Buenos Aires is an exciting city, but choosing where to stay can be overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time visiting. Each neighborhood in the city has a very different character, vibe and price range, so picking the right area can make a big difference in your trip.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best neighborhoods to stay in Buenos Aires, from buzzing nightlife hubs and historic districts to elegant residential areas. Whether you’re a first-time traveler, a foodie, a nightlife lover, or a family on vacation, you’ll find the right place to call home during your stay.
If you’ve read my blog before, you know I was born and raised in Buenos Aires. Where to stay in Buenos Aires is one of the most common questions I get asked so I’ve broken down all the best places to stay in Buenos Aires, giving you my honest opinion about all the neighborhoods in the city.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires: Best areas and hotels
If you need help for planning your itinerary read: How to spend 3 days in Buenos Aires
1. Palermo – Best for nightlife and dining
Palermo is the place to stay if you’re looking for nightlife. There are countless restaurants and bars in this neighborhood. You can also find some of the best cafes in Buenos Aires. Palermo can be subdivided into: Palermo Soho, Hollywood, Chico, Norte, Viejo and Las Cañitas.
Palermo Soho is the best for accommodation and dining options. During the day you can explore its parks, awesome street art and restaurants. The closest subway line in Palermo is “Linea D” (the green one) and runs beneath Av. Santa Fe. There are also plenty of bus options in the area. In my opinion Palermo is the best neighborhood to stay in Buenos Aires.
Important sights in Palermo: Planetario, Japanese Garden, Botanical Garden, Palermo Woods, Aeroparque Airport (mainly used for local flights), MALBA (The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires).
$: Malevo Murana Hostel – Located in one of the cute Palermo Soho’s passages, this is everything a backpacker needs. Unbeatable location, clean facilities and a confy bed. Click here to find the best rates for Malevo Murana Hostel
$$: Dazzler by Wyndham Polo Hotel Buenos Aires – Hotel with modern facilities located just 3 blocks away from Palermo subway station and Av. Santa Fe. Click here to find the best rates for Dazzler
$$$: Nuss Buenos Aires Soho – relax in this elegant boutique hotel located in the heart of Palermo Soho. Click here to find the best rates for Nuss Buenos Aires Soho
2. Recoleta – Best for culture & luxury hotels
Recoleta is the fanciest neighborhood in Buenos Aires city. You will find all the embassies and historic mansions located here. There are also some cool places to have dinner or stop for a coffee, although not as much options as in Palermo. It’s a residential neighborhood but you will also find many of the city’s popular attractions. Some of the best luxury hotels in Buenos Aires are in this part of the city. Definitely not the neighborhood for backpackers on a tight budget.
Important sights in Recoleta: Recoleta Cemetery, Recoleta Cultural Center, National Museum of Fine Arts, Floralis Genérica, The National Public Library and El Ateneo Grand Splendid Library.
$$: Hotel Arenales – modern hotel with minimalist style and a great location. Click here to find the best rates for Hotel Arenales
$$$: Palacio Duhau – One of the most luxurious hotels in Buenos Aires. The hotel is literally a palace! Click here to find the best rates for Palacio Duhau
$$$: Alvear Palace – Other most luxurious hotels you’ll find in the city. This hotel with a french styled is famous in Buenos Aires for being a place where celebrities stay or go for dinner. Click here to find the best rates for Alvear Palace
3. Retiro – sightseeing & transport connections
Retiro is a district mainly known for its transport hub. Buses and trains depart from Retiro Station to other parts of Buenos Aires and the whole country. You’ll also find some of the city’s most famous buildings like Kavanagh and Paz Palace. While it’s a really busy area during the day, it can be deserted at night. I recommend being extra careful at night if you’re staying in this area. Basically just avoid walking after 9pm.
Important sights in Retiro: Retiro train station, Plaza General San Martín and Malvinas Monument.
$: Suipacha Suites – Simple budget hotel located just minutes away from Retiro Station. Click here to find the best rates for Suipacha Suites
$$: Hotel Pulitzer – I personally stayed at this hotel and can say it has a great price/quality relation. Loved the room and it has a great rooftop bar. Click here to find the best rates for Hotel Pulitzer
$$$: Four Seasons Hotel – luxurious hotel with french style. One of the most known fancy hotels and restaurants in the city. Click here to find the best rates for Four Seasons Hotel
4. Microcentro – best for short stays & convenience
Microcentro is how we call the main commercial area of Buenos Aires. It is located within San Nicolás and Monserrat neighborhoods. It’s the place where honestly local people hate to visit, specially in summer. On Corrientes street you’ll find all the city’s theatres (sort of the local Broadway). It’s a really busy area during the day because people work there but it’s empty at night and can be dangerous. There are shops and restaurants in Microcentro but most close after office hours. Avoid walking on this area after 9 pm.
