What makes Caballito a must-visit neighborhood in Buenos Aires? In this comprehensive guide by ExpatPathways, titled “The 10 Best Tourist Attractions in Caballito (Buenos Aires),” we challenge you to explore the vibrant heart of the city.
Perfect for digital nomads, travelers, and expats, Caballito is brimming with cultural landmarks, serene green spaces, historic cafés, and bustling markets.
This guide highlights the top attractions that make Caballito an irresistible destination. Whether you’re strolling through its picturesque parks, marveling at historical monuments, or enjoying the local gastronomy, Caballito promises an enriching and unforgettable experience.
The Best Tourist Attractions in Caballito (Buenos Aires)
1. Cid Campeador
Location: Av. Gaona 1163.
The Cid Campeador monument is one of the few equestrian statues in the world made by a woman. Located at the intersection of Honorio Pueyrredón and Gaona, this statue pays tribute to Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, a 11th-century Castilian nobleman and military leader known as El Cid.
Sculpted by renowned American artist Anna Hyatt Huntington, the bronze statue stands nearly 12 meters tall, mounted on a marble pedestal. The monument, inaugurated on October 13, 1935, depicts El Cid riding his horse Babieca, with a lance held high and his sword Tizona at his waist.
Surrounded by architectural beauty, the area leading to Cid Campeador is filled with tree-lined streets and charming low-rise houses. The tranquil atmosphere is occasionally interrupted by the sound of cars on the cobblestone streets.
The statue itself has seen various changes over the years, including a relocation and a new pedestal designed by architect Martín Noel. In recent years, the surrounding area has been enhanced with a fountain and a small garden, making it a picturesque and significant landmark in Caballito.
2. Parque Rivadavia
Location: Av. Rivadavia 4950.
Famous for its secondhand book, magazine, and record fair, Parque Rivadavia is one of Buenos Aires’ most important parks. Established in 1928 on land once owned by the Lezica family, the park spans six hectares and was designed by the esteemed French landscaper Carlos Thays.
Its lush trees encircle a small artificial lake and an amphitheater, creating a serene environment in the heart of Caballito.
Parque Rivadavia is home to several notable sculptures, including the Monument to the Mother by Luis Perlotti and a statue dedicated to Simón Bolívar by José Fioravanti. The park also features a historic waterwheel from the Lezica era, a skating rink for children, and various play areas.
On Sundays, the park hosts a philately and numismatics fair at its main entrance. Visitors can enjoy the extensive green areas, the lake, and the various cultural and recreational activities offered throughout the week.
3. Parque Centenario
Location: Av. Diaz Vélez & Av. Angel Gallardo.
Parque Centenario, named to commemorate the centenary of the May Revolution, is a large public green space located in the geographic center of Buenos Aires. Designed by Carlos Thays, the park covers 12 hectares and features a blend of French-style landscaping with a variety of native plant species.
It includes a small lake, a fountain, recreational areas, and several notable sculptures, such as “Victoria alada” by Eduardo Rubino and “Madame Curie” by Santiago Parodi.
The park is a hub of cultural activity, with an amphitheater that hosts free performances during the summer. There is also a weekly fair selling used books and magazines, and on weekends, a temporary market offering crafts and secondhand items.
The park is a popular spot for exercise, featuring a 1,500-meter perimeter path for walking or jogging, exercise stations, and a skatepark. It also includes the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia, which houses extensive collections in paleontology, geology, and zoology.
4. Tramway Histórico de Buenos Aires
Location: Av. Emilio Mitre 500.
The “Tramway Histórico de Buenos Aires” is a dynamic rolling museum of trams, created by the Asociación Amigos del Tranvía in 1980. Operating every weekend and public holiday, this service offers free rides on vintage trams through the Caballito neighborhood. The tram route covers a 2-kilometer circuit, starting at the corner of Emilio Mitre and José Bonifacio.
This nostalgic experience allows visitors to travel back in time, enjoying the traditional charm of Buenos Aires’ tram system, which operated for a century before being discontinued in 1963.
The trams have been meticulously restored to their original condition, including period-appropriate signage and decor. The tram rides provide a unique way to explore Caballito, with the added historical context provided by the passionate volunteers who operate the service.
5. El Coleccionista Bar Notable
Location: Av. Rivadavia 4929.
El Coleccionista is a classic café in Caballito, located at the corner of Florencio Balcarce and Rivadavia, opposite Parque Rivadavia. Originally named El Pelícano and later El Cóndor, the café has a rich history dating back to 1915.
It was a favorite haunt of the notable writer and poet Conrado Nalé Roxlo, who lived in the building’s fifth floor, and was frequented by luminaries such as Roberto Arlt and Antonio Berni. The café’s name pays homage to its unique clientele: collectors of stamps, coins, and medals, who gather there on Sundays from the early morning hours.
