Looking to discover the best towers in Buenos Aires, a city that has become a hub of skyscrapers and high-rise buildings in South America? Buenos Aires boasts an impressive skyline, especially in areas near the Río de la Plata such as Puerto Madero, Retiro, Recoleta, and San Telmo.
Whether you’re interested in historic sites like the Obelisco, Edificio Alas, and the enigmatic Torre del Fantasma, or the latest modern constructions featuring cutting-edge materials, this city has it all.
ExpatPathways invites digital nomads, travelers, and expats to explore the 10 best towers to visit in Buenos Aires, each offering a unique view and story that captures the essence of this vibrant metropolis.
The Best Towers to Visit in Buenos Aires
1. Obelisco
Location: Av. 9 de Julio & Av. Corrientes, Centro.
The Obelisco de Buenos Aires, standing at a height of 67.5 meters, is a national historic monument and an iconic symbol of the city. Located at the intersection of Avenida Corrientes and Avenida 9 de Julio, this monumental structure was erected in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first foundation of Buenos Aires by Pedro de Mendoza.
Designed by Argentine architect Alberto Prebisch and constructed by the German consortium GEOPÉ-Siemens Bauunion-Grün & Bilfinger, the Obelisco features a single entrance and four windows at its apex, accessible via a 206-step internal staircase. Its robust structure and towering presence make it a central landmark in the city’s skyline.
Visitors to the Obelisco can marvel at its impressive height and the simplicity of its design, which culminates in a blunt tip adorned with a lightning rod. The monument’s location in the bustling Plaza de la República makes it a focal point for public gatherings and cultural events.
Its historical significance and striking appearance continue to draw both locals and tourists, providing a fascinating glimpse into Buenos Aires’ rich past and architectural heritage.
2. Torre Monumental
Location: Av. Dr. José María Ramos Mejía 1315, Retiro
Formerly known as the Torre de los Ingleses, the Torre Monumental is a striking landmark in the Retiro neighborhood, standing 60 meters tall. Constructed in 1916 to commemorate the centenary of the May Revolution, this tower was a gift from British residents in Buenos Aires. The tower features a Palladian style with a frieze of triglyphs and metopes adorned with suns and British emblems.
Its clock, made by the prestigious Gillett & Johnston of Croydon, England, mimics the melody of Westminster Quarters, similar to Big Ben. Visitors can climb to the observation deck to enjoy panoramic views of Retiro and the port of Buenos Aires.
The Torre Monumental also houses a carrillon and five bronze bells, the largest of which weighs seven tons. The interior, accessible via an elevator, reveals a beautifully preserved clock mechanism and offers a unique perspective on the city’s development.
After its reopening in 2001 as a museum information center, the tower now provides insights into the city’s rich cultural and historical landscape. Its prominent location in Plaza Fuerza Aérea Argentina and its historical significance make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Buenos Aires.
3. Torre del Fantasma
Location: Wenceslao Villafañe 361, La Boca.
The Torre del Fantasma, or Ghost Tower, is a unique structure in the La Boca neighborhood, known for its intriguing history and architectural beauty. Built in the early 20th century by a wealthy landowner, the tower initially served as a residential building.
Its Catalan modernist design, characterized by ornate details and vibrant colors, stands out among the more traditional architecture of the area. The tower’s history is marked by mysterious and tragic events, including the rumored suicide of a talented artist named Clementina, who lived and worked in the tower’s top floor studio.
Legend has it that the tower is haunted by mischievous spirits or duendes, adding to its eerie allure. Despite these tales, the Torre del Fantasma remains a significant cultural landmark. Its location at the triple intersection of Wenceslao Villafañe, Benito Pérez Galdós, and Almirante Brown streets makes it a prominent feature of La Boca’s landscape.
Today, it is admired not only for its architectural innovation but also for the captivating stories that surround it, making it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in both history and legend.
4. Alvear Tower
Location: Azucena Villaflor 559, Puerto Madero.
Alvear Tower, standing at an impressive height of 235 meters, is the tallest residential skyscraper in Argentina. Located in the upscale Puerto Madero district, this luxurious tower offers breathtaking views from its exclusive roof club on the 54th floor.
Developed by the prestigious Grupo Alvear, the tower was inaugurated in late August and features 174 apartments ranging up to 500 square meters with three-meter-high ceilings. The extensive amenities include a semi-Olympic swimming pool, a gym, a spa, a music room, a hobby workshop, a business center, and a micro-cinema.
The Alvear Tower exemplifies modern luxury living with facilities that cater to every need. Residents and visitors can enjoy the external playground, electronic games area, ski and golf simulators, and even pet and car washing services.
Its strategic location in Dock 2 of Puerto Madero East makes it an ideal spot for those looking to experience the city’s high-end lifestyle. The tower’s impressive height and opulent amenities make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the architectural marvels of Buenos Aires.
5. Torres El Faro
Location: Azucena Villaflor 669, Puerto Madero.
Torres El Faro, a prominent twin-tower complex in Puerto Madero, stands at 160 meters each. These towers were the tallest buildings in Argentina upon completion and remain among the most iconic structures in the city.
Built with a surface area of 57,190 square meters, the towers are interconnected by four bridges, with the top bridge on the 46th floor housing a lounge and observation deck offering stunning views of the river and cityscape. The towers feature 160 residential units, outdoor pools, a spa, a sauna, a gym, and two levels of underground parking.
