8 Palaces in Retiro & Plaza San Martín: Complete Guide, Map & Entry Fees
The 'Paris of South America' at its finest. A self-guided walking tour through Buenos Aires' most dazzling aristocratic residences, their period secrets, and how to visit them.
8 Palaces in Retiro & Plaza San Martín: Complete Guide, Map & Entry Fees
The 'Paris of South America' at its finest. A self-guided walking tour through Buenos Aires' most dazzling aristocratic residences, their period secrets, and how to visit them.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Argentina's wealthiest aristocratic families built breathtaking private residences inspired by Neoclassicism and French Beaux-Arts architecture. The neighborhood of Retiro, particularly around Plaza San Martín and the elegant Arroyo Street, became the epicenter of this golden age.
Today, many of these grand mansions serve as foreign embassies, government ministries, or public museums. In this detailed guide, we bring you the definitive walking tour of Retiro's 8 most iconic palaces, featuring accurate location details, interior access information, opening schedules, and tour pricing.
Walking Tour Map & Tips
- Total Distance: Approximately 1.8 kilometers / 1.1 miles (an easy 2-to-3-hour walk).
- Best Time to Visit: Tuesday through Friday in the morning or early afternoon, matching the opening schedules of museums and guided tours.
- How to Get to the Starting Point: Subway Line C (General San Martín Station) or Line E (Retiro Station).
Top 8 Must-See Palaces in Retiro
1 - Palacio Paz (Military Circle)
The largest and most lavish private residence ever built in Buenos Aires (boasting 12,000 m² / 129,000 sq ft and 140 rooms). Commissioned by José C. Paz (founder of La Prensa newspaper), this majestic late-French-style mansion commands the front of Plaza San Martín.
- Exact Location: Av. Santa Fe 750 (facing Plaza San Martín).
- Can you visit inside?: YES. It is one of the few palaces offering regular guided tours to the general public.
- Visitor Information:
- Days & Hours: Tuesday to Saturday (fixed morning and afternoon time slots with prior reservation or tickets bought at the box office).
- Admission: Paid entry (discounted rates for Argentine residents vs. international tourists).
- What you'll see: The marble Grand Hall of Honor, the Great Hall of Mirrors (inspired by Versailles), and opulent dining and ballrooms.
- Insider Tip: The ground floor houses an elegant restaurant-cafe overlooking the inner garden, open to the public without purchasing a palace tour ticket.
2 - Palacio San Martín (Anchorena Palace)
Located on Arroyo Street facing the plaza, this was the residence of the aristocratic Anchorena family. Designed by architect Alejandro Christophersen, this ensemble of three unified residences under a striking Beaux-Arts facade currently serves as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería).
- Exact Location: Arenales 761 (corner of Basavilbaso & Arroyo).
- Can you visit inside?: YES, but with very limited capacity.
- Visitor Information:
- Days & Hours: Offers free guided tours only on select days of the week (typically Tuesday and Thursday afternoons).
- Admission: Free with mandatory advance booking (managed through the Ministry's official cultural schedule or website).
- Entry Requirement: Physical passport or original ID card required for security clearance at entry.
- What you'll see: The Courtyard of Honor for carriage arrivals, ceremonial halls, pre-Columbian art collection, and interior gardens.
3 - Palacio Fernández Anchorena (Apostolic Nunciature)
An architectural jewel designed by French architect Edouard Le Monnier in the early 20th century. Its elegance is so extraordinary that it was acquired by the Catholic Church and now serves as the Apostolic Nunciature in Argentina (the Vatican Embassy). Pope John Paul II stayed here during his visits to the country.
- Exact Location: Av. Alvear 1605 (corner of Libertad).
- Can you visit inside?: NO.
- Practical Information:
- As a high-security diplomatic venue for the Holy See, it is not open to the general public.
- How to appreciate it: From the sidewalk on Alvear Avenue, you can admire its grand facade, slate mansard roofs, and intricate wrought-iron entry gate.
4 - Palacio Ortiz Basualdo (French Embassy)
One of the finest examples of French Beaux-Arts architecture in the Americas. Designed by Paul Pater, it was slated for demolition in the 1970s for the construction of 9 de Julio Avenue, but the French government refused to sell, preserving this historical monument.
- Exact Location: Cerrito 1399 (corner of Av. Alvear).
- Can you visit inside?: Only on special dates.
- Visitor Information:
- Regular Access: Closed to the general public (functions as the ambassador's residence and official embassy).
- Special Access: Opens its doors 100% free of charge once a year during Heritage Weekend / European Heritage Days (usually in September or October).
- Year-Round Viewing: It is one of the neighborhood's most photographed corners, located right opposite Plaza Pellegrini.
5 - Palacio Pereda (Brazilian Embassy)
Commissioned by physician and landowner Celedonio Pereda, this palace drew inspiration from the Louvre Museum and the Moncloa Palace in Madrid. It features one of the most imposing and symmetrical facades in the area and currently serves as the official residence of the Ambassador of Brazil.
- Exact Location: Arroyo 1142 (facing Plaza Pellegrini).
