Jewish Buenos Aires History Walking Tour

Walking Tour

3 hrs

Buenos Aires

With over 180,000 Jews in Argentina, the largest population in Latin America, there is much to explore and discover for anyone interested in Jewish history. During this 3-hour Jewish Buenos Aires Tour, we will join a local historian to discover and document the living history of the city's Jewish population over the last 500 years.

The Foundation - Jewish Buenos Aires Tour

Jewish people were some of the first to settle in modern-day Argentina, fleeing the Inquisition in Spain from the 1500s onward. However, it wasn't until the country's independence in 1810 that an organized community formed. The community grew over the course of the century with the arrival of many Ashkenazi Jews, leaving behind revolution and repression in various European countries and continued in the 20th century with the rise of Nazism. (For a broader look at immigration in Buenos Aires in general, try our Buenos Aires History Tour.)

Our tour begins in the heart of the historic Jewish community of Once. In the 1920s and '30s, many Eastern European Jews settled in what became the city's garment district. Much of this bustling atmosphere still exists, even as many of the more prosperous Jews left for more affluent areas.

AMIA, a Key Site of Jewish Buenos Aires

We will spend some time discussing the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA), an important symbol of the Jewish community. Founded in 1894 to promote the well-being and development of Jewish life in Argentina, the building was the target of a terrorist attack on July 18, 1994, killing 85 people and injuring over 300. Since this tragic incident, the association has boldly increased its communication and outreach. From the outside of the building, we can learn about its history, see its impressive mural and learn about its valuable contributions that benefit all citizens of Buenos Aires.

Religious and Artistic Heritage

We'll work our way towards the nearby Gran Templo Paso. One of the oldest Conservative Synagogues in the area, it was established in 1930 on the site of the city's first Talmud Torah. We'll be granted an exclusive visit to the impressive interior decorated with lovely Ashkenazi iconography. From here, we'll soak up the ambiance of the area, where we may admire the delicacies of a Jewish bakery, stop to meet some local shopkeepers, or learn about a historic Yiddish Theater.

Templo Libertad

Afterwards, we'll travel down to Templo Libertad, located near the Teatro Colón (discussed on our Buenos Aires City Tour, covering BA's Belle Epoque architecture). Inaugurated in 1875 in the Byzantine style, it was the first synagogue in Buenos Aires. Time and reservations permitting, we'll be able to visit its Jewish Museum and the inside of the Temple.

Take Aways

Our visit will not only provide an excellent overview of Buenos Aires's Jewish history, but will also add a special dimension and a unique window into this vibrant community through our insider access to sites usually closed to the public.

Note: The walk payment includes the taxi or metro fare between sites during your visit; however, it is customary at the Synagogues to offer an individual, per person donation (approximately $15 USD per synagogue).

FAQ

Are the interiors of the synagogues visited?
Yes, as long as you've reserved in advance and for the morning, both the Paso and Libertad synagogues will be included.

Does this tour include a visit inside AMIA?
Our regular tour does not include a visit of the interior of AMIA. The center requires a very thorough advance and on-site security check and a tour only led by their staff guides. The tour includes a lengthy video which, from our previous experience, clients have found less valuable than visiting other sites in the city with our guide.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

AMIA Jewish cultural center
Synagogue Gran Templo Paso
Synagogue Templo Libertad

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Jewish Buenos Aires History Tour general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

60 Reviews

Jonathan was exceptionally knowledgeable about Jewish history in Argentina. We had a fascinating tour of the Jewish section of Buenos Aires with Jonathan pointing out the critical factors that, over almost 2 centuries, created the vibrant Jewish community we saw today. Jonathan is friendly and engaging. His knowledge goes far beyond Jewish history in Argentina. He put it within the context of the development of the country as a whole. This tour was a real highlight of our stay in Buenos Aires

Photo Shared by Ronald with their review

Ronald Feb 13, 2026

Ariela's tour was exceptional! She is so knowledgeable, and patient - my husband and I ask a lot of questions! She is also a wonderful story teller, making history come to life by helping us understand what it meant to the people who lived that history. If you want to understand the history of Argentina and particularly Buenos Aires, then you must understand the impact and influence of the Jewish immigrants, whether or not you're Jewish. We're not.

Charlotte Feb 4, 2026

This was a very informative tour. Gabby showed us a Jewish neighborhood that is evolving to include lots of other immigrants, as well as sights of importance to the Jewish community of Buenos Aires. She has extensive knowledge of the area as well as art and culture.

Nancy Jan 9, 2026

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