Embarking on a journey to Buenos Aires, the heart of Argentina, offers an adventure through vibrant streets, rich cultural tapestries, and captivating history. Yet, navigating this bustling metropolis requires insight into the safest districts to base your stay and those areas better left unexplored after dark. This guide illuminates the contrasting faces of Buenos Aires, from the serene and secure neighbourhoods ideal for tourists to the corners of the city where extra caution is advised. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of tango in San Telmo, the architectural elegance of Recoleta, or the modern vibrancy of Puerto Madero, knowing where to tread can make all the difference in your experience.
Discover the safest neighbourhoods to stay in during your visit to Buenos Aires, along with areas to avoid, to ensure a memorable and secure experience in Argentina’s vibrant capital.
Read more on Buenos Aires
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Best and Safest Areas to Stay in Buenos Aires
Puerto Madero
Characteristics – As Buenos Aires’ newest and most central neighbourhood, Puerto Madero stands out for its modernity and tranquillity. Close to the waterfront, it lacks metro stations but compensates with its proximity to Plaza de Mayo and a lively dockside restaurant and bar scene.
Safety – Puerto Madero is known as one of the safest areas in Buenos Aires, with its modern developments and high-end residential and dining establishments contributing to a secure environment for both locals and tourists. Its well-lit waterfront and active nightlife, along with a visible security presence, make it a reassuring choice for accommodation and leisure activities in the city.
Hotel Madero Buenos Aires
Hotel Madero in Buenos Aires invites you to live, love, and enjoy the city with style. Located in the trendy neighbourhood of Puerto Madero, it offers guests unique city views from private balconies and a magnificent experience with its design, style, and comfort across 197 exclusive rooms and suites.
Almarena Madero Urbano
Almarena Madero Urbano combines the amenities of a hotel with the freedoms of an apartment, perfectly situated for your stay in Buenos Aires. Just minutes from the city centre and surrounded by the must-see attractions of Puerto Madero, it offers an ideal spot for urban tourism, work, relaxation with SPA services, a pool, and a gym, or simply a break from routine.
Recoleta
Characteristics – This affluent, walkable neighbourhood is famed for its exquisite architecture reminiscent of Paris, prestigious schools, and proximity to top tourist sights. Recoleta offers a mix of historical and cultural attractions, including the Recoleta Cemetery and the National Museum of Fine Arts. The neighbourhood is ideal for first-time visitors and those interested in architecture and history.
Safety – The area’s upscale nature, coupled with well-maintained streets and a strong police presence, contributes to its reputation as one of Buenos Aires’ safest districts. Its cultural attractions and public areas are generally considered secure, inviting visitors to explore its rich architectural heritage and vibrant street life with peace of mind.
Melia Recoleta Plaza Hotel
The Meliá Recoleta Plaza, nestled in the exclusive district of La Recoleta in Buenos Aires, offers a blend of elegant decoration and historical significance as it once served as the residence of Evita Perón. It boasts fine dining with both local and international cuisine, a private jazz club for entertainment, and a spa for relaxation, making it a distinguished choice for experiencing the city’s charm.
Up Recoleta Hotel
The Up Recoleta Hotel, fully renovated and reopened in June 2018, is set in the heart of one of Buenos Aires’ most cherished neighbourhoods, surrounded by parks, museums, and restaurants. It offers 38 rooms designed for relaxation and enjoyment, blending practicality and comfort for guests seeking to experience city life, work, or explore the sights.
Palermo
Characteristics – Known for its expansive selection of hotels, Palermo caters to every type of traveller. It boasts attractions such as the Latin American Art Museum, the zoo, the planetarium, and the horse track. It’s considered expensive but offers various accommodation options from budget to luxury. Palermo, Buenos Aires, is divided into numerous sub-neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character. These include Palermo Hollywood, known for its entertainment industry presence; Palermo SoHo, famous for its local designer boutiques and vibrant nightlife; and Palermo Viejo, the historical part of Palermo
Safety – Palermo is celebrated for its lively atmosphere and relative safety, particularly in its most popular areas like Palermo SoHo and Palermo Hollywood. While it’s bustling with bars, restaurants, and nightlife, always remember to stay vigilant, especially at night, as with any busy urban district.
Duque Hotel Boutique & Spa
Duque Hotel Boutique & Spa, nestled in the vibrant Palermo Soho of Buenos Aires, invites guests into a world of early 20th-century glamour and aristocracy with a romantic air. Distinguished from larger chains, it offers exceptional, personalised lodging and facilities designed for those seeking luxurious, bespoke service in a cosy yet elegant setting.
