When was Galería Güemes built, and who designed it?

It was built in 1915 and designed by Italian architect Francisco Gianotti, making it Buenos Aires’ first skyscraper.

Why is Galería Güemes considered an architectural landmark in Buenos Aires?

Its blend of Art Nouveau design, stained-glass domes, and historic elevators make it one of the city’s most beautiful arcades.

Can I see the apartments where Antoine de Saint-Exupéry or Julio Cortázar once lived?

The private apartments aren’t open to the public, but guided tours share their stories and legacies.

Why visit Galería Güemes on Florida Street instead of other galleries?

Unlike standard shopping arcades, Galería Güemes combines history, architecture, a rooftop observatory, and a tango theatre, all in one venue.

How does Galería Güemes compare to Palacio Barolo?

Both were designed by Gianotti, but while Palacio Barolo is inspired by Dante’s *Divine Comedy*, Galería Güemes is known for its Art Nouveau elegance and cultural venues.

Can I visit Galería Güemes during the day without attending a tango show?

Yes, the arcade and shops are open to the public, and observatory tickets can be purchased separately.

What are the opening hours of Galería Güemes?

Shops usually open from 9 am to 8 pm, though show and observatory times vary.

How much do Piazzolla tango show tickets at Galería Güemes cost?

Ticket prices vary depending on the package you choose. Options typically include show-only tickets or dinner-and-show experiences, with prices ranging from budget-friendly seats to premium dinner tables closer to the stage.

Do I need to book Piazzolla tango tickets in advance?

Yes, advance booking is highly recommended. The theatre’s cabaret-style seating is limited, and popular dinner packages often sell out days ahead.

What does the Piazzolla tango show ticket include: dinner, drinks, or just the performance?

Tickets can be purchased as a show-only or as a dinner-and-show package. Dinner tickets usually include a three-course Argentine menu with wine or soft drinks, while show-only tickets cover entry to the performance.

Can I choose my seating when booking Piazzolla tango tickets?

Seating is allocated by category. Dinner tables near the stage or theatre-style seats further back. Within each category, the venue staff assigns seats to ensure a clear view of the stage.

Is the rooftop observatory at Galería Güemes open every day?

No, it generally opens on select days, often Thursdays at 4pm.

Where can I buy tickets to visit the observatory of Galería Güemes?

Tickets are sold at the entrance or via guided tours; some agencies also offer online booking.

Can I skip the line to visit the rooftop observatory?

Guided tours and combo tickets sometimes allow priority access; check availability in advance.

Are guided tours available inside Galería Güemes?

Yes, local guides offer tours focused on its architecture and cultural history.

What’s the best entrance to use, Florida or San Martín Street?

Both are accessible, but the San Martín Street entrance offers the most striking façade.

How do I get to Galería Güemes from the Obelisco or Plaza de Mayo?

It’s just a 5–10 minute walk from either landmark, right in the city centre.

What shops and cafés can I find inside Galería Güemes?

You’ll find bookstores, boutiques, and cafés, blending local charm with historic surroundings.

Does Galería Güemes have accessibility features for visitors with reduced mobility?

The arcade is accessible, but the observatory is reached via stairs only.

Can I take the historic elevators inside Galería Güemes?

Yes, the vintage cage elevators are still in use and are part of the experience.

Is Galería Güemes suitable for children and families?

Yes, families are welcome, though young children may find the tango show late at night.

Is Galería Güemes safe to visit at night?

Yes, the building is safe, and Florida Street is busy, though standard city precautions apply.

Are guided night tours or cultural events held in Galería Güemes?

Yes, special events and tours are occasionally hosted; check the schedule.

What type of seating is available at the Teatro Astor Piazzolla?

The theatre offers cabaret-style dinner tables and regular seats, ensuring good stage views.

Are events other than tango shows hosted at Galería Güemes?

The theatre primarily hosts tango, though occasional concerts and cultural events are held.

Is there a dress code to enter Galería Güemes or its theatre?

Smart casual is recommended, especially for the tango dinner show.

Are photography and video allowed inside the theatre?

Photos without flash are usually permitted; check with staff before recording video.

