The Obelisco de Buenos Aires is a 67.5-metre concrete monument raised in 1936 to mark the 400th anniversary of the city's founding, standing on the spot where the Argentine flag was first flown in the city. It sits at the heart of Plaza de la República, where the enormous Avenida 9 de Julio (one of the world's widest avenues) meets theatre-lined Avenida Corrientes, and is the definitive symbol of Buenos Aires. Since late 2025 an internal glass-sided elevator has opened the summit viewpoint, the 'Mirador Obelisco,' to the public, and 2026 marks the monument's 90th anniversary with commemorative events. The plaza is free and visible around the clock for a quick photo stop, while going up requires an advance online booking.
The clean, minimalist form by leading Argentine modernist Alberto Prebisch, whose four faces were each conceived to evoke a milestone in the city's history
The newly opened summit viewpoint with a 360-degree panorama down the length of Avenida 9 de Julio
The sheer scale where the roughly 140-metre-wide 9 de Julio avenue crosses the theatre district's Corrientes avenue
The nighttime atmosphere — lighting and projection mapping, and the crowds that flood in for football celebrations and rallies at the city's symbolic 'heart'
The 90th-anniversary lighting and cultural events running through 2026 and the classic photo angles around the base
Good to know
SafetyThe Microcentro around the Obelisco (Corrientes, Lavalle, Diagonal Norte) sees frequent pickpocketing and phone-snatching. Take your photo, then put your phone away immediately. Wear bags in front; the area is generally safe by day but stay alert with your belongings after dark.
CautionFor taxis, use an app (Cabify or Uber) or a radio taxi rather than unmarked cars, and confirm the fare in advance. Ignore street touts shouting 'cambio' (money exchange) and be wary of distraction ploys where someone spills a drink or sauce on you and then 'helps' clean it off.
RulesViewpoint tickets are sold online only via the official site (miradorobelisco.com.ar) with no on-site box office; minimum age is 4 and it is not wheelchair accessible (a VR alternative is offered). There are no lockers or toilets inside, and a narrow spiral staircase makes large backpacks awkward. Prices and hours change, so confirm the latest before you go.
SeasonSeasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. July is mid-winter (roughly 5-15C) and chilly, while December to February is hot summer. The open plaza is windy and exposed, so bring a layer; in summer the viewpoint sometimes stays open into the evening.
MannersThe Obelisco is the city's rallying point for football title celebrations and political marches. If a demonstration is forming, keep your distance rather than getting swept into the crowd. At nearby restaurants a tip of around 10% is customary.
SafetyAvenida 9 de Julio is one of the widest avenues in the world with many lanes. Never jaywalk; cross only at marked crossings and traffic lights, using the central islands to cross in stages, and watch for traffic in the dedicated Metrobus lanes.
Practical info
Subte (metro) lines B (Carlos Pellegrini), C (Diagonal Norte) and D (9 de Julio) all converge beneath the Obelisco, with numerous buses and the Metrobus at street level. The plaza itself is free and open 24 hours; the summit Mirador Obelisco runs roughly 9:00-17:00 (extended in summer) and requires advance online booking, so confirm the latest hours and prices on the official site.
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