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Offered languages
- English
- English
San Telmo is the oldest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, and its cobblestone streets hold enough history to fill several lifetimes. On this self-guided walking tour, you'll trace how sailors, slaves, immigrants, and tango singers turned a muddy colonial outpost into the soul of the city. You'll also discover how a yellow fever epidemic, two British invasions, and millions of Italian immigrants each left their mark on this single neighbourhood.
The tour starts at Basílica de San Francisco, where a time capsule is hidden inside a stone statue on the facade. From there, you'll walk south along Defensa Street, passing the oldest pharmacy in Buenos Aires and the spot where residents repelled two British invasions from rooftops using stones and boiling water. You'll also hear how that resistance helped spark Argentina's independence movement, and why the street you're walking is named after those events.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at Adolfo Alsina 400. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading
The tour ends at the Museo Historico Nacional.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
As you pass by Basílica de San Francisco de Asís, you'll learn about the hidden time capsule sealed inside the facade's statue of Dante Alighieri, discovered only during a later restoration. Entry to the basilica is free.
Admission ticket free -
Farmacia De la Estrella Homeopatia (Pass by)
You'll pass the ornate doorway of Farmacia La Estrella Homeopatía, the oldest pharmacy in Buenos Aires, dating back to 1834. If it's open, you're welcome to step inside and admire its original walnut shelving and painted ceilings at no charge.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
You'll pass by the Basílica Nuestra Señora del Rosario, where cannonball scars from the 1806 British invasion are still visible on the tower, and where flag creator Manuel Belgrano is buried. Entry to the church is free.
Admission ticket free -
Mafalda Statue (Pass by)
You'll pass by the beloved Mafalda statue, a bronze of Argentina's most famous cartoon character seated on a bench on the corner where she "lived" in Quino's comics. It's a free photo spot, though you may need to wait your turn.
Admission ticket free -
El Zanjon De Granados (Pass by)
Passing by Museo Zanjón de Granados, you'll hear how this restored former conventillo sits atop a buried river that once marked the edge of the city. A separate ticket is required to explore the underground passages inside.
Admission ticket free -
Casa Minima (Pass by)
You'll pass Casa Mínima, the narrowest house in Buenos Aires at just 2.5 metres wide, linked to the story of the city's freed Afro-Argentine population. It's part of the El Zanjón complex, so a separate ticket is needed to go inside.
Admission ticket free -
El Viejo Almacen (Pass by)
You'll pass El Viejo Almacén, a legendary tango house since the 1960s and once a hospital for English sailors. Entry to the evening tango show is not included in this tour.
Admission ticket free -
Mercado San Telmo (Pass by)
You'll pass by the entrance to the historic San Telmo Market, built in 1897 beneath a landmark iron-and-glass dome. Browsing is free, though any food or antiques you buy are at your own cost.
Admission ticket free -
Parroquia de San Pedro Gonzalez Telmo (Pass by)
You'll pass San Pedro Gonzáles Telmo Church, begun by Jesuit priests in 1734 and the source of the neighbourhood's name. Entry to the church is free, though the adjoining Penitentiary Museum keeps limited hours.
Admission ticket free -
Plaza Dorrego (Pass by)
You'll arrive at Plaza Dorrego, the historic square where locals gathered in 1816 to celebrate Argentina's independence, now surrounded by cafés and antique stalls. The plaza is free to explore.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
You'll pass Bar Británico, a classic bodegón whose name was defaced during the 1982 Falklands War, leaving it as simply "Bar Tánico" for years. There's no entry fee, though food and drinks are at your own cost.
Admission ticket free -
Museo Historico Nacional (Pass by)
Your tour concludes at Museo Histórico Nacional, home to the sword of independence hero José de San Martín. Admission requirements should be checked in advance, as this tour does not include a ticket.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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