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[title]Between the park’s greenery, Huracán’s goal celebrations, and the buzz of the Tech District, Parque Patricios keeps reinventing itself without losing its essence. If you’re wondering what to do in Parque Patricios, the list is long: stroll beneath century-old trees, eat in historic bodegones, explore new cultural spaces, and breathe in that neighborhood atmosphere that can’t be bought or replicated.
What to Do in Parque Patricios: The History and Origins of the Neighborhood
The beginnings of what we now call Parque Patricios date back to the 19th century, when this area was practically on Buenos Aires’ outskirts: grasslands, farms, slaughterhouses, and corrals coexisted with tanneries and salting plants. In 1872, the Matadero de los Corrales del Sur (also known as Matadero de los Corrales Viejos) opened — a key site for the cattle trade arriving from the countryside. The popular nicknames “Corrales Viejos” or “Barrio de las Ranas” reflected the conditions of the area: low, swampy land, dusty roads, corrals, and a working-class population of immigrants and local laborers.
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The neighborhood began to take shape in the early 20th century. In 1902, the Parque de los Patricios was officially created, designed by French landscape architect Carlos Thays, who transformed the old corrals into a public green space that would later give the neighborhood its name. Thays, the great designer of Buenos Aires’ green lungs, was also responsible for the Botanical Garden, the current design of Parque 3 de Febrero, and Parque Centenario, among others.
With the park came institutions, affordable housing for workers and immigrants, clubs, and cafés that helped the area grow. What had once been a marginal outskirt became a proud working-class neighborhood with its own strong identity.
Parque de los Patricios: The Green Heart of the Neighborhood
Visiting Parque de los Patricios (its full name) is much more than a stroll outdoors — it’s exploring one of the most iconic green spaces in southern Buenos Aires. A large tree-lined avenue, Avenida Caseros, cuts through it and ends in a roundabout crowned by a monument to the soldado patricio (Patrician soldier), a nod to the historical regiment that gives the area its name.
The park is filled with tipa trees that offer shade in the summer, making it a true urban refuge. Along Caseros, two beloved monuments celebrate local pride — one dedicated to boxer Ringo Bonavena and another to Club Atlético Huracán, whose headquarters face the park.
Local life unfolds here, too. Since 1952, the Enrique Banchs Children’s Library has operated in a small building specializing in children’s literature, and one of the city’s few remaining historic carousels still turns nearby, along Pepirí Street.
The Templete and Other Icons of Parque Patricios
Visitors will also come across the famous Templete, an emblem of the neighborhood that once belonged to the old Zoológico del Sud (founded in 1907 on the same grounds as the current park). During its early years, when the zoo was still open, the Templete even functioned as its café.
Although most of the neoclassical structures that resembled Roman temples were demolished after the zoo closed, the Templete survived years of neglect and has since been restored. It’s located at 3200 Avenida Caseros, between Almafuerte and Pepirí.
The Tech District: The New Face of Parque Patricios
But Parque Patricios is much more than just a park. Today, along with neighboring Nueva Pompeya, it forms the heart of Buenos Aires’ Distrito Tecnológico (Tech District) — a hub created in 2008 that brings together hardware, software, and IT service companies, as well as high-value startups. Over 400 firms are now based in the area.
The Buenos Aires City Hall (Palacio Municipal) was also relocated here, with the aim of promoting greater urban integration throughout the city.
Football in Parque Patricios: Huracán’s Passion
Talking about Parque Patricios means talking about Huracán. El Globo (“The Balloon”), as its fans call it, is much more than a football club — it’s a neighborhood symbol. Since the opening of its stadium, Tomás Adolfo Ducó, in November 1949, Huracán has been an essential part of local identity. The stadium, known as El Palacio, is one of the most impressive in Buenos Aires and a defining feature of the neighborhood skyline.
Beyond football, Huracán is a social and cultural center. Its headquarters, facing the park, host daily activities for neighbors — from sports and community events to art workshops. Among murals, flags, and tributes to past glories, the club embodies the neighborhood’s spirit in every match and celebration.
Where to Eat in Parque Patricios: From Classics to Newcomers
Parque Patricios’ revival has been driven in part by its vibrant food scene, where old-school bodegones and new ventures coexist harmoniously along the iconic Avenida Caseros and surrounding streets.
A must-visit is El Globito, the legendary pizzeria founded in 1934 that pays homage to Huracán in every detail — from the walls and photos to the servers’ aprons. On match days, it’s packed to the brim, but any regular day is perfect for enjoying its media masa pizza, loaded with Argentine mozzarella and served with a generous slice of fainá.
Another classic, just steps away, is Il Ombú Trattoria Italiana. Once a traditional neighborhood cantina, it was reborn during the pandemic and now attracts locals and celebrities alike. With exposed brick walls, tablecloth-covered tables, and professional waiters, it’s known for hearty portions — especially its pastas, risottos, and fresh fish dishes.
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Further south, near hospitals like Churruca and Penna (and close to other landmarks like Muñiz and the Sardá Maternity Hospital), you’ll find Pulpería del Cotorro, a modern take on the bodegón where doctors and locals mingle over comforting dishes — tall potato omelets, extra-large milanesas, hearty pastas, and generously filled empanadas.
Nearby, Citadino (on the corner of Atuel and José C. Paz) captures both the Tech District’s energy and the neighborhood’s warmth. It serves house-made pastries, lunches, and seasonal dishes, paired with vermouth, wine, and soda from a classic sifón. The coffee, a blend from Brazil and Peru, comes from Infinito Café.
And for something sweet, Bulevar Café recently opened its second location at Monteagudo 209. Known for its specialty coffee and outstanding pastries, the café was born from its owners’ wish to put down roots in the city’s south, where they grew up. Their first shop is in San Telmo, but this one has quickly won over locals with its cakes — perfect to enjoy there or take home whole.
Cultural Parque Patricios: Art, Community, and Creative Spaces
Culture is increasingly taking root in Parque Patricios, with new multidisciplinary spaces appearing across the neighborhood. On Iguazú Street stands cheLA (Centro Hipermediático Experimental Latinoamericano), a project that transformed a former rationalist factory into a cultural center dedicated to the intersection of art, technology, and community.
Spanning over 5,000 m², cheLA hosts artist residencies, digital fabrication labs (with 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines), interactive performances, and collaborative projects.
A few blocks away, Planta Inclán (Inclán 2661) functions as a theater, cinema, music venue, bar, and training space. Founded in 2017 with support from Argentina’s National Theater Institute, it has become a key hub for independent creation in southern Buenos Aires. Its programming includes performing arts, auteur film series, dance, and performance, while maintaining strong ties to the local community through neighbor discounts and a free-access virtual stage.