San Telmo, the bohemian heart of Buenos Aires, is a historic neighborhood famous for cobblestone streets, antique markets, and authentic tango. Key, must-see spots include the bustling Sunday Feria de San Telmo on Plaza Dorrego, the iron-structured Mercado San Telmo, and the historic Calle Defensa.
San Telmo, one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, has a unique charm. Its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and urban art give it a bohemian air that captivates both tourists and locals. If you're planning a visit during the day, here are some must-do activities in this porteño neighborhood.
Sunday is the busiest day, with the biggest number of stalls open, but also large numbers of visitors, so the best day to visit might be on a Saturday. The market's open 10.30am to 7.30pm from Tuesday to Friday and 9am to 8pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
San Telmo is one of the city's oldest and most emblematic neighbourhoods. It still maintains much of its original architecture, with historic mansions, cobbled streets and patios with fountains.
San Telmo in Buenos Aires – Complete Neighborhood Tour
Is it safe to walk around San Telmo, Buenos Aires?
San Telmo is mostly a safe neighbourhood, and we have never experienced any problems here personally, but it is best to exercise some caution. As with many of the city's popular tourist areas, there are pickpockets and petty thieves around.
DON'T yawn or eat in public (on the street) – it's considered very rude. DON'T make the “OK” or thumb's up gesture – they are both considered vulgar. DON'T expect social occasions to begin on time – it's actually considered rude to arrive for a party on time.
Can I brush my teeth with the water in Buenos Aires?
Q: Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Buenos Aires? A: Yes, using tap water for brushing your teeth is generally considered safe in Buenos Aires, as the water is treated for personal hygiene purposes. If you have particularly sensitive digestion, using purified or bottled water is an option for added peace of mind.
San Telmo. For those looking for a more authentic location to stay at, I recommend San Telmo. It is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires and holds a lot of history. The area features cobbled streets, colonial buildings, and a bustling street market every Sunday.
In the neighborhood of San Telmo there are some shops where you can buy vintage items, plus every Sunday in the Plaza Dorrego a market is organised where you can buy antique magazines, second-hand books, vinyl, clothing, jewellery and furniture.
Bourdain's trip to meat-centric Buenos Aires features a meal at famous local spot, Don Carlito's, and an after-hours soccer match. Bourdain's trip to meat-centric Buenos Aires features a meal at famous local spot, Don Carlito's, and an after-hours soccer match.
In Argentina, breakfast is a light, sweet, and quick affair—often just a café con leche and a medialuna (sweet croissant-like pastry), or a quick mate and some tostados con queso crema (toast with cream cheese). Argentinians save their appetite for the famous late dinners!
Feira de San Telmo is beautiful, lively, and full of local culture. Vendors are friendly and not pushy, and there's a little bit of everything to explore. Only open on Sundays, it's a must-visit for a true taste of Buenos Aires.
Although November to March is the hottest period in Buenos Aires, it's also the wettest. November is one of the rainiest months, receiving an average of 4.7 inches (120mm), increasing to 4.9 inches (125mm) in February. This tends to fall as short, sharp storms as the humidity increases.
Buenos Aires is a legitimate metropolis and you could easily spend your entire Argentina trip here, whether that's 3 days or 2 weeks. I've lived here my whole life and I still never get bored, so if it's your first visit you certainly won't need to worry about running out of things to do.
Palermo is the biggest and wealthiest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. In fact, it may not have stopped growing, with realtors trying to bolt on its upmarket name to that of every other area nearby.
Is San Telmo one of Buenos Aires' famous neighborhoods popular among tourists?
With its cobblestone streets and faded elegance, this central neighborhood is a favorite for locals and tourists alike, and for good reason: as one of the first neighborhoods in the city, walking through San Telmo is like walking through the streets of old Buenos Aires.
