Best areas at a glance
| Area | Best for | Mid-range per night |
|---|---|---|
| Palermo Soho / Hollywood | Food, nightlife, first visit | US$80–160 |
| Recoleta | Elegance, safety, museums | US$90–180 |
| San Telmo | History, tango, budget | US$50–110 |
| Puerto Madero | Luxury, waterfront | US$150–300 |
| Centro / Microcentro | Sights by day; quiet at night | US$60–120 |
Palermo
Buenos Aires’s largest neighbourhood. Palermo Soho has tree-lined streets full of boutiques and cafés; Palermo Hollywood has many of the city’s best restaurants and bars. The parks and lakes of the Bosques de Palermo are nearby, and Aeroparque is 15 minutes away.
- Boutique: Home Hotel, plus many design hotels and apartments
Recoleta
Grand Parisian-style apartment buildings, upscale shops and calm streets around the cemetery and the art museums. One of the safest areas.
- Luxury: Alvear Palace Hotel, Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt, Four Seasons Buenos Aires
San Telmo
The oldest neighbourhood, with cobbled streets, antique shops, the Sunday market and traditional tango bars. Great atmosphere and good value; take normal precautions after dark.
- Boutique: Mansión Vitraux
Puerto Madero
Redeveloped docklands with modern towers, riverside restaurants and a nature reserve. Very safe but less local in feel.
- Luxury: Faena Hotel Buenos Aires
Centro and Microcentro
Close to Plaza de Mayo and Teatro Colón, with lots of business hotels. Busy by day but deserted at night, with more petty crime.
Which area is right for you?
- First visit: Palermo.
- Couples and luxury: Recoleta or Puerto Madero.
- Budget and character: San Telmo.
- Families: Recoleta or Palermo near the parks.
Plan your days with our Buenos Aires itinerary.
For events, opening hours and official visitor information, see Buenos Aires official tourism site.
More Buenos Aires guides
- Buenos Aires travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Buenos Aires
- Buenos Aires itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Best time to visit Buenos Aires
- Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires
- Money in Argentina for tourists
- Tango shows and milongas
- Colonia del Sacramento day trip
FAQ: where to stay in Buenos Aires
Is Palermo or Recoleta better?
Palermo for food and nightlife; Recoleta for quiet elegance. They’re neighbours, so you can easily visit both.
Is San Telmo safe to stay in?
Generally yes, but stay on busy streets at night and use Uber or taxis after dark.
Where should I avoid staying?
The Microcentro for leisure trips, and outer areas like Constitución.
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