous pink building is the executive mansion and office to the President of Argentina, and as such has been at the heart of many of the most significant moments in the country’s history. There are walk-in tours available.

Safety and quick tips for centro:

-This is one of the busiest areas in the city, so be mindful if you’re averse to crowds; maybe plan your visit for a weekend afternoon rather than a business hours weekday if you want to avoid them.
-Of course, since the area is so busy, it is always good to be safe. Keep an eye on your pockets and belongings, especially while you’re traversing Corrientes and Florida. This is considered a safe part of town, but pick pocketing is known to happen.
-All subway lines have at least one stop that will leave you within walking distance to the sites mentioned above. Subway lines A, D and E all have their final station in San Nicolás near the Casa Rosada. As far as the bus, you can take the 29, 64 or 152 lines from Palermo; from San Telmo, take the 9, 10, 29, or 61.

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