Are you ready to discover the most beautiful bridges in Buenos Aires? While Buenos Aires may not be a city filled with numerous bridges and river crossings, the few that adorn the city are remarkably beautiful.
Dating back to the last century, these bridges were constructed during a time of city expansion, necessitating elevated crossings. Whether used for pedestrian passage, trains, or vehicles, these architectural gems offer a unique glimpse into the city’s history and charm.
Explore these stunning structures with ExpatPathways, and see why they are a must-visit for digital nomads, travelers, and expats alike.
The Most Beautiful Bridges in Buenos Aires
1. Puente Transbordador Nicolás Avellaneda
Location: Av. Don Pedro de Mendoza, La Boca.
The Puente Nicolás Avellaneda spans the Matanza-Riachuelo River, connecting the neighborhoods of La Boca in Buenos Aires and Isla Maciel in Avellaneda. Inaugurated on October 5, 1940, this bridge stands near the older transbordador bridge, with which it shares a name.
The construction was one of the world’s first to use steel and concrete, and it includes walkways for pedestrians accessed through buildings on either side of the river.
These two bridges dominate the Riachuelo’s mouth, creating an iconic silhouette of this part of the city. The old transbordador bridge, a National Historic Monument, is a colossal iron structure inaugurated in 1914. Over the years, it became obsolete, leading to the construction of the new bridge to accommodate growing urban traffic demands.
The new Nicolás Avellaneda Bridge, approximately 1600 meters long with a central metallic and liftable section, became the most significant of its kind in South America upon its inauguration. This imposing concrete structure features two towers nearly 50 meters high.
The old transbordador bridge, built by the Ferrocarril del Sud company and inaugurated in 1914, once transported up to 17,000 workers daily. It was nearly dismantled in 1993 but was saved by a campaign led by architect Carlos Mario Pasqualini and local associations. After extensive restoration, the transbordador bridge reopened to the public in 2023 for tourist purposes, offering a glimpse into Buenos Aires’ rich industrial past.
2. Puente de la Mujer
Location: Gorriti Juana Manuela, 900, Puerto Madero.
The Puente de la Mujer is a striking footbridge located in Dock 3 of the Puerto Madero district. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this cantilever spar cable-stayed bridge is notable for its asymmetrical design. The bridge was commissioned by entrepreneur Alberto González and was manufactured by the Urssa company in Vitoria, Spain, using steel not produced in Argentina.
Inaugurated on December 20, 2001, the bridge’s design is inspired by the image of a couple dancing the tango, with the white mast symbolizing the man and the bridge’s curved silhouette representing the woman.
This pedestrian bridge, 170 meters long and 6.20 meters wide, consists of three sections: two fixed sections and a rotating central section that allows boats to pass through in less than two minutes. The central section is supported by a 39-meter-high steel needle, angled and suspended by cables.
The bridge was renovated in 2022, replacing the old wooden deck with sustainable plastic wood made from recycled bottles. This renovation not only preserved the bridge’s structural integrity but also enhanced its durability and environmental friendliness. The Puente de la Mujer has become an emblem of Puerto Madero and Buenos Aires, showcasing the city’s commitment to avant-garde architecture and engineering.
3. Puente Peatonal Figueroa Alcorta
Location: Facultad de Derecho (Universidad de Buenos Aires), Av. Figueroa Alcorta, Recoleta.
The Puente Peatonal Figueroa Alcorta, officially named Carlos Sánchez Viamonte, is one of the most frequented pedestrian bridges in Buenos Aires. Originally designed by architect César Janello in 1960 for the Sesquicentennial Exposition of the May Revolution, it was rebuilt in 1978 after being demolished.
The bridge’s unique design combines a pedestrian pathway with the mechanical pressures on the material, featuring a longitudinal profile with a higher central curve for clearance and a lower curve for structural support. The handrail, a series of lines complementing the bridge’s shape, adds to its visual appeal.
