The historic hall
Wood, mirrors, stained glass.
Ferchulandia05 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Ramon Corvera — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Ramon Corvera — CC BY-SA 3.0
Café Tortoni is Buenos Aires' oldest and best-known café, opened in 1858 by a French immigrant and named after the Parisian Café Tortoni, a gathering place of the Paris cultural elite in the 19th century. It moved to its present site in 1880, and its entrance on Avenida de Mayo opened in 1898 behind a facade designed by the architect Alejandro Christophersen. Inside is a long hall of columns, dark wood, mirrors, a stained-glass ceiling and old lamps, with statues of writers and artists who were regulars and photos of its history. Several rankings place it among the world's most beautiful cafés, and it hosts evening tango shows, paid and booked ahead. Entry is free and you pay for what you order; a classic is coffee or hot chocolate with churros. Queues form at the door at peak times, so early morning is calmer.
Wood, mirrors, stained glass.
A classic order.
Booked ahead.
Avenida de Mayo 825, Buenos Aires
Cabildo of Buenos AiresThe Cabildo is a white arcaded building with a small tower facing Plaza de Mayo.5 minutes walk4.7
Plaza de Mayo and the Casa RosadaPlaza de Mayo is the main square of Buenos Aires and its historic heart since th7 minutes walk4.5
Obelisco de Buenos AiresThe Obelisco is the symbol of Buenos Aires, a white obelisk 67.5 metres high whe8 minutes walk4.5
Palacio BaroloPalacio Barolo is an office building on Avenida de Mayo that was, on completion 9 minutes walk4.7
Teatro ColónThe Teatro Colón is Buenos Aires's great opera house and one of the finest-sound12 minutes walk4.7At peak times a queue forms at the door; early morning is usually calmer, and entry is free.