Wondering where to stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s must-visit capital city? This guide covers the best neighbourhoods with accommodation recommendations – written by a former local!
So you’re going to Buenos Aires. You’ve got your Buenos Aires itinerary sorted and you’ve picked out a few amazing Buenos Aires restaurants.
But now there’s another big question to answer: where to stay in Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires is a big city and it can be confusing to decide where to base yourself for your visit.
Don’t worry, I’ve got your back!
I lived in Buenos Aires for two years, so I’ve pulled together this guide that covers the best areas to stay in Buenos Aires. I’ve also included accommodation options in each neighbourhood to make the planning process a whole lot easier.
So, read on to find out where to stay in Buenos Aires and pick your fave neighbourhood.
This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
Quick overview of where to stay in Buenos Aires
I go into more detail later on about each of these barrios (neighbourhoods/suburbs), but here’s also a quick guide to the best Buenos Aires neighborhoods for visitors.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires for:
- First-time visitors: Palermo or Recoleta
- Nightlife: Palermo
- To be close to the main sights: Recoleta or Microcentro
- Beautiful architecture: Recoleta (and most of the city!)
- Families or people looking for a quiet area: Villa Crespo
- Budget accommodation: San Telmo
- Luxury accommodation: Recoleta
The great thing is that no matter where you choose to stay in Buenos Aires, you’re never going to be too far from the action. The city may be big, but there’s a great network of taxis, rideshares and public transport so you can easily get around.
This map of Buenos Aires shows where each of the six neighbourhoods I recommend are located:
- Red shaded area – Palermo
- Green shaded area – Recoleta
- Blue shaded area – San Telmo
- Purple shaded area – Centro Histórico
- Orange shaded area – Puerto Madero
- Yellow shaded area – Villa Crespo
Snapshot: Buenos Aires travel guide
☀️ Best time to visit: spring (Sep-Nov) and autumn (Mar-May)
⭐️ When visiting Buenos Aires, you shouldn’t miss:
- Free walking tour of Buenos Aires – great way to learn about the history and culture and get recommendations from a local guide!
- The Argentine Experience in Buenos Aires – a fun dining experience
- Visiting the Recoleta Cemetery – home to many important Argentine figures and some incredible tombs
🏨 Book your hotels well in advance during peak season. The best areas to stay for a first-time visit are Palermo and Recoleta. My recommended hotels in Buenos Aires are:
- BE Jardin Escondido by Coppola – gorgeous boutique hotel in Palermo
- Hotel Club Frances – in Recoleta, with spacious rooms
- Casa Caravan – super cool hostel
🚙 Getting around: Buenos Aires is incredibly walkable, but there are also plenty of taxis and rideshares; the Subte (subway system) is also easy and cheap to use
🛬 Need to get from one of Buenos Aires’ two major airports to the city? Book a transfer here
⚠️ Safety: Don’t walk with your phone out on the street, especially near traffic (motochorros – thieves on motorbikes – are a thing); take rideshares at night
1. Palermo
If it’s your first trip to Buenos Aires, you’re likely to end up staying in Palermo – and it’s a great choice.
I love this area, and most visitors end up enjoying spending time around here as well. I personally think it’s the best area to stay in Buenos Aires for first-timers.
Palermo is the trendiest barrio in town, and it’s actually a really huge neighbourhood, made up of many smaller neighbourhoods. The most well-known are Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood. They’re also where you’ll find many restaurants (including some of the best steakhouses in Buenos Aires) and some great Buenos Aires attractions.
There are beautiful parks, some of Buenos Aires’ best shopping and MALBA (the Museo de Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires), one of Buenos Aires’ most impressive museums.
The only downside is that public transport can be a bit far, so you might need to walk a bit to get to the main streets where buses run or to a subway station. But with so many taxis and rideshare options in Buenos Aires, I don’t think this is such a big issue. (Read my full guide to how to get around Buenos Aires.)
