The Five Plazas
Downtown Mendoza is organized around five connected plazas that form the heart of the city. Plaza Independencia is the largest and most central — a wide, tree-shaded square with fountains, benches, artisan markets on weekends, and the underground Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno. Radiating outward from it are four smaller plazas: Plaza España (with its elaborate Spanish-tiled fountain), Plaza Italia, Plaza Chile, and Plaza San Martín. Walking between the five plazas takes about 30 minutes and gives you the best introduction to the city layout.
Aristides Villanueva: The Food and Bar Street
Calle Aristides Villanueva, running west from Plaza Independencia, is Mendoza’s most lively dining and nightlife street. Outdoor seating lines both sides of the boulevard, and the restaurants here range from casual pizza and empanadas to serious wine-paired dinners. It’s the best place to eat your way through Mendoza’s food scene without leaving the city center.
The Peatonal Sarmiento
This pedestrian shopping street runs through the center of the city and is lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. On weekend mornings, a small artisan market sets up along the peatonal with handmade crafts, local food products, and wine. It’s a pleasant place to wander and pick up gifts.
The Area Fundacional
In the northeastern corner of downtown, the Area Fundacional preserves the archaeological remains of the original pre-1861 Mendoza. The Museo del Área Fundacional tells the story of the city before and after the catastrophic earthquake, with excavated ruins visible beneath a protective glass floor. It’s one of the most interesting museums in the city and takes about an hour to visit properly.
Where to Eat in Downtown Mendoza
For a classic Mendoza lunch, try one of the traditional parrillas around Plaza Independencia. For something more contemporary, the restaurants on Aristides Villanueva offer excellent pasta, risotto, and Mediterranean-influenced cooking that pairs beautifully with a bottle of local Malbec. Specialty coffee has also arrived in Mendoza — look for smaller indie cafes in the streets east of the plaza.
Make the most of your stay with our things to do in Mendoza city and our best restaurants in Mendoza guide.