Though technically not a separate neighborhood but consisting of parts of a few of the 48 neighborhoods in the city, the Microcentro is the name commonly used for the downtown section of Buenos Aires that includes the main office, financial, shopping and government facilities as well as some of her more famous monuments. Though probably not the best option for most visitors to actually spend the night, the Microcentro has some not so obvious attractions as well that make a visit at all times of the day and night a worthwhile addition to the perfect vacation to Buenos Aires.
During the day the 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest street in the world and its centerpiece Obelisk, built in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Buenos Aires form a natural draw as well as the pedestrian shopping street Florida that runs parallel to it a few blocks east and is home to all famous brands. A highlight is Galerias Pacifico, an upscale shopping mall on the corner of Florida and Cordoba streets that has giant frescos by famous Argentine painters on its ceilings.
For lunch Tomo 1 (Carlos Pellegrini 173), mere feet away from the Obelisk, is one of the best restaurants in town with gourmet takes on authentic Porteño cuisine. If you would rather see the city from above A222 (Corrientes 222) on the top floor of the historic Comega building offers spectacular views.
In the afternoon and early evening when the office workers go home, Confiteria Ideal (Suipacha 384) comes to life. This historic cafe has a gorgeous room for tango on the second floor. Go watch locals dance the tango to live music on most weekdays and participate if you got the moves.
Late at night when the streets of the Microcentro seem deserted, behind closed doors the party continues at Bahrein (Lavalle 345). Housed in a former bank building with one of the bars housed in the giant former vault it attracts huge crowds who come to dance to the beats of big name DJ’s. Walking out of this place in the middle of the deserted microcentro at 7 AM is an unforgettable part of the best trips to Buenos Aires.
