Retiro is one of the most emblematic and strategic neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina (lat -34.5922, lng -58.3744), located at the northern end of the city center. Its epicenter is Plaza San Martin, an elevated park with century-old rubber trees and views of the Monumental Tower (formerly Torre de los Ingleses), a 75-meter Palladian-style bell tower built in 1916 with materials brought from England. The neighborhood is home to the Kavanagh Building, inaugurated in 1936 as Latin America's first reinforced concrete skyscraper (120 meters, 31 floors), the Basilica of the Most Holy Sacrament in French eclectic style, the National Arms Museum and the Galerias Pacifico (a shopping center in a Beaux-Arts building with murals by Berni, Spilimbergo and Castagnino). Retiro Station, a monumental railway terminal opened in 1915, is the departure point for destinations like San Isidro and the Tigre Delta.
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.
How to Get There
Retiro is one of Buenos Aires' best-connected transport hubs, accessible by subway, bus, train and on foot.
By Subway
Line C has its terminal station at Retiro. It connects with Constitucion to the south and allows transfers to all other lines. Frequency: every 3-5 minutes during rush hour. Price: less than USD 0.50 with a SUBE card.
On Foot
Retiro is 10 blocks (15-minute walk) from the Obelisco and Florida pedestrian street area. Walking along Florida leads directly to Galerias Pacifico and Plaza San Martin.
What to See and Do
Plaza San Martin
Declared a National Historic Monument, this elevated 2-hectare plaza is flanked by century-old rubber trees, jacarandas and tipas. At its center stands the equestrian monument to General San Martin (1862). From the upper bluff there are panoramic views of the Monumental Tower and the Kavanagh Building.
Monumental Tower
Built in 1916 as a gift from the British community, this 75-meter tower features a clock made by the same company that built Big Ben. Visitors can ascend to the viewpoint for panoramic views of the port and city. Free admission, limited hours.
Kavanagh Building
Inaugurated in 1936, it was South America's tallest reinforced concrete skyscraper (120 m, 31 floors). Its rationalist Art Deco style and romantic backstory made it a Buenos Aires icon. UNESCO-listed National Historic Monument.
Galerias Pacifico
Shopping center in an 1889 Beaux-Arts building. Its central dome features murals by five great Argentine artists. Beyond the shops, the architecture and murals alone justify the visit. Free cultural tours available.
When to Visit
- Autumn (March-May): Ideal temperature (14-22°C), golden foliage in the plaza. Perfect light for architectural photography.
- Spring (September-November): Jacarandas in bloom (November). Best time.
- Summer (December-February): Hot (25-35°C). Galerias Pacifico with A/C is a good refuge.
Practical Information
Budget
Subway to Retiro: USD 0.50. Monumental Tower: free. Plaza San Martin: free. Galerias Pacifico murals: free. Arms Museum: USD 1-3. Lunch: USD 8-15.
