Calle Defensa
Calle Defensa
4.5
About
Architectural landmarks in the city’s oldest neighborhood have been restored, and this revitalized area is distinctly artistic, with cafes, antique shops, cobblestone streets and lots of artists and dancers.
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The area
Neighbourhood: San Telmo
Characterized by cobblestones and narrow streets, San Telmo is defined by the tango, the dance that made Buenos Aires world-famous. Tango is a fusion of many different cultures: a true child of immigration, much like the city itself. Nowadays, it comes alive after dark in the milongas (dance parties) attended by both locals and visitors alike, who dance until the wee hours of the morning. During the day, the antique shops and classic cafés and bars around Plaza Dorrego dominate the scene. The emblematic Bar Plaza Dorrego, with its green awnings, checkered tile floors, and wooden interiors, takes you back in time the moment you step inside. For true porteño traditions, San Telmo is the place to be.
See what travellers are saying
  • Try2TravelSustainably
    Hamilton, Canada401 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sunday Fun day Market - Wow
    We spent the whole afternoon in this area on a Sunday the streets were FULL. We were able to visit the tourist booth to get our subway cards for free with copies of our passport and also get money exchanged. Lots of walking on cobble stones. At the end of the crafts market there is an antique market. There are also lots of expensive stores and alleys to check out.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 14 October 2023
  • Razorfish
    Little Rock, Arkansas5,287 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fun Sunday flea market in San Telmo along Calle Defensa
    Calle Defensa is a continuous flea market from Plaza Dorrego to Plaza Mayo. It must be a mike of stalls that my wife and it seemed like my wife looked at half of them. It was a fun Sunday weaving our way through the crowds and looking at the crafts. It reminded me of El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 October 2023
  • SnowyShasta
    Portland, Oregon2,314 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun for the Sunday market
    I don't think we would have visited this street otherwise, but since we were in town on a Sunday afternoon, we walked along the street (from Plaza de Mayo to Plaza Dorrego) enjoying the crowded Sunday market. There were booths lining the street, so it was a pretty crowded walk down the center, and a few side streets also had booths and vendors. We didn't end up purchasing anything, but it was an interesting time seeing everything for sale and people watching as we walked.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 April 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles14,629 reviews
Excellent
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5,584
Average
1,501
Poor
252
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98

JanisN123
Crown Point, IN638 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
We went on a couple of different days. On Sundays they have a HUGE market up and down the street. When I say huge, I mean huge!!!! You can get souvenirs and local items for sale. We also stopped in at an old church to look around. There are also musicians playing on the streets and tango dancers.

On a non-market day it's nice to sit in the plaza and enjoy a cafe con leche or other drink. There are lots of people out enjoying the area. Tango dancers are also there to watch on the platform. You can also walk down the streets and see the stores without the market setup in the way. We got some souvenirs (mate cups) here.

Can walk to the San Telmo Market building from here as well.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chris D
13 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Not much there. Went the Sunday between Xmas and New Year so maybe that had something to do with it. Park was full, but not much else. The stores nearby were interesting. Lots of cafes if you need refreshment. Not worth arranging your stay in order to go to the fair. Surroundings seemed very secure. Vendors were nice and polite. The fair near Recoleta cemetary was where to go for hand crafted items.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WorldTravelers34
Chicago, IL2,266 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
While walking around Buenos Aires we found Calle Defensa and glad we did. This is a fun area with so much to do. The neighborhood's colonial buildings house many cafes, tango parlors, and antique shops. You can admire the old churches that pepper the barrio, wander around a museum, or stop by the semi-permanent antiques market. There are street performers providing entertainment on every corner. In recent years, many art galleries and centers have cropped up here, turning it into a haven for contemporary art lovers. A wide selection of bars and restaurants round off the area's attractions. Definitely recommend this area.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nick D
Calgary, Canada1,215 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Old neighbourhood, cobblestone streets, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Great place to wander. San Telmo’s indoor market is here. Plaza Dorrego with its cafes and tango dancers. Great place to be. Saturday’s artensenia mercado is worth attending With lots of stalls
The street goes all the way to the Plaza De Mayo in one direction or the National History Museum in the other
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jnanayog
St. John's, Canada6,471 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
The area has many attractions to call folks to visit this Section of the City. When tired of the browsing you can pop into one of many restaurants for a snack a Cold One or more. There are those with AC that might catch your fancy when it's on High 20's or ++.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sabatinitennis
Ashford, UK3,722 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Solo
This narrow old street runs from the Casa Rosada to the old part of the city. It's lined with a variety of shops and flats and has cobbled streets. On Sunday the famous San Telmo market takes place in the street which is worth attending for 3-4 hours!
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Engee1
Kingston upon Thames, UK267 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The area of Defensa and San Telmo are great doe a slow walk and also good for many local restaurants, squares/plazas and street markets.

we bought some little black and white photos with frames from a little stand in a plaza and they are lovely.

Lovely and interesting buildings to wander round and walk through - shame we just ran out of time.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SnowyShasta
Portland, OR2,314 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
I don't think we would have visited this street otherwise, but since we were in town on a Sunday afternoon, we walked along the street (from Plaza de Mayo to Plaza Dorrego) enjoying the crowded Sunday market. There were booths lining the street, so it was a pretty crowded walk down the center, and a few side streets also had booths and vendors. We didn't end up purchasing anything, but it was an interesting time seeing everything for sale and people watching as we walked.
Written 5 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Connor D
Dallas, TX50 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
Calle Defensa is considered on of the main streets that cross through the San Telmo district. I walked down this street both during the day and at night and it was very safe and well-lite. Lots of bars and restaurants as well as a number of shops and the pleasant Plaza Dorrego. It is a great way to get from Plaza de Mayo to Parque Lezama quickly and safely.
Written 20 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Try2TravelSustainably
Hamilton, Canada401 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
We spent the whole afternoon in this area on a Sunday the streets were FULL. We were able to visit the tourist booth to get our subway cards for free with copies of our passport and also get money exchanged. Lots of walking on cobble stones. At the end of the crafts market there is an antique market. There are also lots of expensive stores and alleys to check out.
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Calle Defensa - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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