Buenos Aires is known as “The Paris of South America” thanks to its gorgeous architecture and European feel. No other city in South America had as much European influence on it as Buenos Aires did in the 1800s and early 1900s. Waves of immigrants moved from France, Spain, Italy, and Germany to Argentina, and the people that called Buenos Aires home, made a tremendous impact on the city.
Those impacts can be seen walking through Buenos Aires’ neighborhoods today. From the architecture in Recoleta to the multicultural aspects of La Boca, Buenos Aires was molded by the people who immigrated to it.
Buenos Aires is a growing travel destination. Unfortunately, due to its location in South America, it is still a city that many travelers overlook. It is estimated that 3.1 million tourists will visit Buenos Aires by 2025.
The city’s growth as a tourist destination means you should visit Buenos Aires before it is overrun with travelers. If you are going to the city of good air, then you should consider staying in these areas.
In this travel guide:
Recoleta
First-time visitors to Buenos Aires should stay in Recoleta. The trendy area in Buenos Aires is filled with luxury shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, and hotels. The Recoleta neighborhood is Buenos Aires’ most affluent area.
Money filters into the area, but it isn’t the type of neighborhood that is dull due to its affluence. On the contrary, there is a lot to do in Recoleta.
One of the most popular destinations for locals and tourists alike is the Patio Bullrich Mall. Shoppers can find luxury brands on offer or indulge in food and drink. Recoleta is also home to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. It is a beautiful museum to explore. It is adorned with famous paintings and other fine art.
Recoleta is located north of downtown Buenos Aires. It has traditionally offered locals a breath of fresh air and that is why there are a number of large stately homes in the neighborhood. Culture vultures will enjoy walking the streets to view the old money of Buenos Aires.
One of the odd, but popular things to do in the area is to visit Recoleta Cemetery. There is nothing morbid about visiting the cemetery. It is filled with grand Gothic and Art Deco mausoleums which number in the thousands.
If you want a luxury hotel stay from a beautiful Buenos Aires hotel, then don’t miss the chance to book accommodation in Recoleta.
Best place to stay in Recoleta
Hotel Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt. Address: Buenos Aires Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires AR, Av. Alvear 1661, C1014 AAD, Argentina.
Cheaper alternative:
Hotel Hub Porteño by DON. Address: Rodríguez Peña 1967, C1021ABO CABA, Argentina
Palermo
Buenos Aires’ best nightlife can be found in Palermo which lies just north of Recoleta. Palermo is Buenos Aires’ largest neighborhood. The area is quite large and sprawls in all directions.
Due to its size, Palermo is divided into smaller unofficial sub-districts known by the locals. The most popular of these unofficial sub-districts is Palermo Hollywood. Palermo Hollywood gained its name in the 1990s due to popular television, radio, and film actors flocking to the area.
Families like Palermo for its large green area known as Palermo Woods. It is an ideal place to walk amongst the gardens and escape Buenos Aires’ hustle and bustle.
You will find some of the old Spanish-influence along the streets of Palermo. Many of the old buildings reflect Spain’s colonialization of Argentina through its architecture.
Palermo’s trendy bars, cafes, and restaurants make it perfect for a night out. Travelers seeking nightclubs and late-night parties should definitely check out Palermo Hollywood. For a laidback evening, however, the bohemian atmosphere of Palermo Soho should please.
Best place to stay in Palermo
Glu Boutique Hotel Palermo Soho. Address: Godoy Cruz 1733, C1414CYK CABA, Argentina.
San Telmo
San Telmo is for tourists seeking culture. The area is filled with history courtesy of its old architecture, cobbled pathways, and elegant mansion homes that stretch down the streets.
San Telmo was once an area with affluent locals, but over the decades changed into what it resembles today. It was an area in which European immigrants moved to and in the 1900s, it gained a bohemian, artsy vibe.
Some travelers will see the area and consider it well-worn and falling apart. However, San Telmo is an authentic Buenos Aires neighborhood. Recoleta and Palermo are all made up of luxury hotels, restaurants, and shopping. San Telmo wears its scars and provides travelers a look at a true Buenos Aires district.
You will find traditional food here, including an authentic barbecue. There is life and energy in San Telmo and it never feels forced or fake. Tourists on a strict budget can find financially-friendly accommodation in San Telmo. It is a multicultural haven, so if you want authentic Argentina, don’t skip out on San Telmo.
Best place to stay in San Telmo
La Querencia Bed & Breakfast. Address: Carlos Calvo 1328, C1102ABB CABA, Argentina.
Belgrano
Belgrano is ideal for families on a Buenos Aires adventure. Situated next to Palermo, Belgrano is a relaxing, family-friendly area. It is close enough to Palermo and Recoleta that day trips and excursions in those barrios is possible. Yet, it is still easy enough to get back to Belgrano for a relaxing evening.
The area is another one of Buenos Aires’ wealthier sections. It is home to foreign individuals who call the Argentine capital home and many of these people have plenty of money.
You will spot English-style houses from the early 1900s mixed amongst the high-rise apartments. Belgrano is also the location of Buenos Aires’ Chinatown.
Avenida Cabildo is the main artery that brings people to Belgrano. The street is populated with upscale clothing stores, restaurants, and cafes.
Best place to stay in Belgrano
Argenta Suites Belgrano. Address: Ciudad de la Paz 1868, Belgrano, C1428CPD Buenos Aires, Argentina.
La Boca
La Boca is an area that many tourist guides, websites, and other travel advisors will tell you to skip. It is an area that can be dangerous to travelers at certain times of the day. But that is the same for travelers – and even locals – in many of the biggest cities in the world.
La Boca is the one area of Buenos Aires, other than San Telmo, that still exhibits the city’s European past. The port area has arrow streets with cobblestones and colorful houses.
French and Italian influence was strong in La Boca thanks to the immigrants that made it their home in the 1800s. La Boca still has buildings exhibiting 19th-century architecture that was influenced by those people that came from Europe.
The area is poor compared to the other touristy parts of the city. In fact, most tourists stick to Caminito, a street in La Boca lined with historic buildings, tango bars, small museums, and Italian pubs. You won’t find much in the way of accommodation in La Boca. But what you will find is more authentic Buenos Aires.
Best place to stay in La Boca
Maravilloso Estudio en La Boca. Address: Juan de Dios Filiberto 1066, Departamento 410, Barrio De La Boca, La Boca, 1862 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Where critics stay in Buenos Aires
Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Buenos Aires? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Buenos Aires.
Budget
“Vain Boutique Hotel has a central location and 15 smallish but neat rooms. Guests can take their coffee (free in the afternoons) to the terrace for some fresh air.” — New York Times.
Address: Thames, 2226, Palermo, C1425FIF Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Mid-range
“Often called “the hotel for the gourmand”—the restaurant’s chef Hernan Gipponi is a driving force behind the Buenos Aires foodie scene—the Fierro is a choice lodging for travelers looking for a five-star stay in a boutique package.” — Fodor’s.
Address: Soler 5862, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Luxury
“Conceived for the traveling rock star, the ultra-hip Faena is a recycled 1902 port building located in the exclusive Madero Este docklands zone. Its Philippe Starck design conserves the cavernous, red brick shell of the iconic building.” — CNN.
Address: Martha Salotti 445, C1107 CMB, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
FAQ: Buenos Aires hotel recommendations
If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Buenos Aires, or maybe your travel plans require a splendid hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Buenos Aires.
What is the best budget hotel in Buenos Aires?
If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Buenos Aires, then try Vain Boutique Hotel. It’s an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It’s in a good location, it’s been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Make sure you check our shortlist of the best cheap hotels in Buenos Aires.
What is the best luxury hotel in Buenos Aires?
If money isn’t a problem and you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Buenos Aires, then go for Hotel Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt. The hotel offers excellent service, it’s in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Buenos Aires, it’s a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
What is the best bed & breakfast in Buenos Aires?
