Once an aging port area, Puerto Madero has undergone a stunning revival to become one of Buenos Aires’ most luxurious neighborhoods. This formerly gritty dock area along the Rio de la Plata has been transformed into a pedestrian-friendly riverside district filled with sleek skyscrapers, renovated redbrick buildings, trendy restaurants, and urban green spaces.
Puerto Madero seamlessly blends modern architecture with historic 19th-century facilities from its days as a thriving port. Strolling the rejuvenated docklands reveals a unique fusion of Buenos Aires’ past and future. Explore renovated dock buildings now housing offices, universities, and upscale lofts. Marvel at Santiago Calatrava’s iconic Puente de la Mujer footbridge arching over the water.
This revitalized barrio offers a quaint taste of European-style urbanism steps from downtown. With eclectic museums, natural spaces, dining, and nightlife, Puerto Madero provides endless opportunities for sightseeing, relaxation, and having a great time in the heart of Argentina’s capital city.
Whether you’re visiting for a couple of hours or spending the day, here are the top things to do in Puerto Madero:
Walk Along the Dikes
One of the best ways to experience Puerto Madero is to stroll along its dikes and pedestrian paths. These former docks were once used for loading and unloading cargo ships when Puerto Madero served as Buenos Aires‘ main commercial port in the early 20th century.
The dikes have been revitalized into a scenic 2 km walkway lined with restaurants, cafes, and preserved redbrick warehouses converted into offices and loft residences. Follow the path from Dike 1 to Dike 14, crossing over the dikes’ interconnected footbridges to take in views of the modern highrises contrasted against the historic dock buildings.
Some key sights to see along the dike walk include the Fortabat Art Collection museum in a converted dockside building, the iconic Puente de la Mujer bridge, and the Fragata Sarmiento naval ship museum. The dike walks provide the perfect vantage point to admire Puerto Madero’s one-of-a-kind architecture while soaking in the energetic waterfront atmosphere.
Puente de la Mujer (Woman’s Bridge)
No visit to Puerto Madero is complete without seeing the striking Puente de la Mujer, a modern footbridge that has become an iconic symbol of the neighborhood’s revival. This unique cable-stayed bridge was designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, his first project in Latin America.
The 170-meter-long Puente de la Mujer features Calatrava’s signature white steel pylon mast leaning at a 39-degree angle toward the rotating pedestrian bridge. This distinctive design is meant to evoke the improvised movements of tango dancers, paying homage to Argentina’s cultural traditions.
The Puente de la Mujer rotates 90 degrees to allow tall ships to pass along the docks, a brilliant feat of functional art and engineering. The bridge is dramatically illuminated at night, making for a stunning photo opportunity reflecting on the tranquil docklands waters. Walking across the gently swaying span offers panoramic views of Puerto Madero’s modern skyline and historic buildings.
Buque Museo A.R.A. Fragata Sarmiento
Take advantage of the Buque Museo A.R.A. Fragata Sarmiento to journey back in time to the golden age of sailing. This museum ship is housed aboard a 19th-century naval frigate that spent decades as a training vessel for the Argentine Navy.
The Fragata Sarmiento was built in 1898 and completed an incredible 37 circumnavigations around the globe before being decommissioned in 1961. It was one of the most advanced ships of its era, constructed with a steel hull sheathed in wood and copper.
Today, visitors can explore the remarkably preserved interior to see how crews lived and worked at sea over 100 years ago. Highlights include the ship’s engine room, dining quarters, armaments, nautical instruments, and even an embalmed ship’s dog mascot. The top deck offers panoramic views of the Puerto Madero skyline.
The Fragata Sarmiento is docked at Dike 3 in Puerto Madero. Touring this historic frigate provides a fascinating glimpse into Argentina’s proud naval heritage.
Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur
For an urban escape into nature, head to the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, one of Latin America’s largest urban nature reserves. This 865-acre ecological reserve sits in Buenos Aires, along the Rio de la Plata in Puerto Madero.
What was once a municipal bathing area has been allowed to revert to its natural state over the decades. Today, it’s a thriving biodiverse haven with flowering pampa grasslands, shallow lakes, streams, and forest areas. The reserve provides habitat for over 2,000 species of plants, 300 types of birds, and many mammals.
The Reserva Ecológica offers miles of hiking trails winding through its varied ecosystems. Birdwatchers will delight in trying to spot some of the reserve’s abundant feathered residents. You can also find a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings, a refreshing contrast to the bustle of nearby Puerto Madero.
The reserve’s entrance is free, making it ideal for nature lovers, families, and those seeking a bit of tranquility amid Buenos Aires’s urban landscape.
Take a Photo at the Nereids Fountain – Puerto Madero Buenos Aires
One of Puerto Madero’s most photogenic spots is the beautiful Fuente de las Nereidas or Nereids Fountain. This impressive marble fountain sculpture is the centerpiece at the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur entrance.
Created in the early 1900s by renowned Argentine artist Lola Mora, the fountain depicts the mythological figures of Venus surrounded by three tritons and two nereids (sea nymphs). The exquisitely carved Carrara marble renders every muscular form and flowing drapery in intricate detail.
The Fuente de las Nereidas pays tribute to women’s influential roles throughout history. Mora was one of Argentina’s first recognized female sculptors and led a bold, unconventional lifestyle uncommon for the era.
With its graceful figural grouping and backdrop of the verdant ecological reserve, the Nereids Fountain provides a classic photo opportunity in Puerto Madero. Visit in the evening when the fountain is illuminated for an extra magical ambiance.
Yacht Club Puerto Madero
For a taste of Buenos Aires’ sophisticated marina lifestyle, visit the swanky Yacht Club Puerto Madero. This private members-only club boasts a striking modern design, a sleek floating clubhouse, and over 250 boat slips along the Rio de la Plata waterfront.
Even if you’re not a club member, the Yacht Club’s facilities are worth admiring from the outside. The glass-encased three-story clubhouse features shimmering white fabric sails shading an outdoor terraced area right on the water. The docks are lined with an impressive array of luxury yachts and sailboats.
The Yacht Club provides a hub for boating enthusiasts with opportunities to learn sailing, kayaking and other water sports. But you don’t have to be a member to experience Puerto Madero’s nautical ambiance – grab a drink at a nearby bar and restaurant to take in the glitzy marina scenery.
Where to Eat in Puerto Madero
La Bistecca
If you’re craving a delightful and straightforward culinary experience, La Bistecca in Puerto Madero is the place to be. Located at Alicia Moreau de Justo 1890, this restaurant offers a unique dining concept where food is conveniently divided into sections.
Here’s how it works:
- Grab your plate and help yourself to an array of options.
- Start with cold salads and a selection of appetizers, but take advantage of the delicious cold cuts and meats.
- Once you’re done, repeat the process as often as you like, indulging in grilled delights like Matambre pizza and vacío (flank steak).
But the experience continues beyond there. La Bistecca also serves freshly prepared pasta dishes. The friendly staff is happy to accommodate special requests, ensuring a memorable meal for every guest. Be sure to try their unique sauces and use the grated cheese available.
After a brief rest, delve into their sushi offerings. While not the menu’s highlight, the salmon pieces and ceviche are notable mentions. Finish off your dining journey with a visit to the chocolate waterfall, where you can dip various treats in cascading chocolate.
Siga la Vaca
For a quintessential Argentine grill experience, head over to Siga la Vaca at Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1714. This establishment exceeds all expectations with its inclusive buffet featuring top-notch cuts of meat, hot and cold side dishes, a dessert of your choice, and a liter of your preferred beverage (whether soda, water, wine, or beer).
This buffet-style dining ensures you taste everything you desire, from succulent meats cooked to perfection to various accompaniments that complement every bite. The relaxed ambiance and scenic location by the Río de la Plata make it a must-visit spot in Buenos Aires, providing the perfect finishing touch to your Puerto Madero exploration.