Galería Güemes, Buenos Aires | Art Nouveau Landmark & Tango Theatre

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Tango Shows

El Viejo Almacén Tango Show

Argentina’s most‑applauded tango show since 1969, in a century‑old San Telmo treasure.

Don’t miss El Viejo Almacén Tango Show’s cabaret‑style performance featuring professional dancers and live musicians, in one of the world’s finest tango venues.
Catch stunning staging with vintage costumes, a full live orchestra, alternating singers, a folk‑tango mix, and pulsating rhythm.
Set inside a stylish tango club from 1969, declared a cultural heritage site, the ambiance is both grand and intimate, perfect for a romantic night out!
Peckish? Guests can enjoy a gourmet 3‑course Argentine dinner with a beverage with their show. Book your El Viejo Almacén tango show tickets today!

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Check availability

Book now, pay later

2 hrs - 4 hrs

Transfers available

Pickup available

Meals included

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Tango Shows

Tango Porteño Show

Broadway-worthy tango spectacle in a restored MGM-era art deco cinema.

Step into the golden age of tango at Tango Porteño, where Buenos Aires’ most cinematic tango show recreates the era when Carlos Gardel and other legends reigned supreme.
More than 30 top-tier performers bring the glamour of the 1930s–40s to life in a venue once home to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s grand movie premieres theatre next to the Obelisk, fully restored to its cinematic glory.
The show blends spectacular period staging with state-of-the-art lighting, film projections, and striking choreography that ranges from intimate duets to folkloric ensemble numbers.
Opt for a gourmet 3-course dinner and bottomless Malbec, two drinks, VIP, Ececutive, and Platea seating, and round-trip transfers for the ultimate evening.

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Check availability

Book now, pay later

1 hr 30 mins - 3 hrs 30 mins

Transfers available

Pickup available

Meals included

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Tango Shows

Piazzolla Tango Show

Tango meets elegance in a grand 1915 Art Nouveau theater dedicated to Piazzolla’s legacy.

Catch one of Buenos Aires’ best tango dinner shows, featuring iconic pieces by Astor Piazzolla and Argentine greats, under the direction of Dolores de Amo.
The show is an elegant blend of live vocals, dramatic choreography, and Piazzolla’s famed sextet performing Las Cuatro Estaciones del Tango (Four Seasons of Tango).
Set in the stunning Art Nouveau basement of Galería Güemes, this historic venue was once the tallest landmark in the city.
Upgrade to indulge in the flavours of Argentina with a tantalising 3-course gourmet dinner with wine.

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Check availability

Flexible cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr 15 mins - 3 hrs

Transfers available

Meals included

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Tango Shows

Señor Tango Show

Experience one of Buenos Aires’ most spectacular tango productions at Señor Tango, a large-scale show set in a converted warehouse in Barracas.

Witness a Broadway-style tango extravaganza known for its dramatic choreography, expansive cast, and high-energy performances that push tango beyond tradition.
Enjoy a visually striking production with theatrical lighting, elaborate staging, and moments of pure showmanship, including legendary live horse appearances.
Follow tango’s journey from its roots to modern interpretations through powerful dance numbers, live orchestras, and commanding vocals led by Fernando Soler.
Enhance your evening with dinner and drinks, transfers, or preferential VIP seating, creating a complete night of Argentine music, culture, and performance.

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Check availability

Book now, pay later

2 hrs - 4 hrs 30 mins

Transfers available

Pickup available

Meals included

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Tango Shows

Aljibe Tango Show

Enjoy an unforgettable night at Aljibe, a beautifully restored conventillo in historic San Telmo, the birthplace of tango.

Experience a stirring tango and folklore show inspired by the city’s origins, brought to life by passionate dancers, live musicians, and heritage-rooted staging.
Set in the heart of San Telmo, this historic venue from 1982 offers a true journey through Buenos Aires’ cultural past and its most iconic traditions.
Enjoy an intimate conventillo-style setting with rustic charm, warm lighting, and close-stage views that make every performance feel personal and immersive.
Elevate your evening with a drink of your choice that perfectly complements the night’s atmosphere.

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Check availability

Flexible cancellation

Book now, pay later

3 mins - 4 hrs 30 mins

Pickup available

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Tango Shows

Michelangelo Tango Show

Step into Michelangelo, one of the world’s most famous tango houses, located in the historic heart of San Telmo.

Experience a traditional tango and folklore show in an iconic venue that has shaped Buenos Aires’ cultural nightlife since 1967.
Enjoy live music by a renowned sextet led by Nicolás Ledesma, featuring musicians associated with legendary orchestras like Leopoldo Federico and Sexteto Mayor.
Watch acclaimed vocal performances by Néstor Fabián and María Pisoni, alongside instrumental tributes to tango legends such as Mariano Mores.
See tango and folklore brought to life by professional dance couples and folkloric performers in a setting steeped in history and authenticity.

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Check availability

Book now, pay later

3 hrs - 4 hrs

Transfers available

Pickup available

Meals included

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Tango Shows

Rojo Tango Show

Buenos Aires' most exclusive tango show, blending intimate cabaret with fine dining inside the iconic Faena Hotel.

The show: An intimate cabaret-style production featuring world-class dancers, acclaimed singers, and a live orchestra in one of the city's most prestigious tango shows.
What to expect: Experience theatrical lighting, elegant costumes, live music, dramatic choreography, and a refined production inspired by tango's golden age.
Venue: Set inside the luxurious Faena Hotel Buenos Aires, the red velvet theater recreates the glamour of a 1900s cabaret with an intimate setting.
Add-ons: Upgrade your evening with a gourmet multi-course dinner, premium beverages, and round-trip hotel transfers.

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Check availability

4 hrs

Transfers available

Meals included

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Tango Shows

Homero Manzi Tango Show

Experience authentic neighborhood tango in a historic Boedo landmark where Buenos Aires' cultural soul still thrives.

The show: A traditional tango performance with a live orchestra, acclaimed singers, and professional dancers celebrating tango's roots and bringing the works of Homero Manzi, Carlos Gardel, and Astor Piazzolla to life.
What to expect: Enjoy live music, elegant costumes, expressive choreography, and stories of Buenos Aires brought to life through song, dance, and orchestral performances.
Venue: Set inside the historic Esquina Homero Manzi, a cultural landmark in Boedo with stained-glass interiors, a heritage bar, and an intimate atmosphere.
Add-ons: Upgrade your evening with a gourmet Argentine dinner, beverages, VIP seating, and round-trip hotel transfers from downtown Buenos Aires.

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Check availability

4 hrs

Transfers available

Meals included

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Tango Shows

El Querandí Tango Show

Traditional tango storytelling in a historic San Telmo salon with live quartet and period atmosphere.

A curated journey through tango history in 5 themed sections, led by the quartet of piano, bandoneón, violin and double bass under Ado Falasca.
Intimate art-deco architecture from early 20th-century Buenos Aires with solomonic columns, arches, and checkered floors.
Dinner and show options range from à la carte three-course menus with Argentine wines to VIP seating and transfers included.

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Check availability

Flexible cancellation

Book now, pay later

2 hrs - 3 hrs

Pickup available

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What to expect when you visit Galería Güemes

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A hidden Art Nouveau gem

Step inside Galería Güemes and you’ll be transported to the Belle Époque. The arcade is lined with stained-glass domes, gilded details, and decorative ironwork, making it one of Buenos Aires’ finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture. Walking through its corridors feels like stepping into a different era, where commerce, culture, and elegance blended seamlessly.

A theatre with soul: The Astor Piazzolla

Hidden beneath the arcade lies the Teatro Astor Piazzolla, a jewel-box theatre that has been hosting tango shows for decades. Its cabaret-style setting and velvet-lined interiors create an intimate space where music and dance come alive. Attending the Piazzolla Tango Show here is more than entertainment; it's celebrating the genius of composer Astor Piazzolla, blending traditional tango with jazz and classical influences.

Climb to BA’s first skyscraper view

When it opened in 1915, Galería Güemes was the city’s first skyscraper. Its 14th-floor observatory still rewards visitors with sweeping views of the Buenos Aires skyline. From here, you can spot landmarks such as the Obelisco, Palacio Barolo, and even the Río de la Plata shimmering in the distance, a perspective that offers a true sense of the city’s scale and grandeur.

