South America
Argentina
Capital Federal District
Buenos Aires
Things to do in Buenos Aires
Calle Defensa
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Calle Defensa

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Calle Defensa
4.5
About
Architectural landmarks in the city’s oldest neighborhood have been restored, and this revitalized area is distinctly artistic, with cafes, antique shops, cobblestone streets and lots of artists and dancers.
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The area
Neighbourhood: San Telmo
Characterized by cobblestones and narrow streets, San Telmo is defined by the tango, the dance that made Buenos Aires world-famous. Tango is a fusion of many different cultures: a true child of immigration, much like the city itself. Nowadays, it comes alive after dark in the milongas (dance parties) attended by both locals and visitors alike, who dance until the wee hours of the morning. During the day, the antique shops and classic cafés and bars around Plaza Dorrego dominate the scene. The emblematic Bar Plaza Dorrego, with its green awnings, checkered tile floors, and wooden interiors, takes you back in time the moment you step inside. For true porteño traditions, San Telmo is the place to be.
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,528 within 5 kms
Hierro Parrilla San Telmo
1,071
88 m$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • Barbecue • Grill
La Choripaneria
394
90 m$ • Latin • Fast food • Grill
Juan Bautista Parrilla Gaucha
132
86 m$ • Argentinian
Dobar Tek
242
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • European • Croatian • Central European
El Hornero
127
40 m$ • Latin • Fast food • Argentinian
El banco rojo
483
0.2 km$ • Quick Bites • Fast food • International
Brasserie La Petanque
2,059
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • French • European • Grill
Sagardi Argentina
1,047
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Mediterranean • Spanish
Grandes Carnicerias del Plata
1,961
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Grill • Argentinian • Gluten Free Options
Cafe San Juan la Cantina
898
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Latin • International • Argentinian
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Attractions
909 within 10 kms
Plazoleta de San Francisco
9
0 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Paseo de la Historieta
498
0 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks
La Casa de Esteban de Luca
24
54 mHistoric Sites
Mercado de San Telmo
1,252
76 mFlea & Street Markets
Feira de San Telmo
1,711
0.2 kmFlea & Street Markets
Galeria El Solar de French
90
0.2 kmShopping Malls
El Zanjon de Granados
692
0.2 kmHistory Museums
Galeria de la Inmaculada Concepcion
4
0.1 kmShopping Malls
Fundacion Forner Bigatti
1
0.2 kmArt Museums
Iglesia Dinamarquesa
18
0.2 kmChurches & Cathedrals
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See what travellers are saying
  • RCraigCollins
    Temple, Texas217 contributions
    Crazy Sunday market on Defensa
    Sundays, from Plaza Dorrego all the way to Plaza Mayo, there is the busiest street market you have ever scene. Stalls on both sides, with gifts of all sorts. Note, pedestrian only street during the market, so you may not be able to get to some hotels on Defensa directly
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written August 9, 2023
  • Try2TravelSustainably
    Hamilton, Canada238 contributions
    Sunday Fun day Market - Wow
    We spent the whole afternoon in this area on a Sunday the streets were FULL. We were able to visit the tourist booth to get our subway cards for free with copies of our passport and also get money exchanged. Lots of walking on cobble stones. At the end of the crafts market there is an antique market. There are also lots of expensive stores and alleys to check out.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written October 14, 2023
  • Razorfish
    Little Rock, Arkansas3,813 contributions
    A fun Sunday flea market in San Telmo along Calle Defensa
    Calle Defensa is a continuous flea market from Plaza Dorrego to Plaza Mayo. It must be a mike of stalls that my wife and it seemed like my wife looked at half of them. It was a fun Sunday weaving our way through the crowds and looking at the crafts. It reminded me of El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written October 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
14,618 reviews
Excellent
7,190
Very good
5,578
Average
1,501
Poor
251
Terrible
98
Razorfish
Little Rock, AR3,813 contributions
A fun Sunday flea market in San Telmo along Calle Defensa
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Calle Defensa is a continuous flea market from Plaza Dorrego to Plaza Mayo. It must be a mike of stalls that my wife and it seemed like my wife looked at half of them. It was a fun Sunday weaving our way through the crowds and looking at the crafts. It reminded me of El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid.
Written October 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Try2TravelSustainably
Hamilton, Canada238 contributions
Sunday Fun day Market - Wow
Oct. 2023 • Couples
We spent the whole afternoon in this area on a Sunday the streets were FULL. We were able to visit the tourist booth to get our subway cards for free with copies of our passport and also get money exchanged. Lots of walking on cobble stones. At the end of the crafts market there is an antique market. There are also lots of expensive stores and alleys to check out.
Written October 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ectoplasm Fantasia
Birmingham, UK1,391 contributions
Wonderful heart of BA
May 2023 • Solo
So interesting and fun to explore.

