Known locally as El Centro, San Nicolas is the financial heart of Buenos Aires, packed with high-rise offices and stately European-inspired architecture. It includes various prominent landmarks and green spaces along its eastern edge, which borders Rio Dique and the walking trails of the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur.
San Nicolas is one of the oldest barrios in Buenos Aires, located in the geographic centre of the city and where the Argentine flag was first raised in 1812. Today it is home to the headquarters of numerous Argentine firms such as the National Bank and Aerolineas Argentinas, as well as international companies including HSBC, Microsoft and Citibank. Avenida 9 de Julio sits north to south through the district, considered one of the widest streets in the world and with the Plaza de la Republica and El Obelisk monument at its centre. Florida Street is a long pedestrianised shopping strip lined with fashion retailers and street vendors to the east, while Avenida Corrientes which runs perpendicular is the main theatre strip, with the iconic Teatro Gran Rex and Teatro Opera situated here. Also of note is the early 20th century grand theatre of Teatro Colon, famed for its acclaimed opera and ballet productions, which stands opposite the colonnaded facade of the Tribunales Supreme Court of Buenos Aires on the edge of Plaza Lavalle. Other architectural landmarks include the Buenos Aires Central Post Office and the Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires which lies on the southern edge of the neighbourhood. San Nicolas is also home to a scattering of museums, including the Museo Mitre which details Buenos Aires’ history and the fascinating Museo de la Policia Federal which exhibits some quirky illegal activities in the city.
San Nicolas is well served by the Buenos Aires Subway, with stations scattered across the district which connects it to the surrounding neighbourhoods. It’s also relatively easy to navigate on foot, with many of its landmarks within walking distance of one another.
San Nicolas was named for a parish which was consecrated here in 1773 and where the Obelisk of Buenos Aires now stands. In 1794 a consulate for the British Empire was opened here, and the surrounding area became known as the “English borough” before the building was transformed into Buenos Aires’ first modern bank in 1822.