Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Plaza Dorrego
PLAZA
After Plaza de Mayo, Plaza Dorrego is the city's oldest plaza. It dates to the 18th century
and was originally a pit stop for caravans bringing supplies into BA from around Argen-
tina. 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 will definitely take you back in time - if you can
ignore the nearby Starbucks.
Plaza Dorrego is the heart of San Telmo's famous Sunday
feria
(street markets; see
boxed text,
Click here
).
El Zanjón de Granados
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
( 4361-3002;
www.elzanjon.com.ar
; Defensa 755; 1hr tour Mon-Fri AR$90, 30min tour Sun
AR$60; tours 11am, noon, 2pm & 3pm Mon-Fri, every 30min 1-6pm Sun)
One of the more
unique places in BA is this amazing urban architectural site. A series of old tunnels, sew-
ers and cisterns (built from 1730 onwards) were constructed above a river tributary and
provided the base for one of BA's oldest settlements, which later became a family man-
sion, then tenement housing and some shops. It's best to reserve ahead for tours.
Museo de Arte Moderno de
Buenos Aires
MUSEUM
(Mamba; 4342-3001;
www.museodeartemoderno.buenosaires.gob.ar
;
Av San Juan 350; admis-
sion AR$5, free Tue; 11am-7pm Tue-Fri, to 8pm Sat & Sun)
Housed in a recycled tobacco
warehouse, this spacious and newly remodeled museum shows off the works of both na-
tional and international contemporary artists. Expect temporary exhibitions showcasing
everything from photography to industrial design, and from figurative to conceptual art.
There's also an auditorium, and there are plans to integrate the old cinema museum next
door, too - and add a cafe and gift shop.
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
Buenos Aires
MUSEUM
(MACBA; 5299-2010;
www.macba.com.ar
;
Av San Juan 328; admission AR$25; noon-7pm
Mon & Wed-Fri, 11am-7:30pm Sat & Sun)
Art lovers shouldn't miss this fine museum, which
specializes in geometric abstraction drawn from the technology-driven world that sur-
