Things to do in Buenos Aires

The most impressive historical sites in Buenos Aires are to be found around the Plaza de Mayo, although you’ll find attractions of interest in other neighbourhoods such as San Telmo and La Boca as well. Walking around the riverfront area of Puerto Madero and spending some leisurely time in the plazas and cafés of Recoleta and Palermo are both rewarding activities. If you tire of walking, there's good public transportation to take you on to the next neighbourhood, or back to your hotel.

Plaza de Mayo

The Plaza de Mayo dates to 1580. The prominent buildings around the plaza represent the architectural styles of the dominant periods in the city’s development. The Old City Hall (Cabildo) and the Metropolitan Cathedral arose during the colonial period (in the 18th and early 19th centuries); while the Pyramid of May (Pirámide de Mayo) and the government buildings reflect the styles of the later 19th and early 20th centuries.

In the centre of the plaza, there are palm trees, benches and fountains, and the area is quite busy at lunchtime, when local workers often eat their lunch here. The plaza remains Buenos Aires’ political heart and is the site of protests and demonstrations.

La Casa Rosada

The Casa Rosada (literally, ‘pink house’) is the official Buenos Aires residence of the president of the Republic of Argentina. It was designed by Don Juan de Garay and built in 1580, although it has been remodelled many times in the years since. The building that we see today is actually a union of two twin constructions. Its pink colour was added in 1873, chosen by Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, and it has never been changed since that time. The Casa Rosada houses a museum, which is open to the public, exhibiting items that belonged to each of Argentina's presidents.

Cabildo

The Cabildo was built 1751, in the colonial style, to house the city government that had been established by the Spanish. In the late 1800s, parts of the building were demolished to create enough land on which to build the avenida de Mayo and Diagonal Sur. It underwent restoration in 1939, and now houses a small museum with displays of colonial period paintings and furniture. From its windows, you’ll have excellent views of the Plaza de Mayo. Many people come here to watch the hourly Changing of the Guard; and on Thursdays and Fridays from 11:00 to 18:00, there is a crafts fair on the patio at the rear.

Casa de Cultura and Palacio de Gobierno

Although these are two separate buildings, there are tours that will take you through both. The Palacio de Gobierno, a white neo-classical building fronting the Plaza de Mayo, is situated on the corner of Rivadavia and San Martín. It is the New City Hall, and houses the office of the city’s mayor. The original construction began in 1891 and continued for a number of years.

The adjoining Casa de Cultura is a lavish building of grey granite, featuring bronze ornamentation and a series of lanterns along its façade, which faces the avenida de Mayo. This is the former home of La Prensa, at one time the most important newspaper in Argentina. At the top of the Casa de Cultura you’ll see a statue representing freedom of the press (although this freedom was commonly suppressed here under many military regimes).

In the interior, the most impressive of its rooms is the Salón Dorado, which is in the French neo-classical style, featuring ornately painted ceilings, gilded columns and a stage for performances. The city’s Office of Culture now has its headquarters here.

City Legislature Building (Legislatura de la Ciudad)

There are free organised tours of the Legislatura de la Ciudad, Monday through Friday, conducted in both Spanish and English. The building, portions of which were constructed around an old mansion, house exhibitions in several of its halls. It has a striking neo-classical façade and a commanding view, from the corner balcony, of the plaza and surrounding buildings. In front of the Legislatura stands a bronze statue of Julio A Roca, considered to be one of the greatest generals in Argentina’s history.

Metropolitan Cathedral

The original cathedral structure was built in 1745, and in 1836, a new façade was added, with carvings illustrating the story of Jacob and his son Joseph. The style changed from that of traditional Spanish colonial to Greek revival, with a pediment and colonnade along the front. The sides and back however have remained in a style similar to the original. In the interior, you will see an ornate mausoleum containing the remains of the famous South American liberator, General José de San Martín. Also here is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of Argentine independence, with an eternal flame on the cathedral's façade in remembrance.

Museums

The National History Museum (El Museo Histórico Nacional) is housed in the former home of the Lezama family. This Italian-style mansion of 30 rooms features exhibits on Argentine history, from the 16th through to the 19th centuries. The series of captivating scenes of Argentina’s war against Paraguay in the 1870s, by the artist Cándido López, is the focal point.

There is also another museum, Museo Evita, which is very popular and features displays of Evita’s life, covering her childhood, arrival in Buenos Aires, acting career, ascension to the role of first lady and unofficial saint through to her death and subsequent legacy. Regardless of your feelings about her, this is a museum that should not be missed, as the exhibits help visitors to understand why she remains a controversial figure, even today.

Buenos Aires city tours

The City Tourism Office offers a number of excellent, and free, city tours through various zones of the city. Most are conducted in Spanish, although a select few are in both Spanish and English, often depending on the availability of an English-speaking guide. Ask for a brochure called Free Guided Tours. Information about the tours is available at visitor information kiosks around the city. There is also a hotline for information (tel: +54 11 4313 0187).