Calle Defensa: A Historic Thoroughfare in Buenos Aires
Explore the historic heart of Buenos Aires on Calle Defensa, a vibrant street filled with culture, markets, and architectural gems.
Calle Defensa is a historic street in Buenos Aires, Argentina, known for its cultural significance and tourist appeal. Stretching through the Monserrat, San Telmo, and Barracas neighborhoods, it features colonial architecture and transforms into a pedestrian zone with market stalls on weekends.
A brief summary to Defensa
- Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, AR
Local tips
- Visit on a Sunday to experience the Feria de San Telmo, a bustling market with antiques, crafts, and street performers.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on cobblestone streets.
- Bring cash, as many vendors at the market may not accept credit cards.
- Explore the side streets branching off Defensa to discover hidden cafes, shops, and historical buildings.
- Be aware of your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Getting There
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Walking
Calle Defensa is easily explored on foot, especially on Sundays when it becomes a pedestrian zone. Starting from Plaza de Mayo, walk south along Defensa, taking in the sights and sounds of the market. The street extends for over ten blocks, ending near Lezama Park.
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Public Transport
To reach Calle Defensa via public transport, take Subte Line A to Plaza de Mayo station or Line D to Catedral station. Both stations are located near the northern end of Defensa Street. A SUBE card is needed for travel on buses and the Subte. As of November 2024, the Subte fare is AR$757 for registered users. Bus fares start at AR$270.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Buenos Aires. A short taxi ride to Calle Defensa from the city center will cost approximately ARS 5,500 to ARS 11,000. Be sure the driver uses the meter. Uber and Cabify are also options, but Uber operates in a legal grey area.
Discover more about Defensa
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lugar emblemático en San Telmo
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Feria San Telmo artesanal
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Casa Del Historiador
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Edificio Otto Wulff
0.8 km
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Casa de Rivadavia, primer presidente constitucional de Argentina
0.8 km
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Museo Histórico Nacional
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La boca
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Maqueta Barrio La Boca
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Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires
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Monumento a la cordialidad Argentino - Uruguaya
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Block of the Lights Historical-Cultural Complex
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Monumento a Julio Argentino Roca
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Museo Nacional del Cabildo de Buenos Aires y de la Revolución de Mayo
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Pirámide de Mayo
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Plaza La Pampa Province
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Unmissable attractions to see
La Casa del Dulce de Leche - Mercado de San Telmo
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Tierra Mendocina Wine Bar
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San Telmo Fair
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Plaza Dorrego
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San Telmo Market
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Biking Buenos Aires
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Casa de Juan Carlos Castagnino
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Old Hotel Gallery
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Feria De las Artes San Telmo
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Espacio Cultural Bolívar
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San Telmo Antiques Fair
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PRISON MUSEUM Antonio Ballvé
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Fundación Mercedes Sosa
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Parroquia de San Pedro González Telmo
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Museo de la Parroquia San Telmo
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Essential places to dine
Hierro Parrilla San Telmo
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Saigón Noodle Bar
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Nuestra Parrilla
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Je Suis Raclette
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Parrilla La Brigada
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Sagardi Argentina
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Desnivel
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Il Sorpasso
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El Federal Bar
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Cafè San Juan
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El Refuerzo
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Nápoles
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Rëd resto & lounge
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Chila
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El Mercado
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Galería Solar de French
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Argentina Gifts - tienda de regalos
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Antigua Buenos Aires
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Mercado Argentino Vintage
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Galería de la Inmaculada Concepción
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Pomba boutique
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Los Ezeiza
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Tienda de Curiosidades
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Argentina Gifts
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FERIA ARTESANAL SAN TELMO 1300
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Take it
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HOLA FRANCIA
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Recoleta Gift Shop
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Sonríe Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Anselmo Lounge & Wine Bar
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Guebara Bar
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Bar Chin Chin
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Valhalla
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The Gibraltar
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Granados bar & rest
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Pier 54 San Telmo
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La Puerta Roja
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The Malin Head
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Doppelganger Bar
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Bar Britanico
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Bar Don Cosme
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Armin bar
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CIC Bar
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Cerveza Patagonia - Refugio Av. de Mayo
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