San Telmo Travel Guide

Buenos Aires

San Telmo showing markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people
San Telmo
San Telmo which includes interior views
San Telmo
San Telmo

Walk along historic cobblestone streets and visit antique and flea markets in one of the most charismatic neighborhoods in Buenos Aires.

Visit San Telmo and enjoy a glimpse of Buenos Aires from a bygone time. See colonial architecture, browse antiques stores, watch tango shows and visit museums. Dating back to the 17th century, San Telmo is one of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighbourhoods. Dockworkers, aristocrats, European immigrants and artists have all played a part in creating the captivating charm that prevails today.

Start your visit at Plaza Dorrego, a leafy square surrounded by bars and restaurants. Take a seat on a terrace and watch as tango dancers elegantly glide around the square. The dancing is particularly common on weekends, in conjunction with an antiques and flea market. Visit the Defensa Street Market on Sunday when it turns into a huge open-air fair complete with street performers and food stalls.

On any day of the week, Defensa Street offers a great insight into the character of San Telmo. Step inside bookstores, art galleries and antiques shops or find vintage clothing and more antiques at San Telmo Market. Check out the street art and architecture on San Lorenzo Passage. While you are here, don’t miss La Casa Mínima, a house which is just 8.2 feet (2.5 metres) wide.

Admire contemporary art, including work by the Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky, at the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (MAMBA) or learn about Argentine cinema history at the Museo del Cine. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the 18th-century San Pedro Telmo Church.

Take time out at Parque Lezama, a park with a sculpture garden or stop by the National Historical Museum to find artifacts from Argentina’s wars of independence.

Already lively by day, San Telmo really springs into action after dark, when locals and visitors alike fill up the traditional steakhouses, craft beer pubs and cafés. 

Located just south of Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo is easily reached on foot or by taxi, metro or bus. For an audio tour, catch the cheap hop-on hop-off tourist bus to San Telmo. The bus departs near the Casa Rosada, located at Plaza de Mayo, the city's main square.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in San Telmo

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! (539 reviews)
"This is my second time staying at La Fresque."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

La Fresque 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! (1,015 reviews)
"Nos encantó!! Super bonito"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Tango de Mayo Hotel
Hilton Buenos Aires

Hilton Buenos Aires

5 out of 5
Av Macacha Guemes 351, Buenos Aires
The price is ₹17,737 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
₹17,737
₹17,995 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 bars/lounges and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Excellent infrastructure, location and service, although I can’t understand why they keep the room’s minibar completely empty, everything has to be ordered via room service, even simple bottles of water…"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Hilton Buenos Aires
El Conquistador Hotel

El Conquistador Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Suipacha 948, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is ₹5,211 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹5,211
₹5,469 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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
Exe Hotel Colón

Exe Hotel Colón

4 out of 5
Carlos Pellegrini 507 Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹3,987 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹3,987
₹4,246 total
27 Jul - 28 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 (997 reviews)
"Good breakfast"

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Exe Hotel Colón
Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

5 out of 5
Av. Alvear 1661, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
The price is ₹44,760 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
₹44,760
₹45,019 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Buenos Aires. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Obelisco and Colón Theatre are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (438 reviews)
"The only negative was the bed. The mattresses could be improved. Otherwise, lovely property."

Reviewed on 1 May 2025

Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
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 San Telmo

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Puerto Madero

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Puerto Madero is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Puerto Madero Casino and Port of Buenos Aires while you're in town.

Puerto Madero
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
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
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
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
Casa Rosada which includes a square or plaza, heritage architecture and heritage elements

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

San Telmo Travel Guide