Buenos Aires Private Historical Downtown, San Telmo and La Boca Walking Tour
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Buenos Aires Private Historical Downtown, San Telmo and La Boca Walking Tour

Active
(11 reviews)
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover fascinating Buenos Aires in close-up detail! You'll feel like you're witnessing and understanding how such a peculiar city and culture evolved along time in this walking tour through the city's historical areas, which takes you to more than 50 of Buenos Aires’ must-see attractions, including Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral (of Pope Francis fame), San Telmo (earliest neighbourhood), world-famous hyper-colourful La Boca neighbourhood and more! Learn about the history of Buenos Aires while seeing both its most famous highlights and also its lesser-known sights!

Available options

Buenos Aires Historical Walking Tour

Pickup included

Historical Tour in French

French Speaking Guide: Buenos Aires Historical Walking Tour with French speaking guide

What's included

Professional English-speaking guide
Coffee break

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

The Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Obelisk of Buenos Aires) is a national historic monument and icon of Buenos Aires (hear its fascinating stories!), located at the intersection of famous Corrientes and 9 de Julio (world's widest avenue) erected to commemorate the 400 centenary of the foundation of the city.

2

The often controversial Palace of Justice of the Argentine Nation (Spanish: Palacio de Justicia de la Nación Argentina, more often referred locally as Palacio de Justicia or Palacio de Tribunales), is a large building complex located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is the seat of the Supreme Court and other lower courts.

3
Stop 3

Opera house: The Teatro Colón (Spanish: Columbus Theatre) is the main opera house in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is considered one of the ten best opera houses in the world by National Geographic.

4

The extremely beautiful Teatro Nacional Cervantes in Buenos Aires is the national stage and comedy theatre of Argentina and was donated by the kings of Spain to Argentina at the beginning of the 20th century. You would never guess where the stage is, but your guide will tell you.

5

World famous Florida St. is the flamboyant downtown pedestrian street, where Harrods built its only branch outside London, England and our National Anthem was sung for the first time and the amazing Galerias Pacifico mall (built by George Soros!) shows its amazing beauty, world famous ceiling murals and fascinating stores.

6

The astonishingly beautiful club founded by the hyper-wealthy Argentine naval officers in 1882 has a most amazing art nouveau entrance made in bronze obtained from melted down canons that were used in Argentina's battle for independence.

7
Stop 7

This amazingly beautiful mall was built as a Beaux Arts building and was designed by french architects in 1889 to accommodate a shop called the Argentine Bon Marché, modelled on the Le Bon Marché in Paris and revamped to our poshest downtown mall by George Soros in 1990.

8
Stop 8

Plaza de Mayo is both the foundational place of the city, where the presidential Casa Rosada is located and the place where all important historical and political events have happened. We will explain it all, including "The mothers of the Disappeared" and the Metropolitan Cathedral where Pope Francis used to be the Bishop of, and much, much more!

9
Stop 9

This is the Metropolitan Cathedral where Pope Francis used to be the Bishop of, our main hero, General Jose de San Martin is buried and much, much more!

10

The Pirámide de Mayo located at the hub of the Plaza de Mayo, is the oldest national monument in the City of Buenos Aires. We will explain its history and meaning.

11

Our liberator and hero is buried in a beautiful tomb, but it has the strangest story: hear everything about it and him.

12
Stop 12

In 1882 the national government contracted the local businessman Eduardo Madero to take charge of the construction of a new port. It was a big failure, but in recent years it has revamped, became ultra-fashionable and represents the latest architectural trends. We willl explain it all.

13
Stop 13

The Casa Rosada (English: Pink House) is the office of the president of Argentina. The palatial mansion is known officially as Casa de Gobierno ("Government House"). The characteristic color of the Casa Rosada is baby pink, and is considered one of the most emblematic buildings in Buenos Aires. The building also houses a museum, which contains objects relating to former presidents of Argentina. It has been declared a National Historic Monument of Argentina.

14

The narrowest colonial house in Buenos Aires, built by freedmen following the 1812 abolition of slavery in Argentina.

15
Stop 15

In the past it was referred to as Hueco del Alto or Alto de la carretas as it was the place where wagons would stop before crossing the Tercero del Sur stream (today called Pasaje San Lorenzo) on their way downtown. The name had been Alto de San Pedro and later changed to Plaza del Comercio in 1822. In 1905, the name was changed once again to its current form. It is the core of the San Telmo "antique" trade (and fair).

16
Stop 16

This is the key, history-full street that links downtown with picturesque, historical San Telmo neighbourhood, oldest in town and where the world-famous San Telmo fair takes place.

17

The beautiful colonial church built on behalf of Our Lady of Belen and annexed to an armory (later the jail for women) that belonged to the Jesuits before they were expelled in 1767. It was the church of the sailormen and had an important role during the first British invasion of 1806.

18

The 1980 restoration of the former Ezeiza family mansion into the Pasaje de la Defensa ("Defensa Street Promenade"), moreover, has led to the refurbishment of numerous such structures, many of which had been conventillos (tenements) since the 1870s. As most of San Telmo's 19th century architecture and cobblestone streets remain, it has also become an important tourist attraction.

