Plaza de Mayo is home to some of Buenos Aires’ most important buildings. Within just a few blocks, you can enjoy a mix of history, architecture, cafés, and a walk to San Telmo or Puerto Madero.

Plaza de Mayo is one of the best places to start exploring the historic center.

Surrounding the plaza are the Casa Rosada, the Cabildo, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. From there, many other sites are within walking distance.

1. Casa Rosada

It faces Plaza de Mayo and serves as the seat of the national government.

Even if you just look at it from the outside, it’s worth stopping to admire the architecture, the plaza, and the historic complex surrounding it.

2. Cabildo

The Cabildo is located on Bolívar Street and is part of the city’s best-known history.

It is one of the key buildings for understanding the May Revolution and Buenos Aires’ colonial past.

3. Metropolitan Cathedral

It faces the plaza on Rivadavia Street.

In addition to being the country’s main Catholic cathedral, it houses the mausoleum of General San Martín.

4. Avenida de Mayo

From Plaza de Mayo, you can start walking along one of Buenos Aires’ most historic avenues.

It connects the Casa Rosada with the National Congress, and along its 1,350 meters, you’ll find iconic buildings, domes, and cafés.

5. Manzana de las Luces

A few blocks from the plaza lies another highlight of the historic district.

The Manzana de las Luces preserves colonial tunnels built by the Jesuits in the 18th century and is part of the area’s historic tour.

6. San Telmo

From Plaza de Mayo, you can continue walking toward Defensa Street and gradually enter San Telmo.

It’s a great way to combine two very different areas in a single outing: the political and historic center and one of Buenos Aires’ most classic neighborhoods.

7. Puerto Madero

If you’d rather end your tour by the water, you can also head toward Puerto Madero from Plaza de Mayo.

The city’s official tour route connects Plaza de Mayo with Palacio Libertad and continues on to Puerto Madero, where you’ll find the Puente de la Mujer, the Fragata Sarmiento, and the old docks. The entire tour takes between 2 and 3 hours.

How much time do you need to explore the area?

In one hour, you can see Plaza de Mayo and its main buildings.

With two or three hours, you can also add Avenida de Mayo, Manzana de las Luces, San Telmo, or Puerto Madero to your itinerary.

If you plan to visit museums, churches, or cafés, it’s best to allow more time.

A good starting point from HTL City Baires

HTL City Baires is located at Piedras 303, very close to the historic district.

This allows you to walk to Plaza de Mayo and, from there, choose whether to continue on to Avenida de Mayo, San Telmo, or Puerto Madero.

Thanks to its location, your tour practically begins right at the hotel’s doorstep.