tour recoleta buenos aires

• City Center
• Recoleta Cemetery
• Graffiti Palermo

Free Walking Tour Recoleta

Free walking tour recoleta, monday to saturday, 10:30am.

Where: Corner of Libertad and Viamonte, next to Teatro Colón.

Language: English

Duration: 3 hours

Price: Tip based

We will see:

• Teatro Colón y Plaza Lavalle
• Templo Libertad
• Palaces of Plaza San Martín
• Kavanagh Building
• Palaces of Avenida Alvear
• Iglesia del Pilar

¡Meeting Point!

We meet in the Vatican Square, on the corner of the Teatro Colón.

We will start the walk in the area of Courts learning the history of Buenos Aires. Then, we will discover the Colón Theater, the Palace of Justice and the 1st Synagogue of Buenos Aires. We will continue the walk through Avenida 9 de Julio until we reach the Retiro neighborhood where we will enjoy the beautiful Plaza San Martín. Here we will meet the most prominent personalities of the Argentine aristocracy and we will talk about the Malvinas War. After a short break we will fully enter the Recoleta neighborhood, admiring French architecture and the influence of the aristocracy in the city. We will end the tour with a Great Introduction to the Recoleta Cemetery.

WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU TO DISCOVER RECOLETA!

• South America
• Things To Do And See...

The 10 Best Things to See and Do in Recoleta, Buenos Aires

Recoleta’s name originates from a Franciscan Order that established itself in this area in the 18th century. Later, Buenos Aires ‘ rich and powerful began to flood in , defining the neighborhood as we know it today. It’s one of Buenos Aires’ best-loved – and loveliest – neighborhoods. Here are the top things to do in the Recoleta district of Buenos Aires.

1. the floralis genérica.

Memorial, Architectural Landmark

The giant stainless-steel-and-aluminium flower in Plaza Naciones Unidas park recalls Anish Kapoor’s monumental work Cloud Gate in Chicago . Like that sculpture, it is reflective on all sides and mirrored in a pool at its base. Designer Eduardo Catalano intended the flower to be a symbol of hope. At sunset the petals close and the sculpture is infused with a lambent amber glow. It reopens in the morning at 8am, symbolizing the regeneration that comes with dawn.

2. Recoleta Cemetery

3. libreria el ateneo grand splendid.

Bookstore, Architectural Landmark

4. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Building, Museum

Architectural Landmark

The plushest quarter of wealthy Recoleta is an island of affluence on a low hill between the city and the port. In the 1930s this was the place to live – a dream of France transposed to Latin America, with grand mansions overlooking leafy parks. Today many of the most beautiful houses have been replaced with ungainly concrete towers. But the parks remain – radiating from a grandiose monument to post-civil-war president Bartolomé Mitre.

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6. Plaza Francia

Designed by French-Argentinian landscape architect Carlos Thays, this leafy square lies at the heart of a series of plazas that dot the Recoleta neighbourhood. It was designed as a homage to relations between the two nations and is sprinkled with grand sculptures romanticising their joint history. Most notable are Émile Peynot’s 1910 bronze bas reliefs juxtaposing glorious French and Argentinian historical moments – including the Storming of the Bastille and the Battle of San Lorenzo, fought in the Argentine War of Independence.

7. Biblioteca Nacional

8. basilica of nuestra señora del pilar.

With its elegant belltower and harmonious neoclassical facade, this early-18th-century Jesuit church in Gomero de la Recoleta park is one of Buenos Aires’s prettiest colonial buildings. It looks particularly beautiful at night – tastefully lit, surrounded by trees and set against the dark backdrop of the Recoleta cemetery. It’s worth ducking inside to see the baroque gilt reredos and silver altar, which has relief carvings of indigenous American decorative themes.

9. Parque Thays

This large public park, on the corner of Libertador and Callao avenues, is named in honour of Carlos Thays, the Parisian born French-Argentinian landscape architect who was the Buenos Aires Director of Parks in the late 19th century. Thays was responsible for the Parisian feel of the city’s green spaces, with their gardens and stately sculptures. He designed the Plaza Francia, the Buenos Aires Botanical Gardens and the Parque Tres de Febrero in Palermo and his work was always ambitious in his scope.

10. Centro Cultural Recoleta

Art Gallery, Theater

What used to be an old folks’ home was given a new lease of life when it reopened in the Millennium as a performing-arts and exhibition space orientated to young Porteños (Buenos Aires residents). There’s a lively programme of events and workshops, which range from hip-hop and contemporary dance to drawing and painting. There’s also a cafe-bar, an art shop and plenty of open spaces in which to enjoy the sun and the views of adjacent Gomero de la Recoleta park.

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The Buenos Aires Diaries: Recoleta Neighborhood Guide

I recently spent three weeks in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and divided my stay between accommodation in three areas: San Telmo, Recoleta and Palermo.  Each neighborhood had its own distinct atmosphere, style and charm, with Recoleta being especially memorable for its upscale, European vibe.

I spent several days wandering through the streets of Recoleta, strolling through its parks, popping into the different cafes and boutiques, and, of course, visiting some of the city’s most important attractions, which are clustered within easy walking distance of another another in the heart of Recoleta.  I’m sharing all of my favorite things in this Buenos Aires neighborhood, so read on and let me know in the comments if you have any questions about traveling in Recoleta!

Things to Do in Recoleta

The top attractions in Recoleta are all within comfortable walking distance of one another, so if you’re an efficient traveler with a pair of comfortable shoes, you should be able to see them all in two days of dedicated sightseeing.  However, it’s worthwhile to add a third day in Recoleta to your Buenos Aires itinerary, so that you can explore the neighborhood a little more slowly and live like the well-heeled locals of Recoleta.

Free Walking Tour of Recoleta

There are two companies offering free walking tours of Recoleta: Buenos Aires Free Walks and BA Free Tour .  The two competitors seem to have worked out a system where the former tours Recoleta in the morning and the latter in the afternoon, so you should be able to find a free walking tour of Recoleta that suits your itinerary.

However , I was not particularly impressed with the tour offered by Buenos Aires Free Walks.  When I took the tour there were more than fifty travelers in my group, and although the guide did have a microphone it was difficult to hear him and to ask questions.  The organization of the tour seemed a bit haphazard, and a lot of the tour time was spent outside of Recoleta proper.

Any time you take a free walking tour, please tip the guide appropriately.

Recoleta Cemetery

According to Lonely Planet, the Recoleta Cemetery is the #1 top attraction in Buenos Aires.  When I was staying in Recoleta I found it difficult to restrain myself from walking through the cemetery at least once a day, just to explore new passageways, read different memorials and take photos from different angles and in different light.

Recoleta Cemetery is famous for being the final resting place of Eva Peron (Evita), but she is not the only Argentine celebrity buried here.  There are also former presidents, military leaders, writers and even Nobel Prize winners.  With nearly two hundred years of history, the cemetery also has developed its own myths and legends… such as that of the grave digger David Alleno, whose ghost still haunts the cemetery in the early hours of the morning.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

Right beside the entrance to the Recoleta cemetery you’ll find Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar , a small, white, colonial-style church dating back to 1732.  You can enter the church and see the silver-gilded altar for free, but there is a fee to visit the cloisters (I opted out).

Recoleta Cultural Center

And just a few doors down from the Basilica you’ll find the Recoleta Cultural Center .  You might mistake it for another church at first, but the large red building is actually a former convent that was repurposed through the centuries before becoming a community arts and culture hub in the 1970s.  Although there is a focus on youth and teen programming here, visitors of all ages will want to wander through the courtyards and galleries hosting rotating exhibits of contemporary multi-media art.

The World’s Most Beautiful Bookstore

Only twenty minutes by foot from the Recoleta Cultural Center, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is, without a doubt, one of the can’t-miss attractions in Buenos Aires.  In 2019, one hundred years after the building opened, National Geographic named this ‘splendid’ shop “The World’s Most Beautiful Bookstore” , and I have to agree!

Of course, El Ateneo wasn’t always a bookstore.  When it opened in 1919 it was a theatre, and later it was converted into a cinema.  In the mid-2000s a local publishing and bookselling company took over the space.  They created what you can see today: four floors of books displayed among the original theater finishings, along with one of the city’s most popular cafes (located “backstage”).  I wasn’t impressed by the selection of English fiction (most seemed to be 10+ years old) but that didn’t stop me from falling in love with their surroundings.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

You don’t have to be a typical art-lover to enjoy spending a few hours inside Buenos Aires’ National Museum of Fine Arts , thanks to its broad collection of art that spans centuries, continents and formats.  Yes, there are works by well-known masters like Rembrandt, El Greco, van Gogh and Rodin, but there is also a strong representation from Argentinian artists, indigenous communities and contemporary players.  The museum’s website offers English itineraries to help you plan your visit, but I found it most effective to view the temporary exhibits first, then loop back through the permanent galleries in more-or-less numerical order.

Floralis Generica

This “generic flower” sculpture is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Buenos Aires.  Situated in a park near the Museum of Fine Arts, this aluminum and steel sculpture weighs almost twenty tons and stands more than twenty meters high.  The artist, Eduardo Catalano, has said that the mechanical sculpture is designed to represent all types of flowers, and that by closing each evening and re-opening each morning, it also signifies the new hope of each day.  I didn’t personally observe the flower opening and closing, but the tourist board reports that it opens at 8:00 am daily and closes at midnight.  If you want to see it in action, I’d suggest going in the morning, rather than midnight, for safety’s sake.

The Vatican Embassy

So, the guide on my walking tour made a huge deal of taking us to see the Vatican Embassy in Buenos Aires, because he said that it was one of only a handful in the world, since only “officially Catholic” countries could have Vatican embassies.  (Technically it’s a apostolic nunciature, not an embassy, but that’s a slope I don’t have time to slide down today.)  However, a quick Google reveals that this might not be as special as he claims, as it looks like the Vatican has diplomatic offices all over the world… including in my home county of Canada.  That being said, Buenos Aires’ Vatican Embassy does have a somewhat special status as the current pope, Pope Francis, hails from Buenos Aires.

Recoleta Restaurants

As you may have read, my phone was stolen in Buenos Aires and I lost most of my food photos.  Unfortunately that means that I don’t have photos of most of the food I ate in the following restaurants in Recoleta, so you’ll just have to take my word (or the word of the reviews on Google Maps) as to whether or not they’re worth a visit.  Stay safe, readers!

This is my top recommendation for a restaurant serving traditional Argentinian food that can also accommodate both vegetarians and vegans.  They have beautiful vegetarian entrees here (I recommend the Sabores de la Huerta, an indulgent, cheesy interpretation of a vegetable pot pie) along with typical meat-based dishes like stews, steaks, tamales and savory pies.

El Sanjuanino

A lot of websites and guidebooks list El Sanjuanino as one of the best affordable dining options in Recoleta, but I think it simply doesn’t compare to La Aguada, especially for vegetarians.  The menu here is meat-centric, with most of the tables around me ordering meat-filled empanadas followed by a steak or milanesa (veal cutlet).  As a vegetarian, I was limited to pasta, which was disappointing both in flavor and in presentation (the sauce was so watery it barely stuck to the pasta… it was almost more like soup).  If you’re an omnivore and you come for cheap meat, it’s worth holding out for an upstairs table as the downstairs is quite stuffy.

Tea Connection

If tea is your thing, head over to Tealosophy in Palermo instead of this chain of restaurants with locations across Buenos Aires.  However, if healthy, fresh food is your thing, it’s worth stopping by a Tea Connection for breakfast or lunch one day.  I had one of their salads with leafy greens, broccoli, zucchini, Parmesan, toasted almonds, tzatziki and something called “avocado cream”, which was like a sad cousin of guacamole but still passable.  They also have standard breakfast fare like eggs and bagels, along with lunch dishes including pasta and sandwiches.

One of the better veggie burgers I’ve had on this trip was at Buller, a craft beer brewery and restaurant located right across the street from the Recoleta Cemetery.  My burger had a crispy quinoa-and-lentil patty (seriously, just say no to soggy veggie burgers!) and it was topped with a thick slice of cheese and a fried egg.  Healthy?  Not so much.  Delicious?  Absolutely, especially with a frosty glass of beer to wash it down.  There is great patio seating right in front of the restaurant (watch your possessions) and a rooftop terrace that picks up after work.

I’m throwing this one on the list because I ate here, not really because I recommend it.  I have no idea what the name be Frika means, but I know that I was disappointed in their veggie burger (it was soggy) and in their service (the front-of-house staff seemed to be working hard, but a female owner or manager was walking in and out of the food preparation area without practicing proper hygiene).  So, don’t eat here?

Las Terrazas de Recoleta

Sort of beside and underneath the Recoleta Cultural Center, Las Terrazas de Recoleta are a collection of shops, cafes and restaurants built “bunker-style” into the hill.  The most famous option here is called Camping, which is (bizarrely) a certified B-Corporation focused on improving economic, social and environmental conditions… even though it just looks like all the other bars along the same strip.  Shop around the terraces to see which ones have dishes that interest you and which ones have a good price on what you feel like drinking (for me, it was an early evening Aperol Spritz at the bar called Maldini, shown above).

I could write an entire post, or even an entire book, on the ice creams of Buenos Aires.  In fact, I was planning to, pre-phone-theft.  Of the hundreds of ice cream parlous in Buenos Aires, Rapanui holds a special spot in the heart of local residents.  I visited on Christmas Eve, when locals had packed the brand’s Recoleta location and were queuing up to take home liters of their artisanal gelato for Christmas dinner (the joys of spending December in the southern hemisphere!).  I recommend the pistachio and dark chocolate flavors.

Recoleta Hotels

I think Recoleta is a fantastic home base for any stay in Buenos Aires.  It’s got great public transportation connections, it’s close to many of the city’s main attractions, and it’s easy to grab a taxi or Uber over to Palermo if you’re wanting to take in more of the city’s food and nightlife.

Because I stayed in Recoleta for a week, I booked into this one-bedroom Airbnb apartment , which was near the Las Heras metro station and the Recoleta cemetery.  Yes, the unit and the building are both showing their original age despite being very well maintained, but I loved staying here as I really felt like I was living an authentic Porteno lifestyle.  All of the things to do in Recoleta and the best restaurants in Recoleta are within walking distance of this apartment.

If you’re not into Airbnb, there are some other great hotels in Recoleta, spanning a wide variety of comfort levels and price points:

• If you’re looking for comfort and privacy on a moderate budget, definitely start your Recoleta hotel search at Up Recoleta Hotel , known for its personable staff, modern rooms and thoughtful touches (including a discount at a local cafe across the street).  This is where I would stay if I was returning to Recoleta for a short visit.
• The Alvear Palace Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel in Recoleta, on the city’s poshest avenue.  If you like spacious surroundings, opulent furnishings and personalized service, book a room here (and then tell me all about it!).

More Recoleta Travel Tips

• You may hear that Patio Bullrich , a shopping center in Recoleta, is worth a visit.  Personally, I was totally underwhelmed by this mall, which is located in a former auction house.  Most of the major international brands have left the Argentinian market, leaving this Recoleta shopping center mainly full of local brands selling an odd mish-mash of… unusual… designs.  Only worth a wander if you’re nearby (perhaps at the Vatican Embassy) anyways.
• On the other hand, anyone interested in luxury perfumes will want to stop at Fueguia 1883 , also on the same street as the Vatican Embassy.  This niche perfumier has a large collection of natural, unisex scents, classified by note.  Prices are as high as you’d expect for a perfume house with only five locations (Buenos Aires, Tokyo, Zurich, Milan and New York).
• Between the time I finished writing this post and the time that I went to publish it, an Australian tourist was attacked in Recoleta, near the Flora Generalis sculpture.  Local news reported that he was placed into a medically-induced coma, and more recent Australian news sources have not provided an update.  Like nearly every popular neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Recoleta is adjacent to a poor area, similar to a slum, which is referred to locally as a “villa”.  As with any area of Buenos Aires, take basic precautions to stay safe and make sure you have a valid travel insurance policy.

Traveling to Buenos Aires?  Don’t miss out on Recoleta’s next-door neighbour, Palermo , where you’ll find the city’s best restaurants, bars and boutiques. 

I also recommend including a day trip to Colonia, Uruguay in your Buenos Aires itinerary.  It’s the perfect small-town escape from the Argentinian capital, and it’s only an hour away by fast ferry.

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• Tours in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires Free Tour Recoleta

Overview of the tour in Buenos Aires

Welcome to Buenos Aires Free Walks, the best free walking tour in Buenos Aires. Have you ever walked around that same usual road and discovered new things you had never seen before? With our Free Walks you will walk through the history, fun facts and every detail of the lovely Buenos Aires that would otherwise be missed. For free! You will be able to meet new people while our special guides show you around the city they love. Come join us to discover the place known to be Latin America’s Paris. We offer two Free Walks tours, in the morning and in the afternoon, for you to choose.... or to come to both! Look how the landscape changes with every step we take!

This activity includes:

• Plaza Francia
• Av 9 de julio 1205
• Teatro Colón
• Plaza San Martín
• Torre Monumental
• Plaza Gral. Don Jose de San Martín Benavidez
• Recoleta Cemetery
• Vatican Square
• Iglesia del Pilar

Meeting point

Plaza Estado del Vaticano

Find us in Plaza Estado del Vaticano (Corner of Libertad and Viamonte), next to Teatro Colón.

Things to note

We walk from the center of the city into the fancy neighborhood of Recoleta, going from the famous Teatro Colón to the well known Recoleta Cemetery.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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Most Beautiful Cemetery in the World: Visiting Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires

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How would you like to spend some time in a cemetery on your next vacation? It doesn’t sound like the typical attraction, but here in Buenos Aires, Argentina, you can just do that. Indeed, Recoleta Cemetery is one of those top things to do in Buenos Aires . Why? Because Recoleta is considered to be one of the most beautiful graveyards in the world, more akin to an incredible open-air museum. In this post, we will give you everything you need to know about visiting Recoleta Cemetery , as well as suggest some tours that you can take to get even more out of your visit.

Walking the narrow alleys here is like taking a walk and meeting the Who’s Who of Argentina. Because of that, it is also a place rich in interesting history and marvelous architecture. Whether you’re a history buff who wants to meet the Argentine greats of the past or just an admirer of art and architecture, this is a place worth checking out.

Though we usually find gravesites as depressing, dark, dull, and eternally gloomy, the Recoleta Cemetery is a place of wonder, full of exquisite beauty with its mini-cathedrals, Greek temples, Baroque structures, fairytale grottoes, mini-houses, and intricately designed mausoleums. Indeed, the BBC even included Recoleta in its list of the World’s Best Cemeteries , and CNN also included it as one of the 10 Most Beautiful Cemeteries .

Stunning mausoleums here are just like the tip of an iceberg because underneath them lie the many coffins and crypts to house many prestigious and prominent personalities and their families. One family mausoleum may contain as many as 20 corpses.

History of Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires

For more than two centuries, the city of Buenos Aires existed without an official cemetery. The monks of the Order of the Recoletos was in the outskirts of Buenos Aires and had built a cemetery and the Church of Our Lady of Pilar (the Iglesia around its convent). The order was disbanded in 1822 and eventually turned it the to the first public cemetery.

It was first named as Cementerio del Norte or Northern Cemetery under then-Governor Martin Rodriguez, who was also eventually buried there. The French civil engineer Prospero Catelin did the 1822 layout of the cemetery (Catelin also designed the facade of the Buenos Aires Metro Cathedral). In 1881 it was remodeled to accommodate more tenants.

The site spans more than 5.5 hectares or 14 acres and contains 4,691 vaults, 94 of which were declared National Historical Monuments like the tomb of the 7th Argentinian president Domingo Faustino Sarmiento. The entrance gates are designed with Neo-Classical Doric columns.

You’ll find a wide mix of architectural styles in this cemetery ranging from Baroque, Neo-Classical, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Gothic and most of the materials come from Italy and France.

The Recoleta Cemetery sits adjacent to the upscale neighborhood of Recoleta and has become the luxurious resting place of Argentina’s most famous personalities and families. The entire lot is laid out like city blocks with tree-lined main streets and sidewalks with mausoleums.

Honestly, strolling the grounds of this cemetery is quite unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, on a scale and level of grandeur that is almost shockingly impressive.

There are a few big names buried in this cemetery museum (below we have listed 10 of these famous residents of the City of the Dead of Buenos Aires like the international icon Evita Peron). But hundreds of important Argentinians like presidents, politicians, writers, philanthropists, businessmen, generals, heroes, actors, artists, poets, and so many more who have contributed to what Argentina is today are also buried here.

Like most visitors, you’ll probably want to make your way to the humble tomb of Evita, but one of the best things to do in Recoleta Cemetery is just wandering around aimlessly and take photos of the stunning architectural displays packed into its tiny streets. Or you can take a peek into one of the tombs to see what’s inside.

Before we get into the Top 10 most noteworthy tombs in Recoleta Cemetery, let’s get a few important things to know out of the way first.

Things to Know Before Visiting Recoleta Cemetery

The Recoleta Cemetery is FREE and it is open every day from 8 AM to 6 PM, making it one of the best free things to do in Buenos Aires, for sure!

Closing time is prompt, so make sure you get out before it closes or you will be a part of the City of the Dead with the ghosts and chubby cats who walk the narrow alleys at night, haha, just kidding. BUt if you want to avoid the crowds, try to get there early in the morning.

There are free guided tours every 11 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also get a free map at the entrance if you ask, but I just used my Maps.me app to help guide me around and to particular tombs.

Plan to spend at least an hour wandering around here. You’ll see heavy crowds in the initial entry areas and in the area surrounding Evita Peron’s grave, but keep walking and you can find alleys that are basically deserted.

The closest subway station is Pueyrredón which is about a 20 minute or so walk from the entrance to Recoleta Cemetery.

Before or after visiting, be sure to go hang out in the awesome Plazoleta outside the entrance and maybe grab an outdoor seat at La Biela or La Panera Rosa for a great Argentinian cafe experience.

The 10 Most Famous Residents of Recoleta Cemetery

This cemetery is definitely a red carpet of ultra-rich and famous people, at least for Argentinians, but they are not exactly walking the red carpet but lying horizontally in their graves.

Since 1822, there are hundreds of known personalities that have been residents of the City of the Dead in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Along with the most famous Evita Peron, there are heroes, generals, celebrities, Nobel Peace Prize winners, artists, and aristocrats of Argentina.

Unfortunately, most foreigners will not have heard of most of these people, so let’s take a minute to get to know a few of these interesting stories about these most famous personalities of Recoleta. It will help you better understand the history of this country and make your visit to Recoleta Cemetery a little more interesting!

Liliana Crociati de Szaszak (1944 – 1970)

Let’s start first with a love story. Liliana was the daughter of Italian parents. During her honeymoon in Innsbruck, Austria, a fatal avalanche took Liliana and her husband’s lives. She was only 26 years old when this tragedy struck in 1970. Utterly grief-stricken, her parents designed her grave with wood and glass and designed it just like their daughter’s childhood room.

A life-sized bronze statue of Liliana in her wedding dress accompanied by her dog Sabú is standing outside of the mausoleum. It was said that Sabú also died the exact time as Liliana died, despite the distance between them. Her mother designed it in the Neo-Gothic style which made it stand out from the other tombs around it. 

Her father wrote a poem in Italian and had it written on a plaque near her statue. One of the lines in that poem is translated to: “Because we can’t be without you, why? …You were so beautiful that invidious nature destroyed you. Why?” Clearly, the grief of a father longing for his daughter after an early demise.

Her tomb is near President Sarmiento’s grave and is not hard to find.

Rufina Cambaceres (1883 – 1902)

What is one of your greatest fears? Is being buried alive one of them? Then this 1902 story about Rufina Cambaceres will really creep you out.

Rufina Cambaceres was in her prime at 19 years old when she was believed to have fallen ill and fell into a coma. She was declared dead and was buried in this elaborate tomb built by her family. But, as the legend goes, a few days after her burial some grave-workers curiously wondered if the screaming and noises they heard were coming from her tomb.

When they checked it out, the coffin seemed slightly disturbed. They feared that some things were stolen from her coffin or her body might have been disturbed so they decided to open it. What they saw shocked them as they saw the unsuccessful attempt of Rufina to claw her way out of the coffin.

Her mother was so distraught and sad that she had her tomb rebuilt in Art Nouveau design. Rufina Cambaceres’ tomb is one of the most iconic tombs in this cemetery which mirrored her family’s grief. Beautifully sculpted flowers adorned her tomb with a life-sized statue of Rufina standing in front of a door.

David Alleno (1881 – 1915)

A ghost story needs to be on this list since we are talking about graves, crypts, and coffins. Okay, so David Alleno is a former grave worker who was said to have been obsessed with where he will eventually be laid to rest. He had saved a lifetime’s work for making his tomb grander than his own life.

Photo Credit to Recoleta Cemetery Website

His brother has already bought this lot but David Alleno was the one who commissioned a statue of himself complete with a broom, watering can, and keys. As soon as the statue was finished by the Italian architect, Alleno was said to have hurriedly gone home and killed himself.

Recent research by the Recoleta Cemetery showed that David Alleno worked in this cemetery for 28 years and had passed away on August 31, 1915. The cause of death stated was trauma and cerebral contusion. But whether he really committed suicide was not proven.

Still, urban legends never cease and David Alleno is one of these ghost stories in this cemetery. Many said you can still “see” him wandering at the cemetery at night… jangling keys and all.

Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (1811 – 1888)

President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento is one of the most prominent personalities in this cemetery because he was the 7th president of Argentina. His tomb here is the only one with signposts and it is easily recognized because it is designed with a mini obelisk with a giant condor at the top. The condor, a native to the Andes Mountains, had become a symbol of Sarmiento for his contributions to the countries of Chile and Argentina.

This was designed by the Italian sculptor Victor de Pol. The base of the obelisk has a relief of Mercury, the Roman god of communication. Another is of Sarmiento holding books and is seen reading to children. Once when he was exiled to Chile, he inscribed onto a stone in the Andes Mountains the French phrase “on ne tue point les idées” which means “One never kills ideas”.

Sarmiento was widely known for pushing for education for everyone. When he was 15, he founded a school in his native province of San Juan. All of his students were older than him but he taught them how to read and write. These actions were highly influenced by his early years of studying and reading.

He became an authority in education and even after his presidency he continued to serve in various government positions for education. Later in his life, he stayed in Asuncion because of his health challenges.

When he passed away at the age of 77 in 1888, his body was ferried back to Buenos Aires and buried in Recoleta Cemetery. His tomb which Sarmiento designed himself was declared a National Historic Monument in 1946.

Isabel Walewski Colonna (1847)

An infant was buried here. Not just another baby girl but one who was said to be the illegitimate grandchild of Napoleón Bonaparte. Baby Isabel was born in Buenos Aires but died shortly after just 6 days.

Baby Isabel’s father was Aleksander Florian Józef Colonna-Walewski who was a Polish-French diplomat and politician who was rumored to be the illegitimate son of Napoleon by his mistress Countess Marie Walewska. There were recent research studies done but none officially confirmed the bloodline.

Isabel was buried in the family tomb of her godmother María Sánchez de Mendevielle in Recoleta Cemetery.

Dorrego-Ortiz Basualdo (1849 – 1920)

This amazing family mausoleum by the family of Dorrego-Ortiz Basualdo is one of the most beautifully designed pantheons in Recoleta Cemetery.

This wealthy landowner family highlights a sculpture about the Parable of the Virgins. There is a sculpted virgin lighting a candelabrum.

Designed by the French architect Louis Dubois, this is one of the largest and most majestic vaults in this cemetery, certainly worth tracking down!

Luis Ángel Firpo (1894 – 1960)

Luis Ángel Firpo or the Wild Bull of the Pampas is Argentina’s most famous boxer and in 2003 he was named as one of the greatest punchers of all time. He was incredibly popular in the 1920s.

The most epic fight of his life was with Jack Dempsey where he was able to send him out of the ring. Although he lost in this fight, he became widely known in Latin America for this inspirational fight that led a Salvadoran football club to name themselves as C.D. Luis Ángel Firpo.

When he died in 1960, he was buried in his tomb with a life-sized statue of him in his boxing uniform. His boxing record was 32 wins and 6 losses in 38 fights, with 26 wins by knockout.

Admiral Guillermo Brown (1777 – 1857)

Admiral Guillermo Brown or William Brown was an Irish-born Argentine Admiral who founded the Argentine Navy. Regarded as one of the national heroes in Argentina, Brown is revered by many for his victories in the Cisplatine War, the Independence War, and the Anglo-French blockade of the Rio de la Plata.

His tomb is adorned with carvings related to sea and sailing and the exterior is painted in green in honor of his Irish heritage.

