Buenos Aires Neighborhood Guide: Distance To Attractions
Learn the best area of Buenos Aires to stay in for your upcoming visit, the distance to popular attractions from each area, how to get around and more.
When planning a vacation to Buenos Aires, ensuring you choose the right area to stay in based on your interest, attractions you want to see, and what you want to do is crucial for a convenient trip, which is the case anytime you are planning a visit to a major city as you don't want to stay make the mistake of staying far away from the things you plan to visit.
This guide will make you feel confident you're making the right choices when planning your visit to Buenos Aires.
Overview information contained in this guide:
- Buenos Aires's most popular attractions
- The different areas of Buenos Aires to stay in
- What you can expect from each of those areas
- Distance to attractions from each of those areas
- Things to do nearby each of those areas
- How to get around Buenos Aires
- Possible day trips from Buenos Aires and getting there
So, if you are planning a trip to Buenos Aires, bookmark this information as a guide when you are about to book accommodations to ensure you are where you need to be.
Main Attractions In Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is full of history, culture, stunning architecture, and there is an endless list of things to do, but here's a list of the top attractions most visitors are interested in seeing when they visit:
- Plaza de Mayo – The historic heart of Buenos Aires, home to the Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace) and major historical events.
- La Boca & Caminito – A colorful neighborhood known for its street art, tango performances, and the famous Boca Juniors stadium.
- Teatro Colón – One of the most renowned opera houses in the world, famous for its outstanding acoustics.
- Recoleta Cemetery – A fascinating and beautiful cemetery where Eva Perón (Evita) is buried.
- Palermo – The trendiest district with parks, boutiques, cafes, and nightlife.
- San Telmo Market – A lively market on Sundays where you can find antiques, local crafts, and street performers.
- Obelisco & Avenida 9 de Julio – The city's most famous monument on one of the widest avenues in the world.
- Puerto Madero – A modern waterfront district with high-end restaurants and scenic walking paths.
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid – A stunning bookstore inside an old theater, considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
- MALBA Museum – The best museum for Latin American art, featuring works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Choosing the area of Buenos Aires To Stay
Buenos Aires is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each offering a different experience. Below are the main areas people choose to stay in when visiting the city, their highlights, affordability, and their proximity to the main attractions.
Recoleta
Classic & Upscale
Recoleta is one of the most elegant and sophisticated neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, known for its European-style architecture, tree-lined avenues, and cultural landmarks. Often compared to Paris, it is home to wealthy locals (porteños) and features luxury hotels, museums, and historic sites. The area is very safe and walkable, making it a popular choice for first-time visitors and those who prefer a quieter, refined atmosphere.
Accommodations here tend to be on the expensive side, with high-end hotels and boutique stays dominating the area. However, the central location means you’ll be within easy reach of the city’s top attractions.
Who Should Stay Here?
- Travelers looking for an upscale and cultural experience
- Those who appreciate historic architecture and museums
- People who prioritize safety, walkability, and a quiet atmosphere
Distances to Main Attractions from Recoleta:
- Plaza de Mayo – 10 min by taxi, 20 min by bus
- La Boca & Caminito – 20 min by taxi, 40 min by bus
- Teatro Colón – 10 min by taxi, 15 min by bus
- San Telmo Market – 15 min by taxi, 30 min by bus
- Puerto Madero – 15 min by taxi, 25 min by bus
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid – 5 min walk
- Malba Museum – 10 min by taxi, 15 min walk
- Obelisco – 10 min by taxi, 20 min by bus
Transportation in Recoleta:
- Metro (Subte): Served by Line D (Callao, Facultad de Medicina, Las Heras), which connects to downtown and Palermo.
- Buses: Several bus lines run through Recoleta, making it easy to reach other areas.
- Taxis & Rideshare: Readily available, but taxis can be expensive compared to other options.
- Walking: Many attractions are within walking distance, making it one of the best areas for pedestrians.
Other Things to Do in Recoleta:
- National Museum of Fine Arts – One of the best art museums in South America.
- Floralis Genérica – A giant metal flower sculpture that opens and closes with the sun.
- Recoleta Cultural Center – A hub for exhibitions, music, and theater.
- Patio Bullrich Shopping Mall – An upscale shopping center with designer brands.
Palermo
Trendy & Lively
Palermo is the most popular neighborhood for young travelers, digital nomads, and food lovers. It is known for its trendy restaurants, bars, and nightlife, as well as parks and boutique shopping. Palermo is divided into Palermo Soho (fashion and nightlife) and Palermo Hollywood (restaurants and media companies), each offering a unique experience.
Accommodations range from budget hostels to boutique hotels, making it a versatile option for different travelers. Palermo is lively both day and night, making it a great place for social travelers but not ideal for those seeking a quiet stay.
Who Should Stay Here?
- Young travelers, couples, and groups of friends who enjoy socializing and nightlife
- Food lovers who want to be near Buenos Aires' best restaurants and bars
- Digital nomads looking for trendy co-working spaces and cafes
Distances to Main Attractions from Palermo:
- Plaza de Mayo – 20 min by taxi, 30 min by metro
- La Boca & Caminito – 30 min by taxi, 50 min by metro and bus
- Teatro Colón – 15 min by taxi, 25 min by metro
- San Telmo Market – 25 min by taxi, 40 min by metro and bus
- Puerto Madero – 25 min by taxi, 40 min by metro
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid – 10 min by taxi, 20 min by metro
- Malba Museum – 10 min by taxi, 15 min walk
- Obelisco – 15 min by taxi, 25 min by metro
Transportation in Palermo:
- Metro (Subte): Served by Line D (Palermo, Plaza Italia, Scalabrini Ortiz), which connects to downtown and Recoleta.
- Buses: Many bus lines run through Palermo, offering easy access to other neighborhoods.
- Taxis & Rideshare: Uber and taxis are widely available but can be affected by traffic during peak hours.
- Cycling: Palermo has bike-friendly streets, and bike rentals are available.
Other Things to Do in Palermo:
- Bosques de Palermo – The city’s largest park, great for jogging and picnics.
- Jardín Japonés – A stunning Japanese garden in the city.
- Plaza Serrano – A lively square with bars, cafes, and weekend markets.
- MALBA Museum – A must-visit for modern Latin American art.
San Telmo
Vibe: Historic & Bohemian
San Telmo is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, known for its colonial architecture, tango culture, and cobblestone streets. It is a great place for travelers who enjoy history, street markets, and a bohemian atmosphere. The neighborhood comes alive on Sundays with the famous San Telmo Market, where visitors can browse antiques, watch tango performances, and experience local culture.
Accommodations in San Telmo tend to be budget-friendly, with hostels, boutique hotels, and Airbnb apartments available. While it is generally safe, some streets can feel rundown at night, so it’s best to stay on well-lit, busy streets.
Who Should Stay Here?
- Travelers who love history, tango, and local culture
- Budget-conscious visitors looking for affordable accommodations
- People who enjoy markets, live performances, and a bohemian atmosphere
Distances to Main Attractions from San Telmo:
- Plaza de Mayo – 5 min by taxi, 10 min walk
- La Boca & Caminito – 10 min by taxi, 20 min by bus
- Teatro Colón – 10 min by taxi, 20 min by metro
- Recoleta Cemetery – 15 min by taxi, 30 min by metro
- Palermo – 25 min by taxi, 40 min by metro
- Puerto Madero – 10 min walk
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid – 15 min by taxi, 30 min by metro
- Malba Museum – 20 min by taxi, 40 min by metro
- Obelisco – 10 min by taxi, 20 min by metro
Transportation in San Telmo:
- Metro (Subte): Served by Line C (Independencia) and Line E (San Juan), connecting to Plaza de Mayo and Retiro.
- Buses: Many buses run through San Telmo, providing cheap and convenient transport.
- Taxis & Rideshare: Uber and taxis are easily available, but traffic can be heavy.
Other Things to Do in San Telmo:
- San Telmo Market – A must-visit for antiques, street food, and live tango performances.
- El Zanjón de Granados – Underground tunnels and historic ruins beneath the city.
- Plaza Dorrego – A charming square with cafes and tango street performances.
- Museo Histórico Nacional – A museum showcasing Argentina’s history.
Puerto Madero
Vibe: Modern & Luxurious
Puerto Madero is Buenos Aires’ most modern neighborhood, featuring skyscrapers, luxury hotels, fine dining, and waterfront views. It is one of the safest areas in the city, making it an ideal choice for business travelers, luxury seekers, and those who prefer a quiet, high-end atmosphere.
