Curious about one of Buenos Aires‘ most iconic pedestrian streets? Florida Street, located in the bustling downtown area, is an open-air commercial gallery that has experienced Argentina’s highs and lows.
Following the challenges of 2020, this historic street has embarked on a gradual economic recovery. Renowned for its currency exchange spots and brand-name stores, Florida Street remains a major attraction for foreigners.
Explore the rich history and dynamic present of Florida Street with ExpatPathways, and see why it’s a top destination for digital nomads, travelers, and expats visiting Buenos Aires.
Florida Street (Buenos Aires): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is Florida Street in Buenos Aires?
Florida Street is one of the most important pedestrian streets in Buenos Aires, alongside Lavalle Street. Running vertically from North to South, it is a bustling area frequented by professionals and workers from Buenos Aires’ downtown as well as tourists.
On Florida Street, it is common to find individuals offering currency exchange services. These people, known as “arbolitos,” typically shout “cambio, cambio” and give a brief description of the currencies they exchange.
It’s important to note that these exchanges, often illegal, take place in offices rather than on the street itself.
Historical Significance and Economic Impact
With the transformation of Buenos Aires’ downtown into the city’s financial heart, Florida Street has thrived, becoming home to prominent stores and financial institutions, drawing in tourists and professionals alike.
Recognized as Argentina’s most important commercial street, it continues south of Avenida Rivadavia as Calle Perú. In 1913, it became the city’s first pedestrian street, with traffic banned from 11 AM to 9 PM, and in 1971, it was pedestrianized throughout its length, except for a 100-meter section near Plaza San Martín.
Notable Galleries on Florida Street
The street is famous for its many galleries, including:
- Galería Güemes: The first commercial “skyscraper” in Buenos Aires, inaugurated in 1915.
- Galería Jardín: Known for its numerous stores selling computer supplies.
- Galerías Pacífico: Opened in 1890, restored and transformed into a shopping center in 1990, attracting many tourists.
- Galería Boston: Notable for a mural in high relief by the artist Carybé, created in 1962.
Economic Fluctuations and Renovations
Florida Street has experienced both highs and lows, largely reflecting Argentina’s economic conditions. Until the 1990s, it was celebrated for its shops and financial activity during the era of currency convertibility (1 peso, 1 dollar), but the 2001 crisis led to a gradual closure of stores, rising unemployment, and increased informality.
Various renovation plans have been implemented since the early 2000s to make the street cleaner, safer, and more modern. The 2012 renovation, costing 11 million pesos, was the most significant since 1999, featuring underground cabling, new planters, reinforced concrete paving, and LED lighting.
Recent Developments and COVID-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Florida Street, mirroring the broader situation in downtown Buenos Aires. Restrictions and prolonged quarantines left the street with closed shops and deserted streets, transforming it into a ghost town at times.
By July 2023, the situation was improving, with people returning to offices, the resurgence of tourism, and the opening of new eateries, many in former shop spaces.
Where is Florida Street in Buenos Aires?
Florida Street is a pedestrian street in Buenos Aires that starts at Avenida Rivadavia and ends at Plaza General San Martín. Recognized as the most important commercial street in Argentina, it continues south of Avenida Rivadavia as Calle Perú.
Its North-South trajectory crosses the central neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: Retiro, San Nicolás, and Monserrat, intersecting major avenues like Córdoba, Corrientes, and Diagonal Norte.
Florida Street is also close to other significant avenues such as 9 de Julio, Leandro N. Alem, and Belgrano. This pedestrian street is notable not only for its appealing route but also for its prime location within the city.
How to Get to Florida Street?
Nothing is easier than getting to Florida Street in downtown Buenos Aires.
Major avenues like Corrientes, Córdoba, Rivadavia, and Diagonal Norte intersect with Florida Street along its path. However, it’s important to note that private vehicles and bicycles are not recommended for visiting Florida Street.
There are governmental controls in place aimed at reducing vehicle traffic to benefit public transportation and pedestrians.
With that in mind, you have two main public transportation options for getting to Florida Street:
- Buses: Several bus lines pass through Buenos Aires, particularly around the Florida Street area. Some of these lines include 8, 9, 45, 75, 101, 106, 108, 132, and 150.
- Subway: The B and D subway lines have stations close to Florida Street. The subway’s advantage is that you won’t have to deal with traffic bottlenecks, which are common on weekdays in this busy part of Buenos Aires.
Activities to Do and Things to See on Florida Street in Buenos Aires
Walk from End to End
Florida Street is a pedestrian thoroughfare that stretches vertically through downtown Buenos Aires. Over its 10 blocks, you’ll find currency exchange offices, shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and street performers.
It is a popular spot for tourists and foreigners, situated in the heart of Buenos Aires’ financial district, making it normal to walk among tourists, professionals, and students.
Visit Shops
Florida Street is a typical commercial pedestrian street, featuring clothing stores, gift shops, sports stores, and more. You can take a stroll and visit its various shops, whether to buy gifts or acquire something you need during your stay in Buenos Aires.
Florida Street is like an open-air gallery, stretching nearly 1.5 km with shops and commercial premises of all kinds.
Admire the Architecture
Located in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires, Florida Street showcases a mix of 19th and 20th-century architecture alongside modern constructions and large office towers. During your walk, you can’t miss photographing the contrasts between the historical past of Buenos Aires and the impressive modern buildings.
The street feels like a commercial gallery or an open-air promenade, making it enjoyable to walk while observing how buildings on both sides seem to “want” to join into a single entity.
Galería Güemes
Galería Güemes is a historic building in downtown Buenos Aires, situated on Florida Street between Perón and Bartolomé Mitre streets. Inaugurated in 1915, its architectural style perfectly reflects the Belle Epoque of Buenos Aires.
Initially conceived as a passageway connecting both streets via a 116-meter gallery, the project was later expanded. In addition to shops, offices, and stores, Galería Güemes boasts an impressive lookout on the 14th floor, known as Torre Mitre, which is open to visitors Monday through Friday in small groups.
The gallery also features cafes, wine shops, and exclusive stores for your shopping pleasure.
Restaurants, Bars, and Cafés
Florida Street is an ideal spot for enjoying delicious food and drinks. Located in a commercial, tourist, and financial area, some of the best restaurants, cafés, and bars are ready to welcome you.
While not all dining establishments are specifically on Florida Street, you only need to walk a block down one of the cross streets or head to a parallel street to find your ideal café, bar, or restaurant.
Remember, Florida Street is close to major avenues like Corrientes, Córdoba, Leandro N. Alem, 9 de Julio, and Rivadavia, and intersects with Lavalle Street, another popular pedestrian street running East-West.
Currency Exchange
Except for official currency exchange houses with identifiable storefronts and transparent, legal operating conditions, it’s advisable to avoid the “arbolitos,” individuals who vocally promote their exchange services on Florida Street.
While their exchange rates may seem more favorable, the operations are illegal. If you agree to exchange money with an “arbolito,” you’ll be directed to an office that is usually located inside a gallery or building, rather than on the street itself.
(Featured Image Source: Wayne Hopkins/flickr.com)