His mausoleum was partially built with melted down bronze from the canons of his battleships.

Salvador María del Carril and Tiburcia Dominguez

Salvador María del Carril was a prominent lawyer, jurist, policy-maker, and Argentina’s first Vice President. He is known in Argentina for his appointment to different positions in the government and was even in the Argentine Supreme Court and became Chief Justice in 1870.

He became a wealthy man and in his later life, he owned more than 130,000 hectares of land in the La Pampa Province. However, he had constant financial troubles due to his wife Tiburcia Dominguez. He grew so tired of settling the debts incurred by his wife that he obtained an order that he is not responsible for the payment of these debts, leaving them all in her name. Despite having seven children between them, they eventually separated. Can you blame him?

Salvador María del Carril died in 1883 and was buried in an ornate crypt in Recoleta Cemetery. However, Senora del Carril commissioned a sculptor to create her bust and instructed that this will be positioned facing the other way around so she doesn’t have to face her husband ever again. Yes, they are depicted giving their backs to one another.

Eva “Evita” Perón (1919 – 1952)

No one goes to Recoleta without visiting her grave. Humble is the best way to describe the final resting place of the most popular and famous of all the Recoleta residents, with a simple plaque at the family grave.

Eva Perón, widely known as “Evita” to the world, was the nation’s iconic first lady to General Juan Perón. She was idolized by all of Argentina for her fight for the workers. Perhaps owing to her own humility and efforts, it is only fitting that her tomb is a rather simple, dull bronze plaque.

Coming from poverty, she grew up with her four other siblings in Los Toldos, Pampas. When she was 15, she moved to Buenos Aires to pursue her dreams of being a stage, radio, and film actress. She met Colonel Juan Perón, her soon-to-be husband, in 1944 in a charity event at the Luna Park Stadium. They were married the following year and in 1946, Juan Perón was elected President of Argentina.

Eva Perón became powerful herself and supported and spoke passionately for labor rights. She championed labor, health, education, and women’s suffrage in Argentina which endeared her to her countrymen.

She ran for Vice Presidency while receiving a lot of support from the low-income and working-class Argentines. She had to withdraw her candidacy because of her declining health and succumbed to cancer at the age of 33. She was given a state funeral upon her death.

Although she died from cancer in 1952, her body wasn’t interred in Familia Duarte’s mausoleum until 20 years after a controversial transatlantic odyssey to bring her home. Protecting it from any other disturbance, Evita’s remains are buried in a heavily fortified crypt some five meters underground.

Evita has sparked an international cult following because of her fight for labor rights and the poor and even had her life made into a movie “Evita” in 1976 and another movie starring the pop icon Madonna. If you visit her tomb, you will see some Argentines and tourists alike paying respects to Evita. Just try not to start singing “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” when you’re there… Thanks!

Recoleta Cemetery Tours

While the free walking tours are a great option, there are a number of other guided tours that might be worth your while if you want to make the most out of your time and visit Recoleta Cemetery as well. While anyone can wander aimlessly and admire architecture (not a bad thing!), in a place like Recoleta, you may want the help from a local tour guide to make the most out of that place.

I highly recommend these guided tours that will really help you find a way to fully experience an extraordinary graveyard like this that you cannot find elsewhere in the world.

La Recoleta Cemetery Guided Tour

La Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most fabulous cemeteries in terms of artwork, craftsmanship, and design. This guided tour (both in Spanish and English) will show you the different mausoleums in this vast cemetery of 6,400 graves.

Although there are free guided tours on specific days, you might not be able to catch them. But for just $10 USD, you can experience this tour of La Recoleta Cemetery with an expert guide.

Visit the mausoleums of the most important celebrities, politicians, and Argentinian presidents. Know more about the stories of the different families who built these impressive structures in different styles. Hear about the legends of the “Sailor and his daughter” and the “Wild Bull of the Pampas”.

More than ghost stories, La Recoleta Cemetery has more history to tell with its different personalities as its residents.

Book your La Recoleta Cemetery Guided Tour now.

Buenos Aires City Walking Tour

One of the best ways of getting to know Buenos Aires is to do a full-day walking tour which will cover almost all the most important places and attractions in the city. And in this tour, Recoleta Cemetery is included.

This tour will bring you to the coolest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, including Palermo, Downtown, San Telmo, La Boca, and Recoleta. You will get to experience the different ways of how the Argentinians live their daily life. There are a lot of historical buildings, streets (9 de Julio Avenue is the widest avenue in the world!), and monuments that you will see and visit.

Experience the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires which is San Telmo with its tango and art scenes. This is my favorite neighborhood in Buenos Aires and I am sure you can see why with its many antique markets, candle street lighting (called ‘ faroles ’), cobblestones and bohemian atmosphere. Here you can learn about the underground tunnels or the famous weekly market.

La Boca is a place where you can learn tango dancing and the history of this working-class neighborhood. There is also a big pool of different influences as La Boca became a neighborhood that welcomed all immigrants from different parts of the world. See the main city square and the political core of Argentina, and visit Piramide de Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Colonial Town Hall and the Casa Rosada.

And lastly, you will be touring the Recoleta Cemetery, also known as the City of the Dead, famous as one of the most beautiful graveyards in the world. With its thousands of mausoleums, you can see the most impressive mini-cathedrals and sculptures as the final resting place of the rich and the famous of Argentina like its famed first lady Evita Peron.

Book your The Best of Buenos Aires: Full-Day Walking Tour now.

Buenos Aires Bike Tour: North Circuit

Bike around the city of Buenos Aires to get to know more interesting facts and incredible architecture in its many neighborhoods.

For this half-day fun ride, you will be meeting your guide in San Telmo first and have a quick safety briefing before getting your bike (plus helmet). Make sure you tell the guide from this point that you will be taking the North Circuit tour which includes the Recoleta Cemetery.

The North Circuit route will start in the newest neighborhood of Puerto Madero where you can see the old port area developed into a more modern area for dining and entertainment.

Then you will proceed to the Recoleta neighborhood where you can see large parks and a good number of French-style buildings. There are a number of embassies here and this upscale neighborhood is home to the first public cemetery of Buenos Aires which is called Recoleta Cemetery.

Here you will find out how the rich and the famous get to rest in peace and luxury with its intricately designed mausoleums with amazing sculptures and design.

After this area, you will then proceed to the district of Palermo which is the city’s largest neighborhood. Visit Palermo Woods and the 400 rose bushes in the rose garden. You can also find Buenos Aires Zoo, Plaza Italia, Galileo Galilei Planetarium, and the Botanical Garden. You will end this tour in the San Telmo neighborhood where you can visit many shops, antique markets, art stores, cafes, and restaurants.

Book your Buenos Aires Bike Tour: South or North Circuit now.

Evita Tour in Buenos Aires

So many people have watched the Evita movie and have read about the stories of the most famous first lady of Argentina, Eva Peron (popularly known as Evita). But with this long-awaited Evita Tour, you will get the chance to answer most of the questions that you might have come across with regards to the life of Evita.

The Evita Tour will include visits to the most important places in her life like the General Confederation of Labor or The “CGT” where she gave most of her memorable speeches. You will also visit The Luna Park Theater where she first met General Peron.

Of course, Casa Rosada is also an important place for the President and her first lady. And last but not least, you will visit her in her final resting place at the Recoleta Cemetery.

Book your Evita Tour now.

