As a digital nomad or avid traveler, you know that immersing yourself in the local culture is key to truly experiencing a destination. And what better way to connect with the heartbeat of Buenos Aires than by exploring its enchanting parks and squares?
From lush green spaces steeped in history to bustling plazas alive with activity, the city offers a diverse array of outdoor havens waiting to be explored.
Imagine strolling through leafy avenues, savoring the aroma of freshly brewed mate, or stumbling upon hidden gems tucked away amidst the urban landscape.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat to recharge your creativity or craving a taste of Argentine culture, Buenos Aires has something for everyone.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of discovery and uncover the city’s best-kept secrets, join us as we unveil 12 must-visit parks and squares that will captivate your senses and leave you longing for more. Pack your sense of adventure and let’s explore the green heart of Buenos Aires together. Your next adventure awaits!
Parks and Squares in Buenos Aires
1. Japanese Garden
Location: Av. Casares 3450, Palermo.
Located in Buenos Aires and surrounded by the Palermo Woods, the Japanese Garden is an oasis of peace and beauty that has captivated visitors since its inauguration in 1967. Built for the visit of the Japanese Emperor Akihito and his wife Michiko, it is the largest of its kind outside Japan.
It offers a unique experience as visitors stroll among bonsai trees, azaleas, kokedamas and cement lanterns, as well as an authentic Japanese teahouse where traditional ceremonies are held. In 1977 it was redesigned by landscape architect Yasuo Inomata, incorporating elements of the Zen garden and adding a cultural centre, Japanese restaurant and craft shop.
The Japanese Garden is the result of the efforts and dedication of the Japanese community in Argentina, who created it in just 50 days to welcome the Crown Prince and Princess. Since then, it has become a symbol of Japanese culture and a haven of peace in the heart of the city.
Recognised as a “little Japan in Argentina”, the garden has been declared a Tourist Site and a Historical and Artistic Heritage of the Nation. Its beauty changes with the seasons, from the cherry blossoms in July to the golden leaves of the Ginkgo biloba in autumn, offering visitors a natural escape and a unique connection with nature.
A living museum, the Japanese Garden invites visitors to enjoy the harmony between nature and human intervention. Whether you spend a few minutes strolling along its paths or hours contemplating its beauty, this place offers an enriching and rejuvenating experience for those seeking tranquillity and connection with the essence of life.
2. Bosques de Palermo
Location: Av. Infanta Isabel 110, Palermo.
The Bosques de Palermo, popularly known as Parque Tres de Febrero, is the most emblematic green space in Buenos Aires, covering 370 hectares in the Palermo neighbourhood. With its 4 lakes and 29 squares, it offers direct contact with nature and a wide range of recreational and entertainment activities for its visitors.
Within the park there are areas of free and unrestricted access, such as the squares and promenades, and areas with restricted access, such as the golf course, the Japanese garden and the Galileo Galilei Planetarium.
Inaugurated in 1875 by Domingo Faustino Sarmiento as a tribute to the Battle of Caseros, the park was originally designed by the architects Ernesto Oldendorf, Fernando Mauduit and Jordan Wysocky, with work completed under the supervision of Jules Dormal.
Between 1892 and 1913 it was extended by the famous French landscape architect Carlos Thays, who also designed the Botanical Gardens and the Centenario Park, among other green spaces in the city.
With its lush vegetation, lakes and recreational areas, the Bosques de Palermo are the ideal place to spend the day, whether it be having a picnic, strolling along the pedestrian paths or exploring the numerous points of interest.
3. Plaza Francia
Location: Av. del Libertador 1400, Recoleta.
Plaza Francia, an emblematic green space in Buenos Aires, was designed by the famous landscape architect Carlos Thays and is characterised by its central monument, “Francia a la Argentina”, created by the French sculptor Edmond Peynot.
Inaugurated in 1910 as a gift from the French community to commemorate the centenary of the May Revolution, it features allegorical figures in Carrara marble representing science, industry, agriculture and art. The bronze reliefs illustrate key events in the history of both countries, such as “The First Criollo Government Junta” and “The Storming of the Bastille”.
In addition, the plaques around the monument honour personalities of French origin, such as the grenadier Domingo Porteau and the writer Émile Zola. Another prominent sculpture in the square is the image of Louis Braille, the inventor of the reading and writing system for the blind, created by Djibilian Lazaro.
With its design and rich history, Plaza Francia is a cultural point of interest that attracts both tourists and locals, offering a space for contemplation and reflection on the relationship between Argentina and France.
4. Botanical Garden
Location: Bounded by Santa Fe Avenue, Las Heras Avenue and República Árabe Siria Street, Palermo.
The Buenos Aires Botanical Garden is an oasis of nature, art, education and history in the midst of the bustling city, with seven hectares of land and an impressive variety of 1580 plant species.
