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Salta Attractions
Most museums in the Northwest don't have formal admission fees; instead, they request small contributions, usually $1 (70p) or less.
6 Results
Casa de la Cultura
Salta's cultural center is a hive of activity, staging art exhibitions, dance performances, music recitals, and theater plays. The all-glass facade hides an old adobe structure that is a warren of galleries and spaces.- Religious Site
Iglesia San Francisco (San Francisco Church)
Rebuilt in 1759 after a fire destroyed the original building, the Iglesia San Francisco is Salta's most prominent postcard image. The terra-cotta facade, with its 53m (174-ft.) tower and tiered white pillars, was designed by architect Luis Giorgi. The belfry -- the tallest in the… - Historic Site
Museo Histórico José Evaristo Uriburu
José Evaristo Uriburu's family, which produced two Argentine presidents, bought this simple adobe house with a roof of reeds and curved tiles in 1810. The street entrance leads directly to a courtyard, characteristic of homes of this era. Exhibits include period furniture and… - Religious Site
Salta Cathedral
The corn-yellow facade of this cathedral dominates the central plaza. Inside you'll find beautiful interiors of ocher, blue, green, and gold with angels and cherubs smiling from the ornate ceiling corners. It holds a pantheon of Salta's luminaries, including local freedom fighter and… - Religious Site
San Bernardo Convent
Salta's oldest religious building was declared a Historical National Monument in 1941. It's worthy of a walk by to admire the city's most impressive example of colonial and indigenous art (only Carmelite nuns are allowed to enter). Indigenous craftsmen carved the entrance from a… - Tour
Teleférico (Salta Cable Car)
This Swiss-made, well-maintained cable car has been in operation since 1987, ferrying tourists to the top of San Bernardo Hill, 300m (984 ft.) over Salta. It is a pleasant ride up, though the frosted Perspex glass inhibits the view somewhat. At the top there is a set of gardens,…
Salta Shopping
Salta province's secretary of tourism does a great job controlling their handmade products -- from textiles to bamboo and wood ornaments. After certification, they're sold only at the Mercado Artesanal, San Martín 2555 (tel. 387/434-2808), open from 9am to 9pm daily. Here in a beautifully restored millhouse 23 blocks from the central plaza, you'll find authentic products -- from leather goods to candles -- made throughout Salta Province by local artisans. The price is controlled, too, so you don't have to worry about bargaining here. You'll also find beautiful jewelry and silver, and you can pause for some sustenance in the coffeehouse with Wi-Fi.
Strangely enough, across the road is a tacky market that draws a larger crowd, partly because the bus tour companies get a commission. Here, like many places in the city, you'll find factory-produced gaucho memorabilia and wall hangings.
Casa de Antigüedades, Caseros 332 (tel. 387/421-1911), is a rambling antiques store jammed with everything from period furniture and local art. It's open Monday to Saturday 9am to 1:30pm and 4 to 9:30pm; ring the bell and one of the owners from the Perez family will happily look after you. La Casa del Arte, Buenos Aires 25 (tel. 387/431-0050), is a small store crammed with some beautiful art and jewelry, as is Puestos del Marqués, Buenos Aires 68 (tel. 387/422-0899). Amankay, Pueblo Chico, Balcarce 999 (tel. 387/431-0335), and Inyás Artisanías, España 375 (tel. 387/436-0260; www.artesaniasinyas.com.ar), both specialize in original handicrafts and precious stones. For alpaca goods and silverware, try Ambay, Caseros 376 (tel. 387/431-7182), and Suyay, Caseros 525 (tel. 387/431-5961). For all things leather, go to Torcivia, Buenos Aires 28 (tel. 387/422-7097), or Decuero, Mitre 291 (tel. 387/422-4166).
Salta does a nice line in regional food products, usually of the sweet variety. Alfajores and Turron Salteños are famous biscuits from the region. You can find both at the family-owned confectionery La Tía Yola, Belgrano 461 (tel. 387/401-1007; www.tiayola.com.ar), as well as homemade fruit preserve. For some of Salta's famous wine, check out Vinos de Salta, Caseros 332 (tel. 387/154-146-063 [cell]), or Bella Hortencia, Balcarce 980 (tel. 387/422-7474). The former conducts tastings and has a selection of the regions best cigars. Note: Most stores close for siesta from 1 to 5pm.
Salta's main shopping mall is known as Alto Noa, Av. Virrey Toeldo 702 (tel. 387/431-1000), and is good for some air-conditioned siesta-time shopping. It is located 12 blocks from the central plaza.
Salta Nightlife
Bars & Nightclubs -- Night owls will find plenty to occupy themselves, whether it's around the late-night eateries close to the plaza or the pleasant stretch of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs along the nighttime parade known as Calle Balcarce, close to the train station. Goblin Irish Pub, Caseros 445 (tel. 387/401-0886), is a handsome bar that draws an expat crowd eager to speak English. Drinks are pricey, however, compared to other places. Wasabi, Balcarce 938 (tel. 387/421-6575), is a trendy sushi bar and disco, open Tuesday to Sunday 9pm to 2am. Uno, Balcarce 926 (tel. 387/422-9120), is a slick establishment that attracts a young crowd. Club Nueve, Balcarce 907 (tel. 387/155-323-009 [cell]), is a nightclub specializing in electronic music.
Casinos -- Every town and village in Argentina has at least one casino, and Salta is no different. The most upscale is the Sheraton's Casino Salta, Ejercito del Norte 330 (tel. 387/437-3022; www.casinosalta.com). Boulevard Casino, Av. Virrey Toledo 702 (no phone), is located in Alto Noa shopping mall and is open 24 hours.
Cinemas -- Hoyts, Alto Noa Shopping Mall, Av. Virrey Toledo 702 (tel. 387/421-9666), offers standard Hollywood fare at its eight-screen theater.
Peñas -- A trip to Salta would not be complete without a night spent tapping along to a singing gaucho dressed up in billowing pants and knee-high leather boots. Traditional music bars (known as peñas) are dotted all around the city, but are particularly numerous on Balcarce Street. Café de Tiempo ★, Balcarce 901 (tel. 387/432-0771), is one of the most famous, with a colorful, old-world interior. La Vieja Estacion, Balcarce 885 (tel. 387/421-7727), and La Peña del Chaqueno, Balcarce 885 (tel. 387/421-7727), are both big and popular -- with handkerchief-waving maidens dancing until late -- and serve traditional food. Peña Gauchos de Güemes, Av. Uruguay 750 (tel. 387/421-7007; ww.gauchosdesalta.com.ar), takes it a little more seriously, and the adobe-style venue has been declared a Salta heritage site. It is located 13 blocks from the plaza, close to Alto Noa shopping mall.
