Finding where to stay in Buenos Aires, the massive capital of Argentina, can be a daunting task. Lucky for you, I have been three times (and more are coming), so I am ready to share my tips on where to stay in Buenos Aires and help you find the best hotels in Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires is the obvious starting point for a trip to Argentina. Whatever your interests, you can rest assured that you will find something to keep you busy.
Buenos Aires has a rich cultural heritage, interesting architecture, an excellent selection of fine arts, and even street art. You can easily spend weeks exploring it without ever being quite done.
Bs. Aires, as locals call it, is chaotic yet peaceful. It is colorful, artsy, and sophisticated. It is also accessible to all budgets and tastes, with a fantastic array of luxury and boutique hotels and an excellent selection of backpacker hostels.
In this post, I will help you find where to stay in Buenos Aires, selecting the best neighborhoods and a few places to stay in each of them.
What To Know When Looking For Places To Stay In Buenos Aires
I have been to Buenos Aires several times and truly love the city. The Argentine capital is a great place to visit, but where you stay will definitely influence the outcome of your trip.
Before you even start looking for a place to stay in town, there are a few things you may want to consider, especially if you’re looking for where to stay in Buenos Aires first time visiting.
IT CAN GET UNBEARABLY HOT IN THE SUMMER—Come December, when summer hits the southern hemisphere, and unless a thunderstorm hits the city (which actually is quite a common thing), Buenos Aires becomes unbearably hot. We are speaking 32° C (around 90° F) or more, with terrible humidity. You will want a room with air conditioning!
YOU NEED TO BOOK IN ADVANCE—Although there are many good places to stay in Buenos Aires, if you are planning to visit in the peak season (between the end of October and the end of March), you really have to book in advance as the city gets packed with tourists.
IT’S A HUGE CITY—Greater Buenos Aires has about 17 million inhabitants, so it’s a massive city. And traffic is hectic. The public transportation system works really well—there are buses, taxis, city cabs, and a metro for which you will need a SUBE Card (you can get it at any kiosk or at the airport). However, honestly, if you don’t pick where to stay carefully, you will end up spending your time commuting.
DIFFERENT AREAS OFFER DIFFERENT THINGS—Some areas of Buenos Aires are incredibly lively during the day, with markets, shops, and museums, but they don’t offer much in terms of nightlife. Others are significantly more chaotic than others, with lots of traffic or noise coming from nearby bars (Porteños go out and stay up much later than we do in other countries!). You definitely need to consider the surroundings of the place you are selecting, especially if you are a light sleeper. Pick your accommodation based on your priority!
SOME AREAS ARE MORE BUDGET FRIENDLY—Buenos Aires is slightly cheaper than most capitals in Europe or North America, but there is quite a bit of variation between a neighborhood and another, with some being the best option for travelers on a tighter budget.
SOME AREAS ARE STILL A NO-NO —The Argentine capital is generally a safe city, and if you stay in the tourist areas, you will be perfectly fine. Some parts of San Telmo – backpackers’ favorite hub – and La Boca are fine to visit during the day but best avoided at night.
PALERMO IS THE OVERALL BEST AREA—The overall best area to stay in Buenos Aires is Palermo. That’s where you will find the best Buenos Aires hotels, the nicest restaurants, cafés, and bars, and a great local scene.
Continue reading to discover where to stay in Buenos Aires Argentina.
Where To Stay In Buenos Aires: Best Neighborhoods
Palermo Soho
Palermo is more like a city within a city. It’s pretty much as big as its Italian cousin, and it can be divided into various areas – Soho and Hollywood, which I focus on here, but also Palermo Viejo, Palermo Nuevo (where the Bosques de Palermo is located), Alto Palermo (home to Parque las Heras) and Villa Freud.
Within Palermo, Palermo Soho easily qualifies as the best area to stay in Buenos Aires, especially if you are interested in nightlife. This neighborhood is packed with cafés, bars, restaurants, and beautiful boutiques. It’s hip, incredibly chic, and oh so young. Palermo Soho is the place to be for designers, and the street culture there is thriving.
