How can you miss visiting the Carlos Gardel Passage? If you want to experience an iconic spot for tango and its history, the Tango Walk is the perfect destination.
Walking through the Carlos Gardel Passage and encountering the Abasto Shopping Mall, the most iconic building in that area of Buenos Aires, is truly gratifying.
From enjoying a delicious meal to catching a tango show or even visiting the very house where Carlos Gardel lived, the Carlos Gardel Passage has it all.
Discover everything you need to know about this legendary location in Buenos Aires with ExpatPathways!
Carlos Gardel Passage (Buenos Aires): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is the Carlos Gardel Passage in Buenos Aires?
The Carlos Gardel Passage, also known as the Tango Walk, is a pedestrian passage that stretches for one block in the Abasto neighborhood. It is bounded by Anchorena and Jean Jaures streets and is located near the iconic Abasto Shopping Mall.
As a pedestrian passage, vehicle and motorcycle access is restricted to residents of some of the apartments in the area who need to park there.
Historical Significance
This pedestrian passage is named after Carlos Gardel, who spent many years of his adolescence and adulthood living in the Abasto neighborhood. It is lined with murals depicting tango themes and local shops selling regional items.
At the intersection of the Passage with Anchorena Street, you will find the monument to Carlos Gardel, as well as the Esquina Carlos Gardel, a place where you can enjoy tango shows.
Cultural Importance
The Carlos Gardel Passage is not just a street in memory of Carlos Gardel; it is also a symbolic area representing the culture of tango, where the most outstanding dancers and tango enthusiasts from all over the country gather. It is a center of national and international tourist attraction.
A few years ago, the Passage housed statues of various symbols of tango and milonga in Argentina. However, due to deterioration and vandalism, the authorities removed these sculptures, initially for restoration purposes and temporarily. So far, only the statue of Carlos Gardel remains in the Tango Walk.
Modern Revitalization
In recent years, this street has been revitalized with the arrival of not only restaurants and bars but also the construction of apartments and housing that, in some cases, are rented to foreigners visiting the country. Additionally, the presence of the Abasto Shopping Mall provides another hub of activity.
A few blocks from the Carlos Gardel Passage, particularly to the north and west, you can enjoy many gastronomic and cultural offerings, including tango, Peruvian food, bars, independent theaters, and even Argentine barbecue. In fact, the Carlos Gardel Museum House is located on Jean Jaures Street, very close to the Tango Walk.
Where is the Tango Walk in Buenos Aires?
The Carlos Gardel Passage, also known as the Tango Walk, is located in the Balvanera neighborhood, more specifically in the area known as Abasto. This designation is due to its proximity to the Abasto Shopping Mall, which extends its name to the entire surrounding area.
The Carlos Gardel Passage stretches for just one block, between Anchorena Street (to the west) and Jean Jaures Street (to the east). To the east, the Passage borders the Abasto Shopping Mall, where one of the side entrances to the mall is located.
Near the Carlos Gardel Passage is Corrientes Avenue, one of the most important avenues in downtown Buenos Aires. A bit further away are Córdoba Avenue (to the north) and Pueyrredón Avenue (to the east).
The area surrounding the Carlos Gardel Passage not only offers places to enjoy tango but also hosts significant cultural and artistic activities. Additionally, at night, both the Tango Walk and the surrounding areas are bustling with gastronomic and nightlife activities.
How to get to the Carlos Gardel Passage in Buenos Aires?
By Subway
The quickest, most direct, and accessible way to reach the Carlos Gardel Passage is by subway. The B Line has a station right below the Abasto Shopping Mall. From there, you can surface directly onto Corrientes Avenue and reach the passage by walking just 150 meters.
Alternatively, you can descend from the B Line and access the Abasto Shopping Mall, which has a side exit on Anchorena Street that leads directly to the Tango Walk.
The H Line subway also runs near the Carlos Gardel Passage, circulating along Pueyrredón Avenue, located three blocks from the Tango Walk. You can travel on the H Line, get off at Corrientes station, walk three blocks along Corrientes to Jean Jaures, and then turn onto this street to find the passage.
Another option is to switch from the H Line to the B Line to avoid walking and get off directly in front of the Abasto Shopping Mall.
By Bus
Several bus lines run along Corrientes Avenue, Pueyrredón Avenue, and the streets surrounding the Tango Walk. These buses connect various parts of Buenos Aires, making them a convenient option for reaching the Carlos Gardel Passage.
By Bicycle
Bicycles are a good option for getting to this area of Buenos Aires, especially since there are protected bike lanes on Corrientes Avenue and Humahuaca Street.
The latter intersects with Anchorena Street, located on the opposite side of the Abasto Shopping Mall from the Carlos Gardel Passage. Just remember to park your bike in a private parking area, as leaving it unattended on the street could result in theft.
By Car
The area is well-suited for arriving by taxi or Uber. However, keep in mind that vehicles are not allowed to drive on the 100-meter stretch of the Carlos Gardel Passage.
Activities and Things to See in the Carlos Gardel Passage of Buenos Aires
Tango and Milonga
The Carlos Gardel Passage is one of the most important epicenters for tango and milonga. This area of Abasto is where Carlos Gardel grew up and became a world-renowned tango artist. Nearby, he performed his first live shows at a bar just a few blocks away.
The Abasto Shopping Mall, formerly a market, was also a site where Tita Merello, another famous tango artist, recorded one of her well-known songs.
The passage, also known as the Tango Walk, hosts places to dance and watch tango shows, including the Carlos Gardel monument located in front of the Abasto Shopping Mall.
Carlos Gardel House Museum
Located on Jean Jaures Street, just a few meters from the Tango Walk, is the Carlos Gardel House Museum. This was Gardel’s home from 1927 until his departure from Argentina in 1933. Since 2003, it has operated as a museum dedicated to preserving, researching, and sharing Gardel’s heritage.
The museum’s rooms offer a glimpse into Gardel’s life, his early steps, discography, filmography, and his final journey, during which he tragically died in a plane crash. The voice of the “Morocho del Abasto” accompanies you throughout the visit.
Restaurants and Bars
The Tango Walk is adjacent to the Abasto Shopping Mall, an area known for its vibrant gastronomic and commercial activities. The shopping mall features a food court and various dining options.
However, for a more authentic and varied dining experience, it is best to explore the restaurants and bars outside the mall. Within the Tango Walk, you can find Peruvian restaurants and Argentine grills, as well as bars and breweries.
If you are willing to walk a bit further, you will discover even more options, particularly Peruvian cuisine, bars, and Argentine BBQ.
Abasto Shopping
The Carlos Gardel Passage is located next to the Abasto Shopping Mall, one of Buenos Aires’ most important shopping centers. This historical building, which once served as a market, now offers all the modern conveniences while preserving its original architecture.
Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining at the food court, or watching a movie at the cinema inside the mall. At night, the passage offers a beautiful view as you walk from Jean Jaures Street towards the Abasto Shopping Mall.
Last Considerations
Have you discovered all that the Carlos Gardel Passage in Buenos Aires has for you as a digital nomad, traveler, or expat?
This iconic place, crucial for the history of tango not only due to Carlos Gardel’s influence but also the historical significance of the Abasto area, is intertwined with the spirit of tango.
The Tango Walk is undoubtedly a must-see activity that deserves a day of your itinerary. Explore this legendary passage and dive into its rich cultural heritage with ExpatPathways as your guide.
