Flores Neighborhood Guide

La Onda (The Vibe):

As a typical middle-class barrio or neighborhood that was once home to the Porteño (Buenos Aires residents) elite, this zone makes for a great afternoon of wandering. Rivadavia offers all the urban comforts of air-conditioned coffee shops and name-brand clothing stores. Straying just a few blocks from the hustle and bustle of the main street, you can find an array of uniquely colorful and peaceful apartments built well over half a century ago. Wander Flores, and you’ll be sure to see a cat taking a siesta under a doorstep or an older couple sharing a mate with the local kiosk employee. These are just a few of the simplicities that give Flores the porteño spirit it’s known for.

A brief history

Despite its central location, Flores was considered a rural area in the Buenos Aires
province until its 1888 integration into the Federal District. Similar to its neighboring barrios Almagro and Caballito, Flores once was home to a small handful of wealthy landowners. One of these aristocratic tenants was the former sovereign Juan Manuel de Rosas who imposed a somewhat dictatorial regime on Argentina from 1835-1852. Many of these old mansions still remain today. Flores’ current claim to fame is being Pope Francis’ birth place.

What to do:

Aside from all the shopping and people watching available along the frequently-treaded Rivadavia, here also sits the Basilica de San Jose de Flores, erected in 1831.

Adjacent to the Basilica, is the lush and shady Flores Plaza, equipped with benches aplenty and even a carousel for the kids. Live music or the occasional evangelical squad will sometimes echo around the walkways. Roasted peanuts and freshly-squeezed orange juices are typically sold on corners. True to most middle-class parks and plazas, you are almost guaranteed to stumble upon scattered tables of old men in their suspenders immersed in a daily game of cards or dominoes.

For anyone looking for delicious and authentic Korean food, barrio coreano in Flores is one of the only places you’ll find it in Buenos Aires. From Korean barbeque to Kimchi, here are some of our top picks: Una Cancion Coreana, Yugane and Mr. Ho.

See a show at the Teatro Flores. One of the coolest music venues in the city, Teatro Flores is known for having great acoustics, and an impressive lineup of international and Argentine rock bands.

Safety

While most of Flores is a calm residential neighborhood, it is best to avoid the southern area known as “Bajo Flores.” This area, which is indicated on the map in red, has a villa (slum) and a higher crime rate. As always, keep an eye on your surroundings and keep any valuables out of sight. Flores isn’t the best place to wander around after dark. If you’re enjoying a dinner in Korean Town for example, it’s advisable to take a taxi there and back.