Obelisco Tours and Activities

Buenos Aires featuring a sunset and a city
Buenos Aires showing a city and street scenes
Obelisco featuring modern architecture, a monument and street scenes
Obelisco
Obelisco showing night scenes, street scenes and a city


This giant pillar was built to mark the 400th anniversary of the city’s inception. Now, it stands as the most famous icon in Buenos Aires.

The Obelisco stands tall in the center of Buenos Aires. It is perhaps the city’s most recognizable icon. The large stone pillar surrounded by lights and electric screens draws comparisons with New York’s Times Square. The column itself resembles the Washington Monument.

It was built in 1936 to mark the fourth century since the city’s inception. In all, the Obelisco is 221.5 feet (67.5 meters) tall. It is often decorated to celebrate holidays and events.

Gaze up at the giant structure from any location around the city center it dwarfs the buildings around it. Learn about current events from the temporary decorations of the landmark. For example, in 2005, the Obelisco was dressed in a giant condom to mark World AIDS Day. It is also regularly modified to celebrate anniversaries and other events.

Read the sonnet by the poet Baldomero Fernández Moreno at the base of the monument.

Dine at one of many upscale restaurants in the area. Nightlife at nearby bars and clubs in the San Telmo and Puerto Madero areas can provide an exciting evening.Several engravings at the pillar’s foot inform the public about the Obelisco.

The modernist architect Alberto Prebisch designed the monument in 1936. Remarkably, it took only 31 days to complete. It was the first site in the city to raise the Argentine flag, in 1812. Look around for a large blue and white flag symbolizing the country’s independence for over 200 years.

Find the Obelisco in the Plaza de la República in the center of Buenos Aires. It stands between the large avenues of Corrientes and 9 de Julio. Many claim that the latter is the widest avenue in the world. Both these roads have major transportation connections by metro and bus, so the area is particularly accessible. Finding a taxi in the street to take you to the Obelisco is also easy. Since this location is so central to the city, you’ll find many hotels, restaurants and bars nearby.

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Best Lodging Options Near Obelisco

Tango de Mayo Hotel

Tango de Mayo Hotel

4 out of 5
Av. de Mayo 1396, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Tango de Mayo Hotel
La Fresque Hotel

La Fresque Hotel

3 out of 5
Avenida de Mayo 984, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
La Fresque Hotel
Intercontinental Buenos Aires by IHG

Intercontinental Buenos Aires by IHG

4 out of 5
Moreno 809, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Intercontinental Buenos Aires by IHG
Alvear Art Hotel

Alvear Art Hotel

5 out of 5
Suipacha 1036, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Alvear Art Hotel
Buenos Aires Marriott

Buenos Aires Marriott

5 out of 5
Av Carlos Pellegrini 551, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Buenos Aires Marriott
Broadway Hotel & Suites

Broadway Hotel & Suites

4 out of 5
Av. Corrientes 1173, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Broadway Hotel & Suites
Hilton Buenos Aires

Hilton Buenos Aires

5 out of 5
Av Macacha Guemes 351, Buenos Aires
Hilton Buenos Aires
El Conquistador Hotel

El Conquistador Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Suipacha 948, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
El Conquistador Hotel
Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center

Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center

4 out of 5
San Martin / 1225 1275, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal
Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Obelisco

In Obelisco, Buenos Aires, visitors can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of activities such as shopping, dancing, and guided tours. Exploring the city on foot is a great way to take in the sights, while bus tours provide an informative overview of the area. Whether you’re looking to indulge in local cuisine or experience the nightlife, Obelisco offers a delightful mix of experiences for every tourist.

Shopping

In Obelisco, visit Galerias Pacifico, a vibrant shopping mall only 805m away, or explore Florida Street, just 966m from the landmark. Carruajes Market, located 1.1km away, offers a true local experience. If you're up for a drive, check out other nearby malls for more options!

Recreation

At La Bombonera, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of a sports facility, only 3.2km from Obelisco. For a unique entertainment experience, visit the Movistar Arena, 6.4km away, featuring vibrant concerts. Relish luxury at the Naval Center, a private club just 805m away, offering upscale amenities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Autódromo de Buenos Aires Juan y Oscar Gálvez, located 12.9km from Obelisco. For outdoor enthusiasts, Sendero de Caminatas Arroyo Rama Negra, situated 27.4km away, offers scenic hiking trails. Euca Tigre Adventure Park, 37.0km away, features an exhilarating zipline ropes course.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Obelisco is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy the thrill of gaming at Puerto Madero Casino, just 3.2km away, or catch a show at the culturally rich Gran Rex Theatre, only 0.3.2km away. For family fun, visit Neverland Arcade, also 3.2km away, for adventure-filled entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Obelisco

Visiting Obelisco in Buenos Aires offers a captivating blend of history and culture. Explore historic palaces and buildings, and take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant piazza squares. The area caters to travellers seeking a rich city experience, making it perfect for those interested in culture and business. Don't miss the iconic landmarks near Obelisco, as they provide unique insights into the city's heritage and charm.

  • Casa Rosada: This iconic historic palace is approximately 1.1km from the Obelisco. Casa Rosada, with its stunning pink façade, is the executive mansion and a symbol of Argentine politics, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture.
  • Plaza de Mayo: Located around 966m from the Obelisco, this vibrant square is the heart of Buenos Aires. Surrounded by historic buildings, it serves as a gathering place for cultural events and demonstrations, showcasing the city’s lively atmosphere.
  • Colón Theatre: Just 322m from the Obelisco, this magnificent opera house is known for its exquisite architecture and world-class performances. The Colón Theatre offers a romantic and cultural experience, making it a must-visit for entertainment enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Obelisco

Visitor numbers around Obelisco is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Obelisco is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
February75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April65.3°F (18.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
July51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Obelisco

Visiting Obelisco on a budget is feasible with several money-saving tips. Enjoy free attractions like Casa Rosada, Palermo Soho, and Plaza de Mayo. The best months for cheaper accommodation are May to June and August, while Tuesdays typically offer the lowest hotel rates. Consider booking your stay about a month in advance or glance at last-minute deals on Expedia for discounts. Additionally, save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package. Use Expedia's filters to find the best prices, rates, and offers tailored to your preferences.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Obelisco are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to October to December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Obelisco is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Obelisco is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Obelisco is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Obelisco with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.