Following Borges' Footsteps in Argentina: Bars, Labyrinths, and Literary Corners

Discover Jorge Luis Borges’ Buenos Aires

Jorge Luis Borges’ work is deeply connected to Buenos Aires. Its streets, cafés, and libraries were the setting for his imagination and thought. Today, the city offers multiple tours for those who wish to delve into his universe. From guided walks to cultural spaces, these are some must-visit places to follow in the footsteps of the great Argentine writer.

The #BorgesTour: A Walk Through the Writer’s Buenos Aires

A Literary Tour of Recoleta and Retiro

The "Borges Tour" is a unique experience organized by Daniel Mecca, creator of #BorgesPalooza. This guided tour visits emblematic sites where Borges lived, wrote, and found inspiration in Buenos Aires. With advice from Miguel de Torre, the writer's nephew, the tour takes place in the neighborhoods of Recoleta and Retiro.

Highlights of the Borges Tour:

• Recoleta Cemetery: Where Borges' family members rest, including his father, mother, and sister Norah.
• Borges' Homes: Visits to Quintana and Maipú streets, where the writer lived for years.
• The Five Corners of Libertad, Juncal, and Av. Quintana: Immortalized in his poetry.
• Bioy Casares and Silvina Ocampo's House on Posadas Street: A frequent dining spot for Borges.
• Other literary corners: Evoking figures close to Borges, such as Macedonio Fernández, Adolfo Bioy Casares, and Victoria Ocampo.

The tour is available in Spanish and English and can be found on Instagram @borgespalooza.

The Borges Cultural Center: A Space for Art and Literature

Located inside the Galerías Pacífico shopping mall, the Borges Cultural Center is a tribute to the writer and a key point in Buenos Aires' cultural scene. Since its inauguration in 1995, it has hosted exhibitions, seminars, and performances ranging from tango to visual arts.

• Address: Viamonte 525, Buenos Aires.
• More information: https://centroculturalborges.gob.ar/

For tourists interested in Buenos Aires' art and literature, we also recommend a walk along Corrientes Street, with its theater marquees, historic bars, and bookstores filled with new and used books, continuing to rediscover Argentina's vibrant literary scene.

Borges’ House in Adrogué: A Journey to His Childhood

In the municipality of Almirante Brown, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, lies the chalet where Borges spent many summers with his mother and sister. Turned into a museum in 2022, the house allows visitors to experience the environment that influenced his upbringing.

What Can You See at Borges’ House?

• Restored rooms with original furniture.
• Personal objects and manuscripts of the writer.
• Murals and exhibitions about his work.
• Guided tours to learn more about his life and legacy.

Admission is free, and the museum is open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 2 PM.

The Borges Labyrinth in Mendoza: A Tribute Amidst Nature

In the province of Mendoza, near the city of San Rafael, there is a unique tribute to Borges: an 8,700 m² labyrinth designed in his honor.

A Symbolic Journey Among Vineyards and Forests

The labyrinth, surrounded by vineyards and irrigation channels, offers a unique experience for literature and nature lovers. Among its intricate paths, visitors can find reflections and writings by the renowned author. Additionally, it features:

• Observation tower: To appreciate the full design.
• Night lighting: Ideal for summer visits.
• Pulpería and bistro: Serving traditional Argentine cuisine.
• Play area and cane field: Entertainment spaces for the whole family.
• Museum and audio guides: To learn more about Borges and his impact on Argentine culture.

Exploring the places that shaped Jorge Luis Borges’ life is a way to approach his work from a different perspective. Whether in Buenos Aires, strolling through its streets and cafés, or in Mendoza, getting lost in a labyrinth in his honor, these destinations offer an unforgettable experience for any literature lover.