Buenos Aires

Plan your visit to the iconic Obelisco de Buenos Aires

How to visit the Obelisco de Buenos Aires

What’s the overall experience like?

The Obelisco visit is short, focused, and centrally located, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. Entry is timed and capacity-controlled, with a brief elevator ride and panoramic views from the summit. While the visit itself takes under 30 minutes, queues, security checks, and weather conditions can involve an additional wait time of about 30 minutes.

Navigating your way

Orientation verdict: This is a single-site visit with one entrance and one viewing level, but timed entry and security make planning important.

The Obelisco has one official public entrance located at Plaza de la República, at the intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Corrientes. All visitors follow the same flow: security screening → elevator ascent → short internal stair segment → observation deck → descent. There are no alternative routes or multiple levels to choose between, so your main decisions are timing and arrival logistics.

There are no internal exhibits or optional sub-attractions inside the monument.

How to make the most of your time

Quick visit

Duration: 20–30 minutesRoute: Entrance → elevator ascent → observation deck → exitWhat you get: A fast, hassle-free way to experience the Obelisco’s views without committing much time.

Sunset-focused visit

Duration: 30 minutesRoute: Timed sunset entry → observation deck → evening strollWhat you get: Warmer light, city lights turning on, and a more atmospheric experience.

Handy tips

  • Reserve ahead: Timed slots can sell out, and ticket availability on the spot cannot be guaranteed.
  • Pick calmer windows: Late afternoons on weekdays tend to be smoother than weekends.
  • Travel light: There are no lockers or storage options available inside the monument.
  • Check the weather: Fog, rain, or haze can reduce visibility from the top. Visiting after a light drizzle, on the other hand, is ideal. 
  • Plan nearby stops: Pair your visit with a tour of the theaters or cafés around Corrientes to maximize value.

Book Obelisco tickets

Your tickets to the Obelisco are timed, which ensures guaranteed access for the slot you choose, especially during weekends and peak tourist months. This also gives you the benefit of fewer crowds at the top, so you won’t have to push through to get a good view out.

Keep in mind that the presence of stairs during the final ascent makes this experience inaccessible to wheelchair users or anyone with mobility issues.

Obelisco de Buenos Aires Tickets

15 min.

Combo (Save 5%): Obelisco de Buenos Aires Entry Tickets + Teatro Colón Entry Tickets

Guided tour

Obelisco timings & best time to visit

The Obelisco is open every day of the week from 9am to 5pm. While there are no pre-decided closure dates, you may encounter changes to the schedule based on public events or in the case of a protest.

Check Obelisco Buenos Aires timings

Best time to visit

Weekday vs weekendWeekdays are generally calmer, especially mid-afternoon. Weekends and public holidays see more visitors, particularly around late morning and sunset slots.

Peak season vs low seasonThe peak season between December and February brings higher demand, while the low season between June and August offers easier access and cooler weather. The weather is a key factor, so do check the weather forecast before booking your tickets.

Takeaway: Visit on a weekday afternoon or book a sunset slot on a clear day.

Where is the Obelisco located?

The Obelisco is located in Plaza de la República, at the intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Corrientes, in central Buenos Aires.

Address: Av. 9 de Julio s/n, Buenos Aires | Find on Google Maps

Closest landmark: Teatro Colón, 600 m away

How to get there

🚇 By public transport

  • By metro (Subte): Lines B, C, and D to Carlos Pellegrini, Diagonal Norte, or 9 de Julio stations; 1–3 minute walk.
  • By bus: Lines 9, 24, 26, 39, 50, 59, 100, 140, 146, 180 stop nearby.
  • By train: From Retiro, Constitución, or Once stations, transfer to the Subte lines.

🚗 By car

Drive toward central Buenos Aires via major avenues. There is no on-site parking, so you’ll have to find parking at public garages nearby.

Entrances

There is only one primary entrance to the Obelisco, which is located at Plaza de la República, on the Av. Corrientes side. If you book your tickets in advance, the maximum wait time at the ticket queue will be no more than 10-15 minutes.

Accessibility at the Obelisco de Buenos Aires 

The Obelisco mirador is not wheelchair accessible, as you’ll need to climb stairs for the final ascent after the elevator ride. Elevators are used for most of the ascent, but steps cannot be avoided. There are no adapted restrooms or seating areas inside.

