Avenida de Mayo Buenos Aires
A stately avenue showcasing Buenos Aires's Belle Époque grandeur, lined with iconic buildings, historic cafes, and stunning rooftop views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect for photos.
Avenida de Mayo Buenos Aires
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect for photos.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stately avenue showcasing Buenos Aires's Belle Époque grandeur, lined with iconic buildings, historic cafes, and stunning rooftop views.
"Avenida de Mayo is a beautiful place to observe the most emblematic structures of Spanish architecture."
🚶♀️ Walk the Avenue
Explore the grand architecture on foot; it's the best way to soak in the history and beauty.
☕ Sip at Café Tortoni
Experience a piece of history at this iconic cafe. Expect a queue, but it's worth it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Palacio Barolo
Avenida de Mayo 1370
An iconic skyscraper inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, offering stunning city views from its lighthouse.

Café Tortoni
Avenida de Mayo 825
A legendary, historic cafe, a true Buenos Aires institution with a classic ambiance and delicious pastries.

Dome Rooftop Bar
Avenida de Mayo 1396 (Hotel Tango de Mayo)
Enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the city from this chic rooftop bar, perfect for drinks and light bites.

Edificio Cassará
Avenida de Mayo 1170
Discover incredible city vistas from this building's terrace, a lesser-known gem for panoramic views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Grandeur
Navigating Buenos Aires
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Avenue
Explore the grand architecture on foot; it's the best way to soak in the history and beauty.
☕ Sip at Café Tortoni
Experience a piece of history at this iconic cafe. Expect a queue, but it's worth it!
📸 Rooftop Views
Don't miss the stunning city panoramas from rooftop bars like Dome or Edificio Cassará.
🚇 Use Public Transport
The subway (Subte) and buses are efficient ways to get around Buenos Aires.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Avenue
Explore the grand architecture on foot; it's the best way to soak in the history and beauty.
☕ Sip at Café Tortoni
Experience a piece of history at this iconic cafe. Expect a queue, but it's worth it!
📸 Rooftop Views
Don't miss the stunning city panoramas from rooftop bars like Dome or Edificio Cassará.
🚇 Use Public Transport
The subway (Subte) and buses are efficient ways to get around Buenos Aires.
💰 Blue Dollar for Exchange
For the best exchange rate, look for the 'blue dollar' when converting USD to pesos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Avenida de Mayo for its grand architecture, historic charm, and central location, making it a beautiful and convenient place to explore. While some find it a bit quiet during the day, the evening atmosphere and rooftop views are highly recommended.
"Great location . Near all the amenities ."
Yousuf Chukhoory
"Beautiful place to observe the most emblematic structure of Spanish architecture."
Rolando Leturia
"nice, worth some minutes"
Hillel Kahana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Avenida de Mayo is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. The Buenos Aires Subte (subway) lines A, D, and E have stations nearby, such as Plaza de Mayo and Perú. Buses also frequently run along the avenue. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Cabify and Uber are also options, though some travelers have reported issues with Cabify.
Yes, Avenida de Mayo is very walkable and is best explored on foot to appreciate its grand architecture and historic buildings. Comfortable shoes are recommended for strolling along its length.
The most efficient and affordable ways to get around Buenos Aires are by using the subway (Subte) and buses. You'll need a SUBE card, which can be purchased and recharged at kiosks.
Indeed! There's a fascinating secret passageway near Avenida de Mayo that leads directly to the subway station, a unique historical quirk from when the avenue was built.
Yes, Uber and taxis are readily available in Buenos Aires. While some travelers have had issues with Cabify, Uber generally works well. Hailing taxis from designated stands or directly on the street is also common.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking along Avenida de Mayo itself is free. However, specific attractions along the avenue, such as the Palacio Barolo or certain rooftop bars, may have admission fees or cover charges.
Opening hours vary greatly depending on the specific attraction. Historic cafes like Café Tortoni have long hours, while rooftop bars typically open in the late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check the individual hours for any specific site you plan to visit.
Yes, to visit the interior and ascend to the lighthouse for panoramic views of Buenos Aires, you will need to purchase a ticket for a guided tour of Palacio Barolo.
Some rooftop bars, like Salón 1923, may have a cover charge, which can often be converted into consumption credit. Others might not have a fee but will have minimum spend requirements. Happy hour deals are common.
While the most famous viewpoints are from paid attractions like Palacio Barolo or rooftop bars, the Edificio Cassará terrace offers incredible views and is a great free alternative for appreciating the city's skyline.
📸 📸 Photography
