About

Monserrat is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of Buenos Aires, taking up a significant portion of the downtown area. It is bordered by the neighborhoods of San Cristóbal, San Telmo, and Constitución. Monserrat, along with the Microcentro, makes up a large chunk of the downtown or El Centro area. This neighborhood is steeped in history, dating back to the founding of Buenos Aires. Avenida de Mayo is the main artery that runs through Monserrat. This major avenue stretches from Plaza de Mayo to the Congreso and is lined with historic buildings and architectural marvels, offering a glimpse into the city’s past. Some of these include the Cabildo, Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Congreso. The neighborhood is also home to historic coffee shops like Café Tortoni and 36 Billares, as well as Palacio Barolo, which offers stunning views of the city from its lighthouse. Monserrat is conveniently close to the bohemian quarter of San Telmo and the renovated docklands of Puerto Madero, providing a variety of cultural and recreational options.

Monserrat's location is handy for getting to Retiro Train Station and Retiro Bus Terminal, as well as Buenos Aires' other main train station, Constitución Station. This is the main station for trains heading out to La Plata, and there is also a train that goes as far as Mar del Plata on the coast.

Why Stay in Monserrat, Buenos Aires?

Wondering where to stay in Buenos Aires? Monserrat offers a prime location in the heart of downtown, making it convenient for exploring major attractions, cultural sites, and historical landmarks. Staying near Avenida de Mayo and Congreso provides easy access to key points of interest and offers a more vibrant and historically rich experience.

Transport and Accessibility

Monserrat is well-connected by public transport. The area is served by several bus routes and is close to multiple subway stations, including those on Line A and Line C. Additionally, Linea E terminates in Monserrat, enhancing the neighborhood’s accessibility and making commuting throughout the city straightforward and convenient.

Practical Considerations

One thing to keep in mind if planning to stay in Monserrat is the area around Congreso and its adjoining plaza. Depending on the political climate, occasional demonstrations or political rallies take place here. These can cause delays to local transportation, as roads get cut off or subway lines suspended. However, the location is generally advantageous and should be considered over these occasional events.

In terms of amenities, Monserrat does not have very large supermarkets. Instead, you will find mainly smaller convenience shops, or express stores, where you can buy most necessities.

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.