Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires

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Puerto Madero: a port with a second life

Puerto Madero’s glass towers and waterfront restaurants are recent chapters in a much older port story. Eduardo Madero’s dock scheme was approved in the 1880s and opened in 1897 to bring ships closer to the growing city. Larger vessels soon outgrew it; work on Puerto Nuevo began in 1911. The old docks then spent decades in decline before a redevelopment effort began in 1989. As you walk, look for the reused red-brick warehouses and old port equipment beside the newer buildings. The contrast explains the neighborhood better than the skyline alone.

Follow the docks on foot

The former docks now make an easy waterside walk close to the historic city center. Cross the Puente de la Mujer, the pedestrian bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava, and look back across the water toward the restored warehouses. Continue along the promenades for cafés and restaurants, or simply enjoy the change of pace from Microcentro. The City’s Puerto Madero walking map offers more stops if you have time.

Continue to Costanera Sur

Beyond the docks, Costanera Sur leads toward the Reserva Ecológica, a large green space for walking and cycling. Check the reserve’s current access before setting out; a waterfront stroll and a reserve visit are different plans. The streets and parks here also honor women from Argentina’s history, another detail that distinguishes Puerto Madero from older downtown neighborhoods.

Puerto Madero is outside the regular Buenos Aires Essentials tour, so explore it independently or ask about a custom private walk if you want to connect its port history with the rest of the city.

[Top Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lrargerich/ / CC BY 2.0]