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Mercado de los Carruajes

Venues

Mercado de los Carruajes, Venues in Buenos Aires
Venues

Mercado de los Carruajes

Popular Sophisticated and lively

Photo: Luis Argerich, CC BY 2.0

Mercado de los Carruajes, Av. Leandro N. Alem 852, C1001AAQ, C1001 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Interesting facts

  1. The building was originally commissioned by President Julio A. Roca to house the official presidential carriages.

  2. It is a designated 'Edificio Histórico' (Historic Building), requiring strict adherence to preservation guidelines during its recent renovation.

  3. The architectural restoration involved reclaiming original materials, including significant brickwork and iron detailing from the late 1800s.

  4. The venue serves as a cultural bridge between the Retiro neighborhood's administrative buildings and the luxury hotels of the nearby district.

  5. The interior layout was redesigned to emphasize open-plan seating, prioritizing communal tables that contrast with the enclosed original carriage bays.

Overview

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.

Photo spot

The main entrance foyer, which captures the contrast between the historic red brick exterior and the modern, high-ceilinged industrial interior.

Insider tips

  • 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.

What to avoid

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 your visit

Time to see the highlights
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday evenings, as the market transitions into a vibrant after-work social hub with a more relaxed atmosphere than the busy weekday lunch hour.
Address
Mercado de los Carruajes, Av. Leandro N. Alem 852, C1001AAQ, C1001 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Get directions
Details
Food Style
Gourmet, International, and Artisanal Argentine
Building Heritage
Restored 19th-century Presidential Carriage House

Frequently asked

How long should I spend at Mercado de los Carruajes?

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

When is the best time to visit?

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..

What's the best photo spot?

The main entrance foyer, which captures the contrast between the historic red brick exterior and the modern, high-ceilinged industrial interior.

What else is nearby?

Close by you'll find Obelisk, Plaza de Mayo, Palacio Libertad, Domingo F. Sarmiento.

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