These days,
like Recoleta, Retiro is famed for its wealth which is noticeable in the wide
leafy boulevards such as Avenida del Libertador and Avenida 9 de Julio.
Furthermore, the architecture of this neighborhood defines an era of splendor
and finesse.
Things to
see and do
The barrio
of Retiro is one of the nicest in the city for walking and offers some
fantastic photo opportunities. At the barrio’s heart is Plaza San Martin, a
popular hangout for local workers during their lunch breaks. The plaza houses
two significant monuments; one dedicated to San Martin himself and another to
commemorate the fallen heroes of the Malvinas War.
Within a
short walk from Plaza San Martin are some of the finest examples of
architecture present in Buenos Aires .
Palacio San Martin on Arenales
street is arguably the most celebrated and is
today used as the offices of the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Relations.
Originally home to the Anchorena family, tours are available of this Beaux Arts
palace.
Brunch at Farinelli
The location
is great: A bright, sunny corner of quiet Retiro with giant windows that are
ideal for people-watching while you sit down and get settled. I like some booth
action, but there are large tables in the middle that accommodate groups a bit
better, though once the place is packed there isn’t a lot of room to spare.
Fresh blooms from Florería Atlántico adorn the countertops and the day’s spread
of fresh goodies – fruit salad, croissants, and the Bloody Mary bar (score!) –
are poised to make your mouth water.
Lunch at Farinelli's |
So here’s
the deal: Sunday brunch takes place from 11am-4pm only, with reservations
available only for the 1pm time slot. Let’s not even mention the scene at 3pm –
Tables bursting with hipsters and families alike, and sad people outside being
told that they couldn’t be guaranteed a table before things wound down.
Address:
Arroyo corner of Suipacha Street .
Admire the
fabulous San Martin Palace
Palacio San Martin was designed by
architect Alejandro Christophersen and boasts marble staircases, grandiose
dining rooms and a garden containing a chunk of the Berlin Wall. A small but
good museum displays pre-Columbian artifacts from the northwest, along with
some paintings by Latin American artists. Free tours happen at 3pm on Thursdays
(bring ID), but can be suspended at any time.
Originally built for the powerful
Anchorena family, Palacio San Martín later became the headquarters of the
Foreign Ministry; today it’s used mostly for official purposes.
Address: Esmeralda 1231.
Cour d' honneur and Main Staircase - San Martin Palace. |
Take a tour
of the magnificent Paz
Palace
Once the private residence of José C Paz – founder of
the still-running newspaper La Prensa – this opulent, French-style palace
(1909) is the grandest in BA. Inside its 12,000 sq meters are ornate rooms with
marble walls, salons gilded in real gold and halls boasting beautiful
wood-tiled floors. The pièce de résistance is the circular grand hall with
mosaic floors, marble details and stained-glass cupola. Nearly all materials
came from Europe and were then assembled here;
there’s also a modest garden out back. Address: Santa Fe Avenue 750.
Magnificent Dome - Palacio Paz |
Guided Tours :
In Spanish: Wednesday to
Saturday, 11.00 am
Tuesday to Friday, 3.00
pm
In English
Thursdays 3.30 pm
Gardens - Palacio Paz |
Dating from
1921, this museum is in an old mansion of the neocolonial Peruvian style that
developed as a reaction against French influences in turn-of-the-19th-century
Argentine architecture. Its exceptional collection of colonial art includes
silverwork from Alto Perú (present-day Bolivia ), religious paintings and
baroque instruments. There’s little effort to place items in any historical
context, but everything is in great condition and well lit, and the curved
ceiling in the main salon is beautifully painted. There's also a peaceful
garden.
Also known
as the Palacio Noel, after the designing architect, the museum building and its
collections suffered damage (since repaired) from the 1992 bombing of the
Israeli embassy, which at the time was located at Arroyo and Suipacha. The
space where the embassy was located has since become a small memorial park; you
can still see the outline of the building on a neighboring wall.
Have
lunch at El Federal
This traditional corner eatery is something of a
neighborhood institution. You’ll find Argentinian comfort food – simple pastas,
steaks and empanadas – as well as higher-end specialties like Patagonian lamb,
ñandu milanesas (cutlets of the emu-like, flightless ñandu ) and northern river
fish served here. Elaborate desserts top things off, and a rustic wooden bar
adds charm.
Private Walks and Group Bookings
Address: San Martin 1015. Retiro
Try
the best Pizza of Downtown
Filo
Filo Just
off Plaza San Martin, this is a popular lunchtime haunt that fills up with
workers from the nearby financial district who come to feast on pizza, pasta
and salads. Opened in 1993 by six friends fed up with Argentina ’s
Italian cuisine, Filo has since succeeded in creating a cult following with
those with a penchant for mushroom risotto, salmon carpaccio, tiramisu, and the
like. Address: San Martin 975.
Pizza
Piola
An Italian franchise, gone global, which first opened
in Buenos Aires
in the early 90’s. Pizza Piola claims to have revolutionized the Buenos Aires pizza scene
and that local food critics talk of before Piola and after Piola pizza.
Address: Libertad 1073.
Floreria Atlantico - Flower Shop and Bar |
One of BA's
hottest bars, this basement speakeasy is located within a flower shop, adding
an air of mystery and likely a main reason for its success. Hipsters, artists,
chefs, businesspeople and expats all flock here for the excellent cocktails,
whether they're classic or unique – and the lack of gas lines means all of the
delicious tapas and main dishes are cooked on the parrilla grill.
Private Walks and Group Bookings
Ideas tours are available for private bookings. Private tours can be arranged for a weekday or weekend, day or evening. We can provide multiple in-house trained guides for a more enjoyable outing. Walking tours are great for team building, special events, and entertaining clients. Contact Us for more information.
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