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Buenos Aires neighborhoods

The Most Interesting Neighborhoods to Visit in Buenos Aires

Home » DESTINATIONS » South America » Argentina » The Most Interesting Neighborhoods to Visit in Buenos Aires

Last Modified: October 17, 2023 //  by Anda //  30 Comments

Buenos Aires – Argentina’s chic capital – is a place like no other! The neoclassical architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere give the city a European feel that blends perfectly with its Latino spirit. Buenos Aires is divided into 48 neighborhoods (‘barrios‘), each with its own distinctive look, flavor and character.

Buenos Aires neighborhoods
Buenos Aires neighborhoods

Table of Contents

  • Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Buenos Aires
    • Downtown Buenos Aires
    • 1. San Nicholas
    • 2. Retiro
    • 3. Montserrat
    • 4. Palermo
    • 5. San Telmo
    • 6. Puerto Madero
    • 7. La Boca
    • 8. Recoleta
    • 9. Villa Crespo
  • How Safe Are the Buenos Aires Neighborhoods?

Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Buenos Aires

Like any big metropolis, Buenos Aires can be disorienting and confusing at times. We know from our own experience. Although some people don’t mind getting lost in a new city, I personally think it’s better to know where you are going and what to expect in each place you visit.

Buenos Aires Neighborhoods
Buenos Aires Neighborhoods

One thing to remember about Buenos Aires is that not all its 48 districts will be of interest to you, as a tourist. Although at some point you may be passing through some of the other neighborhoods, you’ll most likely spend your time in Buenos Aires visiting the areas around the port and the city center.

Buenos Aires Neighborhoods map
Buenos Aires Neighborhoods map

With that in mind, I’ve put together a neighborhood guide that will help you discover the liveliest and most picturesque parts of Buenos Aires.

Downtown Buenos Aires

Downtown Buenos Aires is not a district in itself, but rather a group of three neighborhoods: San Nicolás, Retiro and Monserrat.

1. San Nicholas

Also called El Centro, San Nicolas is the business district of Buenos Aires where most of the governmental buildings are. San Nicolas was one of the first barrios in Buenos Aires and therefore is very rich in history.

El Centro or San Nicolas neighborhood in Buenos Aires
The Obelisk in El Centro

Running through the heart of San Nicolas is Buenos Aires’ busiest road – Avenida 9 de Julio. This is the widest boulevard in the world, with a total of 14 lanes and a width of 140 meters. I think it will impress you!

Some interesting landmarks to notice on Avenida 9 de Julio include the Obelisk (El Obelisco), a 67 meters tall structure, Teatro Colon opera house, and the beautiful building of the French Embassy.

Teatro Colon
Teatro Colon

If you continue walking down on Avenida Florida, you’ll come across some of the best cafés and clothing shops in the city. This is one of the best shopping areas in the city, especially within Galerías Pacífico, an elegant shopping mall.

Galerias Pacifico in Buenos Aires
Galerias Pacifico

Even if you don’t care much for shopping, you should still visit the Galerías Pacifico, which is quite unique. Its glass-vaulted arcade reminds me a lot about Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, in Milan.

On the west side of San Nicolas district is the beautiful Plaza Lavalle, a three block park in Buenos Aires located near the Argentine Supreme Court.

Argentine Supreme Court near Plaza Lavalle

This is a nice park to relax and it’s less crowded than the other larger parks in the city. 

Statue of Juan Lavalle in San Nicolas neighborhood in Buenos Aires
Statue of Juan Lavalle in Plaza Lavalle

The plaza is dominated by the imposing statue of Juan Lavalle, a hero of the War of Independence, after which the park and the square have been named.

2. Retiro

Retiro was once one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Here you’ll find many of the city’s five star hotels. Today, this neighborhood is the busiest transportation hub because it’s home to the Estación Retiro (Retiro Terminal Station), and Retiro bus station.

Retiro neighborhood in Buenos Aires
Retiro neighborhood in Buenos Aires

Retiro is famous for its wide leafy boulevards, beautiful architecture and great shopping. This is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires for walking and also offers some fantastic photo opportunities.

3. Montserrat

The barrio of Montserrat, also known as Microcentro, is a culturally rich neighborhood that pretty much sits at the center of Buenos Aires. During the 1950s, Montserrat was a favored place with the artists and the tango community, due to the cheap rents.

