Despite being located in South the capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires boasts a mix of European grandeur and Latin passion. Vibrant, alive, and alluring, this city has plenty to get under your skin. There are a plethora of amazing attractions that lure tourists from around the world. But that’s not all, there are also some best neighborhoods in Buenos Aires that are worth exploring. With that being said, there are not just a handful of neighborhoods in the city. With many options, it could take even a month to explore all the best neighborhoods in Buenos. Obviously, it isn’t possible to cover all in this post, but I have included some of the highly-recommended and the best areas in Buenos Aires. So, here we begin!
Table of Contents
Best Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires
La Boca
One of the most vibrant and alive neighborhoods in Buenos Aires is La Boca. This area is known as the home to a number of art spaces that lure a large crowd of tourists both locals as well as international. Some of them are Usina del Arte and Proa Foundation. In La Boca, there are Pinzon and Calle Suarez are two most authentic streets that house painted corrugated metal and painted wooden houses. Some of these houses still have paint that dates back to 100 years. There is also Bombonera Stadium where you can click some amazing pictures. After exploring all these, visit Don Carlos for an ultimate street food tour in La Boca in Buenos Aires.
Microcentro
Just to let you know, each neighborhood in Buenos Aires has its own charm to compel tourists. Microcentro is one of those areas in the city where you can enjoy plenty of experiences. Here you can be a part of the city’s best plays, stand-up in the theatre, big concerts on Avenida Corrientes. You can also explore Obelisco – the most iconic attraction in the city. Every Thursday, Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo march is observed around the Plaza. Not just this, here you can enjoy a tango performance in La Manzana de las Luces. Just to let you know, La Manzana de las Luces is one of the oldest constructions in Buenos Aires. Zirkel is one of the must-visit restaurants where you should go in the evening to enjoy dinner with picturesque views of Buenos Aires along with the dazzling lights of the Uruguayan coast across the river.
San Telmo
If you are looking for a neighborhood with a bohemian vibe or historical significance, then San Telmo is the place to be. Plaza Dorrego is the place where you can get to see professional tango dancers showing off their skills. Sunday is the day where you can get to explore a lot in San Telmo. On Sundays, a giant street fair is observed at Defensa Street which attracts a huge footfall of tourists from far and wide. At this fare, you can expect to see musicians play, street performances, and even artisans selling their waves. One of the key highlights is the San Telmo Market in Buenos Aires where you can savor the taste of international cuisine. Along with that, the market is also known to house coffee shops, fruit stalls, and record stores. For a fact, San Telmo is considered to be the most romantic and lively area in Buenos Aires. Not just this, Buenos Aires San Telmo market is also an ideal destination for tourists to book a stay. There are plenty of amazing Buenos Aires hotels and hostels for tourists.
Palermo Hollywood
A must for Buenos Aires travel nightcrawlers is Palermo in Buenos Aires. Along with that, the Palermo area in Buenos Aires is also known for sightseeing. It is one of the largest areas, you will have to walk a lot while exploring the area. You can hire a scooter to explore this place on your own. On the grounds of the planetarium, a full month party is organized monthly. If it interests you, be a part of it. Just to let you know, Palermo Hollywood is named after Hollywood in California. The reason behind the name is radio, TV, and film companies that are located in this region.
COLORFUL & COOLEST Neighborhood in Buenos Aires
Palermo Soho
Palermo Soho is another popular area located in Palermo district in Buenos Aires. The neighborhood is bordered by Santa Fe, Dorrego, Cordoba, and Coronel Diaz. It is dotted with boutiques, restaurants, bars, and clubs for all the socialites. In recent years, Palermo Soho has started to lure a huge footfall of tourists both locals as well as international. The young and vibrant atmosphere in Palermo Soho is ideal for people of all ages. If you are planning a trip to Buenos Aires, then Palermo Soho has to be on your Buenos Aires neighborhood guide because of its compelling charm.
Recoleta
Recoleta is probably the most diverse part of Buenos Aires city. It has a lot of things to satiate the curiosity of history lovers. There is the resting place of Eva Peron, known as Recoleta Cemetery. It is adorned with tombs and ornate mausoleums. It is one of the most important tourist landmarks in Recoleta. For all the luxury lovers, Recoleta Cemetery is one of the best neigbhorhoods in Buenos Aires to stay. There are plush hotels in Buenos Aires and lavish homes to enjoy a pleasing and comfortable stay in the Recoleta.
Barro Chino
You cannot afford to ignore Barrio Chino because of its alluring charm. There is a giant Chinese-style archway that welcomes its visitors to Barro Chino. While exploring this neighborhood, you can also expect to savor some delicious dishes like bubble tea, dim sum, and Taiwanese street food. Not just this, popular grocery stores like Tina & Co. are also located in this area. On Sundays, you can even expect to catch the street performances of local artists. Not just this, businesses also celebrate various major festivals and events from different Asian countries. Barrancas de Belgrano is a place where you can be a part of a concert or can just visit it to soak up the sun.