Accommodations in Puerto Madero are expensive, as most options are 5-star hotels or high-end apartments. While it is beautiful and peaceful, it lacks cultural charm, and visitors often need to take a taxi or metro to reach historic sites.
Who Should Stay Here?
- Luxury travelers who want high-end hotels and waterfront views
- Business travelers looking for safe, modern accommodations
- Visitors who prioritize security, quiet surroundings, and fine dining
Distances to Main Attractions from Puerto Madero:
- Plaza de Mayo – 10 min walk
- La Boca & Caminito – 15 min by taxi, 30 min by bus
- Teatro Colón – 10 min by taxi, 15 min by bus
- Recoleta Cemetery – 15 min by taxi, 30 min by bus
- Palermo – 25 min by taxi, 40 min by metro
- San Telmo Market – 10 min walk
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid – 15 min by taxi, 30 min by bus
- Malba Museum – 20 min by taxi, 40 min by bus
- Obelisco – 10 min by taxi, 20 min by bus
Transportation in Puerto Madero:
- Metro (Subte): Few stations in the area, with the closest being Line B (Leandro N. Alem).
- Buses: Well-connected by buses, but taxis and walking are more common.
- Taxis & Rideshare: Readily available, though Uber is often cheaper than taxis.
Other Things to Do in Puerto Madero:
- Puente de la Mujer – An iconic modern bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava.
- Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur – A nature reserve great for walking and cycling.
- Sarmiento Frigate Museum Ship – A historic naval museum on an old ship.
- High-end dining – Restaurants like Cabaña Las Lilas and La Parolaccia offer gourmet Argentine cuisine.
Villa Crespo
Vibe: Local & Budget-Friendly
Villa Crespo is a less touristy, authentic Buenos Aires neighborhood located next to Palermo. It is known for its Jewish community, traditional bakeries, and affordable leather shops. Hotels and Airbnbs here are cheaper than in Palermo, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers who still want to be close to major attractions.
Who Should Stay Here?
- Budget-conscious travelers who want to stay near Palermo at a lower price
- People looking for a quiet, local experience away from tourist crowds
- Shoppers looking for high-quality leather goods at cheaper prices
Distances to Main Attractions from Villa Crespo:
- Plaza de Mayo – 25 min by taxi, 40 min by metro
- La Boca & Caminito – 30 min by taxi, 50 min by metro and bus
- Teatro Colón – 20 min by taxi, 35 min by metro
- Recoleta Cemetery – 15 min by taxi, 30 min by metro
- Palermo – 10 min by taxi, 15 min by metro
- San Telmo Market – 30 min by taxi, 50 min by metro and bus
- Puerto Madero – 30 min by taxi, 50 min by bus
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid – 15 min by taxi, 30 min by metro
- Malba Museum – 15 min by taxi, 30 min by metro
- Obelisco – 20 min by taxi, 35 min by metro
Transportation in Villa Crespo:
- Metro (Subte): Served by Line B (Malabia, Ángel Gallardo).
- Buses: Several bus lines run through the area, making it easy to reach downtown.
- Taxis & Rideshare: Taxis and Uber are widely available.
Other Things to Do in Villa Crespo:
- Murillo Street Leather Shops – The best place to buy high-quality leather.
- Local Milongas – Authentic tango clubs where locals go to dance.
- Avenida Corrientes – Known as the "Broadway of Buenos Aires" with many theaters.
Transportation in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has an extensive and affordable public transportation system, making it easy to explore the city.
- Subte (Metro) – The fastest way to get around, with six lines covering most of the city.
- Buses (Colectivos) – A cheap and extensive network but can be slow during rush hours.
- Taxis & Rideshare – Yellow taxis are common, but Uber and Cabify are often cheaper and safer.
- Trains – Mostly used for traveling to suburbs and nearby towns.
Tips for Using Public Transport
- Get a SUBE card to pay for metro and buses (cash is not accepted).
- Taxis are generally safe but insist on using the meter to avoid scams.
- Avoid rush hours (8–10 AM and 5–7 PM) when buses and metro get very crowded.
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Sara Miller