With towering skyscrapers, colonial buildings and traffic-filled streets, the Buenos Aires City Centre is a vibrant mix of old and new. The area is a melting pot of history, culture and modernism, anchored by the palm-dotted Plaza de Mayo. The imposing Avenida 9 de Julio cuts through the city centre and is recognised as the widest street in the world.
Branching off to the west is Avenida de Mayo, the city’s most important boulevard. It’s lined with fabulous Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, as well as a string of chic cafes and shops. For a culture fix, take a stroll down Avenida Corrientes. It serves up a trendy cafe culture, as well as a string of bookstores, music shops, theatres and cinemas. Hit up designer boutiques on Florida Street, explore the hip bars and restaurants of the El Bajo neighbourhood, take five in shady Plaza Lavalle, or catch a show at the stunning Teatro Colón opera house.
Buenos Aires is serviced by an efficient subway system, with stops dotted throughout the city centre. Some streets in the downtown core are pedestrianised, which means the best way to explore the city centre is on foot.
While today Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city, it has ancient roots. It was first founded in 1536 by Spanish explorer Pedro de Mendoza. Settlers were quickly quashed by native Indians, and it wasn’t until 50 years later than Juan de Garay arrived and re-founded the city as Ciudad de Trinidad.