Where To Stay In Buenos Aires: Best Neighborhoods Guide
Planning a trip to Argentina and can’t decide where to stay in Buenos Aires? Feeling overwhelmed with questions, like: Where should I stay in Buenos Aires? Or, Which is the best area to stay in Buenos Aires?
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You might feel like you’ll never be able to make the right decision on the best accommodation area for your trip to Buenos Aires. Well, it sounds familiar. I was in the same boat when I planned to visit Buenos Aires for the first time.
Relax and don’t panic! Find below a Buenos Aires map with the best areas to stay as a tourist. This neighborhood guide will be your guide to the best neighborhoods in Buenos Aires for tourists and their pros and cons.
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Where Should I Stay In Buenos Aires Argentina?
It is difficult to point out the best place to stay as a tourist. Have a look at the neighborhood map and choose among Buenos Aires best hotels based on your interests, travel style, and budget. Making the right choice is crucial for a hassle-free stay and to enjoy your stay to the fullest.
| Microcentro | Recoleta | Palermo | San Telmo | Puerto Madero | |
| Cultural attractions & architecture | ✔️ | ✔️ | |||
| Dining & nightlife | ✔️ | ✔️ | |||
| Shopping | ✔️ | ||||
| History & antiques | ✔️ | ||||
| Quiet & upscale environment | ✔️ | ✔️ | |||
| Bohemian & historical atmosphere | ✔️ | ||||
| Trendy & lively area | ✔️ | ||||
| Budget-friendly | ✔️ | ✔️ | |||
| Upscale & more expensive accommodation | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Buenos Aires
The best area to stay in Buenos Aires largely depends on your priorities. Each of Buenos Aires neighborhoods has its unique charm and attractions. You’d better search for accommodation in Microcentro (Monserrat y San Nicolas), Recoleta, Palermo, San Telmo, or Puerto Madero for your visit to Buenos Aires
Microcentro Buenos Aires Argentina (Monserrat + San Nicolas)
By choosing Microcentro, you will be staying in the heart of the city. Most of Buenos Aires’ major attractions such as the Plaza de Mayo, the Obelisco on 9 de Julio Boulevard, Palacio Barolo, Cafe Tortoni, and the Casa Rosada are within walking distance.
Microcentro is Buenos Aires downtown area with two of the oldest neighborhoods: Monserrat and San Nicolas. You will be surrounded by historic buildings and architectural treasures.
It is a tourist area with all its pros and cons. Microcentro is the place to stay in Buenos Aires if you don’t have much time to spend traveling around the city while exploring Buenos Aires.
Some of the best hotels are located on or close to Avenida 9 de Julio.
Recoleta Buenos Aires Argentina
The Recoleta district in Buenos Aires is a synonym of culture and luxury. The Recoleta neighborhood is famous for its Parisian-style architecture, elegant atmosphere, and central location.
Recoleta is a great place to stay if you are interested in culture and history. You will stay close to Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Many other museums, galleries, the Recoleta Cultural Center, and El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore will be a short walk away. The Recoleta Cemetery is in the heart of Recoleta district.
The Recoleta area of the city is well-served by public transportation with easy access to many attractions.
The best boutique hotels in Buenos Aires are in Recoleta. With their spacious rooms, rooftop terraces, or lush green gardens, they will make you feel at home and want to stay forever.
Recoleta is the best area in Buenos Aires for a stay in the city before or after a cruise. One of the best hotels in Recoleta, Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires is a short 3.5 km (2 miles) drive from Buenos Aires cruise port.
Palermo Buenos Aires
Palermo is one of the best areas to live in Buenos Aires. It is a nice residential neighborhood with a vibrant atmosphere. In Palermo, you will find everything you might need during your stay close by.
With its large green spaces, Palermo is the best area for families. The Jardin Japones (Japanese Garden), located in the heart of Palermo, is not only one of the top attractions of Buenos Aires but also a favorite place to spend a few hours in the hot Buenos Aires summers.
Palermo is the largest neighborhood in Argentina’s capital and is divided into several areas, each with its own unique charm. They are Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood, and Palermo Viejo.
Palermo Soho is well known for its lively vibe, street art, trendy boutiques, and numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants.
If you are a younger traveler or a fashion enthusiast, Palermo Soho is the right place to stay.
In the heart of Palermo Soho, you will find some of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires. For cheap eats and good beer in a quirky setting, I can’t recommend Burger Joint enough. Address: Jorge Luis Borges 1766.
Palermo Hollywood is a good place to stay if you want to immerse yourself in the nightlife of Buenos Aires.
Palermo Viejo, with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, has a much more traditional feel.
San Telmo Buenos Aires
San Telmo is Buenos Aires’ tango district. It is characterized by cobbled streets, street tango performances, and well-preserved traditional architecture. San Telmo is known for its many antique shops, galleries, and the Sunday market, Feria de San Telmo. It is one of the top places to attend a tango show or a milonga.
Puerto Madero Buenos Aires
Puerto Madero is the most modern part of the city. Some of the best hotels with fantastic views of the city over the river and the iconic Puente de la Mujer bridge are in Puerto Madero. The neighborhood is quiet, safe, clean, and very close to the city center.
Where Is Safe To Stay In Buenos Aires?
Wherever you go, safety is a top priority for you as a traveler. While Buenos Aires is generally welcoming to tourists, some areas are considered safer and more tourist-friendly than others. The areas mentioned above are the best neighborhoods for tourists.
While in Buenos Aires, regardless of the neighborhood, it’s wise to follow general safety precautions:
– Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronic devices.
– Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
– Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps instead of hailing cabs on the street.
– Keep your belongings secure and be careful in crowded places to avoid pickpocketing.
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Where NOT To Stay And Areas To Avoid In Buenos Aires?
Like any big city, Buenos Aires has areas that are safer than others. Since the situation can change over time, it’s always a good idea to check the latest travel advisories and talk to locals or your accommodation hosts for the most up-to-date advice. However, here is a brief guide to Buenos Aires areas to avoid.
Villa Lugano and Villa Riachuelo are more peripheral areas of Buenos Aires and are generally considered less safe for tourists, especially after dark. These areas are far from the usual tourist attractions and you won’t find much reason to go there.
Villa 31 or Barrio 31 is a large shantytown located near the Retiro train station. It’s best to avoid walking through it.
La Boca: While Caminito Street and La Bombonera Stadium are popular tourist attractions, it’s best to visit them during the day and avoid La Boca at night.
Retiro: While the Retiro train station and bus stations are major transportation hubs, the surrounding area can be problematic, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings, and try to avoid less crowded and poorly lit areas.
Constitución: Similar to Retiro, Constitución is a major transportation hub but can be unsafe, especially after dark.
The Best Places To Visit In Argentina On A First Trip
Conclusion
To wrap it up: Use this guide on where to stay and choose depending on your preferences and interests. Stick to the neighborhoods in color on the map at the top of the article to choose the best Buenos Aires accommodation, feel safe, and enjoy your Argentina travel. You will love it!
Find everything you might need for your travels in one place on my Travel Resources page.
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