El Centro Travel Guide

Buenos Aires

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


Top hotels in El Centro

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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Obelisco and Plaza de Mayo are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (535 reviews)
"This hotel was charming with its accordion elevator, hardwood floors, antique furniture, and classic room. Great WiFi in central location of BA."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

La Fresque Hotel
El Conquistador Hotel
El Conquistador Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Suipacha 948, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is ₹7,740 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
₹7,740
₹7,997 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Alan was super helpful and made my stay extra special"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

El Conquistador Hotel
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 Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Great staff. Nice rooms. Good location"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Tango de Mayo Hotel
Exe Hotel Colón
Exe Hotel Colón
4 out of 5
Carlos Pellegrini 507 Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is ₹3,971 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹3,971
₹4,228 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Obelisco and Colón ...
6.2/10 (999 reviews)
"Good breakfast"

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Exe Hotel Colón
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 ₹15,358 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
₹15,358
₹15,615 total
18 Jul - 19 Jul
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (838 reviews)
"Aaa"

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center
Alvear Art Hotel
Alvear Art Hotel
5 out of 5
Suipacha 1036, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is ₹12,333 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
₹12,333
₹12,590 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (867 reviews)
"The Hogelnis great the staff is friendly but kit well trained overall a great property"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Alvear Art 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 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

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 a square or plaza, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Microcentro

Florida Street and Lavalle 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
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