Sherpa Food Tours

Etiqueta: san telmo

  • From Palermo to La Boca: Discover the Best Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires

    From Palermo to La Boca: Discover the Best Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires

    Buenos Aires, Argentina’s bustling capital, is a city defined by its neighborhoods, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and character. From popular and cosmopolitan districts to historic enclaves rich in tradition. 

    Explore these diverse barrios are essential to experiencing the true essence of Buenos Aires. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local rediscovering your city, there’s no better way to understand Buenos Aires than by wandering its vibrant streets.

    In this guide, we’ll explore ten of Buenos Aires’ safest and most welcoming neighborhoods, perfect for tourists eager to immerse themselves in the city’s multifaceted personality.

    Best Neighborhoods In Buenos Aires

    1. Palermo

    In the north center of the city of Buenos Aires, Palermo is the largest neighborhood, renowned for its hip, trendy vibe, street art and verdant parks. Divided into sub-districts like Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, this area is synonymous with stylish boutique hotels, artisanal coffee shops, and world-class dining. The sprawling Bosques de Palermo offers lush and rose gardens, serene lakes, and walking trails perfect for an afternoon escape.

    Art lovers will appreciate the MALBA Museum, showcasing contemporary Latin American art, while foodies can savor Argentine flavors at Don Julio, a legendary steakhouse, or on an amazing neighborhood food tour. Palermo is a hub for young travelers, creatives, and anyone looking for lively nightlife at bars and clubs like Niceto Club.

    • How to get there? Accessible by subway (Line D) and buses, Palermo is best explored during the day or early evening. 

    2. Recoleta

    Adjacent to Palermo and in the north of the city center, Recoleta exudes elegance and history. Famous for its European-style architecture and opulent mansions and luxury hotels, this neighborhood is home to the Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón rests. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the cultural center housed in the former convent are must-visits for art and history enthusiasts.

    Stroll along Avenida Alvear, lined with luxury boutiques, or relax at Plaza Francia, a lively spot for weekend artisan markets. Recoleta is ideal for those seeking sophistication and cultural enrichment.

    • How to get there? Subway (Line D) or a short taxi ride from downtown.

    3. San Telmo

    From the south of the city center, San Telmo it’s Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhood that charms the visitors with its bohemian flair and cobblestone streets and antique market. Known for its Sunday Feria de San Telmo at the Plaza Dorrego, an outdoor market brimming with antiques, crafts, and live tango performances, this neighborhood offers a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s past.

    Café Tortoni and El Zanjón de Granados are notable stops for history buffs, while casual diners will enjoy authentic empanadas at El Hornero. San Telmo’s creative energy attracts artists, writers, and anyone who loves vintage vibes. In addition to everything we have told you, you can also take a tour of this incredible neighborhood.

    • How to get there? Easily reachable by subway (Line C) or bus. Visit during daylight hours for the best experience.

    4. Puerto Madero

    East of downtown and along the Río de la Plata, Puerto Madero’s sleek skyline and waterfront appeal make it a modern oasis within the city. Once an industrial dockland, it has been transformed into a polished district featuring upscale restaurants, luxury hotels, and the iconic Puente de la Mujer bridge.

    It`s a great place for nature lovers to explore the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, a peaceful green space ideal for walking or birdwatching. The area is perfect for couples, business travellers, and fans of modern architecture.

    • How to get there? A short walk from downtown or by bus. Best visited during the day or for an early dinner.

    5. La Boca

    At the southeast of the city center, La Boca is a colorful neighborhood bursting with character and creativity. Famous for its vibrantly painted houses and Caminito street, this artistic enclave is a photographer’s dream. The area is also home to La Bombonera, the legendary stadium of Boca Juniors football club.

    best neighborhoods in buenos aires

    Art galleries, street performers, and tango shows make La Boca a lively destination. However, visitors should explore during daylight hours and avoid wandering outside the main tourist areas.

    • How to get there? Take a taxi or bus, as it’s not directly accessible by subway.

    6. Villa Crespo

    Adjacent to Palermo, northwest of the city center, Villa Crespo is a quieter, more authentic alternative to Palermo’s bustling energy. Known for its Jewish heritage, it offers a mix of old-world charm and modern appeal. Fashion enthusiasts will love its outlet stores, while foodies can indulge in Middle Eastern delicacies at El Chiri de Villa Kreplaj.

