San Telmo
The city's oldest quarter, its cobbles, its antique dealers and tango danced in the street.
Duration
2 hrs 30 min – 5 hrs
Best time
Sunday, early afternoon
Open
Every day
Entry price
Free
San Telmo is the oldest quarter of Buenos Aires. It belonged to the wealthy families until the yellow fever epidemic of 1871 drove them north; their houses were divided into conventillos, tenements filled by Italian and Spanish immigrants. Tango was born in those courtyards.
On Sunday the feria sets up along more than a kilometre of Defensa street: antiques, bric-a-brac, crafts, and couples dancing tango on the Plaza Dorrego. The covered market of 1897 is open every day.
Getting there
Metro line C, Independencia station, or line E, San José. Fifteen minutes on foot from the Plaza de Mayo down Defensa street.
Hours
The Defensa street fair runs on Sundays
What to bring
- Walking shoes
- Cap
Rules on site
The Sunday feria is very crowded and pickpocketing is common: bag in front, phone away. The street tango performances expect a contribution, and the price should be asked before you photograph.