The square where Argentina became a country, still the stage for its celebrations and protests, framed by the pink presidential palace.
Plaza de Mayo takes its name from the May Revolution of 1810, when crowds gathered here as the first step towards independence from Spain. It has been the city's gathering place ever since.
At the east end stands the Casa Rosada, the pink presidential palace, its balcony famous from speeches across a century. Opposite is the white colonial Cabildo, the old town council, now a small museum.
On the north side, the columned Metropolitan Cathedral holds the mausoleum of General San Martín, hero of independence. The obelisk-like Pirámide de Mayo marks the centre of the square.
Look down as you cross: white headscarves are painted on the paving around the pyramid, in memory of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, who began walking here in 1977 to ask for news of their disappeared children.
A loop of the historic centre.
Start at the Pirámide de Mayo and find the painted headscarves on the paving around it.
On a weekend, join a free tour of the palace's halls and courtyards; book ahead online.
Step into the cathedral to see the mausoleum, guarded by grenadiers in historic uniform.
Climb to the Cabildo's upper gallery for a view back across the square to the palace.
Walk west along the grand avenue for a coffee at Café Tortoni, or south into San Telmo.
Several Subte lines stop at or near the square (Plaza de Mayo, Catedral, Bolívar). It's walkable from San Telmo and Puerto Madero.
Casa Rosada tours are free at weekends and must be booked online in advance; bring your passport.
Keep bags closed in the busy centre, and be respectful around the cathedral during Mass.
Buenos Aires practical notes →Photographs from Wikimedia Commons and Pexels under their licences.