    This neighborhood suits those seeking a less touristy experience in a relaxed setting.

    • How to get there? Accessible by subway (Line B) and buses.

    7. Belgrano

    At the North of Palermo, Belgrano combines peace with urban sophistication. Its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and charming plazas make it a favorite among families and retirees. The Barrancas de Belgrano park and the Chinatown area are popular attractions.

    • How to get there? Subway (Line D), Mitre train or buses.

    8. Caballito

    From the central of Buenos Aires, Caballito offers a mix of old and new, with historic landmarks like the English-style tram and the Parque Centenario, a large park with a weekend flea market and small book stores. This neighborhood is ideal for families and casual visitors looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

    • How to get there? Subway (Line A) or buses.

    9. Chacarita

    At the west side of Palermo, Chacarita is a rising star among Buenos Aires neighborhoods. Known for its expansive Chacarita Cemetery, this area offers a mix of peace and trendiness. The neighborhood boasts stylish coffee shops like Cuervo Café, up-and-coming restaurants, and cultural spaces like the Santos Dumont 4040 music venue.

    Chacarita appeals to those seeking hidden gems and a peaceful and modern atmosphere.

    • How to get there? Subway (Line B) or buses.

    10. Almagro

    West of downtown, Almagro is a hub for tango enthusiasts, with milongas and tango halls offering authentic experiences. Its the best place for a vibrant nightlife and casual eateries appeal to younger crowds and music lovers.

    • How to get there? Subway (Line A) or buses.

    Experience the Heart of Buenos Aires

    Buenos Aires is a city of endless stories, each told through its dynamic and distinctive neighborhoods. From the bohemian streets of San Telmo to the sophisticated charm of Recoleta and the bustling energy of Palermo, there’s a corner of the city for everyone to discover.

    Whether you’re savouring empanadas, dancing tango, or marvelling at historic landmarks, these ten neighborhoods promise a safe and memorable adventure. So pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the vibrant tapestry of Buenos Aires!

    Do you want to explore the best spots in Buenos Aires? Check our blog!

  • 10 Fun Things to do in San Telmo

    10 Fun Things to do in San Telmo

    Welcome to San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires oldest neighborhoods, and one of the most traditional as well. Cobbled streets, art galleries, chic cafés, antiques, and fresh produce… old and new meet and mesh in San Telmo in wonderful ways, and we are here to show you just how.

    Here’s a quick overview:

    1. San Telmo Market (Defensa 963)
    2. Defensa Street Fair (Defensa 100 – 1500)
    3. Plaza Dorrego & Antique Market (Humberto 1º 400)
    4. San Telmo Food Tour
    5. Parque Lezama & National History Museum (Defensa 1600)
    6. Modern Art Museum (Av. San Juan 350)
    7. Pasaje de la Defensa (Defensa 1179)
    8. Casa Mínima (San Lorenzo 380)
    9. Mafalda Statue (Defensa 700)
    10. Comic Strip Walk (several stops)
    things to do in san telmo buenos aires

    San Telmo Market

    The San Telmo Market is open from Tuesday to Sunday, unlike the Feria de San Telmo which takes place every Sunday. The indoor market first opened in 1897 and it hasn’t changed much since. The San Telmo Market has it all: antique jewelry, knick-knacks, fresh produce, and several food stalls and cafés where you can grab a bite (we especially like Hornero for regional food and Beba Cocina for porteño staples with a twist).

    The San Telmo Market is located in Defensa 963. It opens from 10.30 am to 7.30 from Tuesday to Friday, and from 9 am to 8 pm during weekends and public holidays. It’s better to show up around midday, as Argentines aren’t early risers. Sundays can be very crowded, as the Market gets a lot of overflow from the neighboring Feria. The ideal day to visit is either a Saturday or a weekday. And wear sensible shoes (this goes for anything you do in San Telmo except maybe Tango dancing).

    Defensa Street Fair

    San Telmo’s flea market is the most well-known street fair in the entire city.

    Every Sunday, Defensa Street is covered with stalls selling everything and anything: kitschy souvenirs, leather goods, antiques, designer clothing, and stationery…Locals and tourists alike flock to the street fair to browse the goods; you can easily spend hours walking along the cobblestone streets. The best part? Most of what you will see here are handmade items made by the stall owners themselves. Bring cash, most won’t accept international cards.