Where to stay in Palermo
Here are some of my recommendations for where to stay if you choose Palermo:
- Luxury: BE Jardin Escondido by Coppola (⭐ 9.2) – boutique hotel with rooms filled with gorgeous touches like vintage suitcases and cosy reading nooks. The pool is a bonus for the hot Buenos Aires summers. | Book on Expedia or Booking.com
- Boutique: Home Hotel (⭐ 9.3) – rooms are minimalist and stylish, the staff are very much in the know and can share plenty of hidden Buenos Aires gems. Amazing garden and pool. | Book on Expedia or Booking.com
- Vacation rental: Travelling with a group of friends or family? This amazing home (⭐ 10) sleeps 10 and has a private rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi.
- Hostel: Casa Caravan (⭐ 9.6) – has to be one of the cooler hostels I’ve seen, with a gorgeous garden, swimming pool, bar, clean rooms and comfy beds. | Book on Agoda or Booking.com
2. Recoleta
Filled with mansions, expensive shops, plazas and grand statues, Recoleta awakens memories of bygone Buenos Aires. It’s one of the most upscale neighbourhoods in the city.
I lived here when I lived in Argentina and loved how tranquil and elegant the neighbourhood is. It’s also close to many of the popular Buenos Aires tourist attractions like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (the city’s fine arts museum) and the Recoleta Cemetery, so you can easily walk to most places.
It is considered pretty expensive, but you can still find decently priced accommodation. Recoleta also doesn’t have the nightlife options that Palermo offers, but there are still some very cool bars here, including my favourite in the whole city, Florería Atlántico (well, technically it’s in the nearby neighbourhood of Retiro, but it’s just on the border so I’m including it here).
Where to stay in Recoleta
Here are my top picks for hotels in Recoleta.
- Luxury: It doesn’t get more opulent than the 5-star Alvear Palace Hotel (⭐ 9.2), one of the best hotels in Buenos Aires. The rooftop atrium bar has gorgeous views over the city, and the daily high tea is a must. | Book on Expedia or Booking.com
- Mid-range: The rooms at Hotel Club Frances (⭐ 8.9), in the heart of Recoleta, are spacious, and some have a sauna and spa bath. | Book on Expedia or Booking.com
- Budget: Rooms at Callao Suites Recoleta (⭐ 8.7) are small but they have kitchens, perfect if you’re staying in Buenos Aires for 3 days or longer. | Book on Expedia or Booking.com
- Hostel: Voyage Recoleta Hostel (⭐ 8.1) has a range of 4- and 6-bed mixed and single gender dorm rooms, as well as private rooms. Beds have lockable storage space and individual lights and USB plugs. | Book on Tripadvisor or Booking.com
- Vacation rental: This funky two-bedroom apartment (⭐ 9.9) is in a great location.
3. San Telmo
Retaining its bohemian vibe, San Telmo is a grungier area than Palermo and Recoleta, but it’s beautiful with its cobblestone streets, old churches and historic buildings.
It’s close to tourist sites like Plaza de Mayo and other attractions in Buenos Aires, and has a happening nightlife scene. Wander the San Telmo Market, a permanent structure filled with restaurants, or head out into the streets on Sunday for the famous Feria de San Telmo where you can shop, grab lunch and watch tango dancers.
On the downside, San Telmo does have a reputation for being a bit seedy at nighttime, but you can avoid trouble by catching taxis and sticking to the main streets. I’ve never had any issues when visiting this barrio at night, however.
Where to stay in San Telmo
Some great accommodation in San Telmo includes:
- Boutique: Inside a former 19th century home, the rooms at L’Adresse Hôtel Boutique (⭐ 8.8) pop with bursts of colour or unique lighting. | Book on Expedia or Booking.com
- Vacation Rental: Lemon Suites‘ (⭐ 9.2) minimalist but stylish apartments have kitchenettes and a range of room set-ups for couples and families – and a pool. | Book on Tripadvisor or Booking.com
- Hostel: America del Sur Hostel (⭐ 8.8) consistently gets great ratings for friendly staff and cleanliness. There are private rooms and dorms with shared or private bathrooms. | Book on Expedia or Booking.com
4. Centro Histórico
The Microcentro (or Centro) is the heart of Buenos Aires. It’s the financial district and where big businesses have their offices, so during the week it’s bustling with crowds of workers. Technically these neighbourhoods are called Monserrat and San Nicolás, but I’m grouping them here for ease.
It’s really close to the city’s key sites like the Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Palacio Barolo and the beautiful interiors of Galerías Pacífico. You can also easily walk to San Telmo and Recoleta from here.
On weekends and at night it’s quieter and some streets are deserted – be careful around here (but not overly cautious).
While this area has plenty of Buenos Aires accommodation options, I do think it lacks the character of other barrios. It’s a convenient spot if you’re only in Buenos Aires for a night or two – but it wouldn’t be my first choice of neighbourhood to stay in.
Where to stay in the Microcentro
There’s a huge range of accommodation in the historic centre.
- Luxury: One of the best hotels in the Microcentro is the Alvear Art Hotel (⭐ 8.8). It’s a modern, upscale hotel with a pool, 24-hour reception and a bar. | Book on Expedia or Booking.com
- Self-catering: Broadway Hotel & Suites (⭐ 8.3) is in a good location, within walking distance of the Obelisco, Teatro Colón and good places to eat. Some rooms have mini kitchenettes with a microwave and sink. | Book on Expedia or Booking.com
- Hostel: I know a few people who have stayed at Milhouse Avenue (⭐ 8.5) and loved it. It’s in an old refurbished building with parquetry floors and a terrace. There’s a bar, common kitchen and barbecues. It’s got a reputation for being a bit of a party house, though! | Book on Expedia or Booking.com
5. Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero is Buenos Aires’ newest neighbourhood, built on reclaimed land. It’s filled with many high-rise luxury apartments and office buildings. I used to work in this area (and was where I first lived when I landed in Buenos Aires).
It’s more modern than other areas, and the hotels are quite fancy, which means higher price tags than other areas of the city. Puerto Madero is clean and feels very safe. On a nice day, it’s lovely to walk along the waterfront, and the 350-hectare Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur nature reserve is a wonderful city escape.
But, honestly, this place lacks soul. It would not be my recommendation if this is your first time visiting Buenos Aires. It feels isolated and public transport is difficult to access from here.
There’s little in the way of nightlife other than a few (expensive) restaurants. Although it is home to the very sexy Rojo Tango show at the incredible Faena Hotel.
Where to stay in Puerto Madero
Some recommended hotels in Puerto Madero include:
- Luxury: We lived in the Hilton Buenos Aires (⭐ 9.0) for a month when we first moved to Buenos Aires. While it’s a huge hotel, the staff were so friendly and helpful and became our de facto family while we were looking for an apartment to move into. It’s in a great location and has several bars and restaurants to choose from. | Book on Expedia or Booking.com
- Luxury: The Faena Hotel (⭐ 8.5) has various bars, restaurants and rooms are filled with eccentric artwork and decor like you’ve never seen before. The plush rooms have red velvet curtains and the hotel’s spa is one of the best in the city. | Book on Expedia or Booking.com
- Mid-range: The rooms at Pleno Madero (⭐ 8.8) are chic and minimalist. Visitors particularly like the breakfast that’s served daily and the attentive staff. This hotel is on the city side of Puerto Madero. | Book on Expedia or Booking.com
- Apartment: There are a few vacation rentals in Puerto Madero. I like the look of these stylish and bright apartments (⭐ 9.5) with kitchens – some have balconies. | Book on Booking.com
6. Villa Crespo
Villa Crespo is a residential neighbourhood that’s just west of Palermo. While it’s not filled with attractions, it’s one of the best places to stay in Buenos Aires if you’re seeking a quieter area to stay in the city where you can get a feel for local life. It’s also a nice, quiet area for families.
