Where to Stay in Buenos Aires: Best Neighbourhoods for First-Timers and Longer Stays
If there’s a city I could imagine myself living in, it’s Buenos Aires. Fun, vibrant and artistic, every barrio feels like its own bubble infused with its own unique personality.
After spending a month in Patagonia, I spent another month and a half enjoying everything this incredible city has to offer. From rooftop bars and open-air cinemas to endless tango classes and exploring different neighbourhoods, it’s easy to spend weeks roaming around without ever running out of things to do.
What I loved most about Buenos Aires is how you could be as energetic or as lazy as you wanted. One minute, you could be exploring the colourful corners of La Boca, and the next, watching a sultry tango performance alongside a gregarious crowd.
And then there’s the nightlife (literally!)… Even at 2 am, I love how people are out walking their dogs as you make your way home from a night out. Because, well… in Buenos Aires that’s basically their 9 pm!
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by where to base yourself, I totally get it. I hopped around a few different neighbourhoods. With so many to choose from, knowing where to start can be tricky. So, if it’s your first time in Buenos Aires, I’ve narrowed it down to a select few depending on your travel style and what you’d like to experience.
Here are the best places to stay in Buenos Aires for your stay.
Where to Stay: Top Picks
| Cosy apartments in Palermo | Modern Apartments - by BueRentals |
| An oasis in Palermo Soho | BE Jardin Escondido By Coppola |
| Beautiful apartments in Recoleta | Hub Porteño |
| Charming in San Telmo | Lina's Tango Guesthouse |
| Artistic boutique hotel downtown | Cassa Lepage Art Hotel Buenos Aires |
Buenos Aires Neighbourhood Map
Click the top-left box outlined with the right arrow to view the neighbourhood key
Skip to…
| Barrio | Best for... |
|---|---|
| Palermo | First-timers looking for a lively atmosphere, with cafés and restaurants on their doorstep |
| Recoleta | First-timers looking for an upscale neighbourhood with elegant architecture and a central location |
| San Telmo | For cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, street art and tango |
| Puerto Madero | Those looking for modern, upscale accommodation along a polished waterfront |
| Villa Crespo | Longer stays on a budget, with Palermo's restaurants and nightlife close by |
| Microcentro | Shorter stays focused on downtown |
| Caballito | Longer stays in a quieter, more residential neighbourhood with a local feel |
| Almagro | A well-connected central base with easy access to public transport |
Urban art in Buenos Aires
Where to Stay in Palermo
As Buenos Aires’ largest barrio, with distinct sub-neighbourhoods, Palermo is brimming with independent boutique shops, galleries, and bookstores. With urban art scattered throughout its streets, Palermo’s magnetic charm, walkable streets, thriving nightlife and vibrant culinary scene make it one of the best places to stay in Buenos Aires.
If it’s your first time in Buenos Aires, Palermo would be my top choice. It’s a neighbourhood where you can spend your days wandering without a plan or hop on public transport to get wherever you need to go. There are also plenty of green spaces, and the Japanese Gardens are nearby if you need a peaceful escape from the urban buzz.
I stayed in a few different apartments in Palermo and loved it. Whether it’s a summer evening on a rooftop bar or settling in for happy hour alongside chatty Porteños unwinding after work, there’s no shortage of places to spend an evening.
And if you fancy trying tango, La Catedral in neighbouring Almagro is a short bus ride away, where you can dance until dawn at a milonga and soak up the city’s vibrant tango scene.
As a more upscale neighbourhood, Palermo can be pricier to stay in, so you might prefer neighbouring Villa Crespo if you’re on a budget. Getting to San Telmo can also take around 45 minutes by bus, and it can feel a bit more like a bubble with the number of tourists and expats.
That said, if you're in the city for New Year’s, as one of my hosts put it, you can’t really go wrong with Palermo😉
Here are some of the best hotels and apartments in Palermo worth checking out:
Modern Apartments in Palermo - by BueRentals
Located in Alto Palermo right next to Recoleta, you’re in a really great location with a large number of cafes and restaurants nearby. The apartments are modern and range from studio style to one-bedroom and two-bedroom.
BE Jardin Escondido By Coppola
A beautiful boutique hotel with a lot of charm and character, it’s located in Palermo Soho close to many restaurants and bars. A quiet oasis tucked away in bustling Palermo, there’s a small pool to relax in at the end of your day.
Casa Caravan - Plant-Based Concept House
A budget-friendly option in Palermo Soho, with a pool and outdoor space it has a modern and cosy feel.