With five hectares dedicated to the native flora of Argentina and another two hectares to species from temperate forests around the world, the garden houses unique specimens both in the city and in the country, including native species such as tipa, Salta cedar and red quebracho.
The garden offers five self-guided tours that allow visitors to explore its different thematic areas, from art trails to routes that highlight the native flora and emblematic trees of the city.
In addition to its extensive botanical collection, the garden has a specialised library, three style gardens, historic greenhouses and a butterfly garden. It also houses an important sculpture collection and an English-style mansion, which is used for art exhibitions and workshops.
The main building of the Botanical Garden, designed by the Polish military engineer Jordan Wysocki on behalf of President Domingo Sarmiento, has a rich history that includes periods as the headquarters of the National Ministry of Agriculture and the National Historical Museum.
With its combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage, the Botanical Garden is a must for those who wish to connect with nature and explore Argentina’s botanical richness.
5. Ecological Reserve
Location: Av. Dr. Tristán Achával Rodríguez 1550, Puerto Madero.
The Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve is the largest green space in the city, covering 350 hectares and providing an idyllic setting for a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking to cycling, as well as being a popular weekend destination for families. This natural reserve is home to a rich variety of native flora and fauna, with forests, grasslands, lagoons and marshes that make it a Ramsar site, recognised worldwide for its importance as a wetland.
Recently, the reserve has been enhanced with new interpretive trails that provide safe and accessible access for people of all ages and abilities, further enhancing the visitor experience. As part of the Río de la Plata Eco-Route, this urban oasis is linked to other protected natural spaces in the metropolitan area, such as the Paraná River Delta Biosphere Reserve and the Ciervo de los Pantanos National Park.
In addition to its rich biodiversity, the reserve offers a unique birdwatching experience, with more than 343 species recorded. It is a place of great cultural value, located just a few metres from Puerto Madero and surrounded by iconic works of art and architecture. In summary, the Ecological Reserve is a natural treasure within the bustling city of Buenos Aires, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature in the heart of the urban landscape.
6. Plazoleta Julio Cortázar (Plaza Serrano)
Location: Honduras y Jorge Luis Borges, Palermo
Plaza Julio Cortázar, also known as Plaza Serrano, is the epicentre of Palermo’s vibrant Soho district, home to avant-garde fashion boutiques, art galleries and a wide variety of bars and restaurants.
Located in the heart of Palermo, the square is an ideal destination for shopping, exploring art galleries or enjoying a lively night out on the town. Since 2011, the Municipality has revitalised the area and improved the lighting with LED lights, making it even more attractive.
Surrounded by numerous restaurants and bars with live shows, Julio Cortázar Square is a meeting place for lovers of good food and nightlife.
Originally known as Plaza Serrano, it was renamed in 1994 in honour of Julio Cortázar, the famous Argentine writer who immortalised the square in several of his stories. Palermo Soho experienced a cultural boom in the 1980s and continues to attract artists, intellectuals and tourists from all over the world.
At weekends, the square is transformed into a lively craft fair, attracting local and international visitors in search of unique products. The area around the square is filled with fashion, design and art shops, as well as bars and nightclubs offering night-time entertainment.
With a diverse mix of people from all nationalities and social classes, Julio Cortázar Square remains a vibrant and multicultural meeting place in Buenos Aires.
7. Parque Centenario
Location: Av. Díaz Vélez & Patricias Argentinas, Caballito.
Located in the centre of the city, Parque Centenario is a green oasis in the midst of the urban landscape that attracts around 12,000 people every weekend who want to spend a day outdoors. Covering an area of 12 hectares, the park is one of the favourite places for locals to enjoy cultural activities, exercise and moments of relaxation.
The park has a beautiful garden with a variety of trees and flowers, including roses, jasmine and primroses, as well as drunken sticks and ceibos. The central lake is the focal point of the park, surrounded by popular walking paths and benches for relaxing and taking in the views.
Designed by French landscaper Carlos Thays and christened in 1909 to commemorate the centenary of the May Revolution, Parque Centenario offers a wide range of activities, from artistic performances in its amphitheatre to music concerts, craft fairs and recreational activities in specialised areas such as the skate park. Located in the Caballito neighbourhood, this green space invites visitors to spend a day in the open air, combining culture and contact with nature.
8. Parque Rivadavia
Location: Av. Rivadavia 4950, Caballito.
Located in the Caballito neighbourhood, Parque Rivadavia is home to a fair of second-hand books, magazines and records from decades gone by, offering a unique experience that takes you back in time. Inaugurated in 1928 on the site of an old estate owned by the Lezica family, the park covers 6 hectares and includes an impressive grove designed by the famous landscape architect Carlos Thays.
