Buenos Aires Half Marathon: a tour of the city's tourist attractions

If you are considering running the Buenos Aires half marathon and you are not in the elite group that runs very fast, and if you like to slow down to take selfies every now and then and enjoy the route walking, we tell you what to pay attention to, so you make the most of it and do not tell us later that we failed to tell you this in advance!

The Planetarium at KM 1

There is nothing better than starting the race with a view of the Galileo Galilei Planetarium. This iconic building is one of the symbols of Buenos Aires and a point of reference for lovers of science and astronomy. The planetarium, which opened in 1967, not only offers astronomical shows, but also an impressive architecture that simulates Saturn's rings. As you move forward, you will feel like you are taking off into the cosmos.

Avenida 9 de Julio at KM 5

Avenida 9 de Julio was inaugurated in 1937 and designed by Carlos Thays, a French landscape designer and architect. The avenue has one thousand jacarandas, ceibos and cherry trees; typical trees of the metropolis. It is one hundred and forty meters wide, it has twenty-two lanes and it is three kilometers long, joining two neighborhoods which are important heads of train stations for porteños: Constitución, the terminal to which people from the southern suburbs arrive, and Retiro, the head for those coming from the North and the West.

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A distinctive feature of the "9 de Julio" is that it maintains the same name throughout and does not have a numbering system, since there is only one building that has access through one of its sidewalks: the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

The Obelisk at KM 6 or 14.5: (you will see it twice: when you go and on the way back!)

The Obelisk is a historical monument that recalls the place where the national flag was first raised in Buenos Aires in 1812. The church of San Nicolás de Bari used to be there. The Obelisk, which was inaugurated in 1936 and is an icon of Buenos Aires identity, has witnessed countless demonstrations and celebrations, such as those held in 2022 when the Argentina National Team won the Soccer World Cup in Qatar and over five million people came out to celebrate with their family and friends.

Casa Rosada at KM 8

Running into the political heart of the country, the Casa Rosada is more than the President's office; it is a symbol of Argentine history and a witness to several events that have marked the nation. Its peculiar pink color is a distinctive feature that makes it unique and very photogenic.

Avenida Belgrano at KM 14

You will find the Spanish Club on Avenida Belgrano, located in a very luxurious art nouveau building that will transport you to another era. This building, inaugurated in 1912, is an architectural gem that houses a library, a theater, and several rooms, reflecting the rich Spanish cultural heritage in Argentina.

Avenida de Mayo at KM 14

Arriving at Avenida de Mayo, there is a large sculpture of Don Quixote de la Mancha, and once you cross it, you will see in a small square, part of the Monumental Fountain cast in the Val D'Osne house in Paris, which was originally in the Colón Park, before the implantation of the Columbus Monument donated by the Italian-Argentine. On the corner of Avenida de Mayo and Lima, there is the Ritz Hotel, a historic establishment that has hosted notable figures since its opening in 1908.

Teatro Colón at KM 15

When foreigners hear about Buenos Aires, they think of tango. However, the Teatro Colón, an opera house, is the theater for which we are also recognized worldwide. Due to its size, acoustics and trajectory, it has come to be considered one of the best lyric theaters in the world. Prominent artists such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Antonio Gades, Richard Strauss, Igor Stravinsky, Plácido Domingo, and internationally renowned Argentines such as Astor Piazzolla, Martha Argerich, Daniel Barenboim, Julio Bocca, and Maximiliano Guerra have left their mark on its stage.

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Crossing its last corner, the Mirafiore Tower stands out with its giant digital clock. This tower is an emblem of the city and a landmark for many, with its distinctive clock which has been ticking for porteños for decades.

Avenida del Libertador at KM 16

As you make your way along Avenida del Libertador, one of the main arteries of Buenos Aires, you'll find a mix of modern and classic buildings. This avenue, named after the liberator José de San Martín, is a testament to the growth and evolution of the city. It is a green corridor that connects several parks and squares, providing a respite from the urban hustle and bustle.

Avenida Figueroa Alcorta at KM 18

Avenida Figueroa Alcorta is another important axis of Buenos Aires, flanked by parks and museums. Here, you'll be able to see the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA), a must-see for contemporary art lovers. The avenue is also home to the Palermo Hippodrome and several historic sports clubs.

Bosques de Palermo at KM 21

The race finishes near the Bosques de Palermo, the green lung of the city. This extensive park, also designed by Carlos Thays, offers lakes, gardens and recreational areas. It is the perfect place to relax after the race, enjoying nature and recharging with a classic picnic, as we like it in Argentina.

Every kilometer of your half marathon is an opportunity to connect with the city and its stories. Have a good jog and better selfies, runner traveler! 

Photo credits: Visit Buenos Aires