This is an upper-middle-class area where you’ll find a great mix of locals and tourists. It’s very green, with large boulevards and lots of urban parks (you’ll especially notice it from above when you land at Palermo’s airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery).
The streets are lined with houses with nice gardens at the back. Lots of them have now been turned into shops and even bars.
Some of the best restaurants, bars, and cafés in town are in Palermo, so this is where you will end up most of the time for dinner.
Quiet during the day, Palermo Soho is thriving with life at night. This is not where to stay in Buenos Aires if you are a very light sleeper. Alternatively, if you are convinced this is where you want to stay, make sure to pick a hotel located on a side street and far from bars or restaurants.
You should also read my post, A Guide To Palermo Buenos Aires, to learn more about Palermo and the best things to do there.
These are the best places to stay in Palermo Soho – tried and tested!
Best Luxury – Duque Hotel Boutique and Spa
Duque Hotel Boutique and Spaw is one of the best Buenos Aires hotels. The rooms are very stylish, and you get the bonus of a pool and a spa to relax at the end of the day. It’s also a great value when you factor in location, quality of the hotel, and service.
Best Mid-Range – Hotel Clasico
Hotel Clasico is a nice boutique hotel with clean rooms. It’s right above a bunch of restaurants and bars, so perhaps not the best option if you are a light sleeper. Breakfast is a la carte, and free coffee and tea are available all day.
Best Budget Hotel – Malevo Murana Hostel
Malevo Murana Hostel is one of the nicest hostels in Buenos Aires when it comes to value for money.
There are dorms and private rooms – small but definitely clean and well-equipped. There’s also a really nice common patio area, which is great for enjoying a coffee or just relaxing outside when the weather’s nice.
Palermo Hollywood
This is my favorite neighborhood in Buenos Aires. I love the artsy feel, the nightlife scene, the hip bars and restaurants, the markets, and the unique boutiques. This is where to stay in Buenos Aires if you like the idea of walking around an open-air art gallery.
Palermo Hollywood was named for this part of the city in the mid-1990s when many television and radio broadcasters established their stations in the area. It is right next to Palermo Soho, and like its neighbor, it’s packed with nice bars, cafés and restaurants.
Palermo Hollywood is also one of the best places in Argentina for a street art tour. I recommend this Hidden Graffiti & Urban Art Tour. Not only is this a great way to discover some beautiful murals, but – provided you have the right guide – you will learn loads about the history, culture, and overall vibe of Buenos Aires.
These are some excellent places to stay in Palermo Hollywood.
Best Luxury – Palo Santo Hotel
Palo Santo Hotel is one of the best Buenos Aires hotels. It is located in a modern building with rooms with essential decor. There is a hot tub, an outdoor swimming pool, and a nice garden.
Also, some of the rooms have an amazing city view, with large windows overlooking the vibrant city lights.
Best Mid-Range – Ilum Experience Home
Ilum Experience is a super stylish boutique hotel with modern rooms. For extra comfort, you may pick the superior double: it has a jacuzzi (which is a nice luxury after a long day of traveling).
Best Budget Hotel – Grid Suites Charcas
Grid Suite Charcas is actually an apartment tucked in a quieter corner. It has everything you may need for a wonderful stay.
It’s very close to everything and is highly rated for its location, cleanliness, and spacious rooms. It’s also a great value, considering you get all the amenities of a modern apartment.
Colegiales
North of Palermo Hollywood, Colegiales is actually a great compromise. You will be close to all the fun things to do at night in Palermo Hollywood but in a much quieter area. You can also count on a fair selection of nice bars and restaurants.
There is a great flea market, and a lot of street art too. Big hotels are somewhat lacking in this part of town, so you may be better off looking for an apartment.
If this area intrigues you, you may want to check out the following places:
Best Luxury – Live Soho Boutique
Live Soho Boutique is close to the Flea Market (Mercado de los Pulgas), the Plaza Mafalda, and Palermo Hollywood. It also has a large window in the living room with an excellent view.