Designed by the architectural firm Berardo Dujovne, Silvia Hirsch, and María Dujovne, the project began in 1999 and was completed by 2005. The Torres El Faro project was part of the larger redevelopment of Puerto Madero, which transformed the area into one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Buenos Aires.
The towers’ unique design and historical significance make them an essential visit for those interested in modern architecture and urban development in Buenos Aires.
6. Torres Renoir
Location: Marta Lynch street, Puerto Madero.
The Renoir Towers, also known as Renoir Residences, are a pair of striking residential buildings in Puerto Madero. Renoir 1, completed in 2008, stands at 135 meters with 41 floors, while Renoir 2, finished in 2012, reaches 172 meters with 51 floors, making it one of the tallest buildings in Argentina.
The towers were designed by the architectural firm Robirosa-Beccar Varela-Pasinato for the construction company DyPSA. They feature modern amenities such as a pool, jacuzzi, a multi-use room for 400 people, and a cinema.
Renoir 2, the taller of the two, offers luxury units ranging from 160 to 229 square meters, with the possibility of integrating entire floors or duplexes for more extensive living spaces. The towers are equipped with facilities such as a children’s nursery, guest parking, light mechanical services, and a drivers’ room.
Originally planned as a three-tower complex, the project was adjusted to two towers, with the third plot sold to the Alvear Group for a separate hotel project. The Renoir Towers are a testament to luxurious living and sophisticated design, making them a must-see for visitors interested in the pinnacle of urban residential architecture in Buenos Aires.
7. Torre Prourban
Location: Av. del Libertador 498, Retiro.
Torre Prourban, popularly known as “El Rulero” due to its cylindrical shape, is a distinctive office building located at the northern end of Avenida 9 de Julio, near Avenida del Libertador. Completed in the early 1980s, this 27-story tower features a “tube-in-tube” structural design, providing an open-plan layout with ample natural light.
The building’s facade is defined by exposed concrete with horizontal and vertical grooves and square windows, giving it a unique appearance reminiscent of a hair roller.
Designed for administrative use, Torre Prourban includes three basement levels of parking, a triple-height entrance hall, and two floors dedicated to mechanical equipment and tanks. The building’s strategic location and distinctive design have made it an architectural landmark in Buenos Aires.
It stands out for its innovative cylindrical form and serves as a gateway to one of the city’s most iconic avenues. Visitors interested in modernist architecture and urban planning will find Torre Prourban a fascinating addition to Buenos Aires’ skyline.
8. Edificio Alas
Location: Avenida Leandro N. Alem 719, Retiro/San Nicolas.
Edificio Alas, a towering example of rationalist architecture, stands at 132 meters tall and features 42 floors of residential and office spaces. Located in the San Nicolás neighborhood, it was the tallest building in Buenos Aires from 1957 until 1994.
Originally conceived as the ATLAS building for the Agrupación de Trabajadores Latinoamericanos Sindicalizados, it was later expropriated by the Argentine Air Force and renamed “ALAS.” The building’s design includes a stepped morphology with a granite-covered facade and a marble travertine main hall, reflecting its mid-20th-century architectural style.
This historic tower has played a vital role in the urban landscape of Buenos Aires, particularly along Avenida Leandro N. Alem. It features nine apartments per floor in its central block and was equipped with various amenities, including a supply store and commercial spaces for residents.
The building also housed the studios of Canal 7 from 1957 to 1978 in its lower levels. Today, Edificio Alas stands as a testament to the city’s architectural evolution, offering visitors a glimpse into the era’s design and the city’s development.
9. Torre YPF
Location: Macacha Guemes 515, Puerto Madero.
The Torre YPF, formerly known as Torre Repsol-YPF, is an office building located in the heart of Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires. Designed by renowned architect César Pelli, this 160-meter tall tower was inaugurated in late 2008 and serves as the headquarters for the Argentine oil company YPF.
The building’s distinctive feature is a small eucalyptus forest planted between the 26th and 31st floors, symbolizing the company’s commitment to ecological sustainability. This garden in the sky contrasts sharply with the building’s sleek glass exterior, creating a unique and visually striking element.
Volumetrically, the Torre YPF is composed of two juxtaposed prisms: one triangular and the other square, each oriented to optimize views of the river and the city. The ground floor features a unified lobby with glass walls and a pergola covered in plants, enhancing the connection with nature.
Inside, the building houses 36 levels, including three basements, a large auditorium, and multiple office floors serviced by two sets of elevators. The combination of innovative design, ecological elements, and modern facilities makes Torre YPF a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.
10. Le Parc Figueroa Alcorta
Location: Cavia & Figueroa Alcorta, Palermo.
Le Parc Figueroa Alcorta is a luxurious residential complex comprising two towers, Torre Cavia and Torre Alcorta, located in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Standing at 173 meters, Torre Cavia was the tallest building in Buenos Aires until 2015.
The project was initiated by RAGHSA in 1994 with the construction of the first Le Parc tower in Palermo, which significantly altered the area’s skyline and spurred further development. The complex offers a range of spacious apartments, with units up to 420 square meters on the higher floors.
The design of Le Parc Figueroa Alcorta emphasizes modern living with high-end amenities, including swimming pools, fitness centers, and communal spaces. The towers’ elegant design and strategic location near Avenida Figueroa Alcorta and Cavia make them standout landmarks in the city.
The success of the Le Parc series has cemented these towers as icons of modern luxury in Buenos Aires, attracting residents and visitors alike to experience their sophisticated architecture and amenities.
(Featured Image Source: Nico granata/flickr.com)
