The Top 9 Things to See and Do in San Telmo, Buenos Aires
San Telmo is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Discover antique bargains at the Plaza Dorrego market, savor a La Brigada steak and watch a tango show at El Viejo Almacén, while visiting this bohemian corner of Argentina’s capital city.
Open-air art galleries and street vendors fill the cobblestone streets of San Telmo, giving the oldest barrio in Buenos Aires a modern, lively feel. The tree-lined streets, colonial architecture and busy plazas make this neighborhood the perfect place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re digging for treasures in an antique shop or watching pros dance the tango. Here are Culture Trip’s top picks of things to do while in San Telmo.
Stroll through Parque Lezama
Park
San Telmo’s largest park is Parque Lezama, named after a wealthy family who landscaped the gardens. It became a public park in 1894. Today, its leafy walkways and tranquil ponds make it a lovely spot for a stroll or picnic lunch. You’ll spot old men enjoying a game of chess, and groups of all ages sharing a mate (a traditional South American drink). The Museo Histórico Nacional is nearby as well as a stunning Russian Orthodox church; you can’t miss its striking blue roof, made with materials shipped over from Saint Petersburg. We recommend joining a guided bike tour of the city, which invariably carves through Lezama.
Visit the Sunday Feria
Market
Catch a tango show at El Viejo Almacén
Bar, Nightclub, South American, Pub Grub
Explore the tunnels of El Zanjón de Granados
Building, Ruins
Peek inside Convento de Santo Domingo
Historical Landmark
This 18th-century Dominican convent has been a central building in Buenos Aires’ history. It was under siege during the British invasions of the early 19th century and was used as a museum when the Dominican orders were expelled about 20 years later. It now houses the tomb of Manuel Belgrano, one of the country’s national heroes of independence. Due to the convent’s excellent location between Plaza Dorrego and Plaza de Mayo, it’s worth stopping by when walking down to San Telmo from the city center. Join the two hour walking tour of San Telmo to learn more about this convent’s wider significance to the Argentine capital.
Eat steak at La Brigada
Restaurant, Steakhouse, Argentina, South American
This restaurant may be decked out in sports memorabilia, but don’t be mistaken: it’s a fine dining experience. La Brigada has made a name for itself in the neighborhood serving up the best parrillas in town – the word literally translates as “grill” in English, but refers to a classic Argentinian dish of grilled steak, sausages and other meats piled high. Plan ahead for dinner here, as reservations can fill up fast. Dive deeper into the local food scene on a Sherpa Food Tours lunchtime culinary adventure around San Telmo.
Learn about Argentina’s past at Museo Histórico Nacional
Museum
Stop by Bar Plaza Dorrego Feria de San Telmo
Bar, Cafe, Market, Argentina
Go antique shopping at Gil Antigüedades
Store, Shop
This is an updated version of an article originally by Bethany Currie.