Even though there’s not a lot to do (although you can find some great street art!), there are plenty of great restaurants and bars – all off the beaten tourist path, so you’re more likely to find yourself surrounded by locals.
This is a great area to stay if you’re visiting Buenos Aires for a little longer, as it has more affordable accommodation options. It’s just a short ride to the buzzing areas of Palermo.
Where to stay in Villa Crespo
Villa Crespo doesn’t have many hotels, so I’d recommend booking an Airbnb here. You may see some online sites now referring to “Palermo Queens” – this is the new nickname for Villa Crespo that hasn’t quite caught on.
- Apartment: In a great location is this small but cute loft apartment (⭐ 9.2) that can sleep three people.
- Townhouse: For larger groups and families, you could book multiple rooms in this colourful and quirky townhouse (⭐ 8.8).
Final thoughts: Best areas to stay in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is one of South America’s most beautiful and must-visit capital cities. BUT, having lived there, I know it can be confusing figuring out the best area to stay.
And, as we all know, location is important when you’re visiting a large city.
I hope this guide to the best Buenos Aires neighborhoods has helped you figure out where you’ll base yourself when you visit Buenos Aires. Enjoy your trip!
Where to stay in Buenos Aires: FAQs
What is the best neighbourhood to stay in Buenos Aires?
Palermo is my pick for visitors, especially first-time travellers to Buenos Aires. It’s got great nightlife, stylish boutiques, and plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars.
How many days do I need in Buenos Aires?
Spending 3 days in Buenos Aires is the minimum time you need to explore major attractions, enjoy the food and experience the culture.
What is the best way for visitors to get around Buenos Aires?
The subway (Subte), buses and taxis are convenient and affordable. Buenos Aires is also a very walkable city.
Is Buenos Aires safe to visit?
Buenos Aires is generally safe for tourists, but take the standard safety precautions you’d take in any big city, especially at night.
What kind of currency should I bring to Buenos Aires, and are credit cards accepted?
The Argentine Peso (ARS) is the local currency, but you’ll want to bring some US dollars with you as well. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash (especially small denominations) is recommended, as is having a back-up debit card (like a Wise card). Avoid taking cash out of ATMs due to the low limits you can withdraw and high fees.
When is the best time of year to visit Buenos Aires?
The best time to visit Buenos Aires is spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when you’ll have pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
What are the best day trips to take from Buenos Aires?
There are some great day trips from Buenos Aires. Tigre for its river delta, San Antonio de Areco for gaucho culture and Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay are great choices.
Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!
So, there you have it, a guide to where to stay in Buenos Aires from someone who’s lived here. Where will you be staying? Drop any questions in the comments section below.
Related posts
Before you go… here are my guides for what to do in Buenos Aires as you plan your trip:
- 3 days in Buenos Aires itinerary
- Where to eat in Buenos Aires
- The 25 best things to do in Buenos Aires
- How to plan a Buenos Aires travel budget
- What to buy in Buenos Aires
- The best estancias near Buenos Aires
- How to spend 2 weeks in Argentina
ARGENTINA TRIP ESSENTIALS
- Book your flight to Argentina online with Skyscanner. I like how this site allows you to find the cheapest days.
- Find a great hotel in Argentina. Check prices on Booking.com and Expedia online.
- Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Argentina on GetYourGuide or Viator. I love a good food tour in particular!
- Saving money? Check out the range of free walking tours across Argentina with GuruWalk (don’t forget to tip!).
- Keep those bottles of wine you’ll be buying safe in these wine bags.
- A copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Argentina will be handy. Also pick up a Spanish language phrasebook to help you navigate your visit.
- One thing I always purchase is travel insurance! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
PIN IT FOR LATER: WHERE TO STAY IN BUENOS AIRES
Save this guide to where to stay in Buenos Aires to Pinterest so you can plan your Argentina trip later!
