Are you a digital nomad, expat, or traveler looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires for a day? Nestled in the heart of the city, Parque Centenario offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and recreation.
As detailed on ExpatPathways, this expansive park is not just the geographical center of Buenos Aires but a central hub for community and leisure activities.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in physical activities, explore cultural events, or simply relax by a scenic lake, Parque Centenario has something for everyone. Dive into our guide to discover everything you need to know before visiting this urban oasis.
Parque Centenario (Buenos Aires): Everything you Need to Know Before Your Visit
Location and History
Parque Centenario is a green oasis set in the heart of Buenos Aires, sprawling across 12 hectares. Conceived by the renowned French landscape architect Carlos Thays, the park was established in 1909 to commemorate the centenary of the May Revolution.
Situated in the Caballito neighborhood, which is the geographical center of Buenos Aires, the park originally belonged to the Lezica family.
The city of Buenos Aires purchased these lands in 1898 with plans to create what was initially intended to be called Parque del Oeste or Parque Central, but the name was ultimately designated as Parque Centenario.
Accessing Parque Centenario
Located centrally within Buenos Aires, Parque Centenario is accessible from virtually any part of the city. The most recommended way to reach the park is by bus. Numerous bus routes circle the park on nearby avenues and streets, including lines 15, 65, 92, 99, 124, 119, and 146.
For those considering subway or train options, the closest stations are on Line B of the subway and the Sarmiento train line.
However, be prepared for a short walk from these stations to the park. Note that whether you are traveling by train, subway, or bus, you will need a SUBE card—the only accepted form of payment for public transportation in Buenos Aires.
Alternatively, cycling to Parque Centenario might be your best option, especially since protected bike lanes are available around the park. This method of transport offers a convenient way for quick access and departure.
Reasons to Visit Parque Centenario
Parque Centenario is not just a park; it’s a vibrant hub of activity, culture, and tranquility that attracts around 12,000 visitors every weekend. Loved by locals for a day outdoors, whether for relaxation, cultural activities, or physical exercise, this park offers a privileged space for various endeavors.
From its beautiful garden adorned with a variety of tree species and flowers like roses, jasmines, and primroses to its large artificial lake surrounded by jogging paths and relaxation spots, Parque Centenario is a true urban escape.
Visitors can enjoy a rich tapestry of activities including artistic performances in its amphitheater, museum visits, craft fairs, music recitals, skate park adventures, and playgrounds.
The park’s centerpiece, an open-air amphitheater, hosts free artistic shows throughout the year, especially in summer, making it a lively spot for entertainment.
Green Spaces and Recreation
Parque Centenario boasts some of the city’s most beautiful gardens within its 12 hectares. The park is shaded with numerous trees including drunken stick trees and ceibos, with tall araucarias and tipas providing homes for 18 species of birds.
For children, there are innovative playgrounds designed to stimulate creativity, four playgrounds, and a carousel. The park also features a lake inhabited by ducks, geese, and fish, creating a picturesque setting enhanced by the “Winged Victory” sculpture by Italian artist Eduardo Rubino and a striking fountain.
Physical Activities
The park caters to fitness enthusiasts of all ages with facilities like three exercise stations, two aerobic stations, a senior exercise area, a skate park for extreme sports lovers, and a soccer field.
These amenities ensure that visitors can engage in various physical activities to maintain their fitness regime while enjoying the outdoor environment.
Amphitheater
The Eva Perón Amphitheater, with seating for 1,600 people, is Argentina’s largest open-air amphitheater. It hosts free artistic performances year-round, particularly thriving during the summer months.
The stage measures 18 by 12 meters and includes a wide range of facilities such as an orchestra pit, a 17 by 7 meter projection screen, advanced lighting systems, backstage areas including specialized and general dressing rooms, and administrative and technical offices.
Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia
On the edge of Parque Centenario, this museum stands as the country’s main and oldest natural sciences museum. With one of the most comprehensive collections in Latin America, it features halls dedicated to Paleontology, Geology, amphibians, reptiles, and arthropods.
The museum not only displays complete dinosaur skeletons and extensive insect collections but also offers guided tours highlighting its botanical, zoological, and geological exhibits.
Asociación Argentina Amigos de la Astronomía
Established in 1944 through contributions from its members, this non-profit organization aims to promote and cultivate astronomical science. Located within the park, it features an observatory equipped with several telescopes, an extensive library, and a wide range of courses.
Additionally, the association organizes talks and conferences, offering visits open to the general public, not just members.
Activities to Enjoy in Parque Centenario
Physical Activity
Parque Centenario offers a spacious green environment perfect for physical activities, making it an excellent alternative to the gym. The park features a circuit approximately 1.5 km long for running around its perimeter, with internal paths providing a varied route.
Additionally, it hosts small training groups accompanied by music and personal trainers, creating a dynamic exercise environment. For strength training enthusiasts, several exercise stations around the park are available for pull-ups and other exercises.
Bicycle
Parque Centenario is an ideal spot for cycling enthusiasts. A low-speed road surrounds the park, shared by vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles, ensuring safe interaction with pedestrians and runners.
For a safer cycling route, a dedicated bike lane is also available. The park’s design includes safe access and exit points, making it easy to arrive and depart on a bike.
Fairs
The fairs at Parque Centenario are a major weekend attraction, featuring an extensive array of stalls that include books, music, crafts, second-hand goods, clothing, and an assortment of food vendors offering everything from hamburgers to ice cream.
While the fair occupies a large part of the park, making it less suitable for cycling or exercising during fair weekends, the bookstores operate daily along one side of the park’s perimeter.
Visit to the Lake
At the heart of Parque Centenario lies a large artificial lake, complete with a water fountain and a stone pathway around it. The lake is home to ducks and other birds living on a small island, offering a peaceful natural scene for visitors.
Feeding the animals is strongly discouraged to maintain their health on a balanced diet. Don’t be surprised if a duck or bird wanders close by; they are harmless and part of the park’s charm.
Walk
The expansive and intricately designed Parque Centenario encourages visitors to explore its entirety. The park seems to contain multiple mini-parks within its grounds, each offering unique encounters with nature, street artists, exercise groups, and more. This diversity enriches the walking experience, making every visit a new discovery.
Enjoy Argentine culture
The amphitheater in Parque Centenario is a popular venue during certain times of the year, hosting everything from theater productions to movie screenings. It is also a significant venue for the Buenos Aires International Independent Film Festival (Bafici), where indie and auteur films are shown free of charge.
This architectural gem adds a cultural dimension to the park, enhancing its appeal as a multifaceted urban space. You will also find street artists and cultural events with the unmistakable imprint of Buenos Aires.
Last Considerations
Parque Centenario provides an exceptional escape within Buenos Aires, balancing cultural richness with natural beauty.
While it closes nightly at midnight to maintain safety and cleanliness, the surrounding areas remain accessible for your early morning or late-night exercise routines. Be mindful of the less illuminated sections of the park and plan accordingly for a secure visit.
Whether you’re seeking tranquility or adventure, Parque Centenario is a must-visit location that offers a little something for every expat, traveler, and digital nomad. Continue exploring unique destinations and practical tips on ExpatPathways.
(Featured Image Source: Dan DeLuca/flickr.com)