What To Expect – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Villa Crespo
Located south of Palermo soho Buenos Aires, Villa Crespo is another great place to stroll and explore the city. With time, Villa Crespo becomes one of the popular branches of Palermo. Here you can expect to explore the cosmopolitan culture. Though there are not many attractions to explore in this part of Buenos Aires, however, different cultures mingling in the streets is what attracts the tourists more here in Villa Crespo. The area brings an old-world charm. The neighborhood is associated with the Jewish community in Buenos Aires as a number of synagogues are situated here in Villa Crespo.
Almagro
Located between Cordoba and Indepencia and is touted as one of the most important thoroughfares. With a high population density, Almagro is a commercial region. Talking about the history, back in the 1700s, Allegro was once a wealthy neighborhood where the western part was owned by Carlos de Los Santos Valente – Portuguese merchant. Whereas, the easter region was under the administration of Spaniard Juan Maria de Almagro y de la Torre.
From the start, Almagro was a commercial district. Back in the 1800s, most parts of this neighborhood were dotted with dairy farms and brick factories. Not just this, during that time, Almagro wasn’t part of Buenos Aires. In 1878, San Carlos Parish was constructed. It was then the district built its identity and its population was ruled mostly by Italian and Basques. Later in the year, 1880, Almagro officially became part of the part Buenos Aires neighborhood map.
Baraccas
Baraccas has been an integral part of Buenos Aires for a long time. In the 1880s, this neighborhood was the place where everything important used to happen. The rich families were used to having their livings in this part of the city during the 20th century. It used to house a number of modest cafes and factories. However, as a result of freeway construction in Baraccas, around 20 residential buildings witnessed demolition along with 2 parks. Today, you can find homes with colorful facades; most of them are painted by the artist – Marino Santa Maria.
Now that you have all the list of all the must-explored neighborhoods ready with you, it is time to know how you can explore the capital city of Buenos Aires like a local.
Getting Around Buenos Aires
The public transport network in Buenos Aires should be praised as it is well-connected to all parts of the city. Metro is the major means to travel within the city. In total, there are seven metro lines that are connected to all parts of the city. The city also has a vast bus network which is also preferred by a majority of tourists. Intercity trains are also used by travelers to travel outside the city. To make you travel conveniently in the capital city of Argentina, I would suggest you buy a prepaid SUBE Card. It allows you to travel without any hassle as you don’t have to stand in long queues to get the ride token. You can purchase the card from tourist centers or subway stations, and can be used in all public transportation options.
Taxis are also a popular means of travel in Buenos Aires. However, like in any other destination, taxis in Buenos Aires are expensive. But if you are traveling at night, this is the best means to be safe in the city.
Best Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires to Stay
Before booking your stay in the capital city of Argentina, it is important to consider how long you are going to stay. Accommodation in Buenos Aires comes in different varieties. It is important to choose your stay close to your main interest.
The majority of tourists prefer to stay in areas like Palermo, San Telmo, and 9 Julio Avenue. However, Villa Crespo and Almagro are also the places that offer the amazing staying experience to tourists. Besides, these neighborhoods are well connected to all parts of the city. If you are a history person, then you can consider booking a stay in areas of Congreso, San Cristobal, and Monserrat.
Festivals and Events in the Best Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires
Surely, if there is a festival during the time of your vacation in Buenos Aires, you will be part of it. But I would recommend you to check the events and festival calendar beforehand. A thing to know here is that there is always something interesting and happenings going on in the capital city of Argentina. The city hosts some amazing international concerts and festivals that you cannot afford not to be a part of. Along with that, local events are also quite the attractions in the city of Buenos Aires. There is the Tango Festival, Festival Ciudad Emergente. If you are a cinema lover, then be a part of the BAFICI Film Festival. Contemporary Dance Festival is another popular celebration hosted in the city.
Local Things You Should Be a Part of
Now if you are looking at what to see in Buenos Aires like a local, then there are certain things that you cannot afford to ignore. These are:
- Explore used book fairs in Parque Rivadavia, Plaza Houssey, and Plaza Italia.
- Drink ‘mate’ with sunshine. Mate is a popular beverage that is an infusion of tea or coffee. Head to any park in the afternoon and be a part of an interesting ritual where people drink this beverage with their loved ones.
- Experience the alternative cultural scene. Far away from those popular museums, the city also hosts street fairs, free shows, events, underground theatre, and exhibitions at unexpected places.
- At Milonga, show your skills of tango dance. In the city, there are plenty of milongas where you can be a part of this beautiful dance form. If you don’t know how to do the tango, then there are classes where you can learn some skills to feel like a local in Buenos Aires.
- Be a part of a soccer match. Soccer in entire Argentina is not just a sport, it’s an emotion. Being part of any match is an experience in itself and the atmosphere is truly surreal.
So, this is all about the best neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. I hope you have liked the post. However, I would again suggest you explore Buenos Aires like a local to get an indelible experience and bucket loads of amazing memories.
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