More about Recoleta Cemetery and Buenos Aires

The city of Buenos Aires offers plenty of interesting places to go for your wandering feet, and Recoleta Cemetery is just one of these places that are unarguably different and magical.

I absolutely loved Buenos Aires and everything it had to offer, whether you’re just hanging out enjoying cafe life, or learning to dance the tango at night. There are tons of great Buenos Aires tours and activities to do, like going to a polo match and learning the ways of the Gaucho in a ranch outside the city. Either way, always remember to get your steak fix with a glass (or bottle) of Malbec when you’re here.

The good life, great people, and sumptuous food are waiting to greet you in Buenos Aires. This is my favorite city in all of Latin America and would love to go back in a heartbeat. How about you? Vamos!

Traveling to Buenos Aires soon? Be sure to book your room from Booking.com now to save on the best Buenos Aires hostels . If you are staying on for a few weeks, I highly recommend looking into Airbnb units. Don’t forget to purchase international travel insurance for Argentina to protect yourself against theft, sickness, and injury. I use and recommend World Nomads for the best combination of affordability and coverage.

Read Next: The 18 Coolest Things To Do In Buenos Aires

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Free Recoleta Cemetery Tour Buenos Aires

• Visit the best example of the opulence of the Argentine social elites at the end of the 19th century.
• Hear the story of young Liliana Crociati , whose tomb was decorated exactly as her bedroom.
• Discover the cultural spaces and parks full of life that surround the cemetery.

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Free Tour. A base de propinas

En el   Free Tour Recoleta   vamos a disfrutar una caminata por los  hermosos parques, monumentos y palacios  de una de las zonas más lujosas de Buenos Aires. Descubriremos la Buenos Aires grandiosa y opulenta de principios del S. XX comenzando nuestro recorrido en el   Teatro Colón y Tribunales.   Allí también veremos la sinagoga  Templo Libertad , templo fundacional de la comunidad judía argentina.

Cruzando la 9 de Julio llegaremos a Plaza San Martín en Retiro para ver descubrir los  Palacios San Martín y Paz , el monumento más importante al  General San Martín  en Buenos Aires y la terraza miradora a la  Torre de los Ingleses.  El contraste arquitectónico porteño estará presente en el  Edificio Kavanagh,   ícono de la modernidad en Buenos Aires y su famoso mito urbano amoroso que incluye la  Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento . Desde Plaza San Martín caminaremos por la  calles Arroyo y Alvear  adentrándonos en el barrio de Recoleta, disfrutando de la maravillosa arquitectura, secretos e historia de los  Palacios Ortíz Basualdo, Pereda, Duhau, Álzaga Unzue  y muchos más. El recorrido finaliza en la Plaza Alvear (conocida popularmente como Plaza Francia), corazón de la Recoleta donde veremos la  Basílica del Pilar , exconvento Recoleto ,  acompañada en las cercanías por el  Centro Cultural Recoleta y el Café la Biela ,  finalizando con una introducción histórica al Cementerio de la Recoleta.

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Recoleta in Buenos Aires – What to do, how to get there, where to eat and where to stay

Recoleta neighborhood in buenos aires, things to do in recoleta, recoleta cemetery, one of the most beautiful open-air museums, basilica of our lady of pilar, france square, recoleta cultural center, alvear avenue, recoleta palaces, liberator avenue, eva perón square and national library, el ateneo grand spendid bookstore, shopping in recoleta, best restaurants in recoleta, what to do at night at recole, where to stay in recoleta, but we will give you tips on other hotels for all budgets: , good value hotels in recoleta, holiday apartment in recoleta, good value hotel in recoleta, where to stay cheap in recoleta – hostel, what you need to know before going to buenos aires, 1) buenos aires travel insurance , 2) how to have unlimited internet while traveling, 3) rent cars at the best prices, read more about buenos aires, plan your trip:, recoleta, in buenos aires, is the most elegant neighborhood in the city, with an all-parisian charm. come and discover all the corners that this neighborhood hides..

Recoleta Buenos Aires – From the romantic simplicity of Avenida General Las Heras, through the bustling Avenida Santa Fé to the luxurious palaces of Avenida Alvear. It's hard not to be enchanted by Recoleta.

The traditional neighborhood in Buenos Aires and , from Buenos Aires high society, is the place for long and peaceful walks. The cobbled streets share space with the wide sidewalks full of beautiful trees. The buildings display their large balconies with some cafes at their feet.

Museums, including the Recolet Cemetery a, explain a little about this strong European influence. There are several options for where to eat in Recoleta, from the most refined to the most affordable.

You can also find great accommodation there. Despite the fame of luxury hotels, Recoleta has shown itself to be democratic. Some hostels, hotels and even apartments can already be chosen in the region.

Quiet, discreet, full of trees and glamour, the neighborhood is for those who like day trips. Night rides are for the neighbor Palermo .

>> Also read all our tips Tourist Points Buenos Aires – The 25 Must-See Attractions in the Capital

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• The History of the Neighborhood
• What to do in the Neighborhood
• best restaurants
• what to do at night
• Where to stay in the Neighborhood – From Luxury to Budget
• What you need to know before you go

If today Recoleta is synonymous with elegance, refinement and luxury, the beginning of its history was already quite simple. THE Pilar Parish Church , opened in 1732, is the starting point of the Recoleta neighborhood. The friars were the first residents, the name comes from the “Ordem dos Recoletos”.

At the end of the XNUMXth century, the cholera and yellow fever epidemic pushed families to Recoleta. They were wealthy families, from the southern area, who discovered in Recoleta a great escape option. As it was the highest point in the city, it was more difficult for the disease to spread.

Ready! Recoleta was becoming the most chic neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires high society occupied the grounds with grandiose French art nouveau mansions.

However, in the 1950s and 1960s, modern buildings took the place of many mansions. To bump into hidden mansions and surprising Palaces, history survives preserved in the Alvear Avenue . Along the way, the belle époque is in the small details.

The luxury of Buenos Aires is Recoleta. On the streets are still very important designer stores. But the neighborhood also reserves places like the region of General Las Heras Avenue .

Narrow streets, small houses with colorful doors. Simplicity that contrasts with the imposing luxury of Alvear Avenue . Already in Liberator Avenue museums remain. Shopping and excitement invade the Santa Fe Avenue.

On the map are all the tourist attractions in Recoleta in Buenos Aires that we count here, so you don't miss any attractions. Enjoy!

O Recoleta Cemetery it is a unique historical conservation place. There are more than 90 mausoleums declared National Historic Monuments. No wonder, many are true masterpieces, statues so realistic that they cause discomfort.

The French engineer and architect Prosper Catelin carried out the project inspired by the Parisian cemetery Père-Lachaise. It was built in 1822 in the garden of the Basilica Nossa Senhora do Pilar.

The organization of the marble mausoleums decorated with statues was made with the city of Buenos Aires in mind. Blocks and streets in a rectangular layout. The entrance gate to the Recoleta Cemetery was completed in one of the renovations, in 1881. In neoclassical style, it has two classical columns and symbols about death.

The various decorative styles present in the mausoleums make the Recoleta Cemetery one of the most beautiful open-air museums in Latin America. From the Gothic to the Art Deco movement, it's almost impossible not to appreciate the details. Being named National Historic Landmark since 1946.

Most families are part of the Buenos Aires aristocracy. Among the important names are that of the writer and friend of Jorge Luís Borges, Victoria Ocampo.

Also the former president of Argentina, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento and Guillermo Brown – the admiral who participated in the independence struggle. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry Federico Leloir, as well as the legendary former first lady Evita Perón.

The cemetery is open for visitation daily from 7 am to 17 pm. The tour is free and there is even a guided tour for the most curious. Even alone, it's worth acquiring the cemetery map to get your bearings.

Right next door is Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar . The 1732 church is the second oldest in Buenos Aires. Inside, there is also a museum with curiosities, artifacts and even windows with curious views of the Recoleta Cemetery .

On the altar, silver plates from Peru and a tower that was once the highest point in the city. Built by the Jesuits in colonial baroque style, it has been a National Heritage Site since 1942.

Right in front of the Cemetery is the Plaza France. Designed by the same landscaper as the Botanical Garden, it is considered the central point of Recoleta. On weekends, the hippie and alternative fair invades the green lawn. Since 1970, crafts and music have made the charming garden more welcoming.

A curious factor: in fact, the square is called Plaza Intendente Torcuato de Alvear. It goes from the front of the Cemetery to Avenida Libertador. It surrounds the Buenos Aires Design mall, where the Hard Rock Cafe . It is in this part, where the 1910 monument, donated by France, is located, that it becomes Plaza Francia.

In this region many squares interconnect. In addition to being beautiful and well preserved, it has monuments full of history. Recoleta is an interesting neighborhood to take a guided tour, precisely because of the historical details.

The square still passes by one of the oldest buildings in Buenos Aires, the Recoleta Cultural Center . Considered a Historic Cultural Monument since 1948, the space that was once a convent, currently offers courses, art, culture and technology workshops.

It is also the headquarters of Museum Forbidden Do Not Touch , for children. And stage for the performances of the famous Argentine group Gross force .

A Alvear Avenue invites you for a walk through time, worthy of a movie, with comfortable tree-lined sidewalks and palaces along the way.

Like Duhau Palace , inspired by the French Chateau du Marais, with León Dourge as the responsible architect. It is currently a five star hotel just like the Alvear Palace Hotel .

Built in 1909, the Fernandez Palace Anchorage it has an amazing dome and belongs to the Vatican. In 1982, it was the residence of Pope Juan Pablo II during his visits to Buenos Aires.

Already Pereda Palace has internal decoration in gold and is where the Spanish Embassy in Buenos Aires.

The palaces are beyond Avenida Alvear, spread across Recoleta and Barrio Norte – Palermo and Retreat.

Like Errazuriz Alvear Palace , one of the few open for visitation. And the National Museum of Decorative Art . It's really worth going, at least to satisfy your curiosity about what a Palace was like.

Or even meet the Ice Palace opened in 1910, it was once a skating rink, a tango hall is currently the National Hall of Fine Arts.

Already in Liberator Avenue , in a building from 1933, is the National Museum of Fine Arts . There are more than 12 thousand pieces, the greatest heritage of sculptures and paintings in the country. See works by artists such as Tarsila do Amaral, Cartier Bresson, Degas and Rodin.

Still close to the museum, in Miter Square enjoy an incredible view from one of the highest natural viewpoints in the Buenos Aires city.

Already crossing the walkway of Avenida del Libertador is the Generic Floral.  The 2002 sculpture blooms according to natural sunlight. Therefore, you will certainly be surprised depending on the time of your visit.

Designed by Argentinean architect Eduardo Catalano in stainless steel. The metallic flower is over 20 meters tall and weighs about 18 tons. Next door, the building law University completes the landscape with lots of concrete and beautiful staircases.

The architecture in the Recoleta neighborhood is indeed much celebrated. At Eva Peron Square , National Library is proof of this. Designed in 1811 by the architect Clorindo Testa, it represents brutalist architecture, reinforced concrete and glass.

It's really cool to sit next to the statues of Eva Perón and Juan Perón, right in front, to observe this library that seems to be hanging.

Including the Unzué Palace , an old building in Italian and French style from the 1956th century, occupied the land of the Library. It was demolished by the military in XNUMX, in an attempt to erase Peronism from memory. This is because the palace was the residence of the Perón couple.

To finish the tour of Recoleta, in the bustling Santa Fe Avenue is the bookstore The Grand Splendid Athenaeum . The fun of the bookstore is definitely not in the books. But in the building that was once an important theater and even cinema. In fact, Carlos Gardel was one of the artists in the theater.

The original features have been kept. In this way, the cafe is located above the stage. The armchairs and chairs have given way to shelves and the frescoes of the main dome make us lean on the classic and decorated balconies.

The designer shopping mall in Recoleta is the Bullrich courtyard . Don't be put off by the word “designer”, this is also a place to visit. It is a renovated XNUMXth century mansion and has details that resemble a train station.

For lovers of something like Galeria do Rock, in São Paulo, the place is the Bond Street Gallery. It brings together tattoo artists, geeks and nerds stores, band t-shirts and graffiti.

Despite so much luxurious history, it is possible to eat well in Recoleta at a good price. How to taste the historic and tasty empanadas from The Sanjuanino . Of course, because of tradition, despite being a pleasant environment, it is very crowded.

Or still be surprised at the alternative Classic and Modern . Founded in 1938, the restaurant-bar-café and bookstore also has inspiring intimate shows.  

To get into the Recoleta climate, Cafe La Biela it's a good request. Since 1850, the neighborhood has been in a very typical corner building. Lunches are served outdoors, overlooking the Recoleta Cemetery .

Still to feel the refined footprint of Recoleta the Bistro Shiaffino it's the right place. The flavors are modern keeping the tradition.

Despite not being a traditionally nightlife neighborhood, Recoleta offers delicious options for dinner. how to go to The Querencia to taste very regional dishes. The desserts with dulce de leche are top notch.  

And how about enjoying the Recoleta night outdoors on the terrace of Buenos Aires Design. At the Camping Bar it's possible. The place is young, plays music and has hours governed by the weather. Then check out the schedule on social media.

Even though it's not the cheapest place, it's worth getting organized to at least have a drink at the Alvear Roof Bar . On the terrace of the most luxurious and traditional hotel on Avenida Alvear, in Recoleta. It is to contemplate the sunset with elegance, closing the night in a magical way.

And to finish and you like this charming neighborhood even more with so many attractions, see more of Recoleta in the video. To get into the mood of the trip, take advantage of the fact that it is in Spanish!

* Changes may occur in daily rates depending on availability and time of year. Always check the website  Booking.com  to check the updated values.

It is possible to stay in Recoleta to better feel all its charm, tranquility and style. It is true that the most luxurious and expensive hotels are here, like the Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau ($$$) and the Alvear Palace Hotel.($$$). 

But, there are also intermediaries like the impressive ARC Recoleta Boutique & Spa ($$) with daily rates from R$ 361*.

Or even the well located, overlooking the Cemetery, swimming pool, gym and sauna, the Hotel Sileo ($$). The rooms are spacious, with a balcony, air conditioning, cable TV, minibar, wi-fi and kitchenette. Daily rates from R$ 472*.

>> In our post you will find more hotels in Recoleta, read everything Where to Stay in Buenos Aires: The Best Options from Budget to Luxury – Neighborhood by Neighborhood.

Find more hotels in Recoleta Buenos Aires at the best prices on Booking!

