Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS…
»
Relaxing at a table on the plaza while tango dancers perform nearby.
»
Sunday's bustling street
feria
.
PRACTICALITIES
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MAP
After Plaza de Mayo, Plaza Dorrego is the city's oldest plaza. It dates to the 18th cen-
tury and was originally a pit stop for caravans bringing supplies into Buenos Aires from
around Argentina. At the turn of the 19th century it became a public square surrounded by
colonial buildings that survive to this day. There's still a wonderful old-time atmosphere
here and cafe-restaurants like Bar Plaza Dorrego (
Click here
)
will definitely take you back
in time. However, things are changing; across from this traditional cafe, a branch of Star-
bucks recently opened and prominently announced the arrival of the 21st century.
Plaza Dorrego's biggest claim to fame is likely now its extremely popular Sunday
feria
.
Tourists and locals alike flock to this fun event, which brings together hundreds of street
vendors, buskers and shoppers. Originally started in 1970 as an antiques fair, the
feria
has
now become a craft market offering all manner of items - jewelry, souvenirs, knick-
knacks, quality artwork, vintage clothing, old collectibles, hand-made crafts, leather jack-
ets and much, much more. Defensa is closed to traffic from Plaza de Mayo to Parque
Lezama (which has its own little craft market) and lined with hundreds of stalls. Street
performers from metallic human statues to
candombe
drumming groups to professional
tango dancers entertain the crowds, while sidewalk tables provide welcome breaks. It's a
tight and crowded scene, so be prepared to bump into people - and watch your bag care-
fully.
