Argentina’s capital and largest city, Buenos Aires is renowned for its European-style architecture. Nicknamed the Paris of South America, it’s a city that combines culture, historical heritage, dance, literature and gastronomy: especially meat, empanadas and dulce de leche.
The city is divided into several neighborhoods, known as ” barrios “. Even if each one has its own history, it’s important to choose the best place to stay in Buenos Aires, the budget you want to spend and the length of your stay.
That’s why, in this guide, we’ll give you all you need to know about the best places to stay in Buenos Aires, along with our recommendations for the various accommodations available.
Main information
Before going into the description of the neighborhoods to target when selecting accommodation in Buenos Aires, here are the essentials you need to know to get a better idea of the city from a tourist point of view.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Rio de Janeiro:
- $ this well-located youth hostel is one of the least expensive
- $$ this one offers good value for money
- $$$ this upscale establishment is very well located, one of the best places to stay in Buenos Aires if your budget allows it
Map of different areas to stay in Buenos Aires
We’re sharing the map on which you can find our recommendations for hotels and apartments where to stay in Buenos Aires. This map will also enable you to locate the different geographical areas we will cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following color code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
The essentials for accommodation in Buenos Aires
Places to stay in Buenos Aires
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Buenos Aires.
STAY IN PALERMO, BUENOS AIRES' TRENDY DISTRICT
Palermo is the most popular district of Buenos Aires. It is divided into several sub-neighborhoods: one of the best known is Soho. It's famous for its bohemian atmosphere, colorful architecture and numerous art galleries. Next is Palermo Hollywood, renowned for its gastronomy, TV studios, bars and nightclubs. And the third best known is Viejo, characterized by its picturesque squares, antique stores and traditional restaurants.
Palermo is also appreciated for its green spaces. Staying in this district means staying close to the Parque Tres de Frebrero, famous for its lakes, gardens and sports fields: the ideal place to stroll or picnic with friends. The Hiprodromo Argentino de Palermo and the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo are among the district's must-sees.
Buenos AiresEzeiza International Airport is an hour's drive away. The Retiro train station is just seven kilometers away. The best way to get around is by metro.
Renowned for its nightlife, Palermo's streets are lined with bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Kansas Grill and Selquet are two restaurants highly rated by travelers.
As in many South American countries, the cost of living in Argentina is low compared to France. The many places to stay are, for the most part, very reasonably priced.
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This hotel is located less than 200 meters from the metro station and offers rooms decorated in a design style.
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This 4-star establishment is located in the heart of Palermo Hollywood and boasts an outdoor pool.
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This Michelin-starred accommodation is located in the trendy Palermo district. It features a hot tub and a large shared terrace.
ACCOMMODATION IN SAN TELMO, AMIDST ART GALLERIES
San Telmo is appreciated for its bohemian, artistic atmosphere and well-preserved colonial architecture. You'll find plenty of places to listen to music in this district. San Telmo has always been associated with the essence of Argentine tango, so you'll have the opportunity to take a traditional dance class.
Staying in San Telmo means enjoying the Feria de San Telmo every Sunday, an event during which Calle Defensa becomes a huge flea market where you can discover local handicrafts or find second-hand clothes. Staying in San Telmo means staying close to many mural-covered alleyways, attending street shows or sampling local specialties in one of the many vintage cafés. The Museum of Modern Art and the National History Museum are also not-to-be-missed tourist attractions.
The Palermo district is a 30-minute subway ride away, and the international airport is a 30-kilometer drive. As for the other districts, the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around.
Argentina is famous for its gastronomy, especially its grilled meats. If you choose to stay in San Telmo, be sure to try a local dish at O'toxo.
Where to stay is less plentiful than in Palermo, but you'll find plenty of reasonably priced, Michelin-starred hotels.
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Designed in a refined style, all rooms are equipped with TVs and large bathrooms.
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All rooms are spacious and air-conditioned. A buffet breakfast is served on site every morning.
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This accommodation features an outdoor swimming pool, a bar and a restaurant serving delicious wines and tapas.
STAY IN A PRESTIGIOUS DISTRICT, IN RECOLETA
The Recoleta district is renowned for its many parks, its famous cemetery and its French-style architecture. It is one of the most prestigious areas in Buenos Aires. The Buenos Aires National Museum of Fine Arts and its galleries house vast collections of Argentine and international works of art.
Staying in Recoleta means staying in a lively neighborhood, where concerts and cultural events are frequent. The neighborhood park is renowned for its impressive floral sculpture, which opens and closes impressively, depending on the time of day. Shopping enthusiasts will also be delighted to stay in Recoleta. Be sure to visit the district cemetery, one of Recoleta's most famous attractions.
There's no shortage of subway stations. You can also rent a bike share to get from one place to another. Palermo can be reached in 15 minutes by car, bike or metro. San Telmo is six kilometers away.
The variety of restaurants, bars and cafés means travelers can enjoy delicious specialties. Resto S.C.A is highly recommended.
As the district is reputed to be one of the most affluent, it's easy to believe that the price of where to stay can easily rise, but for the most part, they remain affordable.
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This youth hostel is located in the heart of the Recoleta district. You'll find both rooms and dormitories, all tastefully and modernly decorated. It offers very good value for money.
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This hotel boasts an attractive art gallery. It has a gym with city views and an outdoor swimming pool.
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You'll find all the comforts you'd expect from a palace. It boasts an indoor pool with a view of the city. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. Perfect for big budgets.
STAY IN MONTSERRAT, CLOSE TO THE HISTORIC CENTER OF BUENOS AIRES
Considered the historic center of Buenos Aires, Montserrat is home to numerous buildings, emblematic squares such as Plaza de Mayo, and other tourist attractions such as the Obelisco, located in the center of Plaza de la Repùblica.
Staying in this district is like staying in downtown Buenos Aires. It is considered a residential district, home to emblematic buildings and numerous luxury boutiques. Avenue de Mayo, a must-see avenue linking Plaza de Mayo to Avenida de Congresos, is one of the must-sees. It features traditional buildings in a contemporary style.
Restaurants and cafés line most of Montserrat's alleyways. The Inmortals is a highly recommended place for travelers to enjoy local specialties in a friendly atmosphere.
Because of its location, prices for where to stay in Montserrat can get very expensive very quickly.
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This star hotel features a spa, indoor pool, gym, sauna and large solarium.
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Situated 700 metres from the Obelisk, this accommodation is centrally located, close to the metro, and features a bar.
ACCOMMODATION IN LA BOCA, BETWEEN COLORFUL HOUSES AND PICTURESQUE ALLEYWAYS
La Boca is famous for its brightly-colored houses and cobblestone streets. When you're there, be sure to take a stroll down Caminito Street. Restaurants, terraces, street performers and tango dancers create a festive atmosphere from dawn.
If you're a soccer fan, staying in La Boca means staying close to the Bombonera: the Boca Juniors stadium. Beyond its artistic tradition and the history it conveys through its historic buildings, La Boca boasts a number of bars and restaurants, most of them very popular with the locals.
Getting around is as easy as taking the metro. It's also a good idea to take an uber or cab, but check in advance which cab agency you've chosen and set the fare up front to avoid scams. Although La Boca has many sites to visit during the day, it is not advisable to venture out at night. If you're going out at night, it's advisable to take an uber to get around.
Where to stay is a little rarer, often in apartments or youth hostels.
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This apartment is close to La Bombonera stadium. It features a bedroom, TV and fully equipped kitchen.
Summary
In conclusion, Buenos Aires is a huge city with a lot to offer its visitors. Each where-to-stay neighborhood we’ve recommended in this guide has its own atmosphere, its own history and offers its own cultural experiences.
It’s a good idea to remain vigilant, wherever you are in Buenos Aires, especially at night. And that’s why it’s so important to choose the best district to stay in, so you can have the time of your life