- Can you visit inside?: YES, inside its Cultural Space.
- Visitor Information:
- Days & Hours: Thursday through Sunday afternoons during temporary exhibition runs.
- Admission: Free.
- What you'll see: The Embassy of Brazil Cultural Space (access via Arroyo Street) allows entry into gallery rooms to view art exhibits, interior architecture, and ceiling murals painted by artist Sert.
6 - Palacio Noel (Isaac Fernández Blanco Museum)
Built in the 1920s by architect Martín Noel as his personal home, unlike the French-inspired mansions surrounding it, this estate represents the finest example of Spanish Neocolonial architecture in Buenos Aires.
- Exact Location: Suipacha 1422.
- Can you visit inside?: YES. It houses the main branch of the Isaac Fernández Blanco Museum of Spanish-American Art.
- Visitor Information:
- Days & Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays).
- Admission: Paid entry (very affordable rates, discounts for residents, and free admission on Wednesdays).
- What you'll see: Spectacular Andalusian-style gardens with hand-painted tiles, the country's largest collection of colonial South American silverware, Cusco school paintings, and period furniture.
7 - Palacio Haedo (National Parks Headquarters)
The oldest surviving building surrounding Plaza San Martín. Built in the 1870s in an Italianate Neo-Gothic style with Renaissance villa accents, it was originally the residence of the Haedo family and later housed the Banco Popular Argentino.
- Exact Location: Av. Santa Fe 690 (facing Plaza San Martín).
- Can you visit inside?: PARTIALLY.
- Visitor Information:
- Functions as the administrative headquarters for the National Parks Administration (Administración de Parques Nacionales).
- Access: Visitors can freely enter the main lobby, official bookstore, and gift shop during weekday administrative hours (Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM).
8 - Estrugamou Building (Edificio Estrugamou)
While technically a luxury apartment building rather than a single-family mansion, this 1929 architectural masterpiece designed by Eduardo Sauze and Auguste Huguier epitomizes the pinnacle of aristocratic residential luxury from that era.
- Exact Location: Juncal 747 (corner of Esmeralda).
- Can you visit inside?: NO (private residential building).
- Practical Information:
- How to appreciate it: From the corner of Juncal and Esmeralda, admire its massive French bronze mansard roof, pilasters, and peek through the grand iron entrance gate to view the central courtyard housing a full-scale bronze replica of the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to book a tour to see these palaces?
No booking is required for the walk itself. The entire circuit is concentrated around Plaza San Martín, Arroyo Street, and the beginning of Alvear Avenue, making it easy to enjoy as a self-guided walking tour using this guide.
Which palace is the most impressive to see inside?
Palacio Paz is unarguably the grandest and most breathtaking in terms of period ballrooms and lavish ornamentation, while Palacio Noel offers the best combination of architecture, historical art collections, and peaceful gardens.
You Might Also Like
- Total Distance: Approximately 1.8 kilometers / 1.1 miles (an easy 2-to-3-hour walk).
- Best Time to Visit: Tuesday through Friday in the morning or early afternoon, matching the opening schedules of museums and guided tours.
- How to Get to the Starting Point: Subway Line C (General San Martín Station) or Line E (Retiro Station).
PUBLICIDAD
Travel with Data: Get your Saily eSIM
- ✓Internet in seconds upon landing
- ✓Flexible plans in 180+ countries
- ✓Easy setup directly via the App
1 - Palacio Paz (Military Circle)
The largest and most lavish private residence ever built in Buenos Aires (boasting 12,000 m² / 129,000 sq ft and 140 rooms). Commissioned by José C. Paz (founder of La Prensa newspaper), this majestic late-French-style mansion commands the front of Plaza San Martín.
- Exact Location: Av. Santa Fe 750 (facing Plaza San Martín).
- Can you visit inside?: YES. It is one of the few palaces offering regular guided tours to the general public.
- Visitor Information:
- Days & Hours: Tuesday to Saturday (fixed morning and afternoon time slots with prior reservation or tickets bought at the box office).
- Admission: Paid entry (discounted rates for Argentine residents vs. international tourists).
- What you'll see: The marble Grand Hall of Honor, the Great Hall of Mirrors (inspired by Versailles), and opulent dining and ballrooms.
- Insider Tip: The ground floor houses an elegant restaurant-cafe overlooking the inner garden, open to the public without purchasing a palace tour ticket.
2 - Palacio San Martín (Anchorena Palace)
Located on Arroyo Street facing the plaza, this was the residence of the aristocratic Anchorena family. Designed by architect Alejandro Christophersen, this ensemble of three unified residences under a striking Beaux-Arts facade currently serves as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería).
- Exact Location: Arenales 761 (corner of Basavilbaso & Arroyo).
- Can you visit inside?: YES, but with very limited capacity.
- Visitor Information:
- Days & Hours: Offers free guided tours only on select days of the week (typically Tuesday and Thursday afternoons).
- Admission: Free with mandatory advance booking (managed through the Ministry's official cultural schedule or website).
- Entry Requirement: Physical passport or original ID card required for security clearance at entry.