Live Soho Boutique & Apartments Palermo Soho
Live Soho Boutique & Apartments, in the heart of Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires, offers an urban living experience with units designed for maximum comfort and modern technology. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking to live and work in the city, providing easy access to fashionable bars, restaurants, and commercial zones.
Belgrano
Characteristics – Offering a more local vibe, Belgrano is perfect for families and young couples seeking an authentic Buenos Aires experience without the typical tourist crowds. It features attractions like the Circular Church and the Larreta Museum, and is close to the Monumental Stadium.
Safety – Belgrano stands out as a tranquil and safe neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, appealing to families and those seeking a quieter residential area. Its tree-lined streets, well-kept parks, and reputable security make it a secure place to live and visit.
Argenta Suites Belgrano
Argenta Suites Belgrano, located in Buenos Aires’s Belgrano neighbourhood, offers warm and comfortable apartments tailored to both executive and leisure travellers. Its proximity to transportation, commercial centres, and airports makes it a convenient choice. Here, you can enjoy modern amenities, an outdoor pool, and a Jacuzzi, along with free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.
Urbanica The Libertador Hotel
Nestled in the lively Belgrano neighbourhood, Urbanica The Libertador is the go-to spot for those who appreciate a mix of modern comfort and style. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, this chic 55-room hotel puts you right where you need to be for a real taste of Buenos Aires life. From dining and shopping to exploring the city’s heart, everything is just a step away.
San Telmo
Characteristics – As one of the oldest neighbourhoods, San Telmo is steeped in history with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. It’s famous for the Sunday Antiques Fair at Plaza Dorrego and is considered the birthplace of tango.
Safety – While it’s generally safe during the day, especially in tourist-heavy areas, you should always exercise standard urban caution, particularly at night as it’s a bustling area.
Lemon Suites
Tucked away in the vibrant San Telmo district, Lemon Suites offers a cosy retreat that’s a stone’s throw from Buenos Aires’ downtown buzz. It’s a haven for those who cherish both independence and the warmth of a neighbourhood steeped in history and tango. With its inviting suites, sunlit patio, and handy event space, it’s easy to see why travellers choose Lemon Suites for a stay that combines the charm of the old with the ease of the new.
Anselmo Buenos Aires
In the heart of San Telmo, Anselmo Buenos Aires offers a blend of history and modern comfort. Guests rave about its prime location, offering easy access to vibrant markets and cultural hotspots. Its gorgeous rooms, excellent service, and delightful breakfast make it a gem for those looking to soak up the Buenos Aires charm.
Areas to Exercise Caution
Certain areas in Buenos Aires are best avoided to ensure a safer visit, particularly for tourists. Notable areas that have been highlighted include La Boca (outside the main tourist spots, especially at night), certain parts of San Telmo at night, the vicinity around Retiro Train Station, and the neighbourhoods of Barracas, Retiro, Constitucion, and Balvanera.
Specific advice includes being cautious around the train stations in Retiro and Constitucion due to the high activity of pickpockets and avoiding walking at night in La Boca and parts of San Telmo. Additionally, certain shanty towns or “villas” near Retiro and other mentioned areas are considered risky due to crime rates and should be avoided by tourists.
Tips for Staying Safe in Buenos Aires
I want to preface this list by saying that these things happen all over the world and not just in the “stereotypically dangerous” neighbourhoods.
I’d advise most of these points for London as much as I would anywhere else in the world, and to be honest, we’ve felt very safe so far during our travels in Argentina, but you should always take proper precautions regardless!
- Choose accommodations in high-up apartments for better security (and a better view of the area is an added plus!)
- Always Google common scams at your destination to help you avoid certain situations or being caught out
- In places known to be more dangerous, remove all jewellery before you go out (even if it’s just costume jewellery!)
- Don’t walk around with your phone out, especially near busy roads
- Avoid wearing backpacks on your back in crowded places, honestly I avoid wearing backpacks in cities generally
- Always always research the best areas to stay in and areas to avoid
- Carry only the necessary amount of cash and leave your cards securely stored in your apartment if you can, I never take my passport out with me either
- Only use official taxis! For example in Bolivia these are called “radio taxis” and are easily identifiable when you’re flagging them down on the street, if in doubt Google or Uber if available
How to get around Buenos Aires
Navigating Buenos Aires is efficiently accomplished through its extensive network of buses, known locally as “colectivos,” which serve virtually every corner of the city. For those seeking more direct routes, taxis offer a convenient and relatively affordable way to move around, available 24/7. While buses provide a deeper dive into local life and are