Where to Stay in Buenos Aires for First Timers
Planning your first trip to Buenos Aires and not sure where to stay? With so many diverse neighbourhoods — from leafy, laid-back streets to vibrant hubs full of nightlife and culture — choosing the right area can make a huge difference to your experience.
I spent a month in Buenos Aires as part of a longer South America trip and explored the city thoroughly, including staying in several different neighbourhoods. And to help you get the most out of your visit, I’ve broken down the best places to stay in Buenos Aires for first-timers, with accommodation recommendations to suit a range of travel styles and budgets.
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Quick Guide on Where to Stay in Buenos Aires
| Neighbourhood | Best For | Vibe | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palermo Soho | First-time visitors, nightlife | Trendy, lively | Can be noisy and touristy |
| Palermo Hollywood | Foodies, nightlife lovers | Cool, relaxed | Slightly farther from major landmarks |
| Las Cañitas | Local charm, green space | Quiet, affordable | Fewer hotel options; quieter at night |
| El Centro | Sightseeing, short stays | Busy, historic | Feels busy and business-like; empties at night |
| Recoleta | Elegant, quiet stays | Upscale, cultural | More expensive; less nightlife |
| San Telmo | Culture, budget travellers | Bohemian, historic | Feels less safe after dark |
| Puerto Madero | Luxury, couples | Modern, peaceful | Lacks local character; expensive |
| Villa Crespo | Low-key vibe, repeat visitors | Hip, local | Less central; not tourist-oriented |
| Belgrano | Families, long stays | Leafy, suburban | Far from main attractions |
| Retiro | Convenience, historic charm | Central, busy | Some areas feel gritty or chaotic |
🏨 My Top Buenos Aires Accommodation Picks
🌟 Best Overall: Mine Hotel (Palermo Soho) – Stylish, well-located, and consistently highly rated.
💎 Best Luxury Stay: Faena Hotel Buenos Aires (Puerto Madero) – Bold, theatrical, and unlike anywhere else in the city.
📍Best for Sightseeing: Hotel Pulitzer (El Centro) – Comfortable boutique design in the heart of the action.
💰 Best on a Budget: Sissi Haz Hotel (Palermo Soho/Las Cañitas) – Charming, affordable, and conveniently located.
🌃 Best for Nightlife: Home Hotel (Palermo Hollywood) – Chic, fun, and right in the middle of Buenos Aires’ bar scene.
🛏️ Best Hostel: America del Sur Hostel (San Telmo) – Social, clean, and comfortable with a welcoming vibe.
Getting to Know Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the dynamic capital of Argentina — a city where European elegance meets Latin American energy. Often called the “Paris of South America,” it’s known for its grand architecture, leafy boulevards, rich culture, delicious food and wine, and passionate locals.
This is a place where you can spend your days sipping coffee in historic cafés, strolling through art-filled parks, browsing open-air markets, or catching a live tango performance in a hidden corner of the city. It’s a city of contrasts: gritty yet refined, chaotic yet charming — and it has a way of drawing you in more deeply the longer you stay.
It’s also a sprawling, diverse city made up of dozens of unique barrios (neighbourhoods), each with its own personality — which can make choosing where to stay a little overwhelming.
During my time in Buenos Aires, I quickly realised how much the vibe shifts from one neighbourhood to the next — and why so many travellers recommend choosing your base carefully. Whether you’re looking for lively bars and restaurants, modern luxury, or leafy parks, there’s a corner of this city that will feel just right.
Best Places to Stay in Buenos Aires
1. Palermo (Soho / Hollywood / Las Cañitas)
Palermo is the largest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires — and one of the best areas to stay for first-time visitors. It’s trendy, walkable, safe, and full of parks, cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. Because it’s so big, it’s often divided into smaller sub-neighbourhoods. In my experience, the three best areas are Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood, and Las Cañitas.
Palermo Soho
This is the most popular area for tourists, known for its charming tree-lined streets, indie boutiques, sidewalk cafés, and buzzing nightlife. It’s perfect if you want to be in the heart of the action.
Best Palermo Soho Hotels:
- Magnolio Boutique Hotel – A sleek and modern boutique hotel with minimalist design, spacious rooms, and a peaceful courtyard — ideal for travellers who appreciate quiet luxury and a stylish aesthetic.
- Mine Hotel – A warm, inviting boutique hotel with a leafy outdoor pool area, lovely breakfast, and an unbeatable location right in the heart of Palermo Soho. Consistently praised for its friendly staff and attention to detail.
- Duque Hotel & Spa – A charming and elegant boutique hotel with a homely feel, small spa area, and cosy garden. Perfect if you’re looking for comfort, relaxation, and great value in a central location.
Palermo Hollywood
Located just northwest of Soho, Palermo Hollywood has a slightly quieter, more residential feel, but still offers a fantastic mix of bars, restaurants, and trendy hotels, and is actually one of the best places in the city for nightlife. The name comes from the film and TV production studios once based here, but today it’s known for its cool, laid-back vibe.
Best Palermo Hollywood Hotels:
- Home Hotel – Stylish, design-forward boutique hotel with a beautiful garden, outdoor pool, and highly rated restaurant/bar. Perfect for couples or creatives.
- Attico More I – Budget-friendly and comfortable self-contained studio apartments with modern amenities in a fantastic location.
Las Cañitas
This more local and relaxed area of Palermo is located near the polo fields and Bosques de Palermo — the city’s largest green space. We loved staying here for its chill atmosphere, great food scene, and easy access to the park, where we went walking or running almost every day. You’ll find more vacation rentals rather than hotels here. And, it’s also generally a bit more affordable than Soho or Hollywood, while still being very well connected.
Best Las Cañitas Hotels:
- 248 Finisterra – A beautiful boutique hotel close to lots of restaurants and cafés, featuring a sun terrace, garden, bar, and hot tub.
- Sissi Haz Hotel (technically borders Soho/Cañitas) – A charming and affordable adults-only stay with warm service and a local feel in a fantastic location.
Where Is The Best Place to Stay in Palermo?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. We stayed in both Palermo Soho and Las Cañitas, and spent a lot of time in Palermo Hollywood. All three areas felt safe, lively, and full of character — a perfect base for exploring the city.
Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood tend to be the most popular with visitors, especially if you’re looking to enjoy the city’s dining and nightlife scene. That said, I personally really liked Las Cañitas — it’s a bit quieter and more affordable, but still vibrant, with a relaxed local feel we really appreciated.
No matter which area you choose, Palermo is a fantastic choice — especially if you’re after a mix of great food, nightlife, walkability, and a safe, vibrant atmosphere.
2. El Centro (Monserrat / San Nicolás / Microcentro)
If you want to be right in the middle of the action, El Centro is a great option. This area includes several central neighbourhoods like Monserrat, San Nicolás, and the Microcentro, and is home to many of Buenos Aires’ most iconic landmarks — including the Obelisk, Casa Rosada, and Avenida 9 de Julio.
Staying here means you’ll be within walking distance of historic sites, major museums, and some of the city’s busiest shopping streets. It’s especially convenient if you’re only in Buenos Aires for a short stay and want to maximize sightseeing time.
That said, the area can feel a bit business-like and hectic during the day, and some parts empty out at night — so it’s not quite as atmospheric or lively in the evenings as other neighbourhoods. Still, if you’re looking for convenience, walkability, and access to major attractions, it’s a great choice.
Best El Centro Hotels:
- Hotel Grand Brizo – A modern, well-located hotel just steps from the Obelisk, offering spacious rooms, a rooftop bar, and great city views. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting to stay close to major attractions.
- Hotel Pulitzer – A stylish, design-focused hotel with a rooftop terrace, relaxed vibe, and excellent walkability — all at an affordable price point. A great choice for travellers who want a boutique feel in the heart of the city.
- NH Collection Centro Histórico – A polished, upscale hotel with a rooftop pool and easy access to Plaza de Mayo and historic landmarks. A dependable, comfortable base for sightseeing and business alike.
3. Recoleta
Elegant and historic, Recoleta is one of Buenos Aires’ most upscale neighbourhoods — known for its beautiful architecture, leafy parks, and cultural attractions. It’s a quieter, more refined area that still feels very central, making it a great choice for travellers who want a peaceful stay without being too far from the action.
You’ll be close to landmarks like the Recoleta Cemetery, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, and Plaza Francia, with lots of charming cafés and classic Argentine restaurants nearby. It’s also a lovely area for walking, with wide avenues, shaded sidewalks, and grand European-style buildings.
For travellers who value comfort, walkability, and a slightly more relaxed pace, Recoleta is hard to beat. Although it does tend to come with a higher price tag, but this is to be expected, as it’s where you’ll find many of the city’s top accommodations, including the iconic Alvear Palace Hotel – one of the best hotels in the world.
Best Recoleta Hotels:
- Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires – MGallery – A sleek and sophisticated option that blends modern comfort with boutique charm. Features a rooftop pool, spa, and spacious rooms — perfect for travellers seeking high-end amenities without the ultra-luxury price tag.
- Casa Bevant – A stylish, apartment-style boutique stay with a minimalist aesthetic, kitchenettes, and rave reviews. Ideal if you want a home-away-from-home feel in one of the city’s most elegant neighbourhoods.
Even though we didn’t stay in Recoleta, we spent a lot of time here and it was one of my favourite places to explore in the city!
4. San Telmo
If you’re looking for character, culture, and a more budget-friendly place to stay, San Telmo is a great option. This is the oldest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, known for its cobblestone streets, antique markets, bohemian vibe, and the famous San Telmo Sunday Street Fair.
It’s a popular area for travellers who want to immerse themselves in local culture — there’s always something happening, from street performances and tango dancers to art galleries and rustic restaurants. Plus, accommodation here tends to be more affordable than in areas like Palermo or Recoleta, with a good mix of hostels, boutique hotels, and apartment rentals.
That said, San Telmo doesn’t feel quite as safe as some of the other neighbourhoods, particularly after dark. It’s not somewhere I’d recommend walking alone late at night — especially for solo female travellers — so it’s worth keeping that in mind when choosing where to stay.
Best San Telmo Hotels:
- L’Adresse Hôtel Boutique – A charming boutique hotel set in a restored historic building, blending French-inspired design with local character. Great for travellers looking for style, comfort, and a personal touch.
- San Telmo Suites – Spacious, apartment-style suites in a central location, ideal for longer stays or travellers who want more space and independence without sacrificing comfort.
- Lemon Suites – A bright and modern option with minimalist décor and a peaceful vibe, just steps from San Telmo’s best cafés and markets. A solid mid-range pick in a lively area.
Prefer a hostel? Parla Hostel and Milhouse Avenue are great choices for socializing with other travellers. But overall I’d recommend America Del Sur Hostel — While I didn’t stay at their Buenos Aires location, I did stay in their El Calafate hostel and it was one of the best hostel experiences I’ve had!
5. Puerto Madero
If you prefer a more modern base, Puerto Madero might be the perfect fit — with a mix of refurbished and contemporary architecture, scenic views, and a luxurious feel. This redeveloped dockside neighbourhood is one of the safest and most upscale areas in the city, popular with business travellers, couples, and anyone seeking a peaceful, relaxing stay.
The vibe here is quite different from the rest of Buenos Aires — think sleek glass towers, wide boulevards, and waterfront boardwalks lined with stylish restaurants. It’s also home to the iconic Puente de la Mujer bridge and several contemporary art spaces.
We enjoyed exploring Puerto Madero during our trip and had a lovely waterfront meal here. That said, as a place to stay, it can feel a bit quiet or sterile — especially at night. It’s also not ideal for budget travellers or those hoping to immerse themselves in local culture. But for luxury, walkability, and an escape from the city’s chaos, it’s a great option.
Best Puerto Madero Hotels:
- Hotel Madero – A sleek, contemporary hotel with spacious rooms, a rooftop spa, and a refined restaurant — perfect for travellers looking for comfort and understated luxury right on the waterfront.
- Faena Hotel Buenos Aires – One of the city’s most unique and luxurious hotels, known for its bold, theatrical design, upscale dining, and exclusive atmosphere. Ideal for those seeking a glamorous, high-end experience in Buenos Aires’ most modern neighbourhood.
Other Neighbourhoods to Consider
While the five neighbourhoods above are the best options for most first-time visitors, here are a few other areas worth considering if you’re looking for something a little different:
Villa Crespo
A cool, up-and-coming area next to Palermo with a more local, low-key vibe. Great for boutique shopping, craft beer, and a growing food scene — ideal if you’ve been to BA before or want something a little less touristy. There aren’t many hotels here, but you can find self-contained apartments and vacation rentals.
Stay at: Miliño Apart Hotel – budget-friendly and comfortable studios and apartments for up to four people in a great location.
Belgrano
A leafy, residential neighbourhood further north that feels more suburban. It’s a lovely area for families or long-term stays, with quiet streets, local parks, and plenty of cafés — though it’s farther from the main tourist sites.
Stay at: Argenta Suites Belgrano – a modern and comfortable hotel offering family rooms and excellent facilities, including a sauna and seasonal pool.
Retiro
Centrally located and home to beautiful European-style architecture, major transport hubs, and attractions like Plaza San Martín. Parts of it can feel busy or gritty, but it’s a convenient choice if you want to be close to both Recoleta and Centro.
Stay at: Alvear Art Hotel – an elegant, well-located property that balances comfort, safety, and style.
Map of Buenos Aires Neighbourhoods
FAQs
Palermo Soho is the most popular neighbourhood for first-time visitors thanks to its safety, walkability, vibrant food scene, and lively atmosphere. Other great options include Recoleta for elegance and quiet, or San Telmo for culture and budget stays.
Generally, yes — especially in the city’s most popular neighbourhoods. That said, it’s best to stay cautious, particularly if you’re travelling solo. Like any large city, be mindful of your belongings and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas. I’d also recommend carrying only the essentials and leaving any flashy jewellery at home, as theft and muggings do occur from time to time.
Plan for at least 3–5 days to get a good feel for the city and see the major sights. If you want to explore at a slower pace, take day trips, or really immerse yourself in the food and culture, a week or more is even better.
Yes — Buenos Aires is a very walkable city. Neighbourhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo are great to explore on foot, with wide sidewalks, leafy streets, and plenty of cafés and plazas along the way.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Stay in Buenos Aires?
If it’s your first time visiting Buenos Aires, you really can’t go wrong with Palermo Soho — it’s vibrant, safe, walkable, and packed with restaurants, shops, and nightlife. That said, every neighbourhood in this city has its own personality, and the best place to stay really depends on your travel style.
Whether you’re after leafy streets and local cafés, grand European-style architecture, or a sleek, modern base by the water, Buenos Aires offers something for everyone.
