Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Avenida 9 de Julio
At 450 feet across, 9 de Julio is the world's wid-
est street, created by knocking down the build-
ings that ran through its center. It is actually
composed of three streets. The outer streets are
Cerrito/Lima
on the west and
Carlos
Pellegrini/Bernardo de Irigoyen
on the
east. The central strip,
9 de Julio
, does not
change its name for its entire length.
Occupying center stage is the towering
Obelisco
(obelisk) at the
Plaza de la
República
, which commemorates the coun-
try's 400th anniversary.
Tip
Rather than try to cross Avenida 9 de
Julio, head to one of the underground
passages. On our last visit, we were
surprised to find that many of these
subterranean passageways are com-
mercial centers unto themselves, lined
with small shops and restaurants.
Arnold was
delighted to find
that numerous
booksellers had
set up shop
underground.
Calle Florida
This pedestrian promenade is the liveliest
street downtown. Along its length are posh bou-
tiques, the Galerías Pacífico shopping mall, a
branch of Harrod's department store, hot dog
vendors, street musicians ranging from scratch
bands to classical guitarists, and lots of
porteños
who work and shop here. It runs 11