Among its attractions are the Monument to the Mother by Luis Perlotti, a sculpture dedicated to the liberator Simón Bolívar, an old Ferris wheel converted into a fountain and a skating rink for children. On Sundays, a philately and numismatics fair enlivens one of the main entrances to the park, offering a variety of products for enthusiasts.
Located in the geographical centre of Buenos Aires, Parque Rivadavia is a green space where you can read under the linden trees and by a small artificial lake. Originally known as Plaza Lezica, this park is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the nostalgia of books and enjoy the tranquillity of its natural surroundings.
9. Parque Lezama
Location: Av. Brasil, San Telmo.
Parque Lezama, an emblematic promenade in Buenos Aires, located in the neighbourhood of San Telmo, is known for its rich history and natural beauty. It is home to the National Historical Museum and is believed to be the site where Pedro de Mendoza first founded the city in 1536. Originally a luxurious private estate, it was turned into a public park in 1894 by Ángela Álzaga, the widow of Gregorio Lezama, who had acquired it decades earlier.
The park is notable for its sculptures, historical monuments and wooded surroundings. Among its attractions are the National Historical Museum and the Russian Orthodox Church. It also boasts notable bars and a craft fair that attracts visitors and residents alike. The park’s unique topography, on a gorge that marks the former edge of the Río de la Plata, offers picturesque paths, viewpoints and stairs.
At weekends, Parque Lezama hosts two different fairs: one dedicated to the sale of handicrafts, and another, more recent one, with a focus on second-hand items and imitation clothing. While the former is well received by the locals, the latter has sparked controversy and protests due to its impact on the environment and the local community.
10. Parque Chacabuco
Location: Av. Eva Perón 1562 / Av. Curapaligüe. 1098 / Emilio Mitre 1099, Parque Chacabuco.
Located in the southwest of Buenos Aires, Parque Chacabuco is a vast 22-hectare green space in the neighbourhood of the same name. For over a century, it has been a popular destination for locals seeking a peaceful time outdoors.
Over the years, the park has expanded its leisure facilities to include activities for all ages. From children’s playgrounds to sports tracks and a cultural centre, there is something for everyone.
The park’s facilities include a swimming pool, cultural centre, amphitheatre and athletics track. It also has a beautiful rose garden, a central fountain and paths surrounded by flowers and a variety of trees.
The presence of the Avenida 25 de Mayo divides the park into two areas, but a passageway connects the two. The park houses various facilities such as schools, nurseries and a centre for the elderly, as well as cafeterias and a sports centre, which includes a public chess school and a historical merry-go-round.
11. Barrancas de Belgrano
Location: Av. Juramento 1792, Belgrano.
Barrancas de Belgrano, located in Buenos Aires, has a history that goes back to the 19th century, when the Río de la Plata reached its feet. The embankment of the Mitre Railway, built at that time, contained the water and allowed the land to dry out. Today, these slopes are home to more than 60 species of plants, including ombu trees, palm trees, magnolias, oaks, honeysuckle and ceibos.
This place is also known for its sculptures, many of which date back to the 19th century, such as a replica of the Statue of Liberty by Frédéric Bartholdi. At the top of the park there is a pavilion where concerts used to be held and where tango and folklore dances are now held on Sundays.
Barrancas de Belgrano is also famous for being the setting for an iconic scene in the Argentinean comic strip “El Eternauta”, written by Héctor Oesterheld in 1958, in which the protagonist encounters an alien invader.
Barrancas de Belgrano is a unique place where nature, history and culture come together. With its rich flora, historical sculptures and cultural events, it remains a popular destination for locals and visitors who want to explore its fascinating corners and immerse themselves in its cultural heritage.
12. Parque Las Heras
Location: French & Av. Gral. las Heras, Recoleta.
Parque Las Heras, located in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, occupies the site of the National Penitentiary until its demolition in 1962. It is a place of great historical importance, since in 1956 it was the scene of the execution of General Juan José Valle, leader of a civil-military uprising against the de facto government of Pedro Eugenio Aramburu.
It was declared a National Historic Site in 2008, and since then plaques have been erected in honour of those who died during these events.
The park, which covers almost 12 hectares, offers plenty of green space for recreation and leisure. Despite its location close to busy urban areas, the park is a haven of peace with areas for children to play, aerobic stations for exercise and leafy trees for shade.
There is also a children’s carousel and benches for resting and enjoying the tranquillity of the surroundings.
Visitors to Parque Las Heras praise its pleasant and quiet atmosphere, where it is possible to walk, rest on shady benches and observe people’s activities.
Despite its proximity to the avenues, the park offers a quiet environment with no disturbing noise. Its cleanliness and lighting are praised by visitors, who also appreciate the free sports facilities.
(Featured Image Source: Dan DeLuca/flickr.com)