The focal point of Montserrat is Plaza de Mayo, the historical and political heart of the city, which dates back to the 1580.

Casa Rosada in Plaza de Mayo

Plaza de Mayo is the main site of political demonstrations and a shelter area for homeless and demonstrators who often camp out here at night. Two of the landmarks you shouldn’t miss in Plaza de Mayo is the famous Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace) and the Catedral Metropolitana, which dates back to the late colonial era.

Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires
Catedral Metropolitana in Plaza de Mayo

4. Palermo

Palermo is the largest and trendiest neighborhood for sightseeing in Buenos Aires, filled with restaurants, boutiques, bars, and clubs. The district is split up into several smaller and distinctive areas. The ones that I found the most appealing are: Palermo Chico, Palermo Hollywood and Palermo Soho.

Palermo neighborhood in Buenos Aires
Palermo

Palermo Hollywood gained its name due to the concentration of TV and film production studios. This sub-neighborhood is home to many fancy restaurants and clubs and therefore is quite lively at night. Palermo Hollywood seems to be the part of town that never sleeps and knows no difference between weekends and weekdays.

Palermo Chico (Small Palermo) is a rather exclusive area with palaces-turned-embassies and luxury apartment buildings. Some of Buenos Aires’ rich elite live here. The district sits on 350 acres of parks and lakes, so it’s a great sub-neighborhood to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires.

Street in Palermo Chico
Street in Palermo Chico

Palermo Soho is the heart of fashionable Palermo, famous for its upscale boutiques and cool cafés. Many of the middle class Porteño homes around here are painted in pastels colors that give the area a very picturesque appeal.

Palermo Soho neighborhood
Palermo Soho

Although not my favorite barrio in Buenos Aires, Palermo Soho is a nice, bohemian neighborhood with lots of nice restaurants, bars, shops and small boutique hotels. Many tourists like to stay here because of the free-spirited atmosphere and ease to move around. 

5. San Telmo

San Telmo is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, dating back to the 17th century when it was home to dockworkers and brick-makers. In the 19th century, after running water, sewers and lighting have been introduced, San Telmo began to attract the more affluent population. That’s when all the beautiful mansions and imposing homes have been built.

Street in San Telmo neighborhood in Buenos Aires
Street in San Telmo

Today San Telmo is an eclectic neighborhood, part tourist trap, part Bohemian enclave, part tango center, all of which makes it a pretty interesting place to visit. I really liked this barrio with cobbled streets and faded grandeur, reminiscent of a bygone era.

San Telmo neighborhood
San Telmo neighborhood

There are many good places to eat and drink in San Telmo, which is why the area is very popular with tourists. Also, there is an amazing market here in San Telmo that sells just about everything, from fresh produce and cooked food to antiques, dolls and hand made jewelry.

Tango show in San Telmo neighborhood
Tango Show at El Viejo Almacen, in San Telmo

San Telmo is home to some of the best tango venues in Buenos Aires, like El Viejo Almacén, on the corner of Calles Independencia and Balcarce. You can also watch street tango in Plaza Dorrego, where professional tango dancers flaunting their skill for tips almost every day.

6. Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero is Buenos Aires’ most modern neighborhood. Once a dilapidated port, this area is now filled with an array of fancy restaurants in renovated warehouses. Across the river is Puerto Madero’s residential area, full of modern high-rise apartment buildings.

Puerto Madero barrio
Puerto Madero

I wasn’t particularly impressed by this neighborhood, which seems rather cold with all these vast expanses of new construction. However, that’s not to say that Puerto Madero doesn’t have its own charm.

Punte de la Mujer in Puerto Madero
Punte de la Mujer

The most impressive landmark in Puerto Madero is the Puente de la Mujer, a rotating footbridge that spans the water in the Dock 3 area. The bridge is really impressive, representing a couple dancing tango. The white mast symbolizes the man and the curve of the bridge, the woman. 

Puerto Madero ship museum
Puerto Madero Ship-museum

Also in the dock area and two ships-museums – Sarmiento and Uruguay –each worth a visit if you have the time.

7. La Boca

The neighborhood of La Boca is perhaps the most colorful and picturesque of the 48 barrios of Buenos Aires. Situated at the mouth of the Riachuelo River, La Boca was the main point of entry for the Italians who immigrated to Argentina at the end of the 19th century.

Houses built of scrap metal in La Boca
Houses built of scrap metal in La Boca

As nearly all of La Boca’s population was poor, the houses were built almost entirely from materials found in the shipyard, like scrap metal and wood from the old ships. In order to make them more appealing, the residents painted the façades in bright colors, with the leftover paint from the port.

Caminito, La Boca
Caminito, La Boca

In time the colorful houses in the barrio deteriorated and have been replaced by dull apartment buildings. But in 1960, Benito Quinquela Martin, a local artist, decided to recreate a small community of houses around the street of Caminito in the way old La Boca used to look.

La Boca district in Buenos Aires
Caminito, La Boca

Although Caminito is not an authentic street, it is nevertheless a great representation of the way the immigrants lived in La Boca. Caminito is a haven for artists, tango dancers and street vendors.

La Boca neighborhood in Buenos Aires
Tango dancers in La Boca

This is a great place to take beautiful photos and spend a couple of hours. On this cobblestone street you have the best chance to view live street tango, or even learn how to dance.

8. Recoleta

Situated directly northeast of the City Center, Recoleta is Buenos Aires’ classiest and most affluent neighborhood. With its lavish homes and posh hotels, Recoleta is considered a hip enclave for the buttoned-up and well-to do in Buenos Aires.

The neighborhood of Recoleta in Buenos Aires
The neighborhood of Recoleta

The name Recoleta name originated from a Franciscan Order that established itself in this neighborhood in the 18th century. Besides being a very fancy neighborhood, Recoleta is an area of immense historical interest, namely the impressive Recoleta Cemetery.

Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta Cemetery

La Recoleta Cemetery is a captivating place! A labyrinth of towering marble mausoleums, built in many architectural styles. There are over 6,400 statues, sarcophagi, coffins and crypts in the city of the dead. And 90 of them are national historical monuments.

Some of Argentina’s most notable historic and political figures have their final resting place here. The most celebrated figure of the Recoleta Cemetery is without a doubt Eva Peron, the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952. 

9. Villa Crespo

Located on the south-west of Palermo, Villa Crespo is a less known district which is slowly becoming the trendiest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. The area is filled with trendy shops, especially leather stores. If you’re looking for bargains on famous local and international brands, this is the place to go shopping.

Shops in Villa Crespo, Buenos Aires
Shops in Villa Crespo

Villa Crespo is also the core of the Jewish community in Buenos Aires and as such it’s a great spot to find kosher food.

There are lots of hip bars and nice restaurants that have no signs outside; instead addresses are passed via word of mouth. Discovering them feels like stepping into a local secret.

How Safe Are the Buenos Aires Neighborhoods?

Safety in big cities is always a difficult topic and Buenos Aires is no exception. I said it and will say it again: there is no safe place anywhere in the world if you don’t use common sense. Look around you, know what you are doing, and don’t expose yourself unnecessarily. 

Generally speaking, Buenos Aires is a pretty safe city. We walked in many neighborhoods, on narrow streets and wide boulevards, in trams and metro stations, but never felt in danger in Buenos Aires.

I think the biggest issue for the tourists in Buenos Aires is the petty crime: theft and local scams. We had our share of it. In countries where the poverty level is high this is always a problem. 

Cabs in Buenos Aires
Cabs in Buenos Aires

The bank note switching is the scam you are most likely to encounter in Buenos Aires. The way it works is this: you hand your cab driver a big peso note (100 pesos or even a 50 for a shorter journey), he takes it, flicks it between his fingers, then gives it back to you saying that he doesn’t have change for such a large note.

Later when you try to use that note to pay for something else, they tell you it’s a fake. This is not likely to happen in an established store, but rather if you buy something on the side of the road or in taxis.

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Category: Argentina, DESTINATIONS, South AmericaTag: Buenos Aires, Destination Guides

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lamichhane

    December 17, 2024 at 12:51 am

    Thank you for this great guide to Buenos Aires! I love how you’ve captured the essence of each neighborhood, from the European charm of Recoleta to the vibrant atmosphere of Palermo. The mix of history and modernity makes the city so intriguing. Can’t wait to explore these spots!

    Reply
  2. Luisa

    December 11, 2024 at 11:23 pm

    Thank you for the great guide! You provide a clear and detailed overview of Buenos Aires, highlighting each neighborhood’s unique vibe.

    Reply
    • Anda

      December 18, 2024 at 3:36 pm

      Great I could be of help.

      Reply
  3. Tania Peru

    May 21, 2024 at 8:18 am

    Dear Anda, Thank you for sharing your passion with photography and for the information about the most important places about the cities in Argentina, it will undoubtedly help us a lot on our next vacation. we are close but we never been there yet.

    Reply
  4. kire

    October 15, 2023 at 10:43 am

    where’s that first street pic in san telmo? very beautiful!

    Reply
    • Anda

      October 17, 2023 at 11:31 am

      I wish I could remember.

      Reply
  5. Lyn@thetravellinglindfields

    November 7, 2020 at 1:58 am

    I think we are following each other around the world. We love Buenos Aires and have been there many times. We have only made it to La Boca once but just loved it when we did. One piece of advice for anyone intending to go though is to make sure you know how you will get back to your hotel. We had a lot of trouble finding a taxi once we had finished walking around. I’m not sure if taxis avoid the area because it is surrounded by rough neighbourhoods or we were just unlucky.

    Reply
  6. Mary {The World Is A Book}

    September 8, 2020 at 9:54 pm

    I love how colorful this neighborhood is and especially the scene with the tango dancers. I’ve also read how dangerous it could be here. But, I probably would make it to this neighborhood if I ever make it to BA. Lovely photos!

    Reply
  7. Melodie K.

    August 8, 2020 at 7:55 pm

    A recreated old-style barrio in Buenos Aires? Yes, I’d enjoy strolling it, getting a glimpse of the area’s history. You didn’t say whether or not the dancers were very good ~ but, if they are, I wouldn’t mind ordering an overpriced beverage to sip while watching them ply their trade!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      August 9, 2020 at 8:20 pm

      The dancers are absolutely perfect, Melodie. It’s a delight watching them and listening to the tango tunes.

      Reply
  8. Donna Meyer

    June 12, 2020 at 3:47 pm

    It seems a shame that no one lives in those lovely and colorful old buildings. You’d think if they were made livable, that it’s a neighborhood that would appeal to young artists, which would make it a safer and more vibrant neighborhood as well. Even so, I would definitely visit the street if I travel to BA. I love the idea of sitting outside sipping a beer or cafe and watching good tango dancers!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      June 12, 2020 at 6:32 pm

      This ‘barrio’ is absolutely worth a visit, Donna, but you have to watch your pockets very carefully while there.

      Reply
  9. Parnashree Devi

    May 17, 2020 at 2:17 pm

    Ok, let me be honest. Out of all the neighbourhood , I would like to explore La Boca. Only because I find it colorful and it has a distinct character. The popcout colors and the people make it one of the most lively places to live. If I have to talk about other neighbourhood, What i loved about them is the architectures. God…..Road, buildings, Church …most gorgeous ones there. Thanks for this detailed post. I am pinning it for my future travel.

    Reply
    • Anda

      May 18, 2020 at 7:35 am

      La Boca is very special, indeed, but Palermo Soho is also very colorful.

      Reply
  10. Robert

    May 16, 2020 at 6:27 pm

    What an excellent post and photos on suggestions for Buenos Aires. South America is definitely on our “Must Travel To Next” list from Canada. I’ve definitely bookmarked this excellent post for future reference when we do travel to this destination. Thanks again, Robert 🙂

    Reply
  11. Bhushavali N

    May 16, 2020 at 1:58 pm

    The only neighbourhood that I already know in Buenos Aires is La Boca for its super colorful houses. I’m glad to read about the other places right now in your blog. As a history buff I’d love San Nicholas and Montserrat. Palermo Soho looks cool. As rightly said, I may not prefer staying here, but a stroll around this place and a lunch in one of these picturesque cafes would be cool. San Telmo looks so charming. I love its historic beauty!

