Buenos Aires is the vibrant capital city of Argentina, which makes it the perfect starting point, end, or both, to any trip in Argentina. When I arrived in Buenos Aires off the night bus after three months of travelling through Central and South America, I almost felt like I’d been transported back to Europe. You really can feel the European colonial influence that has become such an integral part of Argentinian culture, especially in Buenos Aires, from the stunning historic buildings to the café culture that permeates every corner. So how do you choose between these wonderful neighbourhoods when deciding where to stay in Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires is a big city with many different neighbourhoods that are distinct from one another. Each one has its own personality, advantages and disadvantages, whether you go for the historical San Telmo, the European-influenced Recoleta, or the nightlife scene of Palermo. In this article I’ll guide you through each area, based on my experiences of visiting and staying in some of them. It is worth noting that I felt remarkably safe in Buenos Aires. I’d heard mixed things before I went, but I do believe that most of the danger lies on the outskirts of the city. In most of the city’s neighbourhoods I felt much safer than most of the rest of Latin America.
Best Areas to Stay in Buenos Aires
Centro (City Centre) – The Heart of Buenos Aires
The city center of Buenos Aires is exactly what you’d expect: busy, lively, and central to absolutely everything Buenos Aires has to offer. You’ll find yourself within walking distance of major attractions and in the perfect place to explore the rest of the city via excellent public transportation links. The only thing I will say is that I didn’t think this was the prettiest part of Buenos Aires; if you’re looking for picturesque streets then you definitely want to look elsewhere! Avenida de Mayo is one of the main roads here, bustling with street vendors, shops, and restaurants.
This area puts you in the heart of the city with easy access to Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada (presidential palace), and the Metropolitan Cathedral. You’ll also find impressive architecture like Palacio Barolo and numerous office buildings and government buildings that showcase Buenos Aires’s political importance. For a first time visitor, Centro offers the best way to experience Buenos Aires’s historical significance whilst having excellent connectivity to other neighborhoods.
The financial district aspect means plenty of business hotels and 3-star hotels catering to young professionals, though you’ll also find budget accommodation options. This central location makes it a great choice for those prioritising convenience.
➡️ Browse Centro on Booking.com
San Telmo – Buenos Aires’s Oldest Neighbourhood
San Telmo holds a special place in my heart as Buenos Aires’s oldest neighbourhood. Of course, the main draw here is the famous San Telmo market, but here you’re also close to a lot of museums, antique shops, and some of the city’s best restaurants serving traditional Argentinian cuisine. San Telmo comes alive on Sundays when Plaza Dorrego transforms into an outdoor Sunday market filled with tango dancers and local craft markets. Here you’ll find a more authentic, less touristy experience whilst still having great access to other central locations.
The cobblestone streets and colonial architecture create an atmospheric setting that’s perfect if you’re interested in Buenos Aires’s cultural heritage and don’t mind a slightly grittier atmosphere. You’ll discover incredible street art throughout the neighbourhood, and the abundance of cultural centers makes it a hub for Buenos Aires’s artistic scene. This area offers some of the best things to experience in terms of authentic Argentine culture.
San Telmo is an excellent great place for budget-conscious travellers, with numerous hostels and affordable guesthouses alongside more upscale boutique options.
➡️ Browse San Telmo on Booking.com
Palermo – The Best Place for Nightlife and Green Spaces
The Palermo district feels the most like a home-away-from-home for Europeans in my opinion. It’s not even something I can put my finger on, it just feels like you turned the corner into a European country you didn’t know existed. You’ll find a lot of cute and European-inspired cafes and coffee shops (I even passed a Portuguese place selling pastéis de nata), and lots of green spaces, like the Japanese Gardens and Botanical Gardens.
Palermo is subdivided into several distinct areas that each offer something different. Palermo Hollywood is known for its trendy restaurants and nightlife scene, whilst Palermo Chico offers a more residential, upscale atmosphere. Palermo Queens (also called Palermo Soho) sits in the heart of Palermo Soho and is packed with boutique hotels, designer shops, and the famous Plaza Serrano where you’ll find weekend markets and street food.
This area is especially popular with young travellers and digital nomads, with the best nightlife scene and cosmopolitan atmosphere in Buenos Aires. You’ll find everything from casual bars with happy hour specials to sophisticated cocktail lounges. Alto Palermo shopping centre provides excellent retail therapy opportunities.
While it’s slightly further from the historic centre, Palermo has good public transport connections including several subway stations. Many hotels here feature amenities like rooftop pools, outdoor pools, and hot tubs to help you relax after exploring the city.
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Recoleta – Perfect Place for Culture and Elegance
Recoleta is more central than Palermo and has an elegant, upscale reputation that doesn’t necessarily translate to dramatically higher prices. This neighbourhood is home to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón is buried, and the stunning Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. I stayed in a high-rise hostel here that had eerily good views over the cemetery.
This is another area that feels distinctly European with wide boulevards, colonial architecture, and fine dining restaurants on every corner. Plaza San Martín provides a beautiful green space for relaxation, and you’ll find numerous art galleries showcasing both classical and contemporary works.
Recoleta offers a great location with many 4-star hotels and best luxury hotels providing comfortable rooms and excellent service. The area is also conveniently close to the ferry terminal if you’re planning a day trip or onward travel to Iguazú. For those seeking the best boutique hotels, Recoleta has some exceptional options in beautiful historic buildings.
➡️ Browse Recoleta on Booking.com
Puerto Madero – Modern Luxury District
Puerto Madero is Buenos Aires’s newer, more luxurious face with gleaming high-rise hotels, upscale restaurants, and modern development right on the waterfront. While it is the most expensive area to stay in, Puerto Madero offers really good security, beautiful views, and world-class restaurants.
Many hotels here feature modern buildings with amenities like outdoor swimming pools, indoor pools, and spacious rooms with river views. The Alvear Icon Hotel is one of the top picks for luxury accommodation, offering hotel rooms that rival international standards.
The neighbourhood still has good connections to the city center so you won’t feel completely disconnected from the history and charm of Buenos Aires. This residential area offers the best hotels for those prioritising luxury and modern amenities.
➡️ Browse Puerto Madero on Booking.com
Villa Crespo and Other Notable Areas
Villa Crespo is an up-and-coming neighbourhood that offers a more local experience whilst still being accessible to major attractions. La Boca is famous for its colourful Caminito street and football culture, though it’s generally better for day visits rather than accommodation. San Nicolás overlaps with the city centre and provides another good location for exploring Buenos Aires.
Best Hostels in Buenos Aires
These recommendations are based on the hostels I stayed in in Buenos Aires (I stayed in two hostels and one Airbnb in total), as well as other hostels that I heard rave reviews about from other travellers that I met both in Buenos Aires and elsewhere in Latin America.
My favourite thing about Voyage Recoleta Hostel was the genuinely friendly, helpful staff and nice common areas downstairs which were perfect for keeping out of the stiflingly hot weather and coworking in, too. However, it wasn’t very social and there was a serious shortage of both plug sockets in the bedrooms and bathrooms in general. The location in Recoleta is absolutely fantastic though, so it depends what you’re prioritising.
Mons Hostel Buenos Aires seemed brand new when I first arrived (straight from my previous hostel). Everything felt fresh, modern, and well-designed, although this was a year ago, now! Again the staff were really friendly, and let me check in early because a bed was already available. The hostel was quite quiet, but the people I did meet were really nice and I made some friends here. This is also the hostel I mentioned earlier that had spookily good views of the cemetary just across the road.
Best Hotels in Buenos Aires
La Casa de Lola BA comes recommended for personalised service that makes you feel like a welcomed guest rather than just another tourist. This boutique option provides a great area to experience Buenos Aires’s hospitality.
Le Batiment Apartmentos has spacious rooms that are perfect for longer stays, with a prime location that puts you within walking distance of many major attractions as well as local amenities.
San Telmo Petit Hotel is simple but lovely, has wonderful staff, and convenient access to San Telmo’s famous market. This is a good place to experience the neighbourhood’s authentic charm.
V&S Hostel Boutique bridges the gap between the affordability of a hostel and the comfort of a hotel, with private rooms at really reasonable prices. The average price here offers excellent value for the location.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Buenos Aires
What is the best area for tourists to stay in Buenos Aires?
I’d probably recommend either Centro or Recoleta to a first time visitor. Of course, Centro has the most central location with easy access to major attractions like Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, and Teatro Colón. Recoleta has a more refined atmosphere but still has really good connectivity to the rest of the city. Both offer the best place to base yourself for exploring.
What is the safest district in Buenos Aires?
Recoleta and Palermo are generally considered the safest areas for tourists. Both neighbourhoods are well lit and have well-maintained streets. Puerto Madero is also very safe due to how modern it is, and many hotels have 24-hour security on site. These are all great areas for solo travellers or those prioritising safety.
What’s the best neighborhood for nightlife in Buenos Aires?
Palermo, particularly Palermo Hollywood and the heart of Palermo Soho, offers the best place for nightlife. You’ll find everything from trendy cocktail bars to late-night clubs, with Plaza Serrano being a particular hotspot for weekend entertainment.
How many days do you need for Buenos Aires?
I’d recommend at least 4-5 days to experience Buenos Aires properly. This gives you time to explore the different neighborhoods, visit major attractions, experience the nightlife, and catch a tango show (or two). The best time to visit allows for a more relaxed pace of exploration.
Is 7 days in Buenos Aires too much?
Definitely not! Buenos Aires is one of those cities that will expand the longer you stay there. The more time you spend in Buenos Aires, the more things you’ll find that you really want to do. Each neighborhood has its own character, and you’ll discover new best things to experience the longer you stay.
Where should I stay for easy access to domestic flights?
Puerto Madero or Centro offer the best way to access airports for domestic flights, though Buenos Aires’s excellent public transport system means most neighbourhoods provide reasonable access to airport connections.
Conclusion
When you choose where to stay in Buenos Aires, you almost can’t go wrong. From the historic cobblestone streets of San Telmo, to the European feel of Recoleta, or the modern high-rises of Puerto Madero, I have no doubt that you’ll find yourself falling in love with this city just as quickly as I did. Consider your priorities, whether that’s a central location, good nightlife, or a little luxury, and choose the best neighbourhood that best matches your requirements. Trust me, regardless of where you stay, you’ll be planning to come back to Buenos Aires before you’ve even departed.
