Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( tours in Spanish 4331-1668; cnr Defensa & Av Belgrano; Tours admission by appointment
only Mon-Fri, at 3:30pm & 4:30pm Sun)
This 18th-century Dominican basilica has a colorful
history. On its left tower are the replicated scars of shrapnel from fire against British
troops who holed up here during the 1806 invasion. Tours in Spanish are available; you
can see the flags that were captured from the British.
Museo de la Policía Federal
MUSEUM
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
( 4394-6857; San Martín 353, 7th fl; 2-7pm Tue-Fri)
This quirky police museum
displays a whole slew of uniforms and medals, along with 'illegal activities' exhibits
(cockfighting and gambling), drug paraphernalia (including a fake arm stuck with a
needle!) and even a stuffed police dog. The forensic room way in the back was being re-
modeled at research time - it may or may not keep its grisly photos and dummies of
hacked-up murder victims; something to keep in mind if you bring the kids.
Museo Mitre
MUSEUM
( 4394-8240; San Martín 336; admission AR$15; 1-5pm Mon-Fri)
This museum is located
in the colonial house where Bartolomé Mitre - Argentina's first legitimate president elec-
ted under the constitution of 1853 - resided with his family. Mitre's term ran from 1862
to 1868, and he spent much of it leading the country's armies against Paraguay. Two
courtyards, salons, an office, a billiards room and Mitre's old bedroom are part of this
complex. Since part of the museum is open air, you may find it closed during heavy rain.
Museo Mundial del Tango
MUSEUM
( 4345-6967; Av de Mayo 833, 1st fl; admission AR$20; 2:30-7:30pm Mon-Fri)
Located be-
low the Academia Nacional del Tango (
Click here
)
is this tango museum - for fans of the
dance only. Just a couple of large rooms are filled with tango memorabilia, from old re-
cords and photos to historic literature and posters. Tango shoes are also featured, but the
highlight has to be one of Carlos Gardel's famous fedora hats.
Puerto Madero
The newest and least conventional of the capital's 48 official barrios is Puerto Madero,
located east of the Microcentro. Once an old waterfront, it's now a wonderful place to
stroll, boasting cobbled paths and a long line of attractive brick warehouses that have