In Recoleta there are many holiday apartments. those of Poetry Building ($$) It is very charming, inviting and perfect for those who want to feel at home.

It has a garden and a swimming pool on the terrace. There are 12 apartments in an elegant renovated building from 1911. Two nights from R$1.036*.

There are also options for hotels with very attractive value for money. Next to the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Up Recoleta Hotel($) has daily rates from R$ 194*. They are modern and clean rooms, equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, Netflix and wi-fi.

already the old A Hotel ($$) It has an attentive staff and breakfast is included. The charming rooms have air conditioning, wi-fi, cable TV and heating. Rates from BRL 23 7 *.

And how about a hostel in the area. On Avenida Santa Fe the Malala Hostel($) it's in an old house, it offers a good breakfast and service in Portuguese. Rates from BRL 40 *. Terrace and very authentic decor.

O Reina Madre Hostel($) close to Avenida Santa Fé, in the style of an inn, it has simple but comfortable shared rooms. A very nice terrace with daily from R$ 115 *.

You see, these are options that are worth it. The only problem with staying in Recoleta is finding the will to leave the neighborhood. At the risk of going as far as Palermo.

>> Read all our tips on what to do in Palermo Buenos Aires

See hotel deals in Buenos Aires! Find your accommodation at the best prices today!

Are you full of things to think about and still have to plan your entire trip? Or you've seen it all, but you're feeling that familiar "Have I forgotten something?" 

So calm down, we'll help you with some items you can't forget before boarding . Come on?

Buying travel insurance for Buenos Aires is an excellent tip to ensure a smooth trip and avoid worries. Having the assistance of insurance gives you the peace you need to enjoy your destination and know that you have support if you need it. Also enjoy our Insurance Promo discount coupon . -  SEE PRICES

#StayHip: Save 10% on your travel insurance. use the coupon FORTRAVELOVERS to get 5% off and pay with boleto to guarantee an additional 5% OFF.

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Where to Buy: AMERICA CHIP

Did you know that it's getting easier – and cheaper – to have unlimited internet throughout your trip?

Just ask for an international cell phone chip through AMERICA CHIP . We always use and love it! They send a SIM card to your address in España, you insert it in your cell phone when you arrive at your destination and you have unlimited internet throughout the trip.

#StayHip: Save on car GPS rental and use GoogleMaps and Waze with your unlimited internet ;).

Where to rent: RENT CARS

We really like Rent Cars to find the cars we use on our travels. It is the only one in Spain that compares the best rental companies in the world, but lets you pay in reais, without IOF. In addition, it is also the only one that lets you pay in 12 interest-free installments. It is worth it!

# Here's a tip: Try to find cars with full car and third party insurance coverage. Thus, you avoid inopportune surprises when picking up the car.

Did you like the Recoleta Buenos Aires tips? Comment here!

Oh, and don't forget to read even more about every corner of the city in the full posts:

• Hotels in Recoleta – Which ones are worth the stay
• Recoleta Cemetery – How is the tour?
• Buenos Aires Argentina – COMPLETE Guide to Discover the City
• What to do in Buenos Aires – 2 to 5 Day Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Buenos Aires – Best Options from Budget to Luxury
• Best Hotels in Buenos Aires – 12 Suggestions that are worth booking
• Buenos Aires Sights – 25 Must-See Attractions in the Capital
• Tango Shows in Buenos Aires – Which ones are worth entering the itinerary
• Obelisco Buenos Aires – How to Get There, Visit and Nearby Hotels
• Buenos Aires Restaurants – Guide to the Best Places to Eat
• Buenos Aires with Children – What to Do There and Where to Go
• Palermo Buenos Aires – Complete Neighborhood Guide
• Caminito Buenos Aires – Complete Neighborhood Guide
• San Telmo Buenos Aires – Complete Neighborhood Guide
• Puerto Madero Buenos Aires – Complete Neighborhood Guide
• Argentina Tour – 26 Main Tourist Points in the Country
• International Travel Insurance – Is it worth it?
• How to Buy Travel Insurance – Step by Step
• America Chip – Learn How the Travel Internet Chip Works
• Buenos Aires Travel Insurance – Is it mandatory? Find out here!

Get started now by booking your hotel in Argentina on Booking.com

Save time and money searching for the best Travel Insurance with the Seguros Promo comparator! Extra 5% off with coupon: FORTRAVELOVERS

Compare the best prices to rent a car from over 100 rental companies with Rentcars! (Pay in up to 12X! Pay in reais, without IOF)

Leave España with Unlimited 4G Internet!

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Recoleta Cemetery

Present in tours

Over 6,400 statues, sarcophagi, coffins and crypts commemorate some of Argentina’s most celebrated sons and daughters, not least Eva "Evita" Perón, in this labyrinthine city of the dead.

Recoleta Cemetery, in the neighbourhood of the same name, was once the orchard of the adjoining Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pilar - the glistening white church that overlooks the square outside. The land, which belonged to the Recollect monks from which the neighbourhood took its name, became the city’s first public cemetery in 1822. Its layout was designed by French engineer Próspero Catelin, who also designed the city’s Metropolitan Cathedral in the Plaza de Mayo.

It is an eerily beautiful place, with shadowed walkways and towering marble mausoleums rich in Art Deco, Art Nouveau, baroque and neo-gothic architectural styles, Masonic symbols and powerful religious iconography. Over 90 of its tombs are listed as national historical monuments. The most visited tombs are those of Eva Perón and former Argentine presidents Sarmiento and Raúl Alfonsín.

The cemetery is open daily, 8am to 6pm. Free guided tours in Spanish take place at 11am and 2pm Tuesday to Friday, and at 11am and 3pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The city tourist board also offers a guided tour of the cemetery and the wider Recoleta neighbourhood once a week.

Don’t forget to pick up a map at the entrance.

What to look out for

The mausoleum of the Paz family who owned the Palacio Paz (today the Circulo Militar) on Plaza San Martín as well as the newspaper La Prensa , is a majestic black stone structure, adorned with gigantic marble angles and Masonic imagery.

The beautiful art nouveau tomb of Rufina Cambaceres is another iconic tomb from the early 1900s. Built in Carrera marble by Rufina’s mother after it was discovered that Rufina had mistakenly been buried alive, the tomb's design bears all the hallmarks of her family’s terrible grief. Local workers had heard screams a few days after her burial, and when her coffin was disinterred, scratch marks were discovered on her face and on the insides of the coffin. It was later thought that she had been in a coma.

Every cemetery has a ghost story, and Recoleta is no exception.  David Alleno worked for 30 years as a cemetery grave-digger, carefully saving his money for his own plot and a statue of himself. It is said that as soon as the architect he had commissioned for the statue had finished the work, Alleno went home and killed himself. Apparently you can still hear his keys jangling as his ghost walks the cemetery’s narrow pathways at dawn.  

Also look out for the mausoleum of Liliana Crociati , who died on her honeymoon in Austria in the 1970s. Her parents reconstructed her bedroom within her tomb, and at the entrance placed a bronze statue of Liliana in her wedding dress, with her beloved pet dog at her side.  

And finally, the tomb of Eva Peron (née Duarte). Although she died in 1952, her body wasn’t interred in the Duarte family mausoleum for 20 years. Evita lies in a heavily fortified crypt some five metres underground, to protect her remains. 

See more about Recoleta neighbourhood .