Buenos Aires has long had a thriving café culture and its many historic cafes were the meeting places for illustrious literary, musical and political figures, including the likes of Jorge Luis Borges and Carlos Gardel.

Today the city has over 70 listed historic cafes declared bares notables, recognised for their importance to the city's culture. Their decors are carefully preserved and passing through their doors may feel like stepping back in time.

Guidebooks will direct you to Café Tortoni, El Faro or Confiteria las Violetas for a typical cortado (espresso with a dash of hot milk) and medialuna (croissant), but there are dozens more to explore throughout the city, some with daily tango shows. 

Download a full list of the city’s most historic cafes, or check out our selection below.

Note that cafes are usually open every day for breakfast, lunch snacks and the traditional merienda, a late afternoon snack which might include a coffee and a piece of cake. Some close at around 7pm, but many of these historic venues open (sometimes very) late into the evening offering alcholic drinks and dinner as well as coffee and soft drinks.