What to see in Mendoza City. The province of Mendoza is located in western Argentina. And today we’re going to focus on its capital, the city of Mendoza.
Indice:
Day 1. What to see in Mendoza
We began the tour with a free tour of the city of Mendoza to get to know a city that, although I had been to for quite some time, was Fernando’s first time there.
Free tours are walking tours that, despite their name, aren’t free. It’s free to reserve your spot, but you’ll have to leave the guide a fee you decide based on your experience and the cost of such a tour. I can’t stress enough how good they are, and this was no exception.
Mendoza is extremely wooded, with irrigation ditches that channel meltwater and irrigate all this vegetation; it feels like an oasis. It has many plazas, five of which we’ll see here. If we looked from above, we’d see a large plaza in the middle and four more plazas at the four corners.
Open spaces that this city has, which has been shaken by earthquakes and needs wide avenues and spaces in case of another catastrophe.
The squares are all very beautiful, and we’ll begin this itinerary there. I’ll give you their order, but remember I’m leaving the map. We begin this tour of what to see in Mendoza.
Independence Square
Located in the heart of the city, Plaza Independencia is a must-see on any tour of Mendoza. It is the largest and most emblematic of the five plazas that make up the city’s layout, and stands out for its central fountain, green spaces, and the constant flow of artisans and street artists. From here, you can easily access places like the Teatro Independencia and the Municipal Museum of Modern Art.
As we mentioned, this is the main and largest square. Here you’ll find the I Love Mendoza sign, the coat of arms, which can be seen illuminated at night, and fountains, one of which features dancing water, a show we were able to enjoy. It takes place Thursday through Sunday and holidays at 8:00 p.m.
The Hyatt Regency is located on Independence Square. This luxurious five-star hotel is housed in a restored historic building with a 19th-century Spanish colonial-style facade.
Sarmiento Pedestrian Street
The Sarmiento pedestrian promenade departs from Independencia square. A charming street with many shops, fountains, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a lovely walk. We take it, and the steps immerse us in a peaceful yet vibrant life.
We soon arrived at our next stop, an elegant icon of downtown Mendoza, the San Martín Passage, yet another must-see in Mendoza city.
San Martín Passage
Located in the heart of the city, Pasaje San Martín is much more than a crossroads: it’s an architectural gem that connects history and art. Inaugurated in the 1920s, this building pioneered the rise of high-rise construction in a city marked by the memory of earthquakes. Its design combines French stained glass, Italian marble, and natural lighting that beautifies its shopping arcades.
San Martín Square
After this lovely surprise we found in the city, our steps headed towards Plaza San Martín.
Plaza San Martín is an oasis of tranquility and a historic meeting point in the heart of Mendoza. More than just a green space, this plaza is surrounded by cultural and architectural icons that enrich the experience. The Basilica of San Francisco is just steps away.
Nearby, the Contemporary Art Space offers a window into modern art, while the Mendoza Secretariat of Culture dazzles us with its facade.
Central Market
If there’s one place we have to see in Mendoza, it’s the Central Market. I particularly love visiting markets. Entering there was like immersing yourself in a world of colors, aromas, and flavors that tell you the very essence of the city. From fresh fruits and vegetables from the region to stands selling cheeses, wines, and cured meats that invite you to try every corner of the province.
Chile Square
Although it’s smaller than other squares, it has a special charm and a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to linger. I like to stop by to take a break between strolls or to sit and enjoy the day surrounded by trees and sculptures.
What strikes me most is its historical significance: this square represents the friendship and bond between Mendoza and Chile, two sister regions that share much more than a border. Here you can see monuments that celebrate this relationship and feel the spirit of unity that is a fundamental part of the local identity.
Italia Square
If you’re strolling through downtown Mendoza, a must-see is Plaza Italia. This space is not only one of the city’s green lungs, but also a living tribute to the Italian community, which contributed so much to the history and development of the region.
And now we will go to the last of this quintet,
España Square
Among the most beautiful and photogenic squares in downtown Mendoza, Plaza España undoubtedly occupies a special place. This public space not only pays tribute to Spanish immigration to the province, but also does so with an aesthetic that transports you directly to southern Spain, without having to cross the Atlantic.
Now the walk will be longer but a street full of life and bars awaits us: Calle Arístides.
Arístides Villanueva Street, the Mendoza scene
Arístides Villanueva Street is one of Mendoza’s liveliest streets. During the day, it’s ideal for strolling under the shade of its trees, sipping a coffee outdoors, or simply sitting and watching Mendoza’s life in motion. And at night, it transforms into the heart of the local scene, with bars, breweries, and restaurants that fill the sidewalks with laughter and cheers.
Mafalda
But in the middle of this vibrant street, there’s one corner that wins everyone’s affection: the corner of Arístides and Huarpes, where a sculpture of Mafalda sits on a bench, ready for photos. This small monument pays tribute to the great Quino, the creator of Argentina’s most beloved comic strip, who was born in Mendoza.
