a group of people standing in front of a building

Plaza de Mayo

Buenos Aires, Argentina
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a group of people standing in front of a building

Photo by Gustavo Papasergio

At the beating heart of a city, history often stands on display, shaped by both everyday people and leaders who have passed through for centuries. Plaza de Mayo packs this experience into one open square, shaped by rallies, parades, and quiet moments on shaded benches. Locals come to meet, to remember—or just to sit in the shadow of towering palms, embracing a place that shaped a nation.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
Free

Contact Information

Location
Address
Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen s/n, C1087 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Planning your visit

Visiting Plaza de Mayo is simple, though choosing the right moment can make all the difference. Located in the busy city center, Plaza de Mayo draws busloads of tourists and daily commuters alike. Weekday afternoons see government workers cross the square, while sunny weekends invite families, artists, and food vendors to come out. Expect crowds, especially during national events or protest days. There's no ticket required; the space is open and public, but occasional demonstrations might briefly limit access. For the best experience, plan with the city's rhythm in mind.

  • Best time to visit: Mornings (before 10 a.m.) or late afternoons in spring (September-November) and fall (March-May) for milder weather and fewer crowds.
  • How to get there: Subte Line A, D, or E to "Catedral" or "Plaza de Mayo" stations. City buses also stop nearby. Taxis and rideshares are widely available but may get stuck in downtown traffic.
  • Accessibility: Flat walkways and curb cuts make the plaza friendly for families, strollers, and wheelchairs; benches offer rest.
  • Average visit duration: 1 to 2 hours, including time to explore nearby cafes, museums, and gardens.

Must see stuff

Within Plaza de Mayo, history rises in stone and marble, with every corner offering something different. Some features stand out immediately—like the pink walls of the presidential palace—while others reveal themselves to patient wanderers. Spend time walking the perimeter or pausing at statues, and the stories of this landmark begin to speak.

  • Casa Rosada: The iconic pink Government House, famous for Evita Perón's balcony addresses. While exterior photos are popular, guided tours inside sometimes run on weekends—reservations are required.
  • Pirámide de Mayo: Argentina’s oldest national monument, a white obelisk commemorating the 1810 revolution. Hard to miss at the plaza's heart.
  • Metropolitan Cathedral: Stunning on the outside, filled with art and decorated tombs—General San Martín’s mausoleum is the highlight inside.
  • Cabildo: White colonial-era town hall, now a museum often overlooked by passersby. Offers exhibits on early city life and occasional rooftop access for panoramic shots.
  • Photo ops: Snap classic shots facing the Casa Rosada, from the benches under palm trees, or capturing artists and musicians often performing around the square’s edges.
  • Cultural facts: Every Thursday, the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo circle the Pirámide to remember disappeared children—a tradition since the 1970s.

Tips for your visit

A little local know-how helps with comfort and safety in Plaza de Mayo. While mostly safe and welcoming, the area’s popularity means pickpockets sometimes work the crowds, and summer heat during midday can be relentless. Certain days bring more demonstrators, so flexibility makes the outing smoother. Bring curiosity and your own snacks for a picnic with a historic view—or wander to a nearby café for a break.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Aim for weekdays before noon, or late afternoons after sunset begins.
  • What to bring: Water bottle, hat, sunscreen, walking shoes, a camera, and small bills for museum donations or street snacks.
  • Local etiquette or rules: Don’t climb on monuments, ask before photographing people (especially demonstrators), and respect peaceful protests.
  • Safety or comfort advice: Watch bags and pockets, especially when streets are busy. Public bathrooms nearby are sometimes closed, so plan ahead. Shade is limited—use benches under trees for rest.