Deluxe Apartments in Palermo
Nestled in Palermo Hollywood, these stunning apartment suites (some with a jacuzzi ) make for a really comfortable stay. You’re within walking distance of cafes, restaurants and shops plus the metro is just around the corner.
Where to Stay in Recoleta
Bordering Palermo, Recoleta is one of Buenos Aires’ more affluent and upscale neighbourhoods. It’s a great place to base yourself if you prefer elegant architecture and a more refined atmosphere.
One of the neighbourhood’s highlights is Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of some of Argentina’s most notable figures, including Eva Perón and several former presidents. Right next door, you’ll find the beautiful Church of Our Lady of Pilar. I highly recommend joining a free guided walking tour of Recoleta Cemetery, which usually departs from the cemetery entrance. It’s a great way to learn more about Argentina’s history.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
What I loved most about Recoleta is that it’s easy to explore on foot, with elaborate architecture and beautiful buildings around every corner. Make sure to visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a stunning bookstore housed in a former theatre. I loved spending a lazy afternoon or two here, while sipping a coffee. The preserved stage, ornate balconies and grand interiors make it a memorable place to wander, and sometimes a much-needed escape from the heat.
Although Recoleta is more expensive, its central location makes it easy to get around by public transport, whether you’re heading to Plaza de Mayo in downtown Buenos Aires, neighbouring Palermo or taking the 30-minute bus ride to San Telmo.
Here are some of the best hotels and apartments in Recoleta worth checking out:
Mio Buenos Aires
A stylish and comfortable boutique hotel, rooms are elegantly decorated with a unique touch. There are also spa and fitness facilities on-site for anyone looking to relax after a day of exploring.
Hub Porteño
Inside a beautiful residential building, rooms are beautifully and tastefully decorated. Centrally located and close to restaurants, you’re also within walking distance to the Recoleta Cemetery and El Ateneo Grand Splendid.
Poetry Building Recoleta
With cosy and quirky apartment suites, it’s in a great location within walking distance of a lot of attractions. The apartments are well-equipped, and many have a balcony looking out onto the city.
Where to Stay in San Telmo
One of Buenos Aires' oldest barrios, San Telmo is lined with cobblestone streets, historic mansions, and sultry street tango, making it feel in many ways, like the heart of the city.
With its colonial architecture, colourful street art, and traditional parrillas, it feels more historic and laid-back than the trendier streets of Palermo. With tango woven into daily street performances and in between restaurant tables, you can be entertained for hours on end.
Head to San Telmo Market for its mouth-watering empanadas. I found some incredible ones baked in a wood-fired oven, and they were well worth the wait! You’ll also find plenty of places to try dulce de leche, Argentina’s much-loved caramel spread, alongside parrilla restaurants serving up grilled meat.
San Telmo can be a good choice if you want to stay somewhere with history, plenty of charm and a strong local food scene, with the colourful streets and famous Caminito of nearby La Boca just around the corner.
However, San Telmo can feel grittier than Palermo or Recoleta, and I’d take a little more care when walking around, particularly at night. Choose your accommodation location carefully and use a taxi if you’re unsure about walking back after dark.
Here are some of the best hotels and apartments in San Telmo worth checking out:
Lina's Tango Guesthouse
Cosy and full of character, and nestled in a central location in San Telmo, it’s a great place to base yourself if you’re looking to experience the Tango scene in Buenos Aires.
Bellinzona Boutique
Inside a historic building, rooms are spacious and comfortable. With San Telmo Market and cute cobblestone streets on your doorstep, there’s so much to explore in your neighbourhood.
Cassa Lepage Art Hotel Buenos Aires
While not exactly in San Telmo, you’re a very easy walk away (roughly 4 blocks). If you’re looking for something cosy and modern while being on the doorstep of San Telmo, it’s worth checking out this artistic boutique hotel in central Buenos Aires.
Where to Stay in Puerto Madero
In contrast to the historic charm of neighbouring San Telmo, Puerto Madero is one of Buenos Aires’ newer barrios, with a much more polished feel. Set along the waterfront, its wide footpaths and avenues make it a calmer place to explore during the day, with joggers and cyclists passing by. By evening, the neighbourhood takes on a different vibe, with bars and restaurants serving a range of cuisines bringing the waterfront to life.