We continued walking, enjoying the city, but in the late afternoon we headed out to try the excellent cuisine found in the city.
Restaurants
Sarmiento Street, especially the blocks from Plaza Independencia to Avenida Belgrano, has become a true culinary hub in Mendoza. At first glance, it may seem like a quiet street with low houses and mature trees, but if you pay attention, you’ll discover a culinary surprise behind every door.
In just a few blocks, you’ll find a huge variety of options: from grills and taverns with local flavor to signature cuisine, vegetarian dishes, Asian cuisine, pizzerias, cafes, and ice cream shops. It’s the kind of street where you can go without a fixed plan, walk for a few minutes, and you’re sure to find something that tempts you.
Yes, I have to tell you that it is an expensive area to eat, we chose to do so in La Lucía.
Day 2. What to see in Mendoza
San Martín Park
If there’s one place to see in Mendoza, it’s General San Martín Park. Much more than a green space, this park is a true symbol of the city. It was designed in the late 19th century as an ambitious project to beautify Mendoza and, at the same time, provide a major lung for the city. And they certainly succeeded.
The main entrance already sets the tone: the Park Gates, made of wrought iron and with gilded details, are a jewel of artistic ironwork. They were brought from Scotland and installed at the beginning of the 20th century.
A few steps further on, the Fountain of the Continents captures everyone’s attention. This monumental fountain, with allegorical figures representing Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, is one of the most photographed in the park. It was made in France and is another example of the strong cultural ties Mendoza had with Europe at the beginning of the last century.
But when it comes to views, the star of the show is Cerro de la Gloria. The climb can be done by car, on foot, or even by bicycle, and it’s worth every effort. At the top, an impressive monument dedicated to the Army of the Andes by Uruguayan sculptor Juan Manuel Ferrari awaits you. The work was inaugurated on February 12, 1914.
Wineries in Mendoza
In Mendoza, you can book tours to the wineries in the Uco Valley, or to other nearby wineries in the metropolitan areas of Mendoza, such as Maipú or Luján de Cuyo. Maipú Winery Tour.
So since we were in the vehicle, we would head out to do these visits, which, as I told you, can be done on a guided tour.
Chandon Winery
In the heart of Agrelo, one of Mendoza’s most prestigious wine-producing regions, lies Chandon winery, a true icon of Argentine sparkling wine. What few people know is that this was the legendary Moët & Chandon’s first international venture outside of France. And they chose Mendoza for a very clear reason: here they found the perfect combination of altitude, cool climate, and mineral soils to create sparkling wines that rival European wines.
Visiting Chandon is like entering a world of elegance and tradition. From the meticulous vineyards to the underground cellar where the bottles rest, everything is designed to convey a philosophy of respect for the product and the environment. Book a visit to Chandon Winery
Casa Vigil
Visiting Casa Vigil isn’t simply a visit to a winery: it’s a journey into a world where wine, literature, and gastronomy intertwine to offer a unique experience in Mendoza. Located in Chachingo, a quiet corner of the Maipú department, this winery is the personal project of winemaker Alejandro Vigil, a renowned name in the Argentine wine world, and is one of the wineries to visit in Mendoza.
In terms of gastronomy, Casa Vigil has achieved what few wineries have achieved: being recognized with a Michelin star, and also with a green star for its sustainable approach. The cuisine is based on seasonal produce, many of which are grown on-site, such as the native tomato varieties carefully tended by Vigil’s wife, María Sance. The result is creative, intense dishes deeply connected to the land.
Everything is accompanied by wines from El Enemigo, the line created by Vigil, where each label has its own story, character, and place. Book your visit to Casa Vigil
If you enjoy wine tours, don’t miss our visit to the Champagne Route in France.
Night fell quickly, and the dancing water show entertained us before we decided to dine again on Sarmiento Street. This time we chose El Asadito. The food is excellent both here and at La Lucía.
Night fell quickly, and the dancing water show entertained us before we decided to dine again on Sarmiento Street. This time we chose El Asadito. The food is excellent both here and at La Lucía.
We still had places to visit, such as Plaza Pedro del Castillo, the founding square and ruins of the Cabildo, the Jesuit ruins, and the San Martin house.
Also the Museum of Natural Sciences, Frank Romero Greek Theatre, or the Paseo de la Alameda.
Practical information
We were connected via mobile data with Holafly Argentina eSIMs, just as they’ve always accompanied us on our trips to Europe. Here’s a discount code for followers of Europe Accompanied. EUROPAACOMPANADA5
We went with travel assistance. As I always say, you should travel with travel insurance. I’ll leave the two companies we used so you can compare. Iati Seguros, with a wide range of options, and Go Assistance, on the other. comprehensive assistance to travelers.
We stayed half a block from Plaza Independencia, at the Fuente Mayor Hotel. It was a great option for a tour of everything there is to see in Mendoza.
Video and map
NOTE: The information in this article is based on our own experience and is completely objective. This article contains affiliate links.