Ride the vintage cage elevator

One of the most charming features of Galería Güemes is its original wrought-iron elevators. These vintage cage lifts, still in operation today, are not only functional but also a reminder of early 20th-century modernity and design. Stepping inside is like retracing the footsteps of writers, artists, and visitors who once made this gallery their home.

A legendary place of fame

Galería Güemes has long been a magnet for creative minds. French aviator and writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry lived here while penning parts of Night Flight, while Argentine novelist Julio Cortázar wove the building into his short stories. Their presence, along with that of decades of artists, residents, and performers, lends the gallery a literary and cultural weight that deepens its appeal beyond its architectural beauty.

Know before you go

Address: Galería Güemes is located at Florida 165, Microcentro, Buenos Aires, right in the city’s bustling historic center.
By subway (subte): The closest station is Florida Station on Line B, just a 2–3 minute walk away. Other nearby stops include Catedral (Line D) and Perú (Line A), both under 10 minutes on foot.
On foot: The gallery is only 5–10 minutes from major landmarks like the Obelisco and Plaza de Mayo.
By taxi/rideshare: Cabs and rideshares can drop you at either entrance (Florida or San Martín Street). The San Martín entrance is less crowded and more visually appealing for a first impression.
Choose your entrance: The San Martín Street entrance offers the most striking view of the façade and is less congested than the Florida Street side.

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Operational hours: Galería Güemes is open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and from 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. The gallery remains closed on Sundays. However, shops, restaurants, and the Piazzolla Tango theatre, as well as individual establishments within the gallery, have their own operating hours.
Dinner service: Starts around 7pm, with a multi-course Argentine menu that sets the mood for the evening.
Piazzolla tango show: Begins at 9pm and runs for approximately 90 minutes. Performances feature live musicians, singers, and dancers interpreting Astor Piazzolla’s revolutionary tango compositions.
Observatorio rooftop tours: Generally available on Thursdays at 4pm, though timings may vary seasonally. Sunset visits are particularly popular, so book early if you want the view at golden hour.

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Restrooms: Located within the theatre and arcade area, easily accessible during shows.
Elevators: The gallery still operates its original vintage elevators, though they may not accommodate all accessibility needs.
Observatory access: The rooftop is only reachable via a narrow spiral staircase, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or visitors with reduced mobility.
Family-friendly: Children are welcome at the theatre, though parents should check age guidelines before booking, as late-night shows may not suit very young kids.

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El Querandí: A historic parrilla and tango venue offering classic Argentine cuts of beef, empanadas, and Malbec wines, just a short walk from Florida Street.
Café Tortoni: Founded in 1858, this legendary café serves pastries, coffee, and traditional snacks. Perfect for a pre-show stop steeped in porteño history.
Cabaña Las Lilas: Located in Puerto Madero (10 minutes by taxi), this fine-dining steakhouse is known for its waterfront views and upscale Argentine cuisine.
Santos Manjares: A casual parrilla popular with locals for its grilled meats, provoleta cheese, and friendly service, about 10 minutes from the gallery.

Hop on Hop off bus in front of Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires.

Teatro Colón (10 minutes): Widely regarded as one of the finest opera houses in the world, Teatro Colón is a must-visit for music and architecture lovers. Guided tours showcase its grand interiors, while evening performances bring the space to life.
Obelisco & 9 de Julio Avenue (5 minutes): Just a short walk from Galería Güemes, the Obelisco stands tall at the heart of Buenos Aires’ most famous avenue. The wide boulevard, lined with theatres, shops, and cafés, is perfect for an atmospheric city stroll.
Plaza de Mayo & Casa Rosada (10 minutes): The historic square of Buenos Aires, Plaza de Mayo, is surrounded by key landmarks including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Casa Rosada, Argentina’s iconic pink presidential palace. It’s a place steeped in history and political significance.
Palacio Barolo (15 minutes): Designed by the same architect as Galería Güemes, Palacio Barolo is a striking building inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy. Visitors can tour its unique interiors and climb to the lighthouse for panoramic city views.