If you’re looking for a more residential feel with luxury accommodation, Puerto Madero could be a good fit. It’s ideal for a laid-back summer stroll, and I had a lot of fun renting one of the city bikes and exploring the ecological reserve. With its flat terrain and dedicated bike lanes, it’s a great neighbourhood to explore on two wheels.
Here are some of the best hotels and apartments in Puerto Madero worth checking out:
Trendy Apartment in Puerto Madero
In a prime location and with modern comforts, you’re close to restaurants and San Telmo. The views are amazing, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with nearby cafes and bars.
Alvear Icon Hotel
A stunning hotel with incredible views over the city and river. Rooms are beautifully and tastefully designed, and you’re in a great location close to several restaurants.
Sunsets in Villa Crespo
Where to Stay in Villa Crespo
An up-and-coming neighbourhood nestled next to Palermo, Villa Crespo has a more residential feel while still offering easy access to all the shops, restaurants and nightlife of its neighbouring barrio.
I stayed here for 3 weeks as I had found a wonderful rooftop apartment with an asado grill. A more budget-friendly alternative to Palermo, Villa Crespo is an ideal neighbourhood if you’re looking to stay for a longer period of time and want to be in proximity to a thriving nightlife and foodie scene.
Still evolving, the neighbourhood offers a more affordable, local feel. If you have some spare time, head to Calle Murillo, which is known for its wide range of leather goods.
Here are some of the best hotels and apartments in Villa Crespo worth checking out:
Primavera Suites
A really cute studio apartment. If you’re looking to stay in Buenos Aires for a longer stay, this one is worth checking out. With modern amenities, you’re within walking distance of Palermo Soho.
Acevedo 716
A more budget-friendly hotel, you’re in a great location for exploring the city. Rooms are modern, and many have a balcony.
Perfecto Familias: Terraza Privada y Parrilla
A two-bedroom apartment ideal for families or larger groups, the apartment is modern and beautifully decorated. There’s also a grill you can use on the terrace to host an asado (Argentinian barbecue).
Where Else to Stay in Buenos Aires
Microcentro
Located within the barrios San Nicolás and Monserrat, you might be wondering why I’ve left Microcentro until last!
With many of the city’s main sights clustered here, including the Presidential Palace and the Obelisco, it’s an obvious place to explore, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.
However, Microcentro is also one of the city’s main commercial districts. While it’s well worth spending time exploring, I would recommend staying here for shorter visits, as other neighbourhoods offer a better feel for everyday life in Buenos Aires.
Many free walking tours pass through Plaza de Mayo and along Avenida 9 de Julio, making them a good way to get to know the area and learn about the history.
Here are some great places in Microcentro worth checking out:
V&S Hostel Boutique
A budget-friendly place to stay; you’re in a great location to explore downtown Buenos Aires, approximately a 40-minute walk or a 25-minute bus ride to San Telmo Market.
474 Buenos Aires Hotel
In the heart of downtown located in a quieter area, rooms are modern and you’re close to many of the main sites in Buenos Aires.
Caballito
I stayed in an apartment in Caballito for a few days and found it easy to get around by bus. It’s a little further out from the main sights, so I wouldn’t recommend staying here if you only have a few days in Buenos Aires.
However, for a longer stay, it’s a more budget-friendly option. With its quieter, residential feel, Caballito offers a glimpse of everyday life beyond the city’s more touristy neighbourhoods.
Almagro
Almagro was actually the first neighbourhood I stayed in, and I loved it!
A big part of that was being so close to La Catedral, an incredible spot for a milonga, as well as having easy access to the Subte network. It’s a convenient base for exploring Buenos Aires, although parts of the neighbourhood have a more commercial feel than others.
Here are some great places in Almagro worth checking out:
Casa Umare
A quiet and elegant boutique hotel; the apartments are in a great location between Medrano and Carlos Gardel Metro stops. Inside a historic building, the rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated.
Konke Buenos Aires Hotel
With comfortable modern rooms, there’s a rooftop swimming pool and fitness centre. With easy access to public transport, you’re in a great location for exploring Buenos Aires.
Where to Avoid in Buenos Aires
It’s worth keeping in mind that some areas of Buenos Aires are best avoided after dark. La Boca, for example, is popular to explore during the day, but locals generally advise against wandering in the evening.
The same applies to parts of Retiro, particularly the area around the train station, so it’s worth being mindful of your surroundings when exploring these neighbourhoods.
I hope you enjoyed this packed post of where to stay in Buenos Aires! Let me know where you end up staying in the comments below!
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