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

The Downtown area includes a number of neighborhoods 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 neighborhoods 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.