Photo: Luis Argerich, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Elsapucai, Public domain
Photo: Elsapucai, Public domain
Mercado de los Carruajes, Av. Leandro N. Alem 852, C1001AAQ, C1001 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
The building was originally commissioned by President Julio A. Roca to house the official presidential carriages.
It is a designated 'Edificio Histórico' (Historic Building), requiring strict adherence to preservation guidelines during its recent renovation.
The architectural restoration involved reclaiming original materials, including significant brickwork and iron detailing from the late 1800s.
The venue serves as a cultural bridge between the Retiro neighborhood's administrative buildings and the luxury hotels of the nearby district.
The interior layout was redesigned to emphasize open-plan seating, prioritizing communal tables that contrast with the enclosed original carriage bays.
Mercado de los Carruajes is a high-end gastronomic market housed within a restored historic building that formerly served as the presidential carriage house for the Argentine government. Located in the Retiro district, the structure is a protected historic monument dating back to the late 19th century. The interior features a curated selection of artisanal food vendors, gourmet stalls, and upscale bars. Visitors can find a mix of international cuisines and traditional Argentine products, including premium wines, aged cheeses, and charcuterie. The architecture preserves its original neoclassical facade, blending heritage preservation with modern culinary utility. The market serves as both a destination for food enthusiasts and a cultural hub within the Buenos Aires business district.
The main entrance foyer, which captures the contrast between the historic red brick exterior and the modern, high-ceilinged industrial interior.
Visit during the shoulder hours between lunch and dinner to secure a table, as it becomes crowded with local office workers during standard break times.
Explore the second-level viewing areas for a better perspective of the original roof trusses and architectural scale.
Check the venue's social media channels before visiting, as they frequently host live acoustic music or culinary workshops on select evenings.
Do not expect a traditional wet market; this is a gourmet food hall meant for sitting and dining rather than grocery shopping for raw produce.
Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.
The best time to visit is Weekday evenings, as the market transitions into a vibrant after-work social hub with a more relaxed atmosphere than the busy weekday lunch hour..
The main entrance foyer, which captures the contrast between the historic red brick exterior and the modern, high-ceilinged industrial interior.
Close by you'll find Obelisk, Plaza de Mayo, Palacio Libertad, Domingo F. Sarmiento.