19
Stop 19

Where the country started: Historians believe the park's eastern slope to have been the site of Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Mendoza's landing on what became the first, failed attempt to establish Buenos Aires in 1536. We will explain the beautiful monument and much more.

20
Stop 20

La Boca is a popular destination for tourists visiting Argentina, with its colourful houses and pedestrian street, the Caminito, where tango artists perform and tango-related memorabilia is sold. Other attractions include the La Ribera theatre, many tango clubs and Italian taverns

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide
EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3
8 reviews
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1★
1
Tripadvisor 5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children under the age of 8 are free of charge when accompanied by an adult
Minimum number of 2 passengers required for tour to operate
Note: tour operates rain or shine
Coverage of full itinerary may depend on weather, city-dynamics (riots, strikes, repairs), timing and other circumstances at time of tour.

Meeting point

This emblematic cafe is located on 505 Libertad St. corner with both Lavalle St. and the Diagonal Ave. just a block away from the city Obelisk and just across the Law Courts building

Important notes

Important: You must reconfirm directly (not your hotel concierge, but you yourself) with Buenos Aires Walking Tours as sometimes the departure location may change. If the line is busy, please try calling again, leave a message or send an email to info@ba-walking-tours.com. If you can't call within the specified timeframe, please contact Buenos Aires Walking Tours prior to your travels, or immediately upon arrival at your destination to guarantee that you will be given the correct meeting point.

Full itinerary will be covered depending on timing and circumstances at time of tour

About Buenos Aires and The Pampas

Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina, is known for its European-influenced architecture, rich cultural scene, and passionate tango. The Pampas, a vast fertile plain, offers a glimpse into Argentina's gaucho (cowboy) culture and stunning landscapes. Together, they provide a unique blend of urban sophistication and rural charm.

Top Attractions

Recoleta Cemetery

A famous cemetery where Eva Perón is buried, featuring ornate mausoleums and a rich history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

La Boca

A colorful neighborhood known for its vibrant street art, tango performances, and the famous Caminito street.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore, paid shows

The Pampas

A vast fertile plain offering a glimpse into Argentina's gaucho culture, with estancias (ranches) and beautiful landscapes.

Nature Full day or overnight Varies by estancia (ARS 1,000-5,000 approx. USD 13-65)

Teatro Colón

One of the world's most famous opera houses, known for its stunning architecture and acoustics.

Cultural 1-2 hours (tour), longer for performances Tour: ARS 1,200 (approx. USD 16), Performances: ARS 500-5,000 (approx. USD 6.50-65)

San Telmo Market

A historic market offering antiques, collectibles, and local crafts, with a lively Sunday market atmosphere.

Market 1-3 hours Free to explore, varies for purchases

Must-Try Local Dishes

Asado

Argentine barbecue featuring various cuts of beef, sausages, and other meats, cooked over an open fire.

Dinner Not vegetarian or vegan

Empanadas

Savory pastries filled with various ingredients like beef, chicken, or cheese.

Snack or Lunch Can be vegetarian or vegan

Milanesa

Breaded and fried meat cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with mashed potatoes or salad.

Lunch or Dinner Not vegetarian or vegan

Dulce de Leche

A sweet, caramel-like spread made from milk and sugar, used in various desserts.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Horseback riding in The Pampas Kayaking in Tigre Delta Hiking in Sierra de la Ventana Wine tasting in Palermo Spa day in Recoleta Strolling through Bosques de Palermo Tango shows in La Boca Visiting museums in Recoleta

Best Time to Visit

Spring (September to November) and Fall (March to May)

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant city life. Ideal for outdoor activities and exploring both the city and the Pampas.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Spanish
  • Widely spoken: English, Italian, French
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Argentine Peso (ARS)

Time Zone

GMT-3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Buenos Aires is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Avoid flashing expensive items
  • • Use reputable taxi services or app-based taxis

Getting there

By air
  • Ministro Pistarini International Airport • 35 km from city center
  • Aeroparque Jorge Newbery • 4 km from city center
By train

Retiro Station

By bus

Retiro Bus Terminal, Constitución Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and affordable, with six lines connecting major neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Cabify

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Recoleta La Boca San Telmo

Day trips

Estancia Santa Susana
100 km from Buenos Aires • Full day

A traditional estancia offering horseback riding, gaucho shows, and authentic Argentine asado.

Colonia del Sacramento
100 km from Buenos Aires (by ferry) • Full day

A charming colonial town in Uruguay with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Tigre Delta
35 km from Buenos Aires • Half day to full day

A network of islands and waterways offering boat tours, kayaking, and nature walks.

Festivals

Carnaval de Buenos Aires • February or March (dates vary) Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente de Buenos Aires (BAFICI) • April (dates vary) La Noche de los Museos • November (dates vary)

Pro tips

  • Use the SUBE card for convenient and discounted public transport
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
  • Explore beyond the tourist hotspots to discover the city's hidden gems
  • Try local specialties like empanadas, milanesa, and dulce de leche
  • Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 11-99
1
Childs
Age 0-10
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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