Visit Retiro, the northernmost section of Downtown Buenos Aires. Opulent palaces, historical buildings and monuments showcase the wealth and finesse of Retiro. Mingle with locals on the tree-lined lawns of the neighborhood’s main square. Tour varied museum exhibitions and catch a show at one of the lavish theaters.
The lush sloping lawns of Plaza San Martín invite you to relax in the sunshine. Return to the square to take breaks during sightseeing activities in the area. Gaze up at an equestrian statue of General San Martín, who was a prominent leader in South America’s battle for independence. Study Louis Henri Cordier’s La Duda (The Doubt), a marble sculpture that portrays an old man talking to a young man. The Monument to the Fallen in Malvinas faces Torre Monumental, a clocktower donated by the local British community in 1916.
Appreciate the luxurious architectural landscape while strolling the wide avenues of Retiro. Highlights include the French Baroque Estrugamou Palace and Beaux Arts house of the foreign ministry, Palacio San Martín. The art deco Edificio Kavanagh was once the continent’s tallest skyscraper. Study the ornate façade of the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, which blends elements of romanesque and gothic styles.
History buffs will enjoy browsing a chronological exhibition of national weapons at the National Arms Museum. It features arsenal from the colonial era to the present day in addition to military uniforms. Retrace Argentine railroad heritage at the National Railway Museum. See one of the most important collections of 16th to 18th-century Hispanic American art in the world at the Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano.
Indulge in some retail therapy at the fashion outlets set along pedestrian-only Florida Street. Nearby San Martin and Reconquista streets have steakhouses, pubs, taprooms, nightclubs and wine bars. Upscale boutiques await at Patio Bullrich shopping mall. Attend concerts and plays at Teatro Cervantes and Teatro Coliseo.
Travel to Retiro by metro to any of the Catalinas, San Martín and Retiro stations. Trains arrive from the city’s northern suburbs at the British-built Retiro railway terminal. Retiro is a pleasant 30-minute walk from major city attractions such as Recoleta Cemetery and Plaza de Mayo.
