1. El Cabildo: Colonial Council

Used as the seat of government during colonial times, the Cabildo is now a museum displaying information and artifacts from the history of the city. It was completed in 1610, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. When you visit, enter through the door facing Plaza de Mayo and wander through its rooms before exiting via a courtyard in the back. Don’t miss the upstairs levels, where you can find nice views of the surrounding areas!

The Buenos Aires Cabildo: formerly the city council, now a history museum

2. Catedral Metropolitana: Metropolitan Cathedral

From intricately tiled floors to ornate gilded altars to lofty stained-glass windows, the home institution of the Pope is one of the most stunning buildings you can explore in this area. The outstanding architecture includes Roman columns, quite different from Catholic tradition. The serene quiet of the interior of the Catedral Metropolitana is a welcome respite to the commotion of the city. Because of ongoing renovations, you need to walk around the temporary scaffolding before stepping inside to be amazed at the incredible detail that sets this place apart. Don’t miss the tomb of Jose San Martin, who is credited for Argentina’s independence.

Catedral Metropolitana: the main Catholic church in Buenos Aires

3. La Casa Rosada: Pink House

At the back end of the plaza is the sprawling pink building where the Argentine president governs the country. You can know if she’s there at any given time by checking the flag pole above the building: when there are two flags flying, the president is in the house! The reason for the color of La Casa Rosada is debated. Some say the whitewash was mixed with cow’s blood to make it more durable. Romantics prefer to believe the color was chosen symbolically to unite the two opposing political parties at the time, whose respective colors were red and white. You can take a free guided tour of La Casa Rosada in English on Fridays and Saturdays. Make sure to stop by at night, too, because seeing it lit up by florescent lights is quite a different experience!

The “Pink House”: Argentine Governmental Palace

4. La Casa de La Cultura: House of Culture

This spectacular building, located on the corner of Plaza de Mayo and Avenida de Mayo, is both a resource center and a small museum, but it’s also worth visiting for the building’s architecture and history! This French-style building is as old as Avenida de Mayo (circa 1894). It was the headquarters of Argentina’s second-largest newspaper at the time, La Prensa. For this reason, the bronze Athena statue on top of the building remains as a monument to the freedom of the press. Despite how dazzling the exterior is, don’t miss the interior—high gilded ceilings are the highlight. La Casa de La Cultura is the perfect introduction for a classic sightseeing tour across Avenida de Mayo.

The Buenos Aires House of Culture: a spectacular architectural landmark

5. El Banco de la Nacion: Bank of the Argentine Nation

The massive edifice of the Banco de la Nacion represents the strength and might of Argentina’s banking system. The revivalist French neoclassical building was designed in the 1930s, and still wows visitors every day. Hours are 10 to 3 Monday through Friday if you want throw make time to see the impressive interior. Check it out at night, too, when neon lights throw slowly shifting colors on the front. Take note that use of cameras and cell phones is prohibited in Argentine banks!

Banco de la Nación Argentina: the largest state-owned bank in the country’s banking sector

Take our word for it and be sure to make time for these Top 5 landmarks around Plaza de Mayo. Your trip to Buenos Aires won’t be complete without them!

For more landmarks around Plaza de Mayo and other places to visit in Buenos Aires, check out our website.

Happy Travels!
By: Caroline Leland
For: BsAs4u

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