Best Mid-Range – InspireBA Garden
InspireBA is a nice apartment with everything you may need for a comfortable stay. The place also has a beautiful outdoor terrace with a garden view, a full kitchen, and other perks that make for a fabulous stay.
Best Budget Hotel – Amenabar Suites
Amenabar Suites is a traditional apartment at a very affordable price. It has a full kitchen, one bedroom, and everything you might need. But one of the best things about this place is the location. You’re within walking distance of many restaurants, bars, and the metro line.
Villa Crespo
Villa Crespo is one of the most interesting neighborhoods of Buenos Aires that has yet to be discovered by the masses – so perfect to escape the tourist crowds. It is located southwest of Palermo Soho and it has often been associated with Buenos Aires’ Jewish community, as there are several synagogues located in the area and plenty of places that serve kosher food.
It’s a fantastic place to go for a walk; it is artsy (you will see some incredible street art) yet still budget-friendly – so go before it changes.
The following are some good places to stay in Villa Crespo:
Best Luxury – Welcome My Vera
Welcome My Vera is a boutique apartment with contemporary decorations and comfortable beds. You can also enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, nice living room, and spotless bathroom. It’s the perfect self-catering spot, complete with a swimming pool and fitness center.
Best Mid-Range – Milino Apart Hotel
Milino Apart Hotel is another great option for comfort, affordability, and prime location. All apartments have a well-equipped kitchen. The larger suites are perfect for sharing if you are traveling in a group, but you can also enjoy the space if you’re traveling solo or with a partner.
Best Budget Hotel – Casa Reina
Casa Reina is another apartment with so much personality and spice you’ll just fall in love. The vibrant decorations and colors are actually very classy. It’s a great location within Villa Crespo and an excellent budget accommodation in Buenos Aires.
San Telmo
If you are traveling on a smaller budget, San Telmo is where to stay in Buenos Aires Argentina.
Connected to the rest of the city via Metro line C, it’s one of the most scenic parts of town, with cobblestone streets, airy squares, an incredible Sunday street market (Feria de San Telmo), and a romantic feel thanks to the impromptu tango shows at every corner (well, at Plaza Dorrego, really).
In addition to this, there is a fabulous covered market where you’ll find all sorts of specialties (especially empanadas) and a series of antique shops to go in search of hidden treasures.
Make sure to visit Casa Minima. It’s a very narrow house that was built by freed slaves after slavery was finally abolished in Argentina in 1812.
Once thought to be a dangerous part of town, this neighborhood is actually gentrifying, so it is not nearly as bad as it used to be – though you will want to keep your wits about, especially at night.
You should also read my post, A Guide To San Telmo, Buenos Aires, before your visit so you know what to expect.
Want to stay in San Telmo? Check out these places.
Best Luxury – L’Adresse Hotel Boutique
L’Adresse Hotel Boutique is one of the best hotels in Buenos Aires Argentina. It is close to all the museums, markets, and restaurants in San Telmo. It features beautiful rooms and an incredible breakfast buffet.
Best Mid-Range – Loft in San Telmo
This lovely apartment is the perfect place if you’d rather have a self-catering place. You have all the privacy and independence, with good amenities and a prime location. There is a balcony to sip your morning coffee, and the building has a pool and a gym.
Best Budget Hotel – America Del Sur
America del Sur is one of the most popular hostels in Buenos Aires. It has large, comfortable private rooms and dorms and common areas perfect for socializing. The staff can help organize activities and day trips.
Recoleta
Recoleta is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, the kind of place where upper-class Porteños live. It’s home to the cemetery of Recoleta, one of the nicest places to visit in town, packed with mausoleums—that’s where the tomb of Eva Perón is located.
Other places of interest are the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and El Ateneo Grand Splendid, once a theater, now a massive bookshop located in a building that dates back to 1919. Make sure to also pay a visit to the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo, which has artwork from around the world.
