The Microcentro is the financial, commercial and cultural nucleus of Buenos Aires, an area of roughly 100 blocks where the city's most imposing buildings, the theatres of Avenida Corrientes, the pedestrian Calle Florida and Argentina's most recognisable icon — the Obelisk — are concentrated. For tourists, the Microcentro is the obligatory starting point for understanding Buenos Aires.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 8500 km | 10 h 30 direct | — | — |
| Miami (MIA) | 7100 km | 9 h direct | — | — |
| Madrid (MAD) | 10000 km | 12 h direct | — | — |
| São Paulo (GRU) | 1700 km | 2 h 50 | — | — |
| Santiago (SCL) | 1140 km | 2 h | 20 h | 14 h |
| Mendoza | 1050 km | 1 h 45 | 14 h | 11 h |
| Córdoba | 700 km | 1 h 15 | 10 h | 8 h |
| Iguazú (IGR) | 1300 km | 1 h 45 | 18 h | 15 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21° / 30°C | 120 mm | Hot summer | |
| Feb | 20° / 28°C | 125 mm | ||
| Mar | 18° / 26°C | 130 mm | Ideal fall start | |
| Apr | 14° / 22°C | 95 mm | ||
| May | 11° / 19°C | 75 mm | ||
| Jun | 8° / 15°C | 60 mm | ||
| Jul | 7° / 15°C | 60 mm | Winter break | |
| Aug | 9° / 17°C | 70 mm | ||
| Sep | 11° / 19°C | 80 mm | Ideal spring | |
| Oct | 13° / 22°C | 120 mm | ||
| Nov | 16° / 25°C | 125 mm | ||
| Dec | 19° / 28°C | 120 mm | Year-end holidays |
Typical prices by category
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel/night | USD 20–35 | USD 60–110 | USD 180–500 |
| Food/day | USD 15–22 | USD 30–55 | USD 80–200 |
| Tango show | USD 25–40 | USD 60–90 | USD 120–250 |
| Day tour | USD 30–50 | USD 60–90 | USD 150–300 |
Approximate ranges in USD as of April 2026. Subway & bus: flat ~ARS 500 fare.
The Obelisk
The Buenos Aires Obelisk, inaugurated in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city's first founding, is Argentina's most recognisable symbol. Standing 67.5 metres tall at the intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio (the widest avenue in the world at 140 metres) and Avenida Corrientes. It is where Argentines gather to celebrate football victories and national triumphs. It cannot be climbed, but the view from the base is an unmissable photo opportunity.
Teatro Colon
The Teatro Colon is one of the world's five finest opera houses. Inaugurated in 1908, Pavarotti declared it "the hall with the finest acoustics in the world." Guided tours (USD 10-15, 50 min) depart every 15-20 min. Performance tickets from USD 5 (upper gallery) to USD 150 (stalls). See our full Teatro Colon guide.
Calle Florida
Buenos Aires' most famous pedestrian street, an 11-block walk from Avenida Rivadavia to Plaza San Martin. A hive of people, street musicians, tango performers, vendors and shops. Galerias Pacifico (between Cordoba and Viamonte) is one of BA's most beautiful malls, with murals by Argentine masters on its dome (free to view).
Avenida Corrientes: theatres and pizzerias
The Broadway of Buenos Aires. Theatres, cinemas, late-night bookshops and the city's most iconic pizzerias: Guerrin (standing at the counter, muzza by the slice from USD 2-3), Los Inmortales, Las Cuartetas, El Cuartito.
Getting around the Microcentro
- Subway: the Microcentro has the highest concentration of stations. Lines A, B, C, D and E converge here.
- On foot: walkable in 2-3 hours. Florida and Avenida de Mayo are pedestrianised.
- Hop-on bus: stops at the Obelisk, Teatro Colon and Plaza San Martin (USD 21/24 hours).
