Abasto
About
Abasto is an area rapidly being restored to its former splendour. It is well known as a hotspot for shopping, cinemas, and tango. Located next to the commercial hub of the Once district, most locals refer to the area as Abasto, though it is actually part of the Balvanera neighbourhood.
Dating back to 1893, Abasto was home to the city's main wholesale fruit and vegetable market. The market operated until the mid-1980s, after which it was abandoned for several years. The original Art Deco market building was renovated in the 1990s to house the Abasto Shopping Mall, which now covers three large floors with over 250 stores and a large cinema complex.
The shopping mall and increased tourism to Buenos Aires in recent years have rejuvenated the surrounding area, with tango as the central theme. Today, visitors will find tango shops, dance studios, and houses decorated with tango compositions. Nearby is the Museo Casa Carlos Gardel (The Carlos Gardel House Museum), dedicated to the King of Tango, Carlos Gardel. He used used to live in the Abasto area and the museum is situated in the house he lived in. There is also a bronze statue of Gardel outside the Abasto Shopping complex on Anchorena Street.
Getting to and from Abasto
Abasto is well-connected by public transport, with the Linea B subway station Carlos Gardel providing easy access to the area. Additionally, many bus routes service Abasto, ensuring convenient travel throughout the city.
Why Stay in Abasto Buenos Aires?
Staying in Abasto offers numerous advantages:
- Proximity to Shopping and Entertainment: Abasto is renowned for its shopping opportunities, with the Abasto Shopping Mall housing over 250 stores and a large cinema complex. The area is also famous for its vibrant tango culture, featuring numerous tango shops, dance studios, and themed houses.
- Cultural and Historical Attractions: The neighborhood is home to the Museo Casa Carlos Gardel, dedicated to the legendary tango singer Carlos Gardel, who once lived in the area. The museum provides a fascinating insight into his life and legacy.
- Dining and Nightlife: Abasto boasts some great parrillas (BBQ restaurants) and a lively nightlife scene. The recent rejuvenation has added color to the local streets, with murals and lyrics displayed on buildings, enhancing the area's cultural charm.
- Proximity to the Once District: The nearby Once commercial district offers a wide variety of goods at economical prices, making it a great place for bargain hunting.
- Convenient Location: Abasto is close to the city center and easily reachable via the metro system. For those with lots of energy, it is about a 45-minute walk straight along Corrientes Avenue from downtown.
Proximity to Buenos Aires Airports
Abasto is conveniently located about 20 minutes by taxi from Jorge Newbery Aeroparque and approximately 45 minutes from Ezeiza International Airport.
Abasto combines a rich cultural heritage with modern shopping and entertainment, making it an excellent choice for visitors seeking both historical charm and contemporary amenities in Buenos Aires.
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.