Café Tortoni
Buenos Aires
Café Tortoni is an iconic coffeehouse located at 825 Avenida de Mayo in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Established in 1858 by a French immigrant named Touan, it was named after the famous Parisian Café Tortoni on Boulevard des Italiens, a cultural hub in 19th-century Paris. The café embodies the Fin de siècle coffeehouse style and has preserved much of its original decor, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Buenos Aires' cultural past. Over the years, it has been a meeting place for notable literary figures, artists, and intellectuals such as Jorge Luis Borges, Alfonsina Storni, and Benito Quinquela Martín. The basement, known as La Peña, was a cultural venue promoting arts and literature from 1926 to 1943. Today, the café continues to foster cultural activities including jazz and tango performances, book presentations, and poetry contests. Its elegant facade, redesigned in 1898 by architect Alejandro Christophersen, reflects French academic style, complementing the rich artistic atmosphere inside. The café also features a library, billiards, dominoes, and dice games, making it a vibrant cultural and social hub in Buenos Aires.
Planifica tu viaje a Argentina con IA
Crea un itinerario detallado en minutos. La IA sugiere los mejores lugares, restaurantes y una ruta optimizada.
Consejo: Visit during weekdays or early evenings to enjoy live jazz and tango performances in the basement. It's recommended to book ahead for special events or literary presentations. Discounts may be available for cultural events or group visits. Arriving early helps avoid peak tourist times and secures seating at the famous Borges table.
Datos interesantes
- •Café Tortoni was named after a famous Parisian café where the cultural elite gathered in the 19th century.
- •The basement venue La Peña was a key cultural hub fostering arts and literature between 1926 and 1943.
- •Notable visitors include Albert Einstein, Jorge Luis Borges, Federico García Lorca, Hillary Clinton, and Robert Duvall.
- •The café facade was redesigned in 1898 by Norwegian architect Alejandro Christophersen in French academic style.
- •The café has preserved its original early 20th-century decor, including a library and game rooms for billiards and dominoes.
Historia
Café Tortoni was founded in 1858 by a French immigrant named Touan and originally located at the corner of Rivadavia and Esmeralda.
In 1880, it moved to its current location on Avenida de Mayo, with a new entrance opened in 1898 designed by Alejandro Christophersen.
The café was purchased by Celestino Curutchet at the end of the 19th century.
La Peña, a cultural group promoting arts and literature, operated in the basement from 1926 until 1943.
Over time, the café has maintained its historic charm and cultural significance, becoming a symbol of Buenos Aires' literary and artistic heritage.
Guía del lugar
Main Café Hall1898
The elegant main room features original Fin de siècle decor with wood paneling, stained glass, and antique furnishings, preserving the atmosphere of early 20th-century Buenos Aires.
La Peña Basement1926
A historic cultural venue established in 1926 in the café's basement, La Peña was a meeting place for artists, writers, and intellectuals, promoting concerts, poetry readings, and debates until 1943.
Jorge Luis Borges Table
A dedicated table commemorates the famed Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges, who was a regular visitor. A wax sculpture of Borges is displayed nearby to honor his legacy.
Contacto
Teléfono: 011 4342-4328