Lots of cafes, shops, buildings and places on interest.

Fascinating graffiti and things to see and feel!
Written August 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RCraigCollins
Temple, TX217 contributions
Crazy Sunday market on Defensa
Aug. 2023 • Family
Sundays, from Plaza Dorrego all the way to Plaza Mayo, there is the busiest street market you have ever scene. Stalls on both sides, with gifts of all sorts. Note, pedestrian only street during the market, so you may not be able to get to some hotels on Defensa directly
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brandasa
Centerville, OH1,364 contributions
choose La Boca instead
Jun. 2023
Sunday market is a packed tourist trap. Wall to wall people. La Boca is way better. Not interesting to us.
Written July 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael A
Nassau, New Providence Island1,899 contributions
Not worth a vist
Mar. 2023
With its ersatz Bohemian vibe, San Telmo is a typical tourist trap that is not worth a visit especially since Buenos Aires has so much more to offer.
Written April 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cultured_Jewel
Las Vegas, NV178 contributions
Historical, but Caution Required
Dec. 2022
The cobblestone streets and old buildings are picturesque. But, the area has some problems. Overall, it is not that clean. Because of the many tourists that are attracted to the area, one must constantly be cautious of pickpockets and thieves. A friend was given fake counterfeit money as change when she bought sandals at the San Telmo Market at the Plaza Dorrego. You need to be alert and keep your eyes open in this area.
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Skaramoosh
Edmonton, Canada3,959 contributions
Thumbs Up!
Mar. 2023
We were lucky to be in Buenos Aires on a Sunday as we got to experience the San Telmo Sunday Market along Calle Defensa. The entire street, probably about 14 blocks in length, teeming with artisans and others selling their craft and wares.

It starts from 9:00am till around 6:00pm. It started to get real busy from about 11:00am when we were there.

There's lots of eateries and pubs along Calle Defensa to stop and people watch. Another great spot to stop for a bite or a drink is at Plaza Dorrego.

Don't forget to stop for a Kodak moment with Mafalda sitting on a bench with a couple of her friends. Be warned....there's a long line up on Sundays.

Who is Mafalda?

'Mafalda is an Argentine comic strip written and drawn by cartoonist Quino. The strip features a six-year-old girl named Mafalda, who reflects the Argentinian middle class and progressive youth, is concerned about humanity and world peace, and has an innocent but serious attitude toward problems.' - Wikipedia

Recommended especially on Sundays.
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rochelle F
Randolph, NJ973 contributions
Nice to see as walking around
Feb. 2023
Nice to walk around while in BA. Cobblestone streets, lots of shops and restaurants. Interesting architecture.
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JnVSydney
Greater Sydney, Australia18,340 contributions
Charming cobblestone street......
Dec. 2022
Running through the heart of san Telmo is this historically charming cobblestone street, that had some beautiful building along it and shops as eclectic as the the area, on weekends the the street comes alive with an open air market that is not to be missed.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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CALLE DEFENSA - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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