The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires

Discover the distinct neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and determine which you want to visit on your next Buenos Aires vacation package. Buenos Aires is one of the most fascinating cities in South America. Known as the Paris of South America, a visit to the capital of Argentina has a mix of Latin American and European art, architecture, and culture. Known for its welcoming people, great food and wine, and lively nightlife, this sprawling metropolis is worth a visit on any Argentina tour. As a Buenos Aires native myself, I recommend the following barrios that you can’t miss on your next visit to Buenos Aires.

1. The San Telmo Neighborhood

First on our list of neighborhoods in Buenos Aires is San Telmo! The San Telmo neighborhood is a bohemian quarter, the birthplace of Tango in Argentina, and a source of inspiration for many artists. Today is one of the most visited places in the city, especially by Tango lovers for its many “milongas” (Tango dancing salons), and Tango shows. On Sundays, the famous “Feria de Antiguedades” – Antiques Fair – in Plaza Dorrego, is a must-visit.

2. The Recoleta Neighborhood

Next up on our list is Recoleta. Recoleta is the most traditional and upscale neighborhood (barrio) in Buenos Aires. It is the part of the city where the French architecture of its buildings and mansions is more notable. Many of Buenos Aires’s main tourist attractions can be found here, like the Recoleta Cemetery (burial site of Evita Peron), the National Museum of Art, the artisan’s fair in Plaza Francia, and the colonial church of Iglesia del Pilar, amongst others.

3. The Palermo Neighborhood

This neighborhood is the largest one in the city and is one of the most popular ones for young people since here you can find the liveliest bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and the “trendiest” shops and coffee bars to go out to at any time. Also, in Palermo, you can find the Zoo, the Botanical gardens, the biggest park within the city, the “Lagos de Palermo” Park, and the Polo Field.

4. La Boca Neighborhood 

This small neighborhood in Buenos Aires is in the south of the city. La Boca is one of the most visited places in Argentina. Caminito passage, with its colorful houses and the Boca Juniors Stadium, are both icons of the La Boca neighborhood and the city of Buenos Aires. This is a great place for taking photographs and buying souvenirs. Additionally, it holds some of Buenos Aire’s best museums and art galleries. Visit the Quinquela Martin Museum and the Proa Art Gallery.

5. Plaza de Mayo and Avenida de Mayo

Last on our list of neighborhoods of Buenos Aires is the Plaza de Mayo and Avenida de Mayo. Considered to be the “centro” or central part of the city, Plaza de Mayo also holds the country’s main political, cultural and religious buildings. Here, you’ll find the “Casa Rosada,” the national government’s palace. Casa Rosada gained fame from the play/film “Evita”. Here, Evita sang the famous song “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina”.  You’ll also find the National Cathedral and the “Cabildo” in this neighborhood.

The best way to cover all of the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and get some local insight into the history and significance of Buenos Aires’s many secrets is to include one of our private city tours in Buenos Aires. All our Buenos Aires vacation packages are small private tours with English-speaking guides.

View our Buenos Aires vacation packages. You can also customize any South America tour to include the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires.