Secret attractions: 10 hidden places in Buenos Aires to discover

From the outside, the Basilica of María Auxiliadora and San Carlos might appear to be just one of the many churches scattered across Buenos Aires. However, once you step inside, it reveals one of the most stunning architectures in the city.

This religious temple, built by the Salesian monks of Don Bosco between 1900 and 1910, stands in the heart of the Almagro neighborhood. Its interior is divided into three levels: a crypt, a temple with two side aisles, and the main upper temple. It is undoubtedly distinguished by its eclectic mix of styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Lombard Romanesque.

The eye can hardly take in all there is to admire: enormous stained glass windows, hanging chandeliers with Murano crystal shades, sections covered in Italian marble, fifteen-meter-high columns with colored stripes, and a vaulted ceiling adorned with stars and arabesques.

As if that weren’t enough, it culminates with an octagonal dome, whose vault is nearly fifty meters above the ground, and features an organ imported from Italy, considered one of the most distinguished in the city.

Tip: Guided tours and organ concerts with free admission are held monthly (they only ask for non-perishable food donations). Additionally, the basilica is open from Monday to Sunday at various times.

Where: Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen 3999.

Located within the Palacio Sarmiento, the National Library of Teachers impresses with its architecture, so much so that it was included among 47 classic libraries in the book "Classical Library Buildings of the World," which compiles texts and images of libraries notable for their artistic, architectural, or historical interest.

All the rooms in this library boast majestic architecture with enormous columns, antique furniture, and vaulted ceilings. The Reading Room has space for 130 readers and more than 130,000 books.

On the second floor (a sort of large balcony from where the reading room can be seen), you'll find the American Room, which contains historical collections of education. The Treasure Room, a space housing the oldest collection and the most valuable works gathered over more than a century, including Leopoldo Lugones' personal book collection, is also located here.

Tip: In addition to consulting books and publications, they also offer guided tours and various cultural activities for all ages.

Where: Pizzurno 953.

Just one block from the bustling and busy intersection of Cabildo and Juramento avenues in the Belgrano neighborhood, a green and silent oasis is hidden. This is the Andalusian garden of the Enrique Larreta Spanish Art Museum, the only one of its kind in South America.

The house of this Argentine writer and diplomat was turned into a museum, and along with it, you can explore its nearly six-thousand-square-meter garden with century-old trees, fountains, sculptures, narrow labyrinthine paths, and decorations with majolica tiles.

This garden evokes the Muslim tradition of medieval southern Spain with the presence of orange trees, cypresses, olive trees, hydrangeas, agapanthus, and palm trees, among a wide variety of botanical species.

Tip: The garden is accessible only with museum admission. Entrance is free on Wednesdays, and on the fourth Thursday of each month, a guided tour is conducted alongside the gardener.

Where: Av. Juramento 2291.

In the historic center of the city, what appears to be a simple house actually houses one of the most important archaeological finds and restorations.

The property dates back to 1830 when it was a mansion for an aristocratic family and later a tenement house. In 1985, it was purchased to be converted into a restaurant, and during the restoration, its current owner discovered a tunnel through which one of the three streams that carried water from the city’s heights to the Río de la Plata had once flowed, known as El Zanjón de Granados.

Over 38 years, foundations, walls, floors, cisterns, ancient water wells, and blind wells built and destroyed between 1730 and 1865 were recovered, along with thousands of myths and fascinating stories.

Tip: El Zanjón can be visited through conventional tours or via a wide variety of activities and experiences offered, such as "Horror Visit" or "Tango + Conventillo," among others.

Where: Defensa 755.

Also of interest: 50 Best things to do in Buenos Aires

A large iron door leads to a kind of narrow passageway full of plants, flowers, and a few tables. On the ground, an old rail marks the path to the back. Those curious enough to venture in discover the secret: a small gastronomic and décor complex.

Paul French Gallery was born in 2010, thanks to interior designer Pablo Chiappori, who saw the potential of this place, which, despite being in the bustling Palermo neighborhood, seems to operate at a different pace.

Within the complex, you can find a food truck from Cocu Boulangerie café, a shop of the renowned tea brand Tealosophy, and Liquid Emotions for mocktails and cocktails. Additionally, live music is added on Thursday afternoons.

Undoubtedly, the gem is the large décor shop (from which the passage takes its name), which has two floors filled with tableware, textiles, all kinds of furniture, home fragrances, stationery, and even clothing.

Tip: Most of Paul French Gallery's products are designed and crafted in their own workshops in collaboration with artisans. While many objects are distinct, their eight fragrances are iconic to the brand and can be found in various formats, such as spray or candle.

Where: Gorriti 4865.

In the La Paternal neighborhood, an old factory known as Química Estrella has been converted into a modern industrial complex housing companies from various sectors and a hidden and very exclusive dining space.

Continuing with the industrial aesthetic, Stern is a restaurant that stands out for the vastness of its triple-height space, with enormous windows and balconies on the mezzanine levels. Another distinctive detail is the completely open kitchen with a central counter showcasing all the offerings.

Stern's menu is designed for homemade and healthy lunches, complemented by bakery offerings, always using fresh seasonal ingredients. They also have a market where they offer many of their products ready to take away, along with items like wines, oils, and even handmade tableware.

Tip: Stern is open Monday to Friday, and entry is only allowed with a prior reservation. A must-try is their mini cremona with cured ham, arugula, butter, and cheese. Music and food events will be added soon.

Where: Av. De los Constituyentes 2985.

In the Barracas neighborhood stands a church that hides one of the most unique temples in Buenos Aires, not only for its architecture but also for its history.

The Santa Felicitas Church was built in honor of the young woman from the Buenos Aires high society, Felicitas Guerrero de Álzaga, after her tragic death at the hands of Enrique Ocampo, who courted her but, when rejected, shot her twice, ending her life.

In 1872, her parents decided to build a church in her memory, and years later, they donated part of the land to the Lourdists, who built a neo-Gothic temple there, now called the Hidden Temple. It is a smaller-scale replica of the Church of Lourdes in France, featuring more than ten meters of double height, stained glass windows dating back to 1901, and very special acoustics.

In the basement passages of the church, known as the Tunnels of Santa Felicitas, a workers' dining hall operated between 1906 and 1944, which can still be visited today.

Tip: The Santa Felicitas Museum, which includes the church, the temple, and the tunnels, offers various unique guided tours, such as a drawing jam with a live model or choral gatherings in the Hidden Temple; nighttime visits with tastings of the convent's traditional stew, wine, and live music; and tours with an actress playing Felicitas Guerrero, among others.

Where: Pinzón 1480.

The Roverano Passage is an original 1882 building located in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires, and the only one with a direct connection to the Buenos Aires subway! However, this is not its secret, but the incredible rooftop on its eighth floor with a 360º view that has been skillfully utilized.

The Rooftop Plaza de Mayo, in addition to being a wonderful tourist lookout in Buenos Aires, is also a meeting space where various experiences that revalue Argentine culture and identity can be lived.

In 2023, they received a special mention for Best Intervention in Historic Buildings from the Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism of the City of Buenos Aires.

Tip: The Rooftop Plaza de Mayo offers a wide variety of activities, including Tango Lessons with dinner, painting jams with wine, after-office yoga, tango dinners with theater and live music, and their noteworthy Picnic at Sunset, an experience that includes a carefully designed dinner accompanied by wine and champagne.

Where: Av. de Mayo 560, 8º piso.

Also of interest: 11 Cocktails you must try in Buenos Aires

Just over a year ago, the restaurant Piedra Pasillo opened its doors in an early 20th-century house in the Núñez neighborhood, which was recently recommended by the Michelin Guide.

If you enter the restaurant and head down the hallway to the back, you'll find a spectacular hidden bar aptly named Al Fondo (meaning "At the Back"). This speakeasy not only impresses with its ambient low lighting, imposing bar, and decor featuring mirrors and various textures but also with its menu.

The bar's concept aims to take patrons on a journey through new, more challenging, and daring flavors. To achieve this, the cocktails are crafted with seasonal ingredients, technique, and a strong conceptual approach. Additionally, their cocktails stand out for using few ingredients and reducing sugar content.

Tip: We recommend trying the breaded shrimp and the fried calamari with charred edamame. As for cocktails, we suggest the María desnuda (tequila, homemade tomato sauce, and sparkling wine) or the Turba blanca (Hennessy cognac, basil, melon, and Port Charlotte 10).

Where: Campos Salles 2145.

Within the iconic Cassará Building, dating back to the early 1900s, lies the headquarters of a unique art space that perfectly blends the exhibited works with the building's architectural heritage.

Since 2008, Areatec has been hosting quarterly contemporary art exhibitions featuring Argentine artists who live and work today. Often, the artists are present at the exhibitions and engage with visitors.

Moreover, the building itself is a work of art, with stained glass windows and Art Nouveau-style doors, its antique elevator, and a rooftop terrace offering views of the magnificent domes of Avenida de Mayo.

Tip: The art exhibitions throughout the building can be visited on Fridays and Saturdays by reservation only. They also offer guided tours to learn about the history of the Cassará Building and enjoy a glass of wine.

Where: Av. de Mayo 1190.