Where to Stay in Buenos Aires – Neighborhoods & Area Guide

Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina. A buzzing and bustling hive of activity 24-hours a day, there is always something fascinating to discover in Buenos Aires.

A city that is rich in cultural heritage, travelers with an appreciation for architecture and fine art will fall in love with Buenos Aires instantly. From Plaza de Mayo to Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, there is something new to explore every day in Buenos Aires.

What makes Buenos Aires so very special is that it is a city accessible to all. There are posh, upmarket hotels, there are budget backpacker hostels, and then there is everything in between.

Buenos Aires makes for a great starting point for wider explorations in Argentina too. Many people travel to Argentina to experience life in the rural ranches and there are dozens of companies that run day trips from the city to the ranches.

Buenos Aires is a colorful and captivating city. The arts scene is thriving and once travelers have had their fill, they can delve into the city’s rich art history too.

Let’s explore where to stay in Buenos Aires so that you can get booked up well in advance.

Retiro

Retiro is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Buenos Aires for travelers to visit. Located on the waterfront and looking over to Uruguay in the distance, the gentle lapping of the water creates a chilled out vibe in Retiro.

Retiro is a fairly quiet neighborhood. It is perfect for jet-lagged travelers who need a slower introduction to the city. It is a paradise for culture vultures keen to scratch beneath the surface of Buenos Aires.

There is a subtle sense of class in Retiro. Perhaps it is the chic cafes and galleries that line the streets, or perhaps it is the welcoming nature of the locals.

Getting in flow with the rhythm of Buenos Aires is as easy as can be in Retiro. Travelers and locals alike enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Plaza General San Martin. The most iconic landmark of the area is Torre Monumental. The towering clock tower was gifted to the city in 1916 by the British community.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, First Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Luxury Travellers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Plaza General San Martin, Torre Monumental, Edificio Kavanagh, Palacio Paz, Palacio San Martin, Monument to the Fallen in Malvinas, Arms Museum of the Nation Tte. Gral. Pablo Riccheri, National Railway Museum, Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano Isaac Fernández Blanco, Plaza Canadá

Hotel Recommendations:

Emperador Hotel Buenos Aires – Emperador Hotel Buenos Aires is a very good hotel in Retiro. There are an indoor swimming pool and a fitness center. Guests are invited to indulge in the Emperador Hotel’s spa. There is also a bar in-house called Oliver’s Bar. The hotel’s restaurant is called Maximus Restaurant.
Park Tower, A Luxury Collection Hotel – Park Tower, A Luxury Collection Hotel is a fabulous hotel in Retiro. There is a luxury feel to the hotel and the staff are extremely attentive. The lounge area is a wonderful space to enjoy afternoon tea or an early evening cocktail. The spa facilities are outstanding, especially the steam baths.
NH Buenos Aires Crillón – NH Buenos Aires Crillón is a top pick in Retiro. There is a modern and minimalist feel to the hotel. All the rooms provide an adequate amount of space to relax and unwind. The Cafe Bar and Lobby Bar are open until late and offer lots of dining options.

Recoleta

Recoleta neighbors Retiro and is another excellent choice for travelers looking to explore Buenos Aires. There are some wonderful green spaces to explore in Recoleta and dozens of cultural gems too.

One of the best-hidden gems in Recoleta is El Ateneo Grand Splendid. Once a theatre, El Ateneo Grand Splendid has been converted to an expansive bookshop. The building dates back to 1919 and is as loved by locals now as the day it first opened.

The Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo is a highlight of a trip to the neighborhood of Recoleta. The lavish museum features a garden and the whole complex houses artwork from around the world.

There are countless opportunities to get a shopping fix in Recoleta. Popular shopping malls include Patio Bullrich and Recoleta Mall. If you prefer open-air shopping, there are plenty of boutique stores dotted around the neighborhood to discover.

