Buenos Aires/Retiro
Retiro is in Buenos Aires. It's the district with the biggest train station and the general bus station that offers connections to the surrounding provinces and neighboring countries.
Get in
By Subte, Bus or Train
See
- Retiro: The old train station, built by the British empire and formerly the starting point of the Patagonia Express.
- Plaza San Martin, a beautiful park outside the train station, next to the plaza of the air force
- Carlos Regazzoni art factory/atelier: Carlos Regazzoni, a recognized Argentine artist, lives in retiro in a wharehouse where he also has his atelier. He mainly creates art sculptures using the available iron and train parts that is spread among the area, due to the proximity to the train station (check the iron ants climbing the big sign close to the entrance). The ambiance of the place is not something that most visitors will like; although Carlos is very friendly and likes to talk and talk with those who are interested in his work. If you're interested in going, check before if he's in the country, as he spends 6 months in France and 6 months in Argentina. At night (not every day), the warehouse were he works becomes a restaurant, El Gato Viejo, attended by himself.
- Edificio Kavanagh, located at Florida street 1065. It is considered as the first skyscraper built in Buenos Aires. The story behind the construction of the building is interesting: Corina Kavanagh had a fight with another lady, Mercedes de Anchorena, both from Buenos Aires high society. Corina's daughter was about to get married with Mercedes son, but because of Corina's opposition to the wedding, it never happened. As a revenge, Corina spent all her inheritance in building what would become the tallest South American building of that period. The reason: Block the sunrise and the view to the Sacramento Church from the Anchorena's home. It was declared as national historic monument in 1999.
- Palacio Paz, in front of Plaza San Martin. Built between 1904 and 1912, currently it is the main site for the Military Circle in Buenos Aires. It used to be the residence of Jose C. Paz, who died two years before the palace was finished. Highly recommended to take the guided tour inside the palace. Check the website for more details [1]
Do
- Take the train to the Tigre delta
- Visit Museo de los Inmigrantes
- Shop on Calle Florida
Buy
Eat
- El Gato Viejo: If you think you've seen everything in weird restaurants, think again. El Gato Viejo is Carlos Regazzoni's restaurant, defined as himself as a 'railroad-restaurant'. The particularity of this restaurant is that, during the day, it is an old warehouse where Carlos creates his artwork based on train parts and iron. During the night, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (with previous reservations), the place becomes a restaurant. Not a restaurant as you know it, in fact, nothing changes: dark, all the iron parts, stencils, oils, sculptures, etc. are spread around while you eat and enjoy some glasses of wine with Carlos. Definitely a unique experience. Call in advance for reservations: 43153663 / 155-387-6189. Av. Del Libertador 405, warehouses 1-5.
- Dadá, located in San Martin 941. This small restaurant makes the top lists among locals, and is a highly recommended one in tourist guides. Try the Lomo Dadá, one of the house specialities. Recommended to arrive before 9PM, otherwise you'll have to wait.
Drink
- Kilkenny´s Reconquista 600
Sleep
- Marriot Plaza Hotel
Stay Safe
When traveling in any city, use reasonable caution and common sense.