El Coleccionista operates 24/7, offering a welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service, which is highly appreciated by night owls and regular patrons alike. The café is known for its excellent coffee, abundant food portions, and reasonable prices.
It retains the charm of traditional Buenos Aires cafés, providing a complete service with rich coffee, separate milk, juice, and a generous pitcher of water. The bustling, convivial environment makes it a quintessential Buenos Aires experience.
6. Museo de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia
Location: Av. Patricias Argentinas 480.
The Museo de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia, the oldest museum in Argentina, was founded in 1823 and is located in Parque Centenario. The museum, inspired by Bernardino Rivadavia, boasts one of the most comprehensive collections in Latin America, with thematic rooms dedicated to Paleontology, Geology, amphibians, reptiles, and arthropods.
It’s a particularly engaging destination for children, featuring complete dinosaur skeletons and extensive insect collections, alongside interactive exhibits and activities designed specifically for young visitors.
The building itself is a masterpiece of architectural design, featuring numerous decorative and ornamental details that celebrate native flora and fauna. From the owls flanking the windows to the intricate bronze spiderwebs adorning the doors, every element adds to the museum’s charm.
The museum’s permanent exhibits cover a broad range of natural sciences, including Antarctica, birds, mammals, and marine mysteries. The Museo de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia offers guided tours, courses, and a variety of educational activities, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the natural world.
7. Mercado del Progreso
Location: Av. Rivadavia 5430.
Mercado del Progreso, a historic gastronomic market in Caballito, has been serving the community since its opening in 1889. Located at the intersection of Avenida Rivadavia and Del Barco Centenera, this market is a culinary treasure trove with 17 street-facing shops and 174 interior stalls.
The market’s rich history is evident in its architecture and the generations of vendors who have continued their families’ traditions. Visitors can find a wide variety of products, including fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, baked goods, and more.
The market’s architectural style features a large metal roof reminiscent of Parisian markets, allowing for vast open spaces and excellent ventilation. It was originally built with two levels, including commercial spaces on the ground floor and residential units above. Over the years, the market has undergone several renovations while maintaining its historical character.
Today, Mercado del Progreso is a bustling hub for both local residents and chefs seeking high-quality ingredients. It was declared a site of cultural interest in 2001 and continues to be a vital part of Caballito’s community life, offering a personalized shopping experience with many stalls run by descendants of the original owners.
8. Parroquia Santa María
Location: Av. La Plata 286.
Parroquia Santa María, founded by a decree from Archbishop Santiago L. Copello on July 25, 1934, stands as a testament to the community’s deep-rooted faith. Located at Av. La Plata and Venezuela, the church was constructed between 1934 and 1936.
Designed by architect Carlos Massa in a neo-Romanesque Lombard style, the church features a harmonious brick facade, a central nave flanked by 14 stained glass windows, and a presbytery adorned with a Carrara marble altar. The interior includes stylized lily flowers on column capitals and vibrant stained glass that bathes the space in warm light.
The church’s bell tower, standing 35 meters tall, was automated in 2019, and its clock bears the inscription “it’s time to approach God.” Significant for its religious and architectural value, the church witnessed extraordinary Eucharistic events in the 1990s, further cementing its place in the local community’s spiritual life. The Parroquia Santa María offers a serene and historical sanctuary in the heart of Caballito.
9. Patio de los Lecheros
Location: Donato Álvarez 185.
The Patio de los Lecheros, once a bustling milk depot in the 1960s, has transformed into a vibrant gastronomic hub. Located near the Caballito train station, it originally served as the arrival point for milk from Buenos Aires province.
After falling into disuse for many years, the site was revitalized in 2016 by the City Government of Buenos Aires, turning it into a popular food market with diverse culinary offerings.
Today, the Patio de los Lecheros features a wide array of food options, including barbecue, sushi, Asian cuisine, tacos, Mexican dishes, seafood, paellas, and more.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of beverages, from coffee to craft beers and cocktails, in a lively atmosphere that often includes live performances and art exhibitions. It’s a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts exploring Caballito.
10. La Posta de Achaval
Location: Av. Directorio 1497.
La Posta de Achaval, established in 1978 by four friends, has become an iconic pizzeria in Caballito. Known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas made with high-quality ingredients, the restaurant offers a warm and welcoming environment.
The pizzas are renowned for their impeccable dough and generous toppings, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Located in a simple, unpretentious setting, La Posta de Achaval delivers a traditional Argentine pizzeria experience.
The friendly service and loyal clientele contribute to its charm, making it a beloved neighborhood spot. Whether you’re a resident or a traveler, enjoying a meal at La Posta de Achaval is a quintessential Buenos Aires experience.
(Featured Image Source: belemeng mengarelli/flickr.com)
