Location: San Nicolás
Top Things to do in San Nicolás
Top 10 Things to do in San Nicolás, Capital Federal District
The birthplace of the tango is, like the dance itself, captivating, seductive and bustling with excited energy. Atmospheric old neighborhoods are rife with romantic restaurants and thumping nightlife, and Buenos Aires' European heritage is evident in its architecture, boulevards and parks. Cafe Tortoni, the city's oldest bar, will transport you back to 1858, and the spectacular Teatro Colon impresses just as it did in 1908. Latin America's shopping capital offers the promise of premium retail therapy along its grand, wide boulevards.
Restaurants in Buenos Aires
1. Teatro Colon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24,085 reviews
The Teatro Colon, in the City of Buenos Aires, is considered one of the best theaters in the world. Acknowledged for its acoustics and the artistic value of its construction, it turned 100 years in 2008.
Reviewed By CanadaPipa1 - Montreal, Canada
I walked into the Teatro Colón box office one morning and was able to book an English speaking guided tour within the hour. It cost $1000 pesos which was well worth the visit. Luckily, the group of this tour was relatively small, which made the visit a more intimate experience. The informative tour gradually led to the exquisite Concert Hall where we were seated in one of the main balconies which overlooked the stage and impressive auditorium. You could only imagine what it would be like to attend a concert, opera or ballet here. Given the time & opportunity, I would have gladly done this.
2. Catedral Primada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,255 reviews
This 1827 cathedral, a mixture of several architectural styles, houses the remains of Argentine Liberator General Jose de San Martin in a marble mausoleum.
Reviewed By 251wesleyc - Tucson, United States
AKA Catedral Metropolitano in some guidebooks. 8th Catholic Church to be built on this site -- consecrated in 1836. Greco-Roman style with 12 columns for the 12 apostles. The interior is much more impressive than the exterior (which looks more like a courthouse). Gorgeous main altar and multiple beautiful side chapels. Beautiful mosaic tile floors. Be sure to look for the masoleum holding the remains of General Jose de San Martin, the hero of Argentina's war for independence from Spain. A "must see" attraction located on the Plaza de Mayo near the Casa Rosada.
3. Centro Cultural Kirchner
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,011 reviews
The communications office of Buenos Aires, a scintillating example of the city's gorgeous architecture.
Reviewed By LaOsa_life - Munich, Germany
I visited this center several times for free concerts. They all have been high level quality and they were from classic to tango music! Never in my life I found a place like this anywhere.
4. Centro Cultural Borges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 833 reviews
Reviewed By louisa756 - Dallas, United States
This Argentine tango show is held inside the Borges Cultural Center (BCC) located inside the beautiful Galerias Pacifico shopping center in Buenos Aires. Theater type seats are basic, cushioned, and comfortable. Different performances of tango are scheduled for different days during the week. Three of us went to see Pasion de Tango show on a Tuesday evening. One of the few early tango shows in Buenos Aires central area so you can plan other activities such as wining and dining at other places. One purchases open-seating tickets at least one-hour before the show at their manned kiosk inside the BCC. Cost in Feb 2020 was only $900 Argentine Pesos. Cash only, no credit cards. Theatre is air-conditioned and kept at a comfortable temperature. Lighting is good. Sound is good. No photography or video recording of any kind is allowed during the performance. They sell DVDs after the show however, we never found them. The performance included a small live band which played quite well. The dancers performed historic Argentine tangos covering several periods and costume changes. A solo male singer serenaded the audience between dances. The entire show started early at 8 pm and ended at just over an hour. This allows finding dinner later at a dedicated restaurant. In summary, a great introduction to historic Argentine tangos with no frills (no drinks or food service to gouge patrons).
5. Centro Naval
6. Basilica Nuestra Senora de la Merced
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By 311queenj - California, United States
This church is about a 5 minute walk from the Catedral Metropolitana in the Plaza de Mayo. While not as large as the Metropolitan Cathedral, Merced has more history and ornate artwork. We had to come back two different days because it was not open the first or second time we passed by. The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Merced (Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy) is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Spain. The original monastery was built in 1603 by the Mercedarian Friars of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy, and was one of the oldest in Buenos Aires. The church contains the oldest historic archive of the city, dating back earlier than 1884. In 1733, construction of the Merced Basilica began on the old monastery grounds. In 1894, the church exterior was renovated in the neo-Renaissance style, and in 1905, the facade carving was added, depicting General Belgrano's 1812 victory against the Spanish in Tucuman during the war for independence. The church was declared a basilica by Pope Benedict XV in 1917, and the building was declared a National Historical Monument in 1942. The building features both Baroque and Rococo styles. The baroque golden grand altar and the frescoes are impressive, to say the least. Though many of the church artifacts were destroyed during the anti church riots of 1955, the church still contains many of the original furnishings, and decorative items, such as the wooden Cristo de la Humildad y Paciencia, that was carved from a single tree. The basilica has beautiful stained glass windows, incredible painted arched ceilings, and an impressive collection of sculptures and artwork. Gold-leaf paint and gilding gleam from the walls, ceiling, altars, arches, pillars, etc. The detail here is almost overwhelming. Be sure to stop in and check it out!
7. Multiteatro Comafi
8. Galeria Guemes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
Reviewed By 1229susanne - Buenos Aires, Argentina
My title says it all. The details in this gallery are gorgeous! I go all of the time, just to walk around. Dont miss the tour with a trip to the tower. Beautiful views of the city, great for photos. The ground floor gallery has a good selections of boutiques. There is a nice large Starbucks. Also different coffee shops and eateries. Enjoy!!!
9. Teatro Gran Rex
10. Congregacion Israelita de la Republica Argentina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By robinbt
My daughter and I received a warm welcome at the Templo. An English speaking guide showed us the beautiful sanctuary, explained the history of the building and answered our questions about the current Jewish community. The interior is reminiscent of German and French churches of the 19th century with its lovely stained glass windows and impressive organ. The acoustics are so good that musicians from the nearby Teatro Colon use the sanctuary as a rehearsal space. Weekly concerts are given on Wednesday afternoons (call for details). Bring your passport for entrance. Fee of $10 US or 170 Argentine pesos includes the Jewish Museum in the same building. The exterior of the building is being renovated and the main door on Libertad is not accessible. However you can enter through a smaller door. Call to confirm opening hours. When we were there, the Templo was open for visitors Tuesday through Thursday afternoons. It is open for services at other hours.