Foodies will love Recoleta. Buenos Aires is a fantastic place to explore when it comes to food culture and Recoleta has the cream of the crop.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, First Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Luxury Travellers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighbourhood Highlights: Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo, El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Monument to the Republic of Lebanon, Museo Roca, Plaza Teniente General Emilio Mitre, Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Museo Notarial Argentino, MARQ. Museum of Architecture and Design

Hotel Recommendations:

Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel – Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel is a boutique style hotel in Recoleta. Offering a beautiful buffet breakfast every morning, guests appreciate the great value for money. Their rooms are homely and stylish. There are a swimming pool and a spa complex for guests to make the most of.
Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires – Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires is a bestselling hotel in Recoleta. The interior decor is exquisite and the staff help to create a welcoming and warm environment. There are both rooms and luxurious suites available. Room service from the Palacio Duhau restaurant is available. There is free WiFi.
Alvear Palace Hotel – Alvear Palace Hotel is a superb hotel in Recoleta. There is a modern and minimalist theme to the rooms. Clean-cut edges and neutral tones make for a luxurious feel. Alvear Palace Hotel has been awarded 5 stars and the staff afford high levels of service to all guests.

Palermo

Palermo is an exciting neighborhood to stay in Buenos Aires. For travelers who want to keep busy every minute of every day, Palermo is the best place to stay.

Believe it or not, Palermo has even more green spaces than the Retiro and Recoleta put together. Must-visit parks and gardens in Recoleta include Jardín Japonés and Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays. Jardín Japonés has koi ponds and is a traditionally landscaped Japanese garden.

Palermo is one of the larger neighborhood of Buenos Aires. For travelers who like to keep costs down and explore by foot, Palmero is ideal. It is one of the most easily walkable neighborhoods in the city and there is a must-visit gem around every corner.

Food culture in Palermo is thriving, as it is in Recoleta. For travelers seeking a posh cocktail or two, Palmero can deliver. Carnal Resto Bar and Van Koning Bar Dutch are not to be missed.

Palermo is where travelers will find Buenos Aires’ famous Planetario Galileo Galilei.

Good For:Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Nature Lovers Families, Foodies, Luxury Travellers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Party People

Neighbourhood Highlights: Botánico Carlos Thays, Jardín Japonés, Carnal Resto Bar, Van Koning Bar Dutch, Planetario Galileo Galilei, MALBA Museo de Arte Latinoamericano, Eco Park, Plaza Italia, Evita Museum, Monumento a La Carta Magna y las Cuatro Regiones Argentinas, Plaza Parques Nacionales Argentinos

Hotel Recommendations:

Dazzler Polo – Dazzler Polo is a luxury hotel in Palermo. Dazzler Polo features a rooftop swimming pool and a very good fitness center. The rooms are very generous in size and offer high levels of comfort. There is an airport shuttle service available but arrangements must be made in advance.
Palo Santo Hotel – Palo Santo Hotel is a superb hotel in Palermo. There is free WiFi throughout the hotel and breakfast is included in some room rates. There are family rooms available and luxurious suites. There are a hot tub and a sun terrace for guests’ enjoyment. The reception is open 24 hours.
Aww Suites & Spa – Aww Suites & Spa is a wonderful hotel in Buenos Aires. Modern with an urban feel, Aww Suites & Spa is a top pick for all kinds of travelers. Leading landmarks like the Japanese gardens are less than 500m away. Some premium rooms offer a balcony with a seating area. There are suites available.

Puerto Madero

For budget backpackers and trendy travelers, the neighborhood of Puerto Madero will be of great interest. It is an area that has undergone a serious amount of regeneration in the last few years. Once a rundown dockland, Puerto Madero is now a thriving area with a real sense of identity. It is an ideal neighborhood for travelers who have a passion for urban photography.

For budget backpackers – or even active travelers keen to stretch their legs – Puerto Madero is a great option. The Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve consumes much of the neighborhood and is one of the best free things to do in all of Buenos Aires. The area is very popular with locals who use the paved trails for jogging in the early morning and the late evening. It is also a popular picnic place for young families.

