Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a unique city with unique character. Yes, it is in South America. But it has also been called to Paris of South America. So what sort of environment carries both characteristics with it? One that is full of surprises, diversity, and a distinctive flavor that can only be found in this majestic city.
It was originally called the Paris of South America around the turn of the century, when the European immigrants flooded to the city, making it their own. European-style buildings were built, and its wide avenues were lined with trees. It developed its own culinary traditions, and the café culture was as strong here as it ever was in Paris. Love was in the air, reminiscent of the City of Lights. While the city has retained its buildings, with their charming architectural details, and the cafes are as full now as ever, the nickname is more a call to the past than an accurate depiction of the city today. Many come here expecting a replica of Paris, and find themselves disappointed.
On the other hand, many visitors expect that this city will be the stereotypical South American city, with a more ethnic, indigenous population, a less developed feel, or more unique food. These expectations cannot be met, either. While it is very much rough around the edges, and still developing in many ways, Buenos Aires is still a cosmopolitan, international city.
Many have compared the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires to those of other major cities, but in reality, it is a unique city with a variety of distinct neighborhoods. Most tourists will stick to a few key barrios, although the city (known as Capital Federal) really does sprawl in every direction, blending seamlessly with the surrounding Province of Buenos Aires. While you easily take advantage of the great public transportation, the city is best explored on foot, as these parts of the city are easily walkable.
Buenos Aires Neighborhoods Guide
The heart of the city is the Microcenter, where all the commercial activity takes place. From morning ’til night, this area is bustling with people. There are many beautiful buildings here, and traffic is often a mess. Pizzerias sit on every corner, and there’s always time to stop and enjoy a café con leche. Florida is a popular pedestrian street, brimming with shops.
Take Avenida Corrientes west, to Abasto, one of the major shopping areas of the city, with an architecturally stunning mall. Corrientes is known for its livelihood, especially for theatre, as the avenue is lined with the city’s greatest theatre houses
Head south, and you’ll hit San Telmo. Known as the historic district, it is the original neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Its streets are narrower, buildings are older, and it has many great little shops to poke around in, as well as an indoor antique market. Come on Sundays for the street fair. South of San Telmo is La Boca, known for its not-so-safe streets and colorful buildings. A must-see on any tourist’s list, it is also a place to be careful of, outside of the tourist zones.
To the west of the Microcenter is Congreso and Tribunales, the legal heart of the city. Visit the majestic Congress building, the court buildings, and the Casa Rosada, where the president works. Beautiful buildings line the somewhat grimy streets.
To the east of the Microcenter is Puerto Madero, the shiny new neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It has been developed over the past 20 years, and is now home to some of the most exclusive and modern residences in town. It is a small area, but wonderful to roam around, especially around the dams and the river.
Heading north from the Microcenter, you will find Retiro, an upper-class neighborhood with some great shopping and parks. There is also a large train and bus station here — a rough patch in the otherwise sparkling barrio.
Retiro sits just to the east of Recoleta, the most exclusive area of town. This is where the upper class of Buenos Aires lives, and is filled with the most glamorous cafes and restaurants, and world-class shopping, as well as the famous Recoleta Cemetery, a grand home to many of the country’s most influential and affluent people of the past.
Head farther west to find Palermo, the most extensive barrio in town. With several sub-neighborhoods, Palermo is known for its trendy culture, as it is filled with avant garde design, boutiques, restaurants, huge parks, and the best nightclubs in town.
Barrio Norte sits between Recoleta and Palermo, and has a little flavor of each one: upscale and trendy, yet more low key.
Palermo is divided into several sections. Palermo Chico is one of the most exclusive areas in town, and sits right in with all the major parks. Just next to that is Palermo SoHo, filled with great shopping, with Plaza Serrano, with its weekend markets and hip bars, in the heart of it. Next you will find Palermo Hollywood, named so because of all the television and movie production that goes on here. It is known for its great restaurants and amazing club scene. Head further north and east, and you will find Las Cañitas, a trendy little part of Palermo with its own sophisticated flavor, also full of good shopping and great restaurants.
Going north, you will find yourself in Belgrano, which is a mostly residential area, on the edge of the city, where many of the more affluent porteños reside.
To the west of the city center, beyond Congreso and Tribunales, are the neighborhoods of Boedo, Villa Crespo, Caballito and Almagro. Many of these areas are quickly growing, but for the most part they are true neighborhoods, with not too much to offer the outsider.
Wherever you go in Buenos Aires, you are sure to discover new and exciting sights and sub-cultures of this burgeoning and blooming cosmopolitan city.
Before you visit Buenos Aires explore our complete Buenos Aires Neighborhoods guide with the most popular attractions.