Avenida Corrientes
Avenida Corrientes is one of the most popular streets in the city, a huge boulevard lined with cinemas, theaters, restaurants, stores, malls and bookshops. Enjoy a day of shopping and sightseeing along the sidewalks of this cultural and commercial hub. Come back later for the nightlife.
Tango was born on the streets of Buenos Aires. Avenida Corrientes was an important part of the dance’s evolution; several tango compositions make reference to Corrientes and its landmarks. Tango legend Carlos Gardel lived on the avenue. Read commemorative plaques on street corners bearing the names of key figures in the genre’s history.
Photograph the Obelisk, a 221-foot (67.5-meter) tower that is an emblem of Buenos Aires. The monument was built in 1936 to commemorate the 400-year anniversary of the founding of the city. See the statues of Argentine comedians Alberto Olmedo and Javier Portales. Smiling figures of the two entertainment legends are perched on a bench.
During your walk along the avenue observe the mix of architectural styles, including modern skyscrapers, neo-gothic façades and art deco buildings. Stop for authentic hot chocolate and churros in a café.
Avenida Corrientes is also the center of the city’s theater district. Sing along to a concert performance at Teatro Opera or across the road at the art deco Teatro Gran Rex. Both venues host a variety of international performers. Watch a play and view art exhibits and other cultural activities at the General San Martín Cultural Centre. Among the other well-known theaters on the avenue are Teatro la Metropolitan and Teatro Nacional.
To experience the avenue’s dinner scene, devour Argentine beef stew in a traditional restaurant or try a pizza in one of the many pizzerias. Then savor some ice cream at a heladería. Avenida Corrientes is known locally as the street that never sleeps. Many of its businesses stay open until the early hours of the morning.
After your meal, go to one of the many late-night bookstores to discover new publications and works of local authors. Continue your shopping trip in one of the malls or party in a tango club.