My Favorite Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires’ Neighborhoods:

1. Palermo

Palermo is a lively, cosmopolitan neighborhood located in central Buenos Aires known for its bustling parks, fairs, restaurants, and nightlife. Home to many of Buenos Aires’ top parks (Parque tres de Febrero, Ecoparque, Jardin Botanico Carlos Thays, Jardin Japones, etc.), I frequent the neighborhood to get a break from the noises of the city. The neighborhood is particularly special in that within it, many smaller neighborhoods are found. For example, Palermo Soho, where Plaza Serrano is located, is surrounded by art, cafes, boutiques, and independent stores. The Armenian Quarter can also be found in Palermo- a highly recommended area if you’re in search of a good meal. If you’re looking for vibrant, trendy, and artistic things to do, Palermo is worth a visit! 

2.  La Boca 

La Boca is a colorful, expressive neighborhood located near the river coast. Known for its colorful architecture, street art, and the “Boca Juniors” football/ soccer team, the neighborhood is one of Buenos Aires’ top tourist attractions. It is a very historically and culturally important area as it was home to many of Argentina’s working-class immigrants who left influences still present today. Pride for the neighborhood, and particularly the football/soccer team, whose biggest rival is River Plate at the north of the city, runs deep and people can be seen across the city sporting navy and yellow Boca Juniors merchandise. Packed with souvenir shops and restaurants, watch out for tourist traps and high prices.

3. San Telmo 

One of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, San Telmo is a historical, distinct neighborhood famous for its cobblestone streets, tango, and the San Telmo Market and Fair. The almost-130 year old indoor market sells empanadas, meats, pastas, and groceries and is surrounded by dulce de leche stores and leather outlets. The fair, open on Sundays, is a must-do during a trip to Buenos Aires. Packed full of jewelry, pottery, knicknacks, and hidden gems, there is truly something for everyone. A historically working-class neighborhood, San Telmo provides a different perspective to Buenos Aires’ history than the more affluent Palermo, Retiro, and Recoleta.

4. Recoleta 

Recoleta is an elegant, affluent neighborhood central to the city’s culture. Filled with museums, such as Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and Museo Evita, and old cafes historically frequented by writers and artists, Recoleta has both shaped and been shaped by Argentina’s intellectual scene. The Recoleta Cemetery is the neighborhood’s biggest attraction and is where Argentina’s most influential and notable figures lay. If you’re in the mood for upper scale boutiques and stores, traditional cafes, a trip around a cultural center or a weekend market, Recoleta is the neighborhood for you.

5. Retiro

Retiro is my home-base and is where the IES Abroad building is located. Somewhat like a financial and/or business district, the neighborhood is regarded as more formal and professional. That being said, art galleries line the streets and former aristocratic mansions, adorned in French-style architecture, are easy to find. The Retiro train station is a beautiful, British-inspired building that sits close to Plaza General San Martin, one of the neighborhood’s key parks, and is worth a visit.