Important sights in Microcentro: Teatro Colón, Obelisco, Galerías Pacífico, CCK, Casa Rosada, Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, Cabildo, National Congress of Argentina and Palacio Barolo.
$: V&S Hostel Club – Budget hostel with easy access to public transportation. Click here to find the best rates for V&S Hostel Club
$$: Panamericano – The hotel to stay if you want to have the best view of the city. Panamericano is located in front 9 de Julio Avenue and has an amazing pool on the top floor. Click here to find the best rates for Panamericano
5. Puerto Madero – best for luxury stays
Puerto Madero is the area where the old port of Buenos Aires was located, Nowadays it’s a neighborhood with a high concentration of the city’s tallest towers and most luxurious condominium. It’s a nice area to walk or have dinner at one of the most expensive restaurants in Buenos Aires. Definitely not the place to stay if you’re on a budget. Also, not the best public transport access.
Important sights in Puerto Madero: Puente de la mujer, Costanera Sur ecological reserve and Fortabat Museum.
$$: Hotel Madero – A modern hotel with amazing city views. Click here to find the best rates for Hotel Madero
$$$: Faena Hotel – the best place to stay if you wanna play king and queen for some days. Faena is one of the most exclusive hotels in Buenos Aires. Click here to find the best rates for Faena Hotel
6. San Telmo – history & bohemian vibe
San Telmo is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, where you’ll find cobblestone streets, markets and vintage shops. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and has a bohemian style. While I love San Telmo, I wouldn’t stay here as it’s a bit far from other parts of the city. It has easy access to public transport but taking a bus from San Telmo to Palermo during rush hours can be exhausting.
Important sights in San Telmo: Mercado de San Telmo, Casa mínima, Museum of Contemporary Art, Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art and Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.
$: Hostel Carlos Gardel – Budget hostel in an old San Telmo house with great location. Click here to find the best rates for Hostel Carlos Gardel
$$: L’Adresse Hôtel Boutique – Amazing boutique hotel with beautiful vintage style. Excellent price/quality relation. Click here to find the best rates for L’Adresse Hôtel Boutique
7. Belgrano – Best for a quieter, local experience
Belgrano is known for being mainly a residential neighborhood. It is one of my favourite areas of the city because there are houses, parks and it’s very calm but at the same time you’re close to many of the city’s main sights. There are also many cool restaurants and bars in Belgrano. It’s the perfect neighborhood for families or if you just want to be more in a more tranquil and local area but at the same time be connected with the main attractions of the city. The subway line and plenty of buses stop at Av Cabildo so you might want to choose accommodation near this avenue.
Important sights in Belgrano: Chinatown, Barrancas de Belgrano and Parque de la Memoria.
$$: Argenta Suites – Modern suites with breakfast included with easy access to public transport. Click here to find the best rates for Argenta Suites
8. Nuñez – Best for quiet stays & long-term travel
Núñez is a quiet, residential neighborhood, ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed stay in Buenos Aires without being too far from the main tourist attractions.
It’s very well connected thanks to the Subway Line D, the Mitre train line, and several bus routes, making it easy to reach Palermo, Recoleta, and the city center.
Núñez is an excellent choice for those looking for long-term stays, digital nomads and travelers who prefer peaceful, residential neighborhoods.
$$ – Top Rentals Nuñez: A modern, fully equipped apartment in a residential building with a swimming pool and gym. Ideal if you’re working remotely from Buenos Aires or planning a longer stay. Click here to check prices for Top Rentals Nuñez
Tips to Choose the Best Neighborhood in Buenos Aires
- Short Stay (2–4 days): Palermo or Recoleta are the most practical options. Both neighborhoods are well connected by subway and buses, and from there you can easily reach most of the city’s main attractions.
- Nightlife & Dining: If nightlife, bars and restaurants are high on your list, Palermo Soho is the best area to stay. This neighborhood has the highest concentration of trendy bars, cocktail lounges, cafés and international restaurants in the city.
- Long-term stay: If you prefer a calmer, more residential vibe, Belgrano and Núñez are excellent choices. These neighborhoods feel more local and peaceful, while still being well connected to the rest of the city by subway, trains and buses.
- First-Time Visitors: If it’s your first time in Buenos Aires and you want a safe, convenient and well-located base, Palermo and Recoleta are the easiest and most popular choices for first-time visitors.
More Buenos Aires posts:
- Buenos Aires City Guide
- Best street art in Palermo Soho
- How to spend 3 days in Buenos Aires
- Best day trips from Buenos Aires
- The best burgers in Buenos Aires
- The best coffee in Buenos Aires
This post contains affiliate links. That means, if you click on certain links within this post and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read more about it here.