    The Street Fair goes all the way from Plaza de Mayo to Parque Lezama, but the best stalls are the ones closer to Plaza Dorrego. You can visit from 10 am to 5 pm (the earlier the better).

    Plaza Dorrego & Antique Market

    At the heart of San Telmo lies the iconic Plaza Dorrego, which hosts the antique market every Sunday. Some street vendors will also set up shop during the week. Bohemian, relaxed, and lively, this is the perfect place to take a break.

    Take a look around the square, grab a table at one of the nearby restaurants or cafés, and have a drink. The food here is nothing to write home about; we recommend a cup of coffee or maybe a lemonade or a soda during the hot summer months. What makes sitting down worth it are the tango dancers: you can always catch a show here, which is a great (and quicker) alternative to the 3-hour affairs that are most tango experiences.

    San Telmo Food Tour

    If what you are looking for is a tour of San Telmo with some fantastic food, the San Telmo Food Tour hosted by Sherpa (that’s us) is your go-to. The tour takes you to iconic historic restaurants and locations (including the San Telmo Market), and gives you the chance to try the very best dishes in Argentine cuisine, including some unexpected treats you probably haven’t heard about yet.

    There’s drinks, there’s wine, there’s steak (of course) and there’s fun guaranteed (but don’t take our word for it – take a look at our stellar reviews from previous guests).

    Parque Lezama & National History Museum

    If you visit San Telmo on a Sunday, the Defensa Street Fair will eventually lead you to Parque Lezama, a quieter park in the neighborhood. It has its own fair, as most important parks do, but the real highlight here is the National History Museum.

    Housed in a colonial mansion, the museum is a gorgeous architectural piece to visit. If you are lucky, you may catch the grenadier guard change – two granaderos are permanently stationed to watch the sword of national hero José de San Martín, which is kept at the museum. Admission is free, so take a quick peek if you can.

    Modern Art Museum

    Bright, quiet, and often colorful, the Modern Art Museum clashes a little bit with the old flair of San Telmo, but the change is welcome. Admission is free for locals only, but the entrance fee is quite cheap (and free on Wednesdays). Even if modern art isn’t your jam, the museum is the perfect spot to catch a break if you are visiting during the summer months – there’s AC, free wifi, and a lovely little café that serves a great iced latte.

    Pasaje de la Defensa

    While a visit to San Telmo almost always entails a trip to the Market or a stroll through Defensa Street, you should definitely stop by Pasaje de la Defensa (Defensa Alley) during your tour of the area.

    This mansion used to be the home of the aristocratic Ezeiza family back in the 19th century. The Ezeizas fled the place when the yellow fever struck, affecting the area closest to the river. The building was converted into a multi-family tenement home or “conventillo”, as happened with most of the once luxurious mansions in San Telmo and Barracas.

    The present-day Pasaje de la Defensa is a beautiful gallery featuring gorgeous architecture, antique shops, and cafés.

    Casa Mínima

    With just 2.5 meters width (that’s 2,73 yards for our friends from the US) this is the narrowest house in town, and maybe the world (the latter is just a guess, but we Argentines enjoy making claims of being the most at something). The tour is lackluster, but this is a great location to snap a picture (stretch your arms to the sides as much as you can for maximum comedic effect). It’s right around the corner from Defensa Street and Independencia Avenue, so you don’t have to go out of your way to see it.

    Mafalda Statue

    Argentina is pretty well known for our comic strips, with Mafalda being a world-famous character, a beloved local icon, and even a UNESCO ambassador. Fun fact: Mafalda has a small easter egg appearance in the DCU, showing up in a keychain Suicide Squad 2 (which takes place in the fictional “Argentine-adjacent” island of Corto Maltese.

    There’s a Mafalda statue in San Telmo, and people will line up to take a picture with Argentina’s favorite kid. You can skip the queue if you are in San Telmo during the week (usually), or very early during the weekend.

    Comic Strip Walk

    If you are into comic strips, check out the Paseo de la Historieta, i.e. “comic strip walk”. The Mafalda statue is one of many statues that pay homage to the most famous national comic strips. This is a fun walk you can do to explore San Telmo and the nearby areas of Montserrat and Puerto Madero, and a great activity for people of all ages, particularly kids. Here are all the stops!