Recoleta is slowly but steadily becoming one of the trendiest places in Buenos Aires. Here, you will find excellent restaurants and bars and some of the best shopping opportunities in town at malls such as Patio Bullrich or Recoleta Mall. There are also some lovely boutique stores.
These are the best places to stay in Recoleta.
Best Luxury – AQ Tailored Suites
AQ Tailored Suites is a fantastic boutique hostel with large rooms and an outdoor pool. There are plenty of lounge chairs near the pool, both in the sun and in the shade. The rooms are also large, and the location is perfect for Recoleta.
Best Mid-Range – Casa Par Grand Suites
Casa Par Grand Suites is one of the nicest suites in Buenos Aires. It is located in a beautiful building and has spacious rooms with high ceilings and large windows. The suite also has a living room and a very well-equipped kitchen.
Best Budget Hotel – Hotel del Prado
Hotel del Prado is one of the best values you’ll find in Recoleta. The rooms and facilities are pretty barebones, but you still have everything you need. And the location and staff are top-notch.
Microcentro
Microcentro – or Centro, as some call it – is Buenos Aires Downtown and is home to some of the most important attractions in the capitaò (i.e., the Obelisk, the radio tower with Eva Perón mural, and even Plaza de Mayo with the Casa Rosada to name a few).
This is the financial hub of Buenos Aires, where businesses and corporate offices have their headquarters, so there is a lot of traffic and noise.
Personally, this isn’t my favorite neighborhood in town. However, it is one of the best places to stay in Buenos Aires if you want to be centrally located, if you like the idea of using public transportation to get around, and if you want to be close to all the attractions. Many would agree this is the best area for first-time visitors.
If you think the Centro is where you want to stay, you may want to check out these places.
Best Luxury – Alvear Art Hotel
Alvear Art Hotel is a fantastic contemporary hotel with marble bathrooms, city views, and an indoor pool. It even has a spa and a fitness center. It’s very close to the Obelisk and other major attractions, making it the perfect home base for all the best activities in Buenos Aires.
Best Mid-Range – 474 Buenos Aires Hotel
474 Buenos Aires Hotel is a nice boutique hotel with beautifully decorated rooms. It is close to the Colón Theater. Some rooms have a balcony and a living room. It’s in the microcenter and just a short walk from a metro station.
Best Budget Hotel – City Apartment
This cozy yet convenient apartment is a great option if you’d rather have your own space. It’s small, but it has everything you need for your stay in the city. It’s just a studio, but if you aren’t spending your whole time in Buenos Aires inside, it shouldn’t be a problem. And it’s a great value.
Puerto Madero
This is an incredibly interesting neighborhood where a serious amount of renovation and regeneration has occurred in the last decade. Once a dockland, this barrio has benefited from the work of archi-stars such as Calatrava, creator of the Puente de la Mujer.
Among the unmissable attractions in the area, aside from Calatrava’s bridge, there is the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, which is free to visit, and the Sarmiento Frigate Ship Museum. Puerto Madero is also a great spot for picnics!
If you are keen on staying in Puerto Madero, you may want to check out the following places.
Best Luxury – Alvear Icon Hotel
Alvear Icon Hotel is one of the best Buenos Aires hotels because of its style. It’s a luxury hotel with beautiful rooms that all have incredible views of the city. The hotel also has an indoor pool.
Best Mid-Range – Hotel Madero Buenos Aires
Hotel Madero Buenos Aires is another luxurious option that won’t do you wrong. The hotel has large, comfortable rooms and a terrace with breathtaking views of the city. Its indoor pool, restaurant, and wine bar make it one of the best places to stay in town.
Best Budget Hotel – Hilton Buenos Aires
The Hilton Buenos Aires is definitely where to stay in Buenos Aires for business travelers (but honestly, it’s a great choice all around, as well). There is a pool and a fitness center, and the rooms are very comfortable. There is even a café, a cocktail bar, and a restaurant.
Belgrano
Belgrano is one of the most tranquil yet interesting neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, perfect for families traveling with children. It’s an affluent part of town, the center of which is Avenida Cabildo, where you’ll find upscale designer stores and even smaller independent boutiques.
This neighborhood is packed with gardens and one- or two-story buildings, and it is not uncommon to come across people walking up to 10 dogs here.
Among the best places to visit in Belgrano are the Historical Museum of Sarmiento, located in what used to be Belgrano’s town hall, and the Larreta Museum of Modern Art, located in the former residence of Argentine writer Enrique Larreta. But Belgrano is not all about the arts.
Here, you’ll be able to attend a football match at River Plate Stadium (but you need to get tickets in advance!).
This is where to stay in Buenos Aires if you’d rather be in a quiet area that is well-connected to the rest of the city.
Keen on staying in Belgrano? Check out these places.
Best Luxury – Argenta Suites Belgrano
Argenta Suites Belgrano is a nice hotel closely close to shops, restaurants and the metro station. It features comfortable rooms and a pool and sauna for guests. It’s definitely one of the best options in Belgrano and possibly all of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Best Mid-Range – Mi Casa En Buenos Aires
Mi Casa en Buenos Aires translates to “My House in Buenos Aires” in English, and it feels just like that. It’s a little guest house in a quiet and comfortable location. There’s a lovely garden, lots of flowers, a terrace, and a private bathroom. It does have a shared kitchen, but it feels like your own little home.
Best Budget Hotel – Oasis En Belgrano
Oasis en Belgrano is perfect for a couple. It’s a stylish, fully equipped apartment at a very convenient price. It has a nice patio and everything else you’d need. As the name suggests, it’s truly an oasis in Belgrano.
Retiro
Retiro is a nice, central location that suffers a bad reputation because the area around the train and bus station is not a great place to walk around at night. But if you avoid that part of Retiro, it can be a good place to stay.
There is a lot to see and do in the area. Plaza General San Martin, Torre Monumental, and the clock tower that the British community donated to the city in 1916 are landmarks you should not miss.
These are the best places to stay in Retiro.
Best Luxury – Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires
Four Seasons is world-renowned for its quality and luxuriously high standards, and Buenos Aires is no exception. This is a great luxury option, with marble bathrooms and fabulous dining opportunities. Rooms are plush, to say the least. You’ll feel like you’re staying in a castle.
Best Mid-Range – Park Tower
Park Tower is actually a luxury hotel, but it’s a lot more affordable than others in the neighborhood. This is a good hotel with a pool, a fitness center and even a spa and an in-house restaurant. It’s a little luxurious, so it’s one of the best choices for a little splurge.
Best Budget Hotel – SuMa Hotel
SuMa Hotel is actually right on the edge of the Retiro neighborhood and near the Recoleta neighborhood. Because of this, you get all the advantages of Retiro but at a very affordable price.
There are still many great spots nearby, and the hotel itself is very nice, with spacious rooms and great staff.
Final Tips On Where To Stay In Buenos Aires
If you are still worried about where to stay in Buenos Aires, please stop: the city is fantastic, with a lot to offer in every neighborhood. The good news is that, for as large as it is, it’s fairly easy to navigate and get from one place to the other; public transportation is dirt cheap, and even taxis are more than affordable.
Have you ever been to Buenos Aires? What are your favorite places to stay in Buenos Aires?
Further Readings
If you are planning a trip to Argentina, these posts will come in handy:
- 10 Fantastic Day Trips From Buenos Aires
- The Best Way To Get From Ezeiza To Buenos Aires
- A Flash Pack’s Argentina Itinerary
- A Guide To The Greatest Things To Do In Argentina
- 25 Delicious Argentina Food To Try
- Top 13 Things To Do In Rosario Argentina: An Insider’s Guide!
- The Best Argentine Movies
And, if you are planning to head to Uruguay, head over to my posts:
- The Most Incredible Seven Things To Do In Uruguay
- 25 Cool Things To Do In Montevideo
- 15 Great Things To Do In Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay
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