The Top 5 Neighborhoods to Stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Palermo

Palermo is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, nightclubs, and music venues to choose from. You can find everything from trendy rooftop bars to underground clubs playing electronic music. In addition to its nightlife, Palermo is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA), the Botanical Gardens, and the Planetarium. Palermo can be quite expensive, particularly in the more upscale areas like Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood. However, there are also more affordable options available, particularly in the outskirts of the neighborhood.

Palermo is home to two of Buenos Aires’ most popular soccer teams: Club Atlético River Plate and Club Atlético Atlanta.

Photograph of classic Argentinian architecture. The colonial Spanish influence is very apparent.

Belgrano

This leafy, residential neighborhood is a great option if you’re looking for a quieter, more laid-back stay. It’s known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, as well as its excellent dining options and boutique shopping. Belgrano is home to the Club Atlético Belgrano soccer team, and is very close to the River Plate Stadium.

San Telmo

San Telmo is known for its bohemian nightlife, with a variety of bars and clubs playing everything from tango music to electronic beats. San Telmo is a great neighborhood for exploring Buenos Aires’ rich cultural heritage, with charming cobblestone streets, antique markets, and tango dancing. It’s also home to the San Telmo Market, which offers a wide variety of food, crafts, and other goods. It’s best to visit San Telmo Market on the weekend, when the surrounding area is also transformed into a larger market. San Telmo can be quite affordable, particularly if you stay in one of the smaller, more bohemian guesthouses or hostels. However, prices can also be high in some of the more upscale areas of the neighborhood.

Recoleta

While not as lively as Palermo, Recoleta still offers a variety of bars and nightclubs, particularly in the area around Plaza Francia. Recoleta is known for its impressive architecture, particularly the famous Recoleta Cemetery, where many of Argentina’s most famous figures are buried. The neighborhood is also home to a number of museums and art galleries, such as the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Decorative Arts. Recoleta is generally considered one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, particularly in the upscale Recoleta Cemetery area. However, there are also more affordable options available, particularly in the outskirts of the neighborhood.

Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero is known for its upscale nightlife, with a variety of trendy restaurants, rooftop bars, and nightclubs. In addition to its nightlife, Puerto Madero offers a number of other entertainment options, such as the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve and the Puente de la Mujer pedestrian bridge. Puerto Madero is generally considered one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, with many high-end hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, there are also more affordable options available, particularly in the outskirts of the neighborhood.

Why Not Centro?

I didn’t mention Centro on this list because I wouldn’t stay there myself. During the day it’s nice to visit and take photographs and enjoy the art and culture of the city, but at night time there isn’t much to do and the area can feel quite sketchy. The other areas I listed above are safer and have a much better sense of community, and better nightlife.