    Reply
  12. Val

    May 16, 2020 at 12:19 pm

    What a great read, Buenos Aires sounds fabulous! La Boca is super colorful and La Recoleta looks fantastic (I love visiting cemeteries!). Thanks for all these great photos, they provide a great overview of the city!

    Reply
    • Anda

      May 16, 2020 at 2:38 pm

      Hahaha, I love visiting cemeteries too, Val.

      Reply
  13. Shreya Saha

    May 15, 2020 at 11:14 pm

    I have never been to Buenos Aires, but have heard of it. Also, if I remember it well, I have always come across the safety of such places. Glad that you have been there and actually summarised a lot of different neighborhoods. Retiro surely sounds posh but what caught my attention is La Boca. It’s so colorful. Thanks for letting us know about the bank note switching scam. Would have to be careful but will surely visit the place, mostly for La Boca.

    Reply
    • Anda

      May 16, 2020 at 11:42 am

      Yea, safety may be an issue in big cities like that. However, it’s petty crime that you should be more concerned in Buenos Aires.

      Reply
  14. emma

    May 15, 2020 at 2:13 pm

    Palermo Soho looks super cool, I love the colours and think i would enjoy the unique boutiques. La Boca also looks so awesome, what cool photos, Interesting how all the building are built using scrap. Very interesting how all the neighbour hoods are so different and have there own style. shame no matter where you go you can never escape crime

    Reply
  15. Linda (LD Holland)

    May 15, 2020 at 11:09 am

    We got such a small taste test of Buenos Aires when we visited. Your post reminds me that there is still so much more to explore on a return visit. I did not actually realize there were so many. And we only made it to a few. I would certainly be seeking out the neighborhoods with great food. But I wouldn’t miss La Boca for all the colour! We were sorry to miss the Ricoleta Cemetery. I did not hear about the bank note switching scam. But when we walked through the streets, everyone seemed to want to exchange money for us. Luckily we did not need to. Now I am even gladder.

    Reply
    • Anda

      May 15, 2020 at 11:11 am

      Too bad you couldn’t visit the Recoleta Cemetery when you were in Buenos Aires, Linda.

      Reply
  16. Trisha Velarmino

    May 15, 2020 at 10:01 am

    I lived in Buenos Aires for a year and definitely loved it! It got tiring after a month so I moved to Cordoba but still, I love BsAs! I am sure you loved your stay but I am also secretly hoping you fell in love with this city because I did! Hope to see more of BsAs in your blog – I miss it so much!

    Reply
    • Anda

      May 15, 2020 at 11:12 am

      I miss it too, Trisha.

      Reply
  17. Amrita

    May 15, 2020 at 7:49 am

    Wow, Buenos Aires looks like a wonderful place. The neighbourhoods you mentioned all look quite beautiful. And as for safety around the neighbourhoods, you are absolutely right. We just need to be careful around new places. I loved reading about the history behind the names of the places. Each of the neighbourhood seems to have something special – be it the affluence of Recoleta or the Jewish community of Villa Crespo. Nice reading about Buenos Aires.

    Reply
  18. Subhashish Roy

    May 15, 2020 at 6:41 am

    Buenos Aires seems quite exciting with it’s good and bad. The look of Galerias Pacifico is so similar to one that we saw in Brussels and would love to visit for the feel rather than shopping. The Caminito, La Boca street looks so colorful and with the almost empty roads it would be a pleasure exploring. Would also love some music and spend time watching the Tango dancers performs. The black and yellow taxis look so much like the ones we have in India but then the note scam is shocking and you really cannot trust them then. Would avoid availing taxis perhaps. Overall interesting place to be in.

    Reply
    • Anda

      May 15, 2020 at 11:13 am

      It seems there are quite a few similar malls like this in Europe. We’ve seen on in Milan.

      Reply
  19. Rhonda Albom

    May 14, 2020 at 5:29 pm

    Still one of my favourite cities in the world. I would pack up and move there in a moment if my husband were keen. Recoleta stole my heart, although I think I would want to live in Puerto Madero. Reading this once again brought back so many wonderful memories, and reminded me that I need to get back to visit Villa Crespo, the one on your list I missed the first time around.

    Reply
    • Anda

      May 15, 2020 at 11:13 am

      You are right, Rhonda, Buenos Aires is that kind of a city that makes you want to move there.

      Reply

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