San Telmo Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience San Telmo. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• The Secret Kitchen of San Telmo: Learn to Make Empanadas

• Buenos Aires Premium City Tour

• Small-Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (Optional Street Food)

• Semi Private City Tour of Buenos Aires

• Buenos Aires Bus Tour With Free Stops and Exclusive Benefits

While it’s free to visit San Telmo on your own, there are plenty of tours that can help you learn more about the neighborhood in the company of an expert guide. Your options range from bus tours of Buenos Aires starting at US$31 to a private city tour with a driver starting at US$140.

The best way to get to San Telmo from downtown Buenos Aires is to walk—the city center square Plaza de Mayo is only around 15 minutes away. Otherwise, take a Buenos Aires Underground train (known locally as Subte) to Independencia Station (Line C), or San Juan Station (Line E)—both stops are a short walk from San Telmo.

The famous market (Feria de San Telmo) is held on Sundays, typically from midmorning until late afternoon. You can expect a lively street fair with lots of vendors selling antiques, crafts, art, and tango memorabilia, alongside street performers, tango dancers, and musicians. You should also expect some large crowds.

San Telmo is generally safe during the day, thanks to the large number of people who are usually on the street. That said, you should keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. At night, practice increased caution and avoid walking alone, particularly on quiet, dimly lit streets.

Sunday afternoons are undoubtedly bustling in San Telmo. If you want to avoid the masses, visit any other day of the week and explore the large indoor market, which is open every day. On Sundays, you can dodge the crowds by arriving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon—it’s busiest at lunchtime.