Things To Do
in General San Martín

General San Martín is a suburban city in Buenos Aires Province, part of the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area. The city blends leafy parks, local markets, and a growing array of cafés and parrillas with a transport-friendly layout. Its cultural scene includes libraries, museums, and community events that reflect a mix of Italian and Spanish heritage.

Easy access to central Buenos Aires makes it a convenient base for exploring the region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in General San Martín
morning
:

Arrive at General San Martín airport and settle into your chosen accommodation. After checking in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe, sampling traditional Argentine pastries. Take a moment to wander around the nearby plaza, absorbing the local vibe and scenery.

afternoon
:

Explore the historical center of General San Martín, visiting the town’s landmark church and other significant buildings. Stop for lunch at a local parrilla to indulge in authentic Argentine barbecue. Post-lunch, head to the nearby artisanal market to browse unique handicrafts and souvenirs.

evening
:

Dine at a family-run restaurant, sampling regional dishes and fine wines. Spend some time socializing with locals to learn more about their customs and traditions. Wrap up the evening with a pleasant stroll through the plaza, enjoying the night air.

day 2
Cerro de la Gloria
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Cerro de la Gloria, a monument dedicated to General San Martín. Hike to the top for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and take photographs of the impressive monument. Enjoy a packed breakfast amidst the natural beauty of the area.

afternoon
:

After descending, visit a nearby museum that showcases artifacts from the region's rich history. Have lunch at a café with a view of the hills, enjoying delicious local cuisine. Spend your afternoon biking or walking along the scenic trails in the area.

evening
:

Return to town for a cozy dinner at a restaurant specializing in fresh, local ingredients. Consider joining a folkloric music session or dance at a local venue to dive into Argentine culture. End your day with a nightcap at a bar with live music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee or tea$2-3
🚆One-way local transport ticket$0.75-1
🏨One night in a mid-range hotel$60-100
🧺Groceries (basic items)$20-35

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly locals and a relaxed pace of life
  • Good value for money and easy access to Buenos Aires city center
  • Limited large-scale nightlife compared to central Buenos Aires
  • Public transit can be busier and less frequent in off-peak hours
  • "Hola" - Hello
  • "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "No entiendo" - I don't understand
  • "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
  • "Me gustaría una mesa para dos" - I would like a table for two
  • "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
  • "¿Aceptan tarjetas?" - Do you accept cards?

Places to Visit in General San Martín

Visit one of these nice places.

Parque General San Martín

A large urban park with lakes, statues, and tree-lined paths—excellent for landscapes, portraits, and golden-hour shots.

Río de la Plata waterfront

Long promenade with river views, ships on the horizon, and skyline reflections at sunset.

Civic Center and historic streets

Government buildings and classic Argentine architecture offering strong lines and nostalgic tones for urban photography.

Local markets at dawn

Colorful stalls and candid street scenes ideal for documentary-style photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in General San Martín

General San Martín’s cuisine reflects the broader Buenos Aires metropolitan flavor—grilled meats, comforting pastas, and bakery treats. Expect classic parrillas, fresh markets, and cafés where you can sample both traditional and modern dishes.

General San Martín Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Asado

Traditional Argentine barbecue with mixed cuts of beef, often enjoyed at a parrilla or family gathering.

Must-Try!

Milanesa

Breaded beef (or sometimes chicken) cutlet, typically served with mashed potatoes or salad.

Empanadas

Savory pastries filled with beef, chicken, or cheese; widely available at markets and bakeries.

Choripán

Grilled chorizo on crusty bread with chimichurri; a staple street food and parrilla snack.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Central de San Martín

A busy market offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and ready-to-eat bites; great for sampling local produce.

Barrial street stalls

Local stalls along main boulevards offering empanadas, choripán, and other affordable bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is humid subtropical, with hot summers (often above 30°C/86°F) and mild winters (often 5-15°C/41-59°F). Rain is spread throughout the year, with spring and autumn offering the most comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek in informal settings; address people formally as señor/señora or using usted in respectful contexts.

Safety Guide

Safety

As with any urban area, petty crime can occur. Stay aware of belongings in crowded places, use official taxis or rideshares, carry copies of important documents, and prefer well-lit areas at night. Neighborhoods vary in safety; ask locals about areas to avoid after dark.

Tipping in General San Martín

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is common if service is not included in the bill. For cafés and casual spots, rounding up or a small tip is appreciated.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with the possibility of afternoon storms; seek shade, hydrate well, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings.

Autumn

Mild temperatures and pleasant colors; great for walking tours and outdoor photography.

Winter

Cooler days with variable cloud cover; layer up and enjoy indoor cultural venues.

Spring

Warm but can be rainy; enjoy blooming parks and outdoor festivals when schedules align.

Nightlife Guide

General San Martín at Night

General San Martín has a relaxed, neighborhood-focused nightlife with bars, cafés, and parrillas staying open late. Some areas host live music on weekends and small venues offer local bands and milonga-style tango nights. Expect casual, friendly atmospheres rather than the taxi-drum nightlife of central Buenos Aires.

Hiking in General San Martín

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Río de la Plata Waterfront Walk

Urban nature walks along the river with easy trails and birdwatching opportunities.

Parque Lineal de la Costa Verde

Greenway along a canal with shaded paths and scenic viewpoints.

Urban reserve trails

Small municipal nature reserves nearby offering short hikes through native vegetation.

Airports

How to reach General San Martín by plane.

Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP)

Buenos Aires' domestic and regional airport; about 20–25 minutes by car from General San Martín when traffic allows.

Ministro Pistarini International (EZE)

Main international gateway near Buenos Aires; typically 40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; connects to most international destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

The city center is generally walkable with grid-like streets, making it easy to reach markets, plazas, and parks on foot. Some outer neighborhoods rely more on transit, so plan for occasional bus or train trips if you go exploring further out.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in the suburbs, benefiting from parks and schools.

Students and young professionals

A sizable student and professional presence due to proximity to Buenos Aires and universities.

Immigrant communities

Historically influenced by Italian and Spanish heritage, with diverse local cuisines.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Fútbol (soccer)

The region embraces soccer as the dominant sport, with local clubs and community leagues.

Basketball

Common in schools and clubs, with several public and private courts.

Tennis

Public and private courts are available for year-round play.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy during peak hours on major arteries. The public transport network (buses and trains) is extensive, but service frequency varies by area. Cars are common in residential zones, while ridesharing and buses are convenient for most visitors.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting General San Martín.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Meat is central to many dishes here. Navigate by choosing pasta, salads, veggie empanadas, pizzas with vegetables, and dishes labeled sin carne. In vegetarian-friendly spots, ask for 'sin carne' or 'sin proteína' and look for 'frutas y verduras' options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public hospitals and private clinics are available; healthcare is generally affordable, with private facilities offering faster service. Pharmacies are widespread; carry insurance information for private care if possible.

Discover Argentina

Read more in our Argentina 2025 Travel Guide.

Argentina Travel Guide