Sight guide · Mendoza · Argentina
Visiting Plaza Independencia
Mendoza's main square covers four city blocks with fountains, palms and the Teatro Independencia on its western edge.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Mendoza · Photo: Silviaanac, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Plaza Independencia is a landmark in Microcentro, Mendoza. Allow 45 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Landmark
- Area
- Microcentro
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, kids, after dark and shopping
- Best months
- May and September–October
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About Plaza Independencia
Mendoza's main square covers four city blocks with fountains, palms and the Teatro Independencia on its western edge. Beneath it is the Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno, and on weekends a crafts fair sets up along its paths. It is the hub of the grid and the start of the pedestrian Paseo Sarmiento.
Tip: Come on a weekend evening, when the craft stalls are out and families gather around the lit fountains.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 45 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Microcentro, the grid around Plaza Independencia, Peatonal Sarmiento and the satellite plazas.
Best time to visit Plaza Independencia
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- September: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 2 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- May: 18°C (64°F) highs, about 2 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Mendoza has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Mendoza itinerary visits Plaza Independencia on day 1, together with Plaza España and the satellite plazas, Área Fundacional and San Francisco ruins and Avenida Arístides Villanueva.
- No. 1 of the 14 sights in our Mendoza things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Mendoza.
- A family favourite in Mendoza with kids.
Near Plaza Independencia
Also in Microcentro, so you can walk between them:
- Plaza España and the satellite plazas — 1 hour, free
- Área Fundacional and San Francisco ruins — 1–1.5 hours, low cost
- Mercado Central — 45 minutes, free
If you like Plaza Independencia
- Parque General San Martín — Quinta Sección and Arístides Villanueva, 2–3 hours
- Avenida Arístides Villanueva — Quinta Sección and Arístides Villanueva, An evening
- Olive-oil tasting in Maipú — Maipú, 45 minutes
Staying near Plaza Independencia
Stay in Microcentro ($$) to walk here: the grid around Plaza Independencia, Peatonal Sarmiento and the satellite plazas. All areas to stay in Mendoza.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Plaza Independencia?
Plan 45 minutes. With Plaza España and the satellite plazas nearby, it fits a half-day in Microcentro.
+Is Plaza Independencia free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Plaza Independencia?
May and September–October, the quietest of the good months. Come on a weekend evening, when the craft stalls are out and families gather around the lit fountains.
+Do I need to book Plaza Independencia in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.
+Is Plaza Independencia good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Mendoza. Mendoza works well for families who like the outdoors: a huge park with a lake, Andes road trips, thermal pools and rafting for older children.