Plaza de Mayo

Plaza de Mayo which includes heritage architecture, a city and street scenes
Spot historical architecture, witness celebrations and demonstrations, watch interesting people and enjoy free music events at Buenos Aires’ most important square.

Surrounded by historical monuments and the site of political demonstrations and national celebrations, Plaza de Mayo reflects the interesting history of Buenos Aires and Argentina. It was mapped out in 1580 by Juan de Garay during the foundation of the city. Today the square is widely considered to be the most important in Argentina.

Plaza de Mayo takes its name from the 1810 May Revolution, which saw Buenos Aires declare itself independent from Spain, thus instigating the Argentine War of Independence. Check out the centerpiece, Pirámide de Mayo, an obelisk erected in 1811 to honour the first anniversary of independence.

Dominating the square’s east side is the pink 19th-century government house, Casa Rosada. Look for arcaded balconies from where political leaders such as Juan and Eva Perón have addressed the nation. Free guided tours of the building are available on weekends and there’s a small museum with displays of political artifacts, open Wednesday through Sunday. Standing in front of the house is an equestrian statue of General Manuel Belgrano, a significant military leader and the creator of the Argentine flag.

Other notable buildings surrounding the square include the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral and the impressive Banco de la Nación building, constructed by revered local architect Alejandro Bustillo. Visit the whitewashed Cabildo (Old City Hall), which has a small museum and hosts an artisan market on Thursdays and Fridays.

One of the most poignant aspects of the square is a weekly vigil held by the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo. Every Thursday afternoon since 1977, women wearing white headscarves have come to demonstrate against the disappearance of their children during Argentina’s dictatorship years.

Free live music events are common at Plaza de Mayo and contribute to the celebration of important dates in Argentine history. Most notable are May Revolution Day on May 25 and Independence Day on July 9. You’ll find plenty of benches to sit on, while pondering past events and watching modern city life pass by.

Situated in the Montserrat neighbourhood, Plaza de Mayo is a short walk from Buenos Aires’ city centre. The square is easily accessible by public buses and the metro.

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit


Top Plaza de Mayo Hotel Deals

Gran Hotel Argentino
Gran Hotel Argentino
3 out of 5
Carlos Pellegrini 37, Buenos Aires, BUE
Gran Hotel Argentino
Hilton Buenos Aires
Hilton Buenos Aires
4.5 out of 5
Av Macacha Guemes 351, Buenos Aires
Hilton Buenos Aires
Efe Hotel & Cowork
Efe Hotel & Cowork
4 out of 5
Paraguay 474, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Efe Hotel & Cowork
Intercontinental Buenos Aires, an IHG Hotel
Intercontinental Buenos Aires, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Moreno 809, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Intercontinental Buenos Aires, an IHG Hotel
725 Continental
725 Continental
4.5 out of 5
Av. Pte Roque Saenz Pena 725, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
725 Continental
Ker San Telmo Hotel
Ker San Telmo Hotel
4 out of 5
Av. Paseo Colon 455, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Ker San Telmo Hotel
Hotel Madero Buenos Aires
Hotel Madero Buenos Aires
4.5 out of 5
Rosario Vera Peñaloza 360 – Dique 2, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Hotel Madero Buenos Aires
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.