Self-guided audio tour in Buenos Aires
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Start free on iPhone to unlock this self-guided walking tour in Buenos Aires. Hear all the stories that make it amazing, walk at your own pace, and begin whenever you want.
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Palermo Hollywood is the pulsating heart of Buenos Aires' creative and culinary scene, a neighborhood that successfully blends its industrial past with a sophisticated, modern edge. On this self-guided walk, you will explore the streets that earned their name from the concentration of radio and television studios that moved here in the late 20th century. Today, those same streets are home to some of the most innovative gastronomy and nightlife in South America. This neighborhood stroll offers a deep dive into the eclectic spirit of the city, moving from a politically-charged restaurant that feels like a living museum to hidden speakeasies that require a secret password to enter. As you navigate the route at your own pace, you will encounter the Mercado de Pulgas, a massive indoor flea market where the city's history is sold in the form of vintage furniture and antique curiosities. The walk also highlights the importance of Argentine pop culture, stopping at a plaza dedicated to the world-famous comic character Mafalda. This is not just a food crawl; it is an exploration of how Buenos Aires honors its past while constantly reinventing its future. You will see how old warehouses have been transformed into world-class music venues and how a simple subway entrance can lead to one of the most exclusive bars in the city. This walking route is perfect for those who want to experience the vibrant energy of the city after dark or during a lively weekend afternoon. Whether you are interested in the political history of Peronism, the local indie music scene, or simply finding the best cocktail in the Southern Hemisphere, this audio walk provides the context and stories to make sense of this kaleidoscopic neighborhood. By choosing a self-guided adventure, you have the flexibility to stop for a glass of Malbec or browse for antiques whenever the mood strikes, allowing for a truly independent travel experience in one of the most exciting corners of Argentina. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!
Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.
Welcome to the start of your neighborhood stroll. El Perón Perón is more than just a restaurant; it is a 'restobar cultural' dedicated to the most influential political movement in Argentine history: Peronism. As you look at the exterior and perhaps catch a glimpse of the shrine-like interior, you are seeing a manifestation of the 'pueblo' spirit. The menu here focuses on classic 'bodegón' food—hearty, traditional dishes that evoke the era of Juan and Eva Perón. The atmosphere is often electric, especially when the 'Peronist March' plays and patrons sing along. It serves as a perfect introduction to the deep passion and political identity that flavors every aspect of life in Buenos Aires.
A few blocks away, you arrive at Niceto Club, a cornerstone of the city's music and nightlife scene since the late 1990s. While Palermo Hollywood is known for its media studios, Niceto is where the city’s sound is defined. This venue hosts everything from international indie acts to the famous 'Club 69' parties. It is perhaps most famous for being the home of 'La Bomba de Tiempo,' a percussion ensemble that has become a Monday night ritual for locals and travelers alike. The club occupies a former warehouse, a nod to the neighborhood's industrial roots before it became the trendy district you see today.
As you approach this unassuming door, you are standing at one of the pioneers of the Buenos Aires speakeasy trend. Frank's helped spark the city's obsession with hidden bars. To enter, one traditionally needs a password found on their social media, which is then entered into a vintage phone booth. This stop represents the 'Hollywood' side of the neighborhood—glamorous, slightly secretive, and deeply focused on the art of the cocktail. The interior transports you to the Prohibition era, reflecting the global influences that local mixologists have brought to the Palermo bar scene. It is a testament to the city's love for mystery and high-end hospitality.
The Mercado de Pulgas, or Flea Market, is a massive hangar filled with the relics of old Buenos Aires. For decades, this has been the go-to spot for interior designers and treasure hunters. As you wander through the aisles, you'll find everything from 1920s French chandeliers to mid-century modern furniture and vintage siphons for sparkling water. The market is a physical timeline of Argentina's wealthy past and its eclectic tastes. Note that the vendors here are master restorers; you might see them polishing wood or repairing upholstery right in their stalls. It is a quieter, more tactile contrast to the high-energy bars nearby.
This green space is a tribute to one of Argentina's greatest cultural exports: Mafalda. Created by the cartoonist Quino in the 1960s, Mafalda is a six-year-old girl who is deeply concerned about humanity and world peace (and she famously hates soup). The plaza features colorful murals and artistic depictions of the comic's characters. While the comic was originally set in the San Telmo neighborhood, this plaza in Palermo Hollywood serves as a vital community hub where families gather and street art flourishes. It captures the intellectual and whimsical side of the Argentine spirit that persists even in the trendiest parts of town.
Your final stop is Uptown, a bar that takes the concept of themed nightlife to a theatrical level. The entrance is a meticulously recreated New York City subway station, complete with a turnstile and a subway car. Once you pass through the 'train,' you emerge into a high-energy bar and restaurant. Uptown represents the international, cosmopolitan ambition of Palermo Hollywood. It is a favorite for those looking to see and be seen, blending a high-concept aesthetic with top-tier gastronomy. It is the perfect place to conclude your walk and toast to your independent exploration of this dynamic neighborhood.
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Explore “Palermo Hollywood Gastronomy Walk” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.
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