Café Tortoni Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires' oldest cafe since 1858, a historic landmark with vintage charm, famous for churros and tango.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Café Tortoni Buenos Aires
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Buenos Aires' oldest cafe since 1858, a historic landmark with vintage charm, famous for churros and tango.
"The ambiance, paintings, the setup, and the people concocted a fine experience."
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Beat the queues by arriving before opening or during off-peak hours.
🍫 Must-Try: Churros & Chocolate
Don't miss the iconic hot chocolate with crispy churros.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ambiance
Step back in time with marble tables, stained glass, and vintage decor. A true Buenos Aires landmark.

Churros with Hot Chocolate
The legendary pairing: crispy churros dipped in rich, thick hot chocolate. A must-try!

Live Tango Shows
Experience the passion of tango in an iconic setting. Book tickets in advance for an unforgettable evening.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Beat the queues by arriving before opening or during off-peak hours.
🍫 Must-Try: Churros & Chocolate
Don't miss the iconic hot chocolate with crispy churros.
🎟️ Book Tango Shows Ahead
For 'Sensaciones de Tango', secure your tickets well in advance.
🖼️ Admire the Art
Take time to appreciate the historical artwork adorning the walls.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Beat the queues by arriving before opening or during off-peak hours.
🍫 Must-Try: Churros & Chocolate
Don't miss the iconic hot chocolate with crispy churros.
🎟️ Book Tango Shows Ahead
For 'Sensaciones de Tango', secure your tickets well in advance.
🖼️ Admire the Art
Take time to appreciate the historical artwork adorning the walls.
💰 Check Prices
Prices can be a bit high, but it's worth it for the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Café Tortoni is widely praised for its incredible historic ambiance and delicious churros with hot chocolate, offering a true step back in time. While some find it a bit touristy and the hot chocolate can be very sweet, the overall experience is considered a must-do in Buenos Aires for its cultural significance and classic charm.
"It is one of the best places I have ever been to, which really lives up to the hype. I was in a rush, I drank a 'Fernat con cola', ate a cheesecake, and took a cafe con leche on the go.
The ambiance, paintings, the setup, and the people concocted a fine experience.
Argentina, in general, has a very friendly energy via its people who are always ready to help and up for Deep conversations.
Loved you, Buenos Aires!"
Falah Galeeb
"Café Tortoni is a must-visit in Buenos Aires! The ambiance is classic and full of history, making you feel like you've stepped back in time. The service was attentive, and the churros with hot chocolate were absolutely delicious—perfectly crispy and not too sweet. The coffee was strong and flavorful, just as you’d expect from such an iconic café. It does get quite busy, but the wait is worth it. A fantastic spot for anyone looking to experience a piece of Argentina’s café culture!"
Elias Chelala (Chewy)
"This is such a beautiful, classic, and classy place. It's like stepping back into time and history here. We had cakes, coffee and chocolate. The slightly minor imperfections were that the thick hot chocolate I ordered was too sweet, and one of the ladies' toilets wasn't locking (the lock was completely missing), everything else was top notch."
Laura C.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Café Tortoni is located at Av. de Mayo 825, in the Montserrat neighborhood. It's easily accessible by public transport. Several bus lines stop nearby, and the nearest Subte (metro) stations are Plaza de Mayo (Lines A, D, E) and Perú (Line A), both a short walk away.
Yes, its central location on Avenida de Mayo makes it very accessible for tourists exploring the city center. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
From most central areas of Buenos Aires, walking is a pleasant option if you're nearby. Otherwise, taking a bus or the Subte to Plaza de Mayo or Perú station will put you within a few minutes' walk.
Street parking can be challenging in this busy area. It's advisable to use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services. There are paid parking garages in the vicinity if you must drive.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes from the Obelisco down Avenida 9 de Julio and then onto Avenida de Mayo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need to buy tickets to enter Café Tortoni. It operates as a regular cafe and restaurant. However, for special events like tango shows, advance booking is essential.
Café Tortoni typically opens in the morning and stays open until late evening. Hours can vary slightly, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most current information.
There is no entrance fee to simply enter and enjoy the cafe's atmosphere. You pay for what you order.
Wait times can vary significantly, especially during peak tourist seasons and times. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday can help minimize your wait.
For regular cafe service, reservations are generally not taken, and it's first-come, first-served. For the tango shows, booking is mandatory and should be done in advance.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
The most recommended items are the churros with thick hot chocolate, and a 'café con leche' (coffee with milk). Many also enjoy their medialunas (croissants) and cheesecakes.
The atmosphere is classic, historic, and elegant, reminiscent of a 19th-century European cafe. Expect marble tables, vintage decor, and beautiful stained-glass windows.
Yes, Café Tortoni hosts live tango shows, most notably the 'Sensaciones de Tango' show, which is a popular evening attraction.
Absolutely! It's a classic spot for breakfast, offering traditional pastries like medialunas and coffee. It's a great way to start your day steeped in history.
They serve a range of cafe fare, including pastries, sandwiches, cakes, and light meals. Their specialty is the hot chocolate and churros.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Café Tortoni. Visitors often capture the stunning interior, the artwork, and their food and drinks. Be mindful of other patrons and avoid intrusive photography.
The main dining area with its marble tables and stained-glass windows is a prime spot. The vintage bar area and the exterior facade are also very photogenic.
Photography during the tango show might be restricted to avoid disrupting the performance. It's best to check with staff upon arrival or during the show.
Early morning, before the crowds arrive, offers the best light and a more serene environment for photography. The warm interior lighting in the evening can also create a beautiful ambiance.
The iconic signage, the vintage cash register, and the detailed artwork on the walls offer unique photo opportunities that capture the cafe's rich history.
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Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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💖 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of History: The Iconic Menu
The menu reflects the cafe's heritage, offering simple yet delicious items that complement the historic ambiance. The prices are on the higher side, reflecting its status as a landmark, but many visitors find the experience and the quality of the food to be well worth the cost.
For those seeking a more substantial experience, Café Tortoni also offers light meals and desserts that are not overly sweet by South American standards, providing a delightful culinary journey through Buenos Aires' cafe culture.
The Grand Stage: Tango at Tortoni
Attending a tango show at Café Tortoni is often described as a quintessential Buenos Aires experience. It's a chance to witness professional dancers and musicians in a setting steeped in history, where cultural icons once gathered. Due to its popularity, it's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, as shows can sell out quickly.
When planning your visit for a tango show, be aware of the timings. Shows usually start in the early evening, with doors opening for entry about an hour prior. This allows you to perhaps enjoy a pre-show drink or simply soak in the atmosphere before the performance begins.
A Walk Through Time: The Cafe's Rich History
Stepping into Café Tortoni feels like stepping back into the Belle Époque. The interior is a masterpiece of vintage design, featuring original marble tables, ornate stained-glass windows, dark wood paneling, and a beautifully preserved vintage cash register. The walls are adorned with historical artwork and photographs, each piece telling a story of the cafe's illustrious past and the personalities who frequented it. This meticulous preservation allows visitors to experience the cafe much as it was over a century ago.
The cafe's history also includes significant social milestones. For instance, Alfonsina Storni, a prominent poet, was one of the first women to enter the cafe when it was initially a male-only establishment. This detail underscores the cafe's role not just as a social gathering spot but also as a place where societal norms were sometimes challenged and evolved.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit