Looking for a quiet escape to enjoy the outdoors in the bustling city of Buenos Aires? Beyond the well-trodden paths of its large parks, the city hides several smaller squares that are cherished by locals in various neighborhoods.
These hidden gems offer beautiful green spaces for residents and visitors alike to breathe fresh air and enjoy a leisurely walk, all without the need to travel to the city’s larger parks.
Join ExpatPathways as we unveil the 10 best hidden squares in Buenos Aires, perfect for anyone from expats to travelers looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and discover where serene meets urban right in the heart of the city.
The Best Hidden Squares in Buenos Aires For a Walk Outdoors
1. Plazoleta Guemes
Neighborhood: Palermo
Plazoleta Guemes, also known as Plaza Guadalupe, is a picturesque spot in the Palermo neighborhood, rich in greenery with tall palms and leafy trees.
Originally the site of a lagoon near the Maldonado stream, this small square now features a children’s playground, beautifully manicured flowerbeds, and a mast with a bas-relief honoring the Argentine military leader Martín Miguel de Guemes.
A basilica dedicated to the Holy Spirit with an image of the Virgin adds a spiritual dimension to the square, making it a tranquil haven for relaxation.
Residents and visitors alike enjoy the peaceful setting, complete with drum dances and carnivals, ample seating, and public bicycles available for a leisurely ride through one of Buenos Aires’ most charming districts.
2. Plaza Mariano Boedo
Neighborhood: Boedo
Plaza Mariano Boedo, established in 2011 in Commune 5 after decades of local advocacy, is a vibrant community hub surrounded by jacaranda trees.
This modern park features an amphitheater, event and exhibition areas, children’s play zones, a green solarium, and shaded pergolas draped with vines, creating a refreshing escape in the historic Boedo neighborhood.
The space has been cleverly transformed, possibly from a former factory or warehouse, into a multifunctional recreational area with facilities for basketball, calisthenics, and chess, making it an ideal spot for both active pursuits and leisurely afternoons.
The square also houses a civic center where residents can engage with local government and partake in community events, including weddings and other official proceedings.
3. Parque de la Estación
Neighborhood: Balvanera
Parque de la Estación in Balvanera adds a significant 14,117 square meters of public green space to the bustling cityscape of Buenos Aires.
This park uniquely incorporates a cultural and educational twist within its expansive premises, featuring two glass-walled courtyards inside a repurposed railway shed to enhance natural lighting and divide the space into three interconnected sections.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of amenities including a library, sports and cultural activity areas, and well-maintained green spaces.
The park is celebrated for its excellent upkeep and vibrant atmosphere where locals often gather to enjoy performances in the amphitheater, relax with friends over mate, or engage in leisure activities with their pets.
Despite its location in a less affluent area of the city, Parque de la Estación shines as a testament to urban renewal and community spirit, drawing admiration for its contribution to local biodiversity with flora that attracts butterflies and bees.
4. Plaza Almagro
Neighborhood: Almagro
Plaza Almagro, located in the Almagro neighborhood, provides a leafy retreat from the urban rush, complete with a range of facilities that cater to all ages.
This plaza features a centrally located monument that was remodeled in 2007, around which the entire park is gated, closing during certain hours at night to maintain safety and cleanliness.
The space is equipped with a playground, outdoor gym, areas for chess and table tennis, and a carousel, making it a popular venue for local events, including performances during the Ephemeral Festival of Independent Theater in the summer.
With its proximity to Avenida Corrientes, Plaza Almagro serves as a perfect spot for a quick escape to nature, offering ample seating, exercise equipment, games for children, and even pet-friendly facilities, all surrounded by an abundance of trees and plants which keep the environment serene and pleasant.
5. Plaza Dr. Bernardo Houssay
Neighborhood: Recoleta/Balvanera
Plaza Dr. Bernardo Houssay, situated at the intersection of Recoleta and Balvanera, is an essential green space in Buenos Aires, heavily influenced by its proximity to key University of Buenos Aires (UBA) facilities.
Surrounded by the Facultad de Ciencias Económicas, the Hospital de Clínicas, and the Facultad de Medicina, the plaza underwent significant renovations in 2015 that expanded its green areas by 50% and introduced new infrastructures, including a bustling gastronomic zone with establishments like McDonald’s and Antares.
The modernized plaza now serves as a vibrant hub for students and visitors alike, offering well-maintained rest areas, outdoor seating, and a fenced play area for children, making it a refreshed and inviting spot for relaxation and socializing in the heart of the city.
6. Plaza Libertad
Neighborhood: Retiro
Plaza Libertad, located in the Retiro neighborhood near the iconic Avenida 9 de Julio, is one of Buenos Aires’ oldest and most picturesque squares.
This historical site, which began as a humble settlement in the late 18th century, now features a striking statue of Adolfo Alsina set in a circular crater surrounded by steps, lush green spaces, fountains, and a spectacular night-time water show with music and lights.
The plaza’s serene environment is perfect for reading, walking, or simply enjoying the tranquility under the shade of mature trees.
Its unique circular design and the sloped terrain make it a magical oasis in downtown Buenos Aires, ideal for a casual outing, enjoying a snack, or taking a leisurely nap.
7. Plaza Unidad Latinoamericana
Neighborhood: Palermo Viejo
Plaza Unidad Latinoamericana, established in 1984, celebrates the bonds among Latin American communities. Located in Palermo Viejo, this sizable square, which it shares with a school, is a vital part of the neighborhood offering a multifunctional sports area, children’s playground, a carousel, and a large pergola with chess tables underneath.
The space is well-equipped for various activities, including a calisthenics area with rubber flooring suitable for exercise impacts, and boasts an abundance of trees, making it a popular spot for walking and jogging.
It also features a dedicated area with concrete flooring, tables, and benches often used for birthday celebrations, creating a family-friendly environment that caters to both adults and children, making it an ideal place for community gatherings and leisure activities.
8. Plaza General Benito Nazar
Neighborhood: Villa Crespo
Plaza General Benito Nazar, situated in the Villa Crespo neighborhood, serves as a key cultural and recreational spot in the area, especially during celebrations like the neighborhood’s founding day.
Named after General San Martín Benito Nazar, a prominent figure in Argentine military history, the square was once part of his estate, later donated by his daughter to the municipality.
This quaint and well-designed plaza includes a central area filled with children’s play equipment, surrounded by seating where parents can relax and socialize while keeping an eye on their children.
The plaza’s layout encourages community engagement with frequent festivals and fairs, offering a welcome space for residents to relax, enjoy outdoor activities, or simply meet with friends and family in a serene setting.
9. Plaza Monseñor Miguel de Andrea
Neighborhood: Recoleta/Almagro
Plaza Monseñor Miguel de Andrea, commonly known as the Plaza de los Perros, is a dog-friendly park located in the Recoleta neighborhood, bordering Almagro.
Donated by Monseñor Miguel de Andrea in 1914, this plaza is a vibrant green space amidst a busy urban area, known for its bronze sculpture honoring the priest’s dogs.
The park is equipped with a variety of facilities including an outdoor gym, jogging track, children’s play area, small amphitheater, chess tables, and picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for both recreation and relaxation.
Surrounded by tall buildings and heavy traffic, it offers a tranquil escape with its well-maintained paths, ample seating, and a well-equipped recreational area for children, making it one of the city’s most versatile public spaces.
10. Plaza Mafalda
Neighborhood: Colegiales
Plaza Mafalda, situated in the Colegiales neighborhood and inaugurated on November 28, 1995, is named after the beloved comic strip character created by Argentine cartoonist Quino.
This uniquely themed park features paths that form a tic-tac-toe pattern leading to a central point and is divided into sections named after Quino’s characters, enhancing its charm and appeal as a cultural landmark.
The plaza does not feature statues but showcases illustrations and comic strips from “Mafalda”, creating an engaging environment for visitors.
With its creative layout, numerous trees, lush grass areas, chess tables, and playgrounds, Plaza Mafalda is not only a hub for recreational activities but also a delightful spot for relaxation and community gatherings, offering shaded benches and exercise stations for a complete outdoor experience.
Last Considerations
Have you had the chance to explore any of these enchanting squares during your stay in Buenos Aires? While these smaller squares offer a delightful escape to nature within the city’s bustling neighborhoods, remember that many of them close after dusk.
This measure helps maintain safety and cleanliness, as the city aims to manage the presence of street vendors, beggars, and homeless individuals who might seek shelter in these areas at night.
When planning your visit, it’s wise to check the opening hours and perhaps plan your outings during daylight to fully enjoy these peaceful retreats.
ExpatPathways encourages you to stay aware of your surroundings and enjoy the unique charm and tranquility of Buenos Aires’ hidden squares, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
(Featured Image Source: Ted McGrath/flickr.com)
