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Buenos Aires Neighborhoods - Puerto Madero

Welcome to Puerto Madero!

Approximate boundaries: Avenida Cordoba—Avenida Leonardo N. Alem & Avenida San Juan—the river

Puerto Madero is the sleek, trendy, up-and-coming face of Buenos Aires. The city's newest barrio, in the last fifteen years it has transformed itself completely from a fairly non-descript dock of abandoned warehouses to a hip and happening barrio with a character of its own. Once the landing stage for thousands of immigrants arriving off ships from Europe, Puerto Madero now attracts similar numbers of residents and visitors come to enjoy its unique blend of waterside luxury and cutting-edge cool.

Flanked by Buenos Aires infamous floating casino at one end and the classy Puerto Madero Yacht Club at the other, it's all about cruising the waterside and flashing the cash. Its water's edge is the site of literally hundreds of stylish bars and restaurants, luxuriously furbished offices and apartments, high-class nightclubs and five star hotels.

During the week Puerto Madero has a quiet, airy feel as its residents and office-workers go about their business, and the multitude of bars and restaurants can seem curiously bare of clientele. Come evenings and weekends however the sidewalks are teeming with people, enjoying the water and the sunshine, occupying the numerous tables and chairs that line the waterfront.

Beyond the water, the neighborhood itself is notably more open and spacious that most of Buenos Aires. Sometimes known as la ciudad de las mujeres (the city of the women) nearly all its streets are named after influential female figures, as is the Puente de la Mujer—the striking steel-cabled pedestrian bridge—that straddles the water. Berthed alongside the bridge is the nineteenth century ship Frigate Sarmiento, that along with the Corvette Uruguay make up the harbor's floating museums. In addition to these two, the museum at the former site of Gran Hotel de Inmigrantes make up the barrio's principle cultural attractions.

To the north the Buquebus port ferries passengers to and from Colonia and further destinations in Uruguay. For those looking for a bit of escape from city life without having to leave Buenos Aires, the Ecological Reserve provides a hidden and tranquil hideaway along the edge of the Rio de la Plata. Along the opposite side of the water runs the bustling boulevard of the Costanera Sur. This recently constructed zone is a hive of activity come day or night with streams of local craft stalls and food vendors. On the weekends it is the site of a jumbled feria and often includes musical and entertainment attractions.

Puerto Madero is very much a barrio finding its feet. Much of it is still under development and the site of building works with images promising fancy high-rises and luxury office blocks are not uncommon. Its image make it an attractive area for investment and real estate prices are among some of the highest in Latin America.

This is Buenos Aires at its most contemporary. Its well-deserved reputation for gastronomic excellence and abundance of trendy bars and nightclubs make it a popular nocturnal hangout and its safe and modern feel make it an increasingly appealing residential area. This is a Mecca for the young and beautiful, residents and tourists, children and families alike. Its unique blend of modern and stylish, casual and classy, water and sidewalk make this easily one of Buenos Aires' most irresistible hangouts.