You’ve surely walked down Florida Street a thousand times without imagining the architectural treasure hidden from view that is now opening its doors: a palace built by the same architect who designed the Teatro Colón. Elegant, beautiful, and quintessentially Buenos Aires—and best of all, you can tour it and enjoy a meal at its restaurant.
From an aristocratic residence to a palace with a restaurant and an aristocratic flair
This is the Peña Palace, which opened its doors to the general public for the first time in its history, transformed into Casa República—an iconic building in downtown Buenos Aires that preserves its architecture intact and features a specialty café and signature cuisine.
The Peña Palace was built between 1902 and 1903 as the Peña Residence and was home to the Peña-Blaye family, one of the most influential families in the Argentine aristocracy of that era. Its design and style are similar to those of many other palaces in Buenos Aires: it was designed according to the principles of French academicism, one of the most refined examples of the city’s Belle Époque. Its architecture features highly ornate mansard roofs and balconies, a monumental central staircase, handcrafted moldings, and grand halls with soaring ceilings.
Shortly after its inauguration, the building was acquired by the Argentine Rural Society (SRA) to serve as its headquarters. For nearly 100 years, the country’s political and economic history unfolded there, but it was never open to the general public. Today, you can explore every nook and cranny of the building and spend the day there, enjoying both its restaurant and café.
A café and restaurant experience amid 1900s-era salons
The building has reopened as Casa República, so you can walk through its entrance for free to explore its halls, admire the grand staircase, and sit down for a drink in a setting that looks like it was plucked from early 20th-century Europe. It’s a fantastic plan, whether you’re looking to take a break right in the heart of Microcentro or enjoy lunch or an afternoon snack surrounded by history.
How much does it cost to have a coffee or a meal at the palace?
If you want to treat yourself to a coffee under its historic ceilings, you can enjoy a coffee starting at $6,000, a croissant starting at $3,000, and, of course, stay for lunch as well (the lunch cover charge is $4,000).
The next time you’re walking down Florida Street and want to make a unique stop—whether between shopping, work, or a get-together with friends—don’t forget that at Florida 460, a palace straight out of another era awaits you, offering the very best of Buenos Aires.
- 📍 Address: Florida 460 (between Lavalle and Tucumán), Microcentro, CABA.
- 🎟️ Admission: Free (you only pay for what you consume).
- ⏰ Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
