Cabildo de Buenos Aires

The basics

Thanks to its prominent position on Plaza de Mayo, the Cabildo of Buenos Aires features on just about every sightseeing tour in town, though not all tours take you inside. The museum inside is worth a look for its collection of artifacts, documents, and interactive exhibits on the city’s history–from the Spanish colonial period through independence. Visitors can access the former jail or take in the views of the historic plaza from the second-floor balcony.

Things to know before you go

• The Cabildo is a worthwhile stop for history buffs and first time visitors to Buenos Aires.
• The museum offers free admission.
• Don’t forget your camera; the building offers some of the best views of Plaza de Mayo.
• The Cabildo is wheelchair-accessible.

How to get there

The Cabildo is in the Rivadavia neighborhood in central Buenos Aires, within walking distance of several notable attractions. The nearest metro stop is Bolivar on Line E.

When to get there

Plan your visit to Cabildo near the top of the hour to see the changing of the guards ceremony staged out front. On Thursday and Friday afternoons, a craft market is held in the back patio of the building. The Cabildo is open Tuesdays to Sundays throughout the year, with extended hours on Thursday evenings.

Attractions on Plaza de Mayo

The city’s historic square is home to some of its most famous buildings. While you’re in the area, be sure to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, where Pope Francis once conducted mass, as well as Casa Rosada, famous for the balcony where Eva Perón spoke in the late 1940s.