Avenida de Mayo is a photographer's dream! Key spots include the grand architecture of buildings like Palacio Barolo, the charming interior of Café Tortoni, and the panoramic cityscapes from rooftop bars. Don't forget the historic Plaza de Mayo.
Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon, offers beautiful light for photographing the buildings. Sunset from a rooftop bar provides a spectacular backdrop for city shots.
Yes, you can take photos inside Café Tortoni, but be mindful of other patrons and staff. The vintage decor and ambiance make it a very popular spot for photography.
Drone usage in Buenos Aires is generally restricted, especially in central areas like Avenida de Mayo due to proximity to government buildings and air traffic. It's advisable to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both the grand architectural details and wider street scenes. A wide-angle lens is useful for the impressive buildings, and a fast prime lens can be good for low-light interiors like Café Tortoni.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Avenida de Mayo boasts historic cafes like Café Tortoni, offering classic Argentine fare. You'll also find numerous restaurants and bars, including rooftop options with food menus. For more local, abundant portions, consider nearby 'bodegones'.
While on Avenida de Mayo, try traditional Argentine pastries and coffee at Café Tortoni. For a more substantial meal, look for parrillas (steak houses) or empanadas in the surrounding Monserrat neighborhood.
Yes, exploring the side streets off Avenida de Mayo can lead you to more affordable 'bodegones' (traditional taverns) that offer generous portions at accessible prices, perfect for sharing.
The 'blue dollar' refers to the unofficial exchange rate for USD, which is often significantly better than the official rate. While many places accept credit cards, carrying some cash exchanged at a good rate can be beneficial for smaller purchases or places that prefer cash.
While traditional Argentine cuisine is meat-heavy, many restaurants on and around Avenida de Mayo are increasingly offering vegetarian options. Cafes might have salads or vegetarian sandwiches, and some restaurants will have pasta or vegetable-based dishes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples
🚶 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels of Avenida de Mayo
Key architectural highlights include the Palacio Barolo, an iconic skyscraper designed by Mario Palanti, symbolizing Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, and the Casa de la Cultura (formerly the central post office), a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The Edificio La Inmobiliaria and the Palacio de Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (Cabildo) also contribute to the avenue's stately character. Walking along Avenida de Mayo offers a visual feast, with intricate facades, ornate balconies, and grand domes that tell the story of Buenos Aires's rich past.
Beyond the grand facades, the avenue is also home to historic cafes and cultural institutions. Café Tortoni, a legendary establishment since 1858, is a must-visit for its preserved Belle Époque ambiance and cultural significance. The avenue's design itself, with its wide sidewalks and central median, was intended to foster a vibrant urban life, making it a perfect place for leisurely strolls and soaking in the city's historical essence.
Rooftop Views and Nightlife
Another notable viewpoint is the terrace of the Edificio Cassará, which provides impressive, often less crowded, perspectives over the avenue and surrounding areas. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, Salón 1923 offers a sophisticated rooftop bar setting, though it may have an entrance fee that can be redeemed for consumption. These elevated spots transform the city into a glittering spectacle after dark, making them perfect for romantic evenings or lively gatherings with friends.
These rooftop bars not only offer great views but also contribute to the vibrant nightlife scene along Avenida de Mayo. They are a testament to how historic buildings are being repurposed to offer modern experiences, blending the city's rich past with its contemporary pulse. Whether you're looking for a quiet drink with a view or a place to socialize, the rooftops of Avenida de Mayo deliver an unforgettable experience.
Avenida de Mayo: A Historical and Cultural Hub
The avenue's cultural significance is deeply intertwined with its iconic establishments. Café Tortoni is perhaps the most famous, a timeless institution that has hosted artists, writers, and politicians for over a century. Its preserved interior offers a glimpse into a bygone era, making it a cultural landmark. Other historic cafes and bars along the avenue also contribute to its rich tapestry, serving as meeting points and cultural hubs. The Palacio Barolo, with its unique architectural symbolism, adds another layer of cultural depth, representing a philosophical and artistic vision.
Today, Avenida de Mayo continues to be a vibrant center for both locals and tourists. It remains a place where history is palpable, evident in its grand architecture and enduring institutions. The avenue’s role as a connector between key governmental and cultural sites ensures its continued importance in the city's urban fabric, offering a rich experience for anyone interested in Buenos Aires's history, architecture, and culture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit