La Isla, the top sector within the Recoleta neighborhood

Buenos Aires is full of hidden corners that hold history, elegance, and secrets known by few. One of them is La Isla, an exclusive area of a few blocks that seems isolated from the rest of the city. Its access through stairs and its elevated layout give it a unique character: once inside, the hustle and bustle seems to disappear, giving way to a much more chill atmosphere.

This area, bordered by the avenues Las Heras, Pueyrredón, del Libertador, and the street Agüero, combines grand architecture, cobblestone streets, green spaces, and iconic places that make it one of the most sought-after zones in the city. To discover more similar places, follow Visit Bue.

A little bit of history

At the end of the 19th century, La Isla was part of the Quinta Hale, a property of the Hale-Pearson family. But it was in 1906 when Mayor Alberto Casares decided to transform this space into a luxury park neighborhood. Who was in charge of the design? None other than French architect Joseph Antoine Bouvard, who gave it that European touch that can still be felt on its streets today. The project was a resounding success, and soon the area was filled with petit hôtels and grand houses surrounded by gardens.

Over time, the landscape began to change. Due to the enactment of the horizontal property law in the 1940s, many of those imposing residences were demolished to make way for modern high-end apartment buildings.

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Of all the old residences in La Isla, only one remains standing: the Madero-Unzué Palace, now the British Embassy (Luis Agote 2400). This elegant house, built between 1914 and 1917 as the home of the Madero-Unzué family, was acquired by the United Kingdom in 1947, adding part of the park that once belonged to Quinta Hale Pearson to its property.

Its extensive garden, filled with tipu trees, drunken palms, and centenary trees, is not only a green lung within the neighborhood but also one of the most charming and admired spots by those who explore the area.

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Iconic stops in La Isla you can’t miss

• National Library: This imposing brutalist-style building, designed by Clorindo Testa, stands where the presidential residence once was. It’s a meeting point for lovers of literature and architecture.
• Law School: With its majestic staircase and columns, it’s one of the city’s most recognizable buildings and a symbol of Buenos Aires’ academic spirit.
• Plaza Mitre: This green space, crowned by the Monument to Bartolomé Mitre, is perfect for a pause in the middle of your tour. Its design as a viewpoint offers stunning views.
• Floralis Genérica: Just a few steps away, this metallic flower sculpture that opens and closes with the sun is a must-see for those looking for the perfect photo.

La Isla is that corner of Buenos Aires where every street, building, and square tells a story. Whether it’s for its aristocratic past or its iconic spaces, it’s a gem that deserves to be discovered. So, next time you’re around the city, take a stroll through "little Paris" and let yourself be surprised by its charm.