Passionate, lively, beautiful – if Buenos Aires had a Tinder bio, this would be it. From bright and colourful neighborhoods to charming old-school buildings, streets pumping with Latino rhythms and kitchen’s dishing up a carnivore’s dream, this country ticks all the boxes.
So, which neighbourhoods should you visit or stay in to get the most out of Argentina’s capital city? Let our guide help.
1. La Boca
Soak up the South American vibes in this quirky little barrio – stroll down the vibrant El Caminito with its multi-coloured painted shacks, lively street performances, and market stalls. Enjoy art in local museums and galleries, take a tour of the la Bombonera football stadium, or go and watch a theatre show at El Teatro de la Ribera.
Where to eat:
The early settlers into La Boca were from Genoa in Italy, so you’re not short of Italian restaurants in the area. Try Il Matarello if you’re looking for Italian (and they’re veggie friendly too). El Obrero is a hit with locals and tourists, with its juicy steaks, tasty Italian dishes, and sports memorabilia hanging on the walls. Dinner doesn’t usually get served till around 8pm in La Boca, so just remember that when you’re looking for your next steak fix.
Where to sleep:
San Telmo is a great neighbourhood, and not too far from La Boca. Give Two Hotel a try, from only $49 for a twin/double room, and it’s close to theatres, bars and cafes! Breakfast in the price? Yep!
Where to party:
It’s not advised to walk around Buenos Aires at night – so clubs and bars aren’t really recommended to travellers, but you can watch tango dancers during the day, and plenty of restaurants have a buzzing atmosphere. There’s also a six-day festival held at the Usina del Arte called ‘Ciudad Emergente’, aka Emerging City Festival, celebrating young culture every September.
2. Palermo Soho
For the young and creative or the hipster backpackers, Palermo Soho delivers the bohemian lifestyle that Buenos Aires is well-known for. Their low-storey houses have been transformed into boutiques, bars and cafes and the barrio is full of museums, galleries, shops and markets.
Where to eat:
Check out the very popular La Cabrera parrilla – you’ll more than likely be waiting for a seat, but don’t worry, you’ll get some free champagne while you do! Or if you’re looking for something other than a slab of steak, give the Burger Joint a go for a tasty homemade creation.
Where to sleep:
Own Hotel in Palermo Soho is pretty great, and blends right in with the boutique feel of the neighbourhood – with private rooms, a rooftop pool and a spa! The twin/double rooms are from $84 a night, and they include breakfast in the price.
Where to party:
The young, creative hipsters need a good place to have a drink, right?! Try The Harrison Speakeasy in Palermo Hollywood (it’s password-protected, the bar staff are serious mixologists, and it even serves sushi). Or if you’re looking for something a little less hipster and more budget-friendly, head to The Steve Bar for happy hour beers, bizarre art and some funk ‘n’ soul beats.
3. San Telmo
This is another neighbourhood that brings its A-game. San Telmo is the oldest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires so it’s full of character – cobblestoned streets, colonial architecture, vibrant street markets (visit the feria on a Sunday) and a bohemian feel. You can also see some of the best graffiti in Buenos Aires here.
Where to eat:
Bar Plaza Dorrego is a café that you wouldn’t look twice at if you weren’t told to check it out, but upon entry you’ll be transported into vintage Buenos Aires. The café screams 1920’s Argentina, with its dark wood fixtures and hanging memorabilia. If you’re looking for more meaty goodness, then head straight to Calle Defensa – the culinary hub of San Telmo, and walk straight into any of the parrillas (parrilla means traditional Argentinian BBQ house).
Where to sleep:
Check out the brightly decorated Arts Factory Hostel, which soaks up all its boho surroundings, and is filled with art, a cool bar and a hang-out area on one of the best terraces in San Telmo! This place will set you back around $26 for a dorm.
Where to party:
San Telmo and tango go together like mac and cheese – you’ll find dancers performing on the streets, in the bars and for shows in the Gala Tango or El Viejo Almacén. The tango in San Telmo goes right back to the roots of the area when the neighbourhood was home to the working-class immigrants, who mixed with the locals and created the Tango. So, there’s no better place to watch it!
4. Barracas
The Barracas area borders La Boca and San Telmo, so you could easily stay in one and visit the others! It’s not a well-known place, but back in the day it was where everyone wanted to be – until yellow fever struck and the wealthy families fled, making way for the Italian immigrants to take up the area.
Now, it’s quiet and quaint, and worth a visit if you want to get out of the tourist traps and see a real Buenos Aires neighbourhood. Head straight to Pasaje Lanín, where local artist Marino Santa María has painted the fronts of all the houses with striking murals in loads of colours.
Where to eat:
Looking for another parrilla – do we even need to ask?! Check out Lanín for all that local meaty goodness. Veggie? Don’t worry, we’ve got you – visit Delicias de Alicia for some none-meaty goodness!
Where to sleep:
We’d suggest going to the Barracas on a day trip, purely because there’s not absolutely loads to do in the area. And where would we suggest? San Telmo of course (we may be slightly obsessed) and it’s close by too. Give the ‘Dazzler’ a try – a rock solid hotel from $62 for a twin/double room, and breakfast is included (of course!)
Where to party:
Buenos Aires nightlife is somewhat different to the nightlife you might be used to – and it’s more about art exhibitions, street performances and theatre. But if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a good glass of wine, then look no further than Ingratabar, also on Pasaje Lanín.
If you are dreaming of Buenos Aires this city really does need to be added to your list of places to see in South America. Now go explore the Argentina capital for yourself.