Visiting with family

The visit is short and manageable for older children, but strollers cannot be taken inside. Additionally, children under the age of 4 cannot enter the Obelisco.

There are no baby-changing facilities within the monument, but cafés and public spaces nearby make it easy to plan breaks before or after the visit.

Rules and restrictions at Obelisco Buenos Aires 

  • Photography: Photography with handheld devices is allowed. However, the use of selfie sticks and tripods is prohibited. 
  • Luggage: Large bags may be restricted, and there’s no cloakroom at the entrance for you to store your luggage. Your best bet would be to carry a small knapsack with just the essentials. 
  • Food & drinks: You’re not permitted to carry any food and drinks from outside into the observatory. 
  • General conduct: You’re prohibited from attempting to climb any of the walls to prevent damage to the building’s architecture. 
  • Minimum age: Children under the age of 4 are not allowed inside the observatory.

Where to shop

There is no gift shop inside the Obelisco, but you’ll find several stores nearby selling a variety of products.

  • Centro Lavalle | Paseo de Compras: Located just a 6-minute walk away from the Obelisco, this shopping mall sells all kinds of clothing and souvenirs. | Find on Google Maps
  • Galería Colón: Just a 10-minute walk from the Obelisco, this hopping mall offers everything from books to clothing, music, appliances, and more. | Find on Google Maps
  • Galería Corrientes Angosta: This antique store sells everything from records, art, and analog audio equipment from the 80’s and 90’s. It’s located a mere 6 minutes from the Obelisco. | Find on Google Maps

Where to eat

There are no dining options inside the Obelisco, but its central location puts it close to several cafés, pizzerias, and classic Buenos Aires eateries.

  • La Estancia Asador Criollo: Located just a four-minute walk away, this restaurant is known for serving some of the best Argentine grills. The Gran Parrillada and the ribeye are standouts, with large portions. | Find on Google Maps
  • ITINI Specialty: Set in the heart of Buenos Aires, this Japanese restaurant is a great vegetarian and vegan option, and for those who want to eat healthy even while on vacation. | Find on Google Maps
  • Mr. Tasty Lavalle: If you fancy a good hamburger with a side of crisp fries, this is the place to go. They’re known for their great service and affordable prices. | Find on Google Maps

Where to stay

  • Ideal Social Hostel (budget): Located just a short 4-minute walk from the Obelisco, this hostel is the perfect pitstop for backpackers. You’ll find female-only and mixed-gender dorms or private rooms. Wi-Fi, a bar, and a communal kitchen are other key amenities on offer. | Find on Google Maps
  • ibis Styles Buenos Aires Florida (mid-range): Located an 8-minute walk away, ibis Styles is a popular 3-star property with spacious rooms that include Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, along with an industrial-themed bar and breakfast. | Find on Google Maps
  • Holiday Inn Express Puerto Madero by IHG (luxury): Don’t want to compromise on comfort? The Holiday Inn is set just a 20-minute walk from the Obelisco and offers spacious rooms with all basic amenities. You can even choose a suite that gets you a living room, a mini-fridge, and a microwave. | Find on Google Maps

Insider tips to make the most of your visit

  • Before you book your tickets, make sure to check whether there are any major sporting events or demonstrations planned for the day. These can often lead to changes in the Obelisco’s schedule, ultimately disrupting your visit. 
  • For photos and people-watching, the corner of Avenida Corrientes gives better depth, theatre marquees, and less visual clutter than shots taken from directly beneath the monument.
  • Look for rain, not sun. Light rain means reflective asphalt and neon Corrientes signage creates a rather cinematic Buenos Aires. Locals don’t avoid drizzle; photographers shouldn’t either.
  • Cross underground, not above. Use the pedestrian tunnels instead of street-level crossings; they’re faster, safer, and how porteños actually move through the area.
  • Blue hour beats golden hour here. 10–20 minutes after sunset is when the monument’s pale stone pops against the deep blue sky, while headlights create light trails without blowing highlights.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Obelisco

The visit to the Obelisco’s summit is designed to take no more than 20-30 minutes. This includes the elevator ride to the top, along with the time you spend soaking in the views of the city.