Retiro: Buenos Aires' Elegant Gateway

Explore Retiro, Buenos Aires: Where elegant architecture meets bustling transport in a historic and vibrant neighborhood.

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Retiro, the northernmost neighborhood of downtown Buenos Aires, is a blend of architectural grandeur and bustling transport hubs. Known as the "Paris of South America," Retiro boasts opulent palaces, historical monuments, and the vibrant Plaza San Martín, making it a must-see for any visitor.

A brief summary to Retiro

Buenos Aires, Retiro, Comuna 1, Buenos Aires, AR

Local tips

Explore Plaza San Martín for a relaxing break amidst historical monuments and lush greenery.
Take a walk along Avenida del Libertador to admire the stunning architecture and French-influenced mansions.
Visit the Kavanagh Building, an iconic Art Deco skyscraper with a fascinating history.
Use the Retiro train and bus terminals to easily access other parts of Buenos Aires and beyond.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially near the Retiro train station, particularly at night.

Getting There

Walking

From Plaza San Martín, many of Retiro's attractions are easily accessible on foot. The Kavanagh Building is a short walk east, while the Retiro train station is just north of the plaza. Walking allows you to appreciate the architecture and atmosphere of the neighborhood. No costs are associated with exploring Retiro on foot.
Public Transport

Retiro is well-connected by public transport. The Subte (subway) Line C has a station at Retiro, providing easy access to other parts of the city. A single ride on the Subte costs approximately AR$757 for registered SUBE users. Numerous bus lines also serve the area, with fares starting around AR$270, depending on the distance. A SUBE card is required for both the Subte and buses, and can be purchased and topped up at various kiosks and stations.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Retiro. A short taxi ride within the neighborhood will likely cost between ARS 5,500 and ARS 11,000. Make sure the driver uses the meter, as taxi fares are government-regulated. A 20% surcharge applies at night (10 PM to 6 AM).

Discover more about Retiro

Retiro, a barrio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, serves as a vibrant gateway to the city, blending historical elegance with modern bustle. Situated at the northeastern end of the city, it's bordered by Puerto Madero, San Nicolás, and Recoleta. Retiro earned its nickname, "the Paris of South America," from its spectacular French-influenced mansions, remnants of Argentina's golden age, although this architectural style began to fall out of favor in the 1930s. The neighborhood's history dates back to the late 17th century when a striking country house named "El Retiro" was built, gradually leading to the area's urbanization. In the late 19th century, wealthy families seeking refuge from yellow fever moved here, filling Retiro with stately residences and luxurious buildings. Today, many of these buildings have been transformed into embassies and government offices. Plaza San Martín, one of the city's oldest and most beautiful parks, lies at the heart of Retiro. It was once the training ground for General José de San Martín's Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers. The plaza features an equestrian monument to San Martín and a memorial to the fallen in the Falklands War. Landmarks surrounding the plaza include the Kavanagh Building, once Latin America's tallest skyscraper, and the San Martín Palace. Retiro is also a major transportation hub, home to Retiro train terminal, a grand British-designed station, and the Terminal de Ómnibus de Retiro, the city's main long-distance bus terminal. This makes Retiro a crucial point of arrival and departure for travelers exploring Argentina and neighboring countries.