Looking for a cozy place to stay in Buenos Aires that serves you handmade and fresh breakfast in the morning? Go and check out Bed & Breakfast Abode. The B&B has been recommended by well-known travel experts and recent guests have given it top ratings.
What is the best boutique hotel in Buenos Aires?
Not a fan of big chain hotels? No problem. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel in Buenos Aires, then you should book Hotel Hub Porteño by DON. The hotel has been rated highly by previous guests for its boutique style. It has also been recommended by influential travel journalists. Make sure you check our shortlist of the best boutique hotels in Buenos Aires, it’s a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
What is the best hostel in Buenos Aires?
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm in Buenos Aires? Check out Milhouse Hostel Avenue. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also check out our list of best hostels in Buenos Aires.
How much does it cost to stay in a Buenos Aires hotel for a night?
For a double room in a 3-star Buenos Aires hotel, you pay around $60 per night on average. A 4-star hotel in the capital of Argentina will cost you $90 per night and a luxury 5-star hotel will cost you around $175 per night.
Which Buenos Aires hotels offer a great breakfast?
Looking to start the day with some good breakfast? Try the Fierro Hotel or the Tango de Mayo Hotel. The breakfast at both hotels has been rated as excellent by recent guests.
Which hotel has the best rooftop bar in Buenos Aires?
The Magnolia Boutique Hotel offers one of the best rooftop terraces with some lovely views of Buenos Aires.
Best time to visit Buenos Aires
If you are a fan of warm weather and outdoor activities, then the best time to visit Buenos Aires is between December and February. During this time, the city experiences the height of the summer season, and the temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 32 °C).
This is the perfect time to explore the city’s many parks and outdoor markets, take a stroll along the waterfront, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife that Buenos Aires has to offer.
On the other hand, if you prefer cooler temperatures and cultural events, then the best time to visit Buenos Aires is between March and May or September and November.
During these months, the city experiences milder temperatures, and there are many cultural events taking place, including the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Film and the Buenos Aires Tango Festival.
Best things to do in Buenos Aires
There are many things to do in Buenos Aires and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Buenos Aires:
Highlights of Buenos Aires: Small Group 3-Hour Guided Tour
Enjoy a small-group tour of the major sites of Buenos Aires and the city’s neighborhoods. Travel by air-conditioned minivan with a professional guide to see San Telmo, the oldest residential area in the city, and La Boca, where tango is king, and more! Price: $23. More info.
Gaucho Day Tour Ranch in San Antonio de Areco
Venture into the wild Argentinian pampas and experience ‘gaucho’ (cowboy) life on a traditional ‘estancia’ (ranch) on this full-day tour from Buenos Aires, including lunch. Price: $159. More info.
Buenos Aires: Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner
Experience a classical tango show in the beautiful classical theater of Galería Güemes. Piazzolla Tango is a majestic piece of live music and tango performance inspired by Astor Piazzolla’s work. Price: $20. More info.
More things to do in Buenos Aires
Deciding where to stay in Buenos Aires
In conclusion, this travel guide has covered the best areas and hotels in Buenos Aires and how to get around. Now it is up to you to decide which area suits your needs the most.
Top 5 areas to stay in Buenos Aires
- La Boca
- San Telmo
- Recoleta
- Belgrano
- Palermo
As you have seen in this travel guide, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Buenos Aires is important. Whether you stay in La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta, Belgrano or Palermo, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.
The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires overview
| 🏨 Hotel prices: | Cheap |
| 🛏 Budget hotel: | $55 |
| 💑 Boutique hotel: | $85 |
| ⭐ 5-star hotel: | $160 |
| 🌎 Best area for first visit: | Recoleta |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Palermo |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | Hotel Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt |
| 👫 Best boutique hotel: | Hotel Hub Porteño by DON |
| 💰 Best cheap hotel: | Vain Boutique Hotel |
| 🎒 Best hostel: | Hostal Viajero |
More Buenos Aires tips
Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Buenos Aires:
