San Telmo

Overview

Buenos Aires' oldest residential neighborhood—cobblestone streets, colonial mansions, antique shops, tango bars, and the legendary Sunday street fair.

Highlights

• Sunday Fair: Hundreds of stalls along Defensa with antiques, crafts, and tango dancers.
• Antique Shops: Year-round dealers selling Art Deco lamps and vintage soda siphons.
• Street Art: Murals and paste-ups throughout the neighborhood.

History

Aristocratic quarter until the 1871 yellow fever epidemic drove the wealthy north. Abandoned mansions became immigrant tenements, preserving colonial architecture.

Visitor Tips

• Sunday Is Essential: Plan your visit for the fair day.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.