A Perfect Day in Downtown Mendoza

@afar
 on 2022.02.03
9 Places
@afar
A stroll through Plaza España, a taste of local wine, and a café seat under leafy cottonwoods. Credit: Collected by Nora Walsh, AFAR Contributor

Por Aca

Permanently Closed

"Rock and Roll Por Aca is a popular local hangout on Aristides that's all about rock and roll. It fills up around 1:30 AM, when partrons are allowed to start smoking cigarettes. You can dance among the throngs of partiers until 6:00 AM. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, ladies eat and drink for free (bar shots & pizza). Av Arístides Villanueva 557; +54 261 420 0346."

Plaza Independencia, Mendoza

Park · Capital (Mendoza)

"Wander Mendoza’s Plazas Mendoza has suffered devastating earthquakes that have reduced the city to rubble. The earthquake of 1861 destroyed most of the city. Instead of repairing all the damage, the city decided to build a new city center southwest of the original location. They created a large principal plaza—Plaza Independencia—surrounded by four smaller plazas: Plaza San Martin; Plaza Chile; Plaza Italia; and the most picturesque, Plaza Espana. These open spaces created a safe retreat for residents to gather in the event of another destructive earthquake. On weekends the plazas come alive with artisan markets, food vendors, lip-locked lovers and families. Enjoy the people watching and be aware of your belongings."

Av. Sarmiento

Capital (Mendoza)

"Be a Pedestrian in Mendoza La Peatonal is a four block pedestrian street that starts at Plaza Indpendencia and transforms into Calle Sarmiento. Restaurants, cafes and bars all have outdoor seating tucked under the shade of Mendoza’s leafy trees. Clothing boutiques, pharmacies and other businesses attract both locals and tourists. This is the place to grab a coffee (I don’t recommend the food) and people watch. Saturday morning is the busiest time to witness life unfolding in Mendoza ."

"Strolling the Alameda La Alameda is a seven-block historic pedestrian walk shaded by leafy cottonwood trees. It's a melting pot of culture showcasing Mendoza’s vibrant history. An extension of Mendoza’s main thoroughfare, Calle San Martin, La Alameda has been an important gathering place in Mendoza since the early 1800s. It was originally forested by Argentina’s liberator General San Martin himself when he was the acting governor of Mendoza. The devastating earthquake of 1861 left the surrounding area in shambles. Over time the neighborhood began to organically revitalize. In the early 1900s, La Alameda become a melting pot of Italian, Spanish, Jewish, and Arabic immigrants who set up their business there. Today it is a bohemian enclave of restaurants, bars, coffeehouses and art galleries representing the rich heritage of Mendoza."

Plaza España

Park · Capital (Mendoza)

"Mendoza's Plaza España If you only visit one plaza while you are in Mendoza , this is the gem to see. It’s constructed like a typical Spanish plaza with a central fountain with a monument of San Juan representing Argentina’s patriotic Spanish roots. Its beautiful ceramic tile work and seven painted murals are reminiscent of Seville’s Plaza de Espana. The scenes depict Mendoza’s foundation in 1561, the discovery of the Americas, scenes from Don Quixote, as well as the epic poem Martin Fierro. On the weekends vendors sell artisan handicrafts, and you'll see locals strolling through or lounging about with their families."

Bodega Los Toneles

Winery · Guaymallén

"Los Toneles Winery Bodega Los Toneles is a meticulously restored winery located in downtown Mendoza , just three minutes from the city center. The restoration was so faithful to its original 1920s architecture that it has been declared a Cultural Heritage site of Mendoza. A stunning blend of traditional and modern, Bodega Los Toneles offers walking tours through the winery (the event space is breathtaking) with the opportunity to learn about winemaking. Wine tastings are offered Monday thru Saturday from 9am to 6pm. The restaurant, Abrasado, offers gourmet cuisine in one of the private rooms or grand halls overlooking the wine cellars. Lateral Acceso Este 1360, Guaymallén, Mendoza; +54 261 431-0403"

Photo courtesy of Bodega Los Toneles

Belgrano & Perú

Intersection · Las Heras

"The Cool Factor Bike Cool Tours, which is a play on "Bike Cul-ture," was started by three young Argentines who are passionate about the arts. They offer a handful of curated bike tours that provide travelers an alternative way to see the city. Their self-guided themes include arts, architecture, design, and their latest, couples. The 10-hour, 90 pesos full-day tour is the most economical, while the half day tour is five hours for 70 pesos. All tours come with bikes, guide maps, helmets, bike locks, mineral water, and an exclusive menu at Gourmet Restaurant. Bike Cool Tours is supported by PRO BICI, a program that encourages the use of bicycles as a sustainable means of transportation. Open every day from 10 AM to 8 PM. Rivadavia 779; +54 261 423 3072"

Municipalidad de Mendoza

Council · Capital (Mendoza)

"Terraza Jardin Mirador Mendoza offers free guided visits to the Terraza Jardin Mirador, which is City Hall’s rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. You can visit anytime during business hours for a unique vantage point of the city and Andes skyline. The city also hosts sunset events with live music on certain evenings. Hours are Monday to Friday 9 AM – 2 PM, Saturdays and holidays 10 AM – 1 PM."

Bodega Escorihuela Gascón

Winery · Godoy Cruz

"Francis Mallmann's 1884 1884, arguably the most famous restaurant in Mendoza , is owned by celebrated chef Francis Mallmann. Tucked into the Romanesque Bodega Escorihuela in Godoy Cruz, 1884 is an elegant endeavor for those with a hearty appetite. A master griller with rustic Patagonian roots masterfully refined in the kitchens of France, Mallmann has a talent for transforming simple cuisine into a sophisticated dining experience. The in-house sommelier will recommend the perfect wine from a 60-page wine list to accompany your meal. Chef recommendations include the Bife de Lomo Aplastado, Cordero Siete Horas y Medio, or Chivito de Malargüe. You definitely need a reservation, and finagling a table in the courtyard is highly recommended."

Photo courtesy of 1884