- What you'll see: The Courtyard of Honor for carriage arrivals, ceremonial halls, pre-Columbian art collection, and interior gardens.
3 - Palacio Fernández Anchorena (Apostolic Nunciature)
An architectural jewel designed by French architect Edouard Le Monnier in the early 20th century. Its elegance is so extraordinary that it was acquired by the Catholic Church and now serves as the Apostolic Nunciature in Argentina (the Vatican Embassy). Pope John Paul II stayed here during his visits to the country.
- Exact Location: Av. Alvear 1605 (corner of Libertad).
- Can you visit inside?: NO.
- Practical Information:
- As a high-security diplomatic venue for the Holy See, it is not open to the general public.
- How to appreciate it: From the sidewalk on Alvear Avenue, you can admire its grand facade, slate mansard roofs, and intricate wrought-iron entry gate.
4 - Palacio Ortiz Basualdo (French Embassy)
One of the finest examples of French Beaux-Arts architecture in the Americas. Designed by Paul Pater, it was slated for demolition in the 1970s for the construction of 9 de Julio Avenue, but the French government refused to sell, preserving this historical monument.
- Exact Location: Cerrito 1399 (corner of Av. Alvear).
- Can you visit inside?: Only on special dates.
- Visitor Information:
- Regular Access: Closed to the general public (functions as the ambassador's residence and official embassy).
- Special Access: Opens its doors 100% free of charge once a year during Heritage Weekend / European Heritage Days (usually in September or October).
- Year-Round Viewing: It is one of the neighborhood's most photographed corners, located right opposite Plaza Pellegrini.
5 - Palacio Pereda (Brazilian Embassy)
Commissioned by physician and landowner Celedonio Pereda, this palace drew inspiration from the Louvre Museum and the Moncloa Palace in Madrid. It features one of the most imposing and symmetrical facades in the area and currently serves as the official residence of the Ambassador of Brazil.
- Exact Location: Arroyo 1142 (facing Plaza Pellegrini).
- Can you visit inside?: YES, inside its Cultural Space.
- Visitor Information:
- Days & Hours: Thursday through Sunday afternoons during temporary exhibition runs.
- Admission: Free.
- What you'll see: The Embassy of Brazil Cultural Space (access via Arroyo Street) allows entry into gallery rooms to view art exhibits, interior architecture, and ceiling murals painted by artist Sert.
6 - Palacio Noel (Isaac Fernández Blanco Museum)
Built in the 1920s by architect Martín Noel as his personal home, unlike the French-inspired mansions surrounding it, this estate represents the finest example of Spanish Neocolonial architecture in Buenos Aires.
- Exact Location: Suipacha 1422.
- Can you visit inside?: YES. It houses the main branch of the Isaac Fernández Blanco Museum of Spanish-American Art.
- Visitor Information:
- Days & Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays).
- Admission: Paid entry (very affordable rates, discounts for residents, and free admission on Wednesdays).
- What you'll see: Spectacular Andalusian-style gardens with hand-painted tiles, the country's largest collection of colonial South American silverware, Cusco school paintings, and period furniture.
7 - Palacio Haedo (National Parks Headquarters)
The oldest surviving building surrounding Plaza San Martín. Built in the 1870s in an Italianate Neo-Gothic style with Renaissance villa accents, it was originally the residence of the Haedo family and later housed the Banco Popular Argentino.
- Exact Location: Av. Santa Fe 690 (facing Plaza San Martín).
- Can you visit inside?: PARTIALLY.
- Visitor Information:
- Functions as the administrative headquarters for the National Parks Administration (Administración de Parques Nacionales).
- Access: Visitors can freely enter the main lobby, official bookstore, and gift shop during weekday administrative hours (Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM).
8 - Estrugamou Building (Edificio Estrugamou)
While technically a luxury apartment building rather than a single-family mansion, this 1929 architectural masterpiece designed by Eduardo Sauze and Auguste Huguier epitomizes the pinnacle of aristocratic residential luxury from that era.
- Exact Location: Juncal 747 (corner of Esmeralda).
- Can you visit inside?: NO (private residential building).
- Practical Information:
- How to appreciate it: From the corner of Juncal and Esmeralda, admire its massive French bronze mansard roof, pilasters, and peek through the grand iron entrance gate to view the central courtyard housing a full-scale bronze replica of the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Do I need to book a tour to see these palaces?
No booking is required for the walk itself. The entire circuit is concentrated around Plaza San Martín, Arroyo Street, and the beginning of Alvear Avenue, making it easy to enjoy as a self-guided walking tour using this guide.
Which palace is the most impressive to see inside?
Palacio Paz is unarguably the grandest and most breathtaking in terms of period ballrooms and lavish ornamentation, while Palacio Noel offers the best combination of architecture, historical art collections, and peaceful gardens.
PUBLICIDAD
Get Your International Travel Insurance Quote
- ✓International medical insurance
- ✓24/7 immediate assistance in your language
- ✓Ideal for trekking & adventure
Preferences
Language
Color
Text
Width
