Café Tortoni Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires' oldest cafe since 1858, a historic landmark with vintage charm, famous for churros and tango.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Café Tortoni Buenos Aires
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Buenos Aires' oldest cafe since 1858, a historic landmark with vintage charm, famous for churros and tango.
"The ambiance, paintings, the setup, and the people concocted a fine experience."
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Beat the queues by arriving before opening or during off-peak hours.
🍫 Must-Try: Churros & Chocolate
Don't miss the iconic hot chocolate with crispy churros.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 39,446 reviews
Type
Cafe
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Ambiance
Step back in time with marble tables, stained glass, and vintage decor. A true Buenos Aires landmark.
Churros with Hot Chocolate
The legendary pairing: crispy churros dipped in rich, thick hot chocolate. A must-try!
Live Tango Shows
Experience the passion of tango in an iconic setting. Book tickets in advance for an unforgettable evening.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Beat the queues by arriving before opening or during off-peak hours.
🍫 Must-Try: Churros & Chocolate
Don't miss the iconic hot chocolate with crispy churros.
🎟️ Book Tango Shows Ahead
For 'Sensaciones de Tango', secure your tickets well in advance.
🖼️ Admire the Art
Take time to appreciate the historical artwork adorning the walls.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Beat the queues by arriving before opening or during off-peak hours.
🍫 Must-Try: Churros & Chocolate
Don't miss the iconic hot chocolate with crispy churros.
🎟️ Book Tango Shows Ahead
For 'Sensaciones de Tango', secure your tickets well in advance.
🖼️ Admire the Art
Take time to appreciate the historical artwork adorning the walls.
💰 Check Prices
Prices can be a bit high, but it's worth it for the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Café Tortoni is widely praised for its incredible historic ambiance and delicious churros with hot chocolate, offering a true step back in time. While some find it a bit touristy and the hot chocolate can be very sweet, the overall experience is considered a must-do in Buenos Aires for its cultural significance and classic charm.
"It is one of the best places I have ever been to, which really lives up to the hype. I was in a rush, I drank a 'Fernat con cola', ate a cheesecake, and took a cafe con leche on the go.
The ambiance, paintings, the setup, and the people concocted a fine experience.
Argentina, in general, has a very friendly energy via its people who are always ready to help and up for Deep conversations.
Loved you, Buenos Aires!"
Falah Galeeb
"Café Tortoni is a must-visit in Buenos Aires! The ambiance is classic and full of history, making you feel like you've stepped back in time. The service was attentive, and the churros with hot chocolate were absolutely delicious—perfectly crispy and not too sweet. The coffee was strong and flavorful, just as you’d expect from such an iconic café. It does get quite busy, but the wait is worth it. A fantastic spot for anyone looking to experience a piece of Argentina’s café culture!"
Elias Chelala (Chewy)
"This is such a beautiful, classic, and classy place. It's like stepping back into time and history here. We had cakes, coffee and chocolate. The slightly minor imperfections were that the thick hot chocolate I ordered was too sweet, and one of the ladies' toilets wasn't locking (the lock was completely missing), everything else was top notch."
Laura C.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Café Tortoni is located at Av. de Mayo 825, in the Montserrat neighborhood. It's easily accessible by public transport. Several bus lines stop nearby, and the nearest Subte (metro) stations are Plaza de Mayo (Lines A, D, E) and Perú (Line A), both a short walk away.
Yes, its central location on Avenida de Mayo makes it very accessible for tourists exploring the city center. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
From most central areas of Buenos Aires, walking is a pleasant option if you're nearby. Otherwise, taking a bus or the Subte to Plaza de Mayo or Perú station will put you within a few minutes' walk.
Street parking can be challenging in this busy area. It's advisable to use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services. There are paid parking garages in the vicinity if you must drive.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes from the Obelisco down Avenida 9 de Julio and then onto Avenida de Mayo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need to buy tickets to enter Café Tortoni. It operates as a regular cafe and restaurant. However, for special events like tango shows, advance booking is essential.
Café Tortoni typically opens in the morning and stays open until late evening. Hours can vary slightly, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most current information.
There is no entrance fee to simply enter and enjoy the cafe's atmosphere. You pay for what you order.
Wait times can vary significantly, especially during peak tourist seasons and times. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday can help minimize your wait.
For regular cafe service, reservations are generally not taken, and it's first-come, first-served. For the tango shows, booking is mandatory and should be done in advance.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
The most recommended items are the churros with thick hot chocolate, and a 'café con leche' (coffee with milk). Many also enjoy their medialunas (croissants) and cheesecakes.
The atmosphere is classic, historic, and elegant, reminiscent of a 19th-century European cafe. Expect marble tables, vintage decor, and beautiful stained-glass windows.
Yes, Café Tortoni hosts live tango shows, most notably the 'Sensaciones de Tango' show, which is a popular evening attraction.
Absolutely! It's a classic spot for breakfast, offering traditional pastries like medialunas and coffee. It's a great way to start your day steeped in history.
They serve a range of cafe fare, including pastries, sandwiches, cakes, and light meals. Their specialty is the hot chocolate and churros.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Café Tortoni. Visitors often capture the stunning interior, the artwork, and their food and drinks. Be mindful of other patrons and avoid intrusive photography.
The main dining area with its marble tables and stained-glass windows is a prime spot. The vintage bar area and the exterior facade are also very photogenic.
Photography during the tango show might be restricted to avoid disrupting the performance. It's best to check with staff upon arrival or during the show.
Early morning, before the crowds arrive, offers the best light and a more serene environment for photography. The warm interior lighting in the evening can also create a beautiful ambiance.
The iconic signage, the vintage cash register, and the detailed artwork on the walls offer unique photo opportunities that capture the cafe's rich history.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit