Avenida de Mayo
Named in honor of the May Revolution of 1810, Avenida de Mayo Buenos Aires is a well-known avenue that stretches from the Casa Rosada to Congress. Construction on the avenue was completed in 1894, and it is said to be inspired by Madrid's 'Gran Via,' reminiscent of the boulevards one would see in Paris. After being sworn in at the Palacio del Congreso, newly elected Presidents travel down Avenida de Mayo on their way to Casa Rosada.
Why Go to Avenida de Mayo Buenos Aires?
The avenue is lined with buildings of great architectural splendor, making it a marvel to see. Walking along the avenue from Casa Rosada to Congreso is not a great distance and can make for an enjoyable stroll.
Points of Interest:
- Café Tortoni (located at 825 Avenida de Mayo): Cafe Tortoni is a famous coffee house where influential artists and writers, such as Jorge Luis Borges and Benito Quinquela Martín, used to stop for refreshment. Modern-day visitors include Hillary Clinton and Robert Duvall.
- Los 36 Billares (located at 1265 Avenida de Mayo): Another iconic café along the avenue, known for its historic ambiance.
- Academia Nacional del Tango (located at 833 Avenida de Mayo): Hosts a library dedicated to the dance as well as the World Tango Museum.
- El Palacio Barolo (located at 1370 Avenida de Mayo): One of Buenos Aires' architectural gems, inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy. Tours of the building are available, and it's a great place to get a 360-degree view of the city.
- Theatres: As you cross over the widest avenue in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio, you will also find a number of theatres as you approach Congreso.
Did You Know?
The architecture and design of the Palacio Barolo, an historic building located along Avenida de Mayo, is influenced by Dante's Divine Comedy. If you are interested in finding out more of doing a tour of Palacio Barolo check out the page about Palacio Barolo.
If you're interested in more popular places to visit in Buenos Aires, take a look at our Best Attractions in Buenos Aires.
How to get to Avenida de Mayo
Avenida de Mayo has two endpoints: one at Plaza de Mayo and the other at Congreso. You can start your journey from either end. The nearest Subte station to Congreso is Congreso Station on Linea A. At this end of the avenue, you’ll find the Congress Building, Palacio Barolo, and Los 36 Billares. Avenida 9 de Julio cuts through the middle of Avenida de Mayo, with the Lima station on Linea A at this halfway point. The Plaza de Mayo end has three Subte stations in close proximity: Plaza de Mayo Station on Linea A, Catedral Station on Linea D, and Bolivar Station on Linea E. This end of the avenue is near places like Café Tortoni and the Academia Nacional del Tango.
To find out more about using public transport in Buenos Aires, including details on buses, subways, trains, taxis, ride-sharing services, and how to obtain and use the SUBE card, visit the Best Way to Get Around Buenos Aires section.
