Are you planning a visit to Buenos Aires and want to make the most out of your time in Puerto Madero? This guide is the ultimate traveler’s handbook to exploring one of Buenos Aires’ most iconic districts (like a local!).
No matter how long you stay in Buenos Aires, chances are high that you will end up visiting Puerto Madero district: either if it is to go to some of the best restaurantes in the city, to stay in a luxury hotel or just to stroll by the dockside area, the newest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires has plenty of options to offer.
Puerto Madero is a reconditioned dockside area, where the modernised redbrick buildings that were once warehouses now host popular restaurants and upscale offices.
Just across the docks, gleaming skyscrapers house multinational corporations and luxury apartments.
To add most contrast to this unique Buenos Aires district, several walking and bicycle trails loop around the wildlife-rich Ecological Reserve, a huge green lung in the middle of the city.
If you are coming to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the first time, Puerto Madero can be a great area to stay as it offers the best of both worlds: close to Buenos Aires´ main attractions, yet a quiet and relaxing area with some of the best upscale hotels in the city, pleasant river views and plenty of classy restaurants to choose from.
Top choices for 5 star accommodation are Faena Hotel, that is Puerto Madero’s premier private luxury hotel, Hilton Hotel, which is the perfect one for corporate travelers, Alvear Icon and Madero Hotel.
Location: Dock 3, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
This unique landmark in the city is a rotating footbridge that is extremely popular because of the fact that is able to swing 90 degrees in order to allow water traffic to pass.
Designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, it is said to represent the image of a couple dancing tango.
It also marks the heart of Puerto Madero district, with some of the most popular restaurants and bars nearby.
We highly recommend you to cross it during the day and also at night, as you will see the city lights and the landscape will be completely different.
Just on the west side of the bridge, you will find a museum ship, ARA President Sarmiento, built in 1897. Used as a training ship, now it can be visited.
Location entrance 1: Calle Padre M. L. Migone y Av. Achával Rodríguez, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
Location entrance 2: Calle Mariquita Sánchez de Thompson y Av. Giralt, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
This green oasis in the middle of one of south America’s largest metropolises is located on the banks of De la Plata river, and it is the only protected area in Buenos Aires city.
It offers a handful of walking/bicycle trails that you can take to explore Buenos Aires in a different way.
If you are staying in Puerto Madero, then a great option can be to come here, maybe for a morning walk or run, specially if you are interested in birdwatching. You can spend some time at the picnic spots and the viewpoints.
Location: Docks of Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
The port of Buenos Aires has always played a key role in Argentine economy. Puerto Madero used to be the commercial port of the city until the new one was built, and that feeling remains with the old redbrick buildings that were remodelled to serve as restaurants, offices, universities and residences.
A great way to discover the neighbourhood is to walk on both sides of the canal enjoying the spectacular views.
Location: Rojo Tango
Conceived by the brilliant designer Phillippe Starck, Rojo tango recreates French Cabarets of the early Twentieth century with an argentine twist: TANGO.
It offers an intimate, warm and exclusive environment for around one hundred people.
With its excellent location, its magical surroundings, its gastronomic options and a show that surprises with its performances, production, costumes, and dynamism, Rojo tango has earned a very special place in the history of tango.
It is chosen by important international celebrities as a must when visiting Buenos Aires. Enjoy a memorable night out in the city and experience the passion of the Argentine tango at this high-end evening tango show.
Book online now and get 10% OFF using the coupon “PUERTOMADEROBLOG”.
Location: Olga Cossettini 141, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
The Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat Art Collection is a museum of fine arts that features works by Andy Warhol, William Turner and some of the best national painters. The building shows a very interesting architecture and was designed by the architect Rafael Viñoly. The roof includes a system of aluminum panels which open and close according to the sun’s position.
It is the most important museum in Puerto Madero and a must-see if you are an art lover.