In 2021, the bridge underwent significant renovations, including the resurfacing of 700 square meters of the walkway with smoothed concrete, the installation of LED lights, and the repair of 100 square meters of surrounding sidewalks.
These improvements addressed previous issues such as cracks, leaks, and vandalism, ensuring the bridge’s safety and aesthetic appeal. Positioned in a strategic location near the Law Faculty, this bridge not only serves as a practical crossing but also offers stunning views of the surrounding area, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
4. Puente Ezequiel Demonty (Puente Alsina)
Location: Av. Sáenz, Nueva Pompeya.
The Puente Alsina, now officially named Puente Ezequiel Demonty, is a neo-colonial bridge inaugurated in 1938 that connects the neighborhood of Nueva Pompeya in Buenos Aires with the city of Valentín Alsina across the Riachuelo.
Originally named Puente José Félix Uriburu, the bridge’s name was changed in 2002 to disassociate it from the former president linked to a military coup and to honor previous bridges named Valentín Alsina that stood in the same location. The bridge’s current name commemorates Ezequiel Demonty, a victim of police brutality, following a congressional decision in 2015.
Designed by engineer José Calixto Álvarez, the bridge features a monumental neo-colonial style and was constructed between 1932 and 1938. Its significant characteristics include a 173.16-meter span between supports, a 65.33-meter span of fixed sections, and a 42.50-meter movable section.
The bridge also boasts six lanes and a pedestrian walkway. Due to its monumental nature and critical role in connecting Buenos Aires with Valentín Alsina, the bridge is an iconic symbol of the southern part of the city. Its elegant curves and robust structure have inspired numerous artists, making it a “tango” bridge, reflective of the local culture and history.
5. Puente Pacífico
Location: Av. Santa Fe & Av. Juan B. Justo, Palermo.
The Puente Pacífico is a railway bridge located at the intersection of Santa Fe and Juan B. Justo avenues in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is part of the General San Martín Railway. Built by the Buenos Aires al Pacífico Railway, from which it takes its name, the bridge was constructed to extend rail service to Retiro.
Given the high traffic in the area, which is close to the Bosques de Palermo and the racetrack, the railway company decided to elevate the tracks to avoid level crossings. As a result, several bridges and underpasses were built, including the Puente Pacífico, which is significant for its location.
In 2011, the Buenos Aires city government widened the bridge as part of a project to expand Avenida Santa Fe from six to ten lanes. This expansion involved extending the bridge eastward, and a metal replica of the bridge’s original decorative section was created to preserve its historical appearance.
The bridge, constructed in 1915, allows the San Martín line to cross over Santa Fe Avenue. Today, the Puente Pacífico spans 37 meters in length and 9.60 meters in width, easily accommodating the ten lanes of traffic below.
6. Puente Peatonal Dorrego
Location: Parque 3 de Febrero, Palermo.
The Puente Peatonal Dorrego was constructed to enhance the safety of cyclists and pedestrians by eliminating traffic interferences. Spanning Avenida Dorrego between Avenida Figueroa Alcorta and the Mitre railway bridge, this pedestrian bridge measures approximately 153 meters in length with a 3-meter-wide pedestrian path.
It features a metal structure with a concrete base, supported by two 17-meter-high metal towers on either side of Avenida Dorrego. The suspension system includes five lines of cables situated along the sides of the bridge.
Completed in late 2008, the bridge’s design focuses on safety and convenience. To cushion the impact for runners using the bridge and protect their joints, synthetic grass covers the entire walkway.
Additionally, adequate lighting ensures safety during nighttime hours. The bridge’s green and yellow colors were chosen by local residents through a vote organized by the city government via Commune 14.
The bridge is a cable-stayed structure with a total length of 165.76 meters, featuring a central span of 49 meters and two lateral spans of 36 meters each. The pedestrian path has a maximum height of 4.95 meters at the center, with a maximum slope of 7 degrees.
(Featured Image Source: pablo segade/flickr.com)
