El Centro

Buenos Aires

Downtown
Downtown showing heritage architecture and street scenes
Plaza San Martin which includes a city, a skyscraper and street scenes
Florida Street featuring interior views
Downtown

This area plays many roles in Buenos Aires, from financial district and political hub, to tourist centre and shopping precinct.

The Downtown area includes a number of neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires. The CBD is to the northwest, San Martin Square and Retiro to the north, and the port to the east and northeast. Right in the middle lies Argentina’s political hub, Plaza de Mayo. You’ll find historic buildings throughout the area, and if you hunt a little further, the best shopping and dining in the city.Start your day at the Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada, the extravagant pink building that houses the office of the President of Argentina. The two historic sites are on the site of the revolution that led to the independence from Spain in 1810. Stroll along the wide, tree-lined avenues to the west and head north towards Florida Street, one of the two large pedestrian shopping streets in the area. The other, Lavelle Street, crosses Florida further north. Shop at the local boutiques or international department stores along Florida Street or grab a bite to eat along Lavelle.A nice spot to rest is San Martin Square at the northern edge of downtown, where you’ll find open spaces and plenty of shade. Stroll along the memorial to those lost during the Falklands War, or snap a picture underneath the old clock tower. Walk along the water’s edge and enjoy afternoon tea at one of the local coffee shops. Cross the Puente de la Mujer, or Women’s Bridge, for a sunset photo looking back across the city.Once the sun goes down, enjoy a meal in one of the excellent restaurants to be found in neighbourhoods such as Puerto Madero, Palermo, Belgrano or Recoleta. Accompany your meal with an Argentine malbec, the country’s most famous red wine.

Downtown and San Martin Square is accessible from the A, B, C, D and E lines of the metro. Be careful when walking through San Martin Square at night as there have been incidences of crime here.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in El Centro

Tango de Mayo Hotel

Tango de Mayo Hotel

4 out of 5
Av. de Mayo 1396, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Some of the amenities were a bit older, but overall very positive experience."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Tango de Mayo Hotel
La Fresque Hotel

La Fresque Hotel

3 out of 5
Avenida de Mayo 984, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Obelisco and Plaza de Mayo are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (548 reviews)
Fun hotel in central area
"Central location easy walk to the Tango shows and plenty of shops nearby. We were able to leave our luggage after check out. Quirky room layout with upstairs bed"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

La Fresque Hotel
Alvear Art Hotel

Alvear Art Hotel

5 out of 5
Suipacha 1036, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is €155 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
€155
16 Aug - 17 Aug
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (884 reviews)
"This is a fine hotel with large spacious rooms, lovely indoor pool and hot tub, and good breakfast."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Alvear Art Hotel
Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center

Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center

4 out of 5
San Martin / 1225 1275, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is €143 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
€143
5 Sept - 6 Sept
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (846 reviews)
"Food is good"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center
Casa Lucia Member of Melia Collection

Casa Lucia Member of Melia Collection

5 out of 5
Arroyo 841, Buenos Aires, Recoleta
The price is €237 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
€237
27 Aug - 28 Aug
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"the hotel is very nice, great breakfast. extortionate price for parking (85 usd), they also made us wait until 3pm to enter the room (even though room was ready) unless we paid 50 usd. all in all good product but poor price/quality ratio."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Casa Lucia Member of Melia Collection
El Conquistador Hotel

El Conquistador Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Suipacha 948, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is €51 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
€51
18 Aug - 19 Aug
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"This hotel is well located close to many restaurants, shopping. Excellent breakfast, the restaurant on the 1st floor has very good choices, drinks .The staff with the breakfast buffet and the restaurant on the 1st floor were very kind, friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

El Conquistador 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 showing 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 showing art

Buenos Aires Central Business District

3.5/5(4 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 heritage architecture, heritage elements and a square or plaza

Microcentro

Sociedad Rural Argentina and Florida 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
Argentina which includes 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
Avenida Corrientes featuring central business district, street scenes and night scenes

Avenida Corrientes

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Avenida Corrientes. If sightseeing is on the list, Obelisco is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Pasteur Station or Pueyrredon Station to see more of the area.

Avenida Corrientes

El Centro

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