Guemes Gallery (Galeria Güemes)
The Basics
Designed by legendary Italian architect Francesco Gianotti, the Guemes Gallery was the tallest building in Argentina when it first opened in 1915. The interior captivates visitors with ornamental archways, beautiful ironwork, antique elevators, and exquisite stained glass showcasing its myriad shops and cafés. The upper-floor apartments are equally impressive, having housed a smattering of famous names over the years. The building’s undisputed highlight is the grand Astor Piazzolla Theatre, one of Buenos Aires’ most celebrated tango venues.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Guemes Gallery and the spectacular tango show at the Astor Piazzolla Theatre are must-sees for first-time visitors to Buenos Aires.
The top-down view from the Gallery’s observation deck is one of the best in the city.
The galleria is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Guemes Gallery is located on Florida Street in downtown Buenos Aires. Many visitors arrive as part of a dinner tango show tour or via public transport—the closest metro station is Catedral (Line D). To avoid the hassle of navigating public transport, opt for a tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The galleria is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 3pm Saturday. Be sure to visit the 14th-floor observation deck (open 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 5:30pm Monday through Friday) and the Astor Piazzolla Theatre, which hosts its legendary dinner tango show Tuesday through Sunday nights. If visiting during the summer high season (December to February), it’s recommended that you book tango show tickets in advance.
Piazzolla Tango Show
In the Guemes Gallery’s basement, the Astor Piazzolla Theatre is a historic tango venue where tango icon Carlos Gardel once performed. Named after the famous Argentine tango composer and musician Astor Piazzolla, the iconic theater is popular with tourists, who frequent the nightly dinner shows and and enjoy its traditional Argentine menu paired with local wines.
- Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
- Cabildo de Buenos Aires
- Cafe Tortoni
- Casa Rosada
- San Ignacio de Loyola Church (St. Ignatius Church)
- El Querandi
- Obelisk (Obelisco de Buenos Aires)
- Plaza de la Republica
- Galerias Pacifico
- La Ventana Tango Show
- Tango Porteño
- Plaza de Mayo
- Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón)
- Barolo Palace (Palacio Barolo)
- San Telmo Market (Mercado de San Telmo)