It is a popular tourist attraction and is a "typical zone" (Spanish: Zona típica), a status that preserves its historical and architectural heritage.

The architecture that Baquedano Street exemplifies accommodates Iquique's prevailing climatic conditions.

The buildings on Baquedano Street and, in general, all those that follow the city's traditional architecture, were built as stores or houses by immigrants who amassed fortunes through the nitrate works.

Water fountains and plants ornament the almost fifteen blocks that make up the street, which begins and ends at the sea.

This old public square is surrounded by architecturally significant structures— such as: Baquedano Street has a number of hotels, guest houses, a lodge, pubs, coffee-shops, and restaurants.