The Sarmiento Frigate Ship Museum is an underrated attraction in Puerto Madero that is worth making time for. The ship was originally built in 1898 and has been restored into a museum.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Nature Lovers, Foodies, Like a Local Travellers, Trendy Travellers, Sightseers, Urban Photographers

Neighborhood Highlights: Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, Sarmiento Frigate Ship Museum, Museo del Humor, Puente De La Mujer, Museo Casa Rosada, Fuente de las Nereidas (Lola Mora), Calcos Museum and Comparative Structure, Monumento a San Marco, Museo Etnográfico Juan B. Ambrosetti, Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat Art Collection, Madero Centrov

Hotel Recommendations:

Faena Hotel Buenos Aires – Faena Hotel Buenos Aires is a fabulous hotel in Puerto Madero. Offering 5-star service and accommodation, there is a lot to love about the Faena Hotel Buenos Aires. All rooms have luxurious interiors featuring Venetian blinds and velvet curtains. All rooms offer a mini bar and a spacious ensuite bathroom.
Hilton Buenos Aires – Hilton Buenos Aires is a top pick in the Argentinian capital. There are a fitness center and a rooftop swimming pool for guests to use at their leisure. There is a wealth of dining opportunities at Hilton Buenos Aires. There is a coffee bar, an international fine dining restaurant, and a cocktail bar.
Alvear Icon Hotel – Alvear Icon Hotel is a great option for travelers heading to Puerto Madero. For travelers seeking a luxurious treat in Buenos Aires, the Alvear Icon Hotel is just about perfect. The rooms have a classic feel and offer impressive views of the city. There is an indoor heated swimming pool.

Almagro

For travelers seeking an authentic experience in Buenos Aires, Almagro is well worth considering. A largely middle-class area of Buenos Aires, Almagro is a safe area to explore. For long-term travelers or digital nomads, Almagro is a crying out to be noticed.

There are a number of budget-friendly hotels in the Almagro neighborhood too. Being a little out from the main touristic hub of Buenos Aires means that room rates in Almagro are significantly lower than those in, say, Palermo.

Almagro is well connected to the must-visit areas of Buenos Aires via the affordable and efficient Metro system. That said, Almagro has a wealth of cultural gems all of its own.

A must visit, family-friendly attraction in Almagro is Museo de los Niños Abasto. Regardless of whether families opt to stay in Almagro itself or not, the Children’s Museum is not to be missed. Interactive and educational, it is a whole heap of fun for all who visit, parents included.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Nature Lovers, Foodies, Long Term Travellers, Like a Local Travellers, Trendy Travellers, Sightseers, Urban Photographers

Neighborhood Highlights: Centro Cultural Asoc. Mutual Homero Manzi, Children’s Museum, Ciudad Cultural Konex, Museo Kosice, Museo Casa Carlos Gardelv, Abasto Shopping, Plaza Almagro, Museo De Los Inmigrantes Italia, Pasaje Sarmiento, Torre Saint, Rivadavia Park

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotel Boutique Taco De Buenos Aires – Hotel Boutique Taco De Buenos Aires is a very good hotel in Almagro. Offering humble and homely accommodation at an affordable rate, there is a lot to love about Hotel Boutique Taco De Buenos Aires. A continental breakfast is served every morning and is included in most room rates.
Aires Express – Aires Express is a cheap and cheerful hotel in the heart of Almagro. There is a cable TV and an air conditioning unit in every room. Guests have access to free WiFi in the common areas. The reception is open 24-hours a day in order to be of assistance to guests.
San Carlos Hotel – San Carlos Hotel is a bestselling hotel in Almagro. Offering affordable rooms and comfortable beds, it is hard to find fault with San Carlos Hotel. Breakfast is included in most room rates and is served in continental style, including fresh juice, coffee, and croissants. Free WiFi is available.

Retiro

Recoleta

Palermo

Puerto Madero

Almagro

Where to Stay in Buenos Aires – Neighborhoods & Area Guide: