A new front for a new avenue
The café moved into this building in 1880, with its door on Rivadavia Street. When Avenida de Mayo opened, it got a new front facing the avenue, finished in 1898 by architect Alejandro Christophersen.
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Café Tortoni: coffee since 1858
Open since 1858 and in its current building since 1880, Café Tortoni is the most famous café in Buenos Aires: a stained-glass room where writers, artists and tango singers sat for over a century.
Opened1858
Avenida de Mayo front1898
RegularsBorges, Gardel, Alfonsina Storni
UpstairsNational Tango Academy
Hear the Café Tortoni story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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A cellar full of artists
In the 1920s a circle of painters, writers and musicians met in the cellar, known as La Peña. Today you can still hear tango shows downstairs.
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Who sat here
Jorge Luis Borges, the singer Carlos Gardel and the poet Alfonsina Storni were regulars; you'll find their figures at a table inside.
TipThere's often a queue outside. Go in the morning or mid-afternoon, and look up at the stained-glass ceiling in the main room. With Urban Tales running, its story plays as you reach the door.
Nearby landmarks
Café Tortoni: common questions
How old is Café Tortoni?
It opened in 1858. It has been in its current building since 1880, and its front on Avenida de Mayo dates from 1898.
Who went to Café Tortoni?
Writers, artists and musicians, including Jorge Luis Borges, Carlos Gardel and Alfonsina Storni.
Is there tango at Café Tortoni?
Yes. Tango shows are held in the evening, and the National Tango Academy is in the same building.