Best Area to Stay in Buenos Aires

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 for tourists to stay in.

Palermo

I have to start with my personal favorite - Palermo. This area truly offers it all. Huge parks where to take a stroll, loads of cafes and restaurants. A grocery store 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 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. By parks are loads of apartment options.

If you mostly want to enjoy the food and social scene then the ideal place in Palermo 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.

Centro & Recoleta

Centro and Recoleta will be ideal choices if you only have a few days in Buenos Aires 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.

Recolete will offer more upscale options and boutique hotels while Centro will have more known options like NH Buenos Aires and Mariott. 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 to stay at, I recommend San Telmo. It is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires and holds a lot of history. The area 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 staying 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.

Quick Summary of Neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires

• 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.

• Centro & Recoleta - Ideal for those staying 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.

Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires 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, Puerto Madero probably will be the best option for you. Surrounded by business buildings, the area 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 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 ⬇️