Best Area to Stay in Buenos Aires
- Feb 6, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
I spent a month in Buenos Aires and visited all the most popular neighborhoods, so here is a list of the best areas to stay in Buenos Aires!
I believe different neighborhoods in Buenos Aires are best suited for different purposes. In general, all neighborhoods I will be mentioning are safe to stay in Buenos Aires.
Palermo
Centro & Recoleta
San Telmo
Tigre
Retiro
Puerto Madero
La Boca
Palermo
I have to start with my personal favorite in Buenos Aires - Palermo. This area truly offers it all for a perfect stay in Buenos Aires. Huge parks where to take a stroll, loads of cafes and restaurants. Grocery stores within 5 minutes walk from each other. Several sites to visit and only a short taxi drive away from Centro where some of the main sites in Buenos Aires are. The bordering neighborhood is Recoleta so you can book your accommodation closer to it and be within walking distance to Recoleta as well.
If you are staying long term and perhaps are in Buenos Aires while remote working I highly recommend booking as close to parks as possible. You will have this fantastic opportunity to truly unwind from work and enjoy the local life in the park area. There are loads of good trails for walking, running, and cycling. As well as some bars and restaurants. In the park area, you will also find a Planetarium, Japanese Gardens, and a lovely Rose Garden. Around the park, there are loads of apartment options.
If you mostly want to enjoy the food and social scene, then the ideal place in Buenos Aires will be Palermo Soho. That is where most restaurants and bars are concentrated and you will be close to Palermo Hollywood, which is a popular area for nightlife. There you will find lovely boutique hotels like Mine and Nuss. Palermo neighborhood in general is a must when visiting Buenos Aires.
Centro & Recoleta
Centro and Recoleta will be ideal choices if you are visiting Buenos Aires only for a few days and want to see as much as possible. They both are very centrally located and are convenient locations to travel from to see all the main sites in Buenos Aires.
Recoleta will offer more upscale options and boutique hotels, while Centro will have more known options like NH Buenos Aires and Marriott, for your stay in Buenos Aires. Recoleta, being the upscale neighbourhood, will be one of the safest options to pick from in Buenos Aires.
Find out all the must-see places and sites in my 'Buenos Aires Travel Guide'
San Telmo
For those looking for a more authentic location, the best area to stay in Buenos Aires will be San Telmo. San Telmo is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires and holds a lot of history. San Telmo features cobbled streets, colonial buildings, and a bustling street market every Sunday. San Telmo is still quite a convenient location as it borders with Centro so if you book closer to Centro, you will be within walking distance to all the main sites as well. You won't find tall buildings in San Telmo, so no known hotels, just historical and boutique hotels.
Tigre
For those planning to stay in Buenos Aires long-term (over a month), I recommend Tigre. It’s about an hour from Recoleta by train and offers a peaceful escape from the city while still being close enough for visits a few times a week.
Tigre is known for its beautiful rivers, boat trips, and relaxed vibe. It has everything you need - shops, restaurants, and even coworking spaces - without the noise and crowds of the city. The train ride to Buenos Aires is easy and affordable, making it a great option for digital nomads, expats, or anyone wanting a mix of city access and nature. Even if you don't pick Tigre as your base during your stay in Buenos Aires, make sure to visit it!
Quick Summary of Buenos Aires Neighbourhoods
Palermo - Ideal for those staying long-term but also just a 10-minute taxi away from all the major sites. Wonderful parks where to reset and observe the local life in Buenos Aires.
Centro & Recoleta - Ideal for those staying in Buenos Aires only for a few days and wanting to be in the most convenient location.
San Telmo - Those who want a bit more 'back in time' experience.
Tigre - Ideal for those who want to be close to the city but avoid the busy city life. Better suited for those staying long term in Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires Neighborhoods I wouldn't consider
Retiro
You might consider Retiro as it is quite a central location, but I think at that point for convenience the better options are Recoleta and Centro. One part of Retiro is quite fancy, so the hotels are more expensive, and the other part is the train station area, which attracts pushy street vendors and beggars. I wouldn't say it is more dangerous, but I simply think you can get better value for money options in Centro or Recoleta.
Puerto Madero
Now, if you are on a business trip in Buenos Aires, Puerto Madero probably will be the best option for you. Surrounded by business buildings, Puerto Madero also offers amazing dining options. Ideal for a work trip. If you are visiting as a tourist, I think Puerto Madero is a must-visit but not to stay at.
La Boca
La Boca is a must-visit in Buenos Aires, but I believe it is a bit too much out of the way. To get anywhere, you will need to get a taxi or public transport, so that either takes away time or money. La Boca will be a great choice if you are planning to watch some football, as La Boca is home to one of the best football teams in South America - Boca Juniors!
To see more of the vibe of each Buenos Aires neighborhood, check out this video ⬇️
Planning a trip to South America? Check out my South America section!