As we mentioned, Puerto Madero is the newest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires. Thus, public transportation within the district is scarce, but that does mean that is not well connected: within walking distance you can get to Alem metro station (Line B) and several bus stops, with lines going almost all over the city.
Also, most areas of Puerto Madero are within walking distance to Plaza de Mayo, the main square of the city and the historical centre.
That being said, we highly suggest you moving around by taxi, as they are cheap and can be found everywhere. Remember to take the ones that have the “Radio Taxi” sign as they are the safest ones and don’t forget to have some pocket money with you and that taxis are metered: whatever it shows on the meter will be the total price to be paid in Argentine pesos.
If you want to delve beneath the surface of Buenos Aires city while seeing Puerto Madero and other major attractions leaving the organization up to someone else check out our Small-Group Buenos Aires City Tour, a great tour to do if you want to get a good feeling of the city and discover places to keep exploring afterward.
Another possibility could be booking a private tour, which is more convenient if you want to have a fully customized experience based on your particular interests, have a closed tour exclusively for your travel group, and have all of the tour guide’s attention for yourself. If this is the case, we recommend you to take a look at both our Private Highlights of Buenos Aires Tour and our Private Customizable Walking Tour to see which option is best suited for your needs and budget.
You will read everywhere that Puerto Madero is famous for its restaurants.
Yes, that’s true, but… which one to choose when there are so many options?
These are our top recommendations:
Location: Martha Salotti 445, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
El Mercado blends the energy of Buenos Aires’ legendary “cantinas” with the charm of Europe’s open-air markets. This warm, intimate space features the best of Argentinian cuisine.
Location: Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 516, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
This ranks among the most popular restaurants in Buenos Aires for foreigners, as it features the best of Argentinean meat.
The selection of the best raw material, together with an excellent service, has turned Cabaña Las Lilas into a world-class restaurant visited by the most demanding gastronomes.
The prestigious American newspaper “The New York Times” has even named it as one of the 10 best restaurants worldwide.
Location: Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1170, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
La Parolaccia is a classic in Buenos Aires. This one in particular offers exquisite fish and seafood, something not so common to find in the city.
Location: Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 202, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
This restaurant was one of the pioneers in the area, opening in 1994.
It is a place where you can calm down and enjoy a pleasant and relaxed meal with a view to the docks and the vessels.
Even though the menu is extensive and varied, their specialty is grilled meat.
Location: Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1082, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
Classic riverside restaurante offering a robust wine list & international fare, plus a terrace. It has an international menu that focuses on seafood, and various options for different types of customers. From breakfast and afternoon tea proposals, to executive lunch menus, to personalized menus for meetings and events.
The bars you can find in Puerto Madero are high-end, with some of the best night-scenes of Buenos Aires.
Location: Aimé Painé 1130, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
If you only have the chance to go to one bar in Buenos Aires, make it this one. And if you are looking for rooftop bars in Buenos Aires, Puerto Madero allows you to have incredible views of both the city and the river.
Located on the 32nd floor of Alvear Icon Hotel with a unique view, this is a great option for a sunset drink.
Location: Martha Salotti 445, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
Lined with antique books and draped in red velvet, The Library Lounge is an intimate space featuring tufted leather sofas, richly detailed rugs and crystal candelabras. Enjoy a quiet morning coffee, afternoon tea or evening cocktails with live entertainment.
Location: Juana Manuela Gorriti 867, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
Looking for a more relaxed atmosphere where you can get a beer after coming back from a tour? Then this may be your perfect choice. Located just in front of the Puente de la Mujer, it makes a great place for people spotting.
Location: Pierina Dealessi 701,, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
You cannot miss it, as it is located in a floating platform just next to the Puente de la Mujer. It is the newest bar in Puerto Madero, and a great place to enjoy a craft beer and a burger with splendid views.
Location: Martha Salotti 445, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
Enjoy the stunning scenery at this exclusive bar overlooking one of Buenos Aires’ most dramatic pools. Unwind with fresh fruit juice and exotic cocktails mixed with Argentinian flair.
