Deciding where to stay in Buenos Aires can be challenging, but finding the right neighborhood is key to making the most of your trip. The best neighborhoods to stay in Buenos Aires offer convenient access to public transportation, top attractions, classic dining and happening nightlife spots—everything you need for an unforgettable visit. Let’s break down the top areas, the pros and cons plus some helpful local tips.
This is for those Buenos Aires romantics who want a taste of the city’s old school Porteño charm.
This is what many consider to be the “real” Buenos Aires. It is where tango still breathes deep into the night, young bohemians stroll the streets between bars and old school Porteños sip their Moscato with lunch. It is close to Centro where many of the main sites are, Puerto Madero (great for fine dining and strolling around the port) and 20-30 minutes from Palermo and Recoleta. It can be a grittier barrio and a bit sketchy on the outskirts of the neighborhood especially at night.
Check out our complete local’s guide on San Telmo for more.
Discovering Palermo
Buenos Aires’ trendiest neighborhood and the heart of the city’s nightlife. By day Palermo is filled with designer shops, chic cafés, and spacious parks. By night bars overflow with patrons seeking the latest craft beers and inventive cocktails. Many of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires fire up their grills here and later you’ll see queues for electronica clubs stretching into the streets. Palermo is huge and divided into subsections including Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood, Palermo Chico, Las Cañitas, Alto Palermo, and Palermo Botánico.
💡Word to the wise: Many real estate agencies capitalize on renaming other barrios as “Palermo ___” (ie “Palermo Queens” which is really Villa Crespo or “Palermo Brooklyn” which is really… I’m not even sure what that neighborhood should be called). Target Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood to stay close to the action and have plenty of public transport options including the convenient D subway line.
Known for its old-world charm, this affluent Buenos Aires neighborhood is one of the wealthiest in the city. It’s home to Argentina’s most prestigious cemetery, where icons like Eva Perón and many founding figures are buried, as well as a hub for high-end shopping and luxury boutiques.
Recoleta is one of the most advantageous points in the city being centered to what most travelers desire in Buenos Aires. Close to both Palermo and Centro, public transportation is ample with buses on Las Heras, Pueyrredon, Libertador and the H line subte (subway).
💡The area does come with a price tag and may not be for budget travelers. Don’t skip the Museum of Fine Art (Museo de Bellas Artes) and for an old school Argentine style steak dinner, Parrilla Peña.
If you want to dive deeper into all Recoleta has to offer, check out our complete guide to Recoleta neighborhood.
The business and finance epicenter of Argentina. Very busy during the day filled with office workers and the hustle of a big city. Many of the city’s most famous landmarks are here; the Obelisco, Casa Rosada, Plaza de Mayo, Teatro Colón, and 9 de Julio (the world’s widest avenue). The government has been converting several of the side streets into pedestrian only areas cutting down on traffic and noise pollution. These streets of course include the long standing Florida pedestrian shopping street that houses thousands of shops and the large mall Galeria Pacifico.
By night Centro turns a bit more desolate with limited restaurants and bars. Some areas can prove to be a bit seedy like most downtown areas in the world. However, with good proximity to Recoleta, Puerto Madero and San Telmo you’ll be just a taxi or subway ride away from the rest of the city. Ideal for those that are staying just a couple of nights to see the main sites and taxi around a bit to different neighborhoods.
For a closer look at everything Centro has to offer, explore our full guide to the Centro neighborhood.
Described as a bit sterile comparatively to the other distinct Buenos Aires neighborhoods, Puerto Madero is designed as the more international business area of the city. Fine dining restaurants lining the port, high end apartments in residential skyscrapers towering over the city’s harbor. It is the safest area of the city (the Coast Guard are stationed and patrol the area quite seriously) and you can stroll about carefree.
Options for public transport are at a minimum in Puerto Madero so plan to take taxis in and out. Fantastic for long strolls by the port, exploring the Ecological Reserve and basking in the sun at any of the many outdoor cafe patios this area is inhabited by Buenos Aires’ Nouveau riche.
For a more in depth look at Puerto Madero check out our local’s Puerto Madero neighborhood guide.
Where the above neighborhoods are widely recognized and popular among travelers, the city’s up-and-coming areas are quickly gaining attention for their old school charm and unique offerings. Neighborhoods like Chacarita and Villa Crespo are becoming hotspots for original concept bars, innovative restaurants, and cultural centers. These dynamic areas offer a fresh take on the Buenos Aires experience, blending tradition with modern flair, making them must-visit spots for those seeking something different
Hotels
If you’re staying less than a week, and you prefer some front desk help and other amenities, Buenos Aires offers all classes of hotels. The boutique hotels however are something to pay a bit more attention to with their decided unique styles and advantageous locations.
The Big 4/5 Star Hotels: Alvear Place Hotel, Faena Hotel, Park Hyatt Palacio Duhua, Four Seasons, Hilton. If you want to YOLO your stay away or desire the top end, luxury accommodations these are the cream of the crop of hotel opulence in Buenos Aires.
The Boutique Hotels: Fierro Hotel, Algodon Mansion, Home Hotel, Legado Mitico, Jardin Escondido, Mine, 1828 Smart Hotel (All cost about $100 USD and up). The boutique hotel boom in Buenos Aires combined with the city’s creative style has led to some distinctive creations.
Hostels:In Buenos Aires on a budget? A hostel is your best option to find rooms that range between $15-50 USD per night. The pros? Meet an endless stream of new travelers from around world. The cons? Lack of privacy and some of the rowdier hostels can be quite noisy.
Our Buenos Aires hostel picks: Limehouse, Chillhouse Hostel, Estoril Hostel, Circus, America del Sur Hostel and Tango Backpackers.
Temporary Apartments
Prices on temporary apartments differ according to location, size and luxury, but for a studio or one-bedroom apartment you should expect to pay roughly $300 USD per week (September 2024). If you want to rent on the monthly basis, a good monthly rate for similar accommodations should cost you around $800 USD per month (all bills included).
AirBNB has gained a lot of ground over the past few years, but many old school Argentinians prefer to use local agencies. Many of the hidden gems may be listed on their sites only. Nothing a bit of Googling can’t fix though.
💡Be prepared: If using a local rental agency you may need to pay both a deposit equal to your rental price to confirm the reservation AND the entire week’s or month’s rent in cash. This is quite common so choose your rental agency wisely. Deposits for short-term stay apartments are returned to you, in cash, before your departure (so long as you didn’t trash the place!).
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