Congreso and Microcentro
(Av. Callao - Av. Mexico - Av. Corrientes - Puerto Madero)
GENERAL
If you ever saw something about Buenos Aires on television, you must have seen Congreso and Microcentro. The famous Obelisco and of course Plaza de los Congresos are part of these neighbourhoods. Stroll down the Av. de Mayo, which looks more like the Champs-Elysees in Paris, to the city centre where Plaza de Mayo is situated. Whenever there is a demonstration, people get together over here. Every Thursday the Madres de Plaza de Mayo still join each other to protest against the disappearance of their loved ones during the Dirty War.
When crossing Avenida Corrientes, you will find the Obelisk, a memorial for the two foundations of Buenos Aires in 1536 and 1580. It's the symbol of the "Porteños" (people from Buenos Aires) Fashionistas stick to the Av. Corrientes and Calle Florida where they can buy everything they want. From shabby souvenirs to designer shops: you name it!
It's just a 5-minute walk from the city centre to Puerto Madero, where you can wine-and-dine all day if you want. The harbour and the centre are divided by the presidential palace Casa Rosada, which lies just in front of Plaza de Mayo. This is the place where Evita spoke to her people 40 years ago....imagine yourself standing in front of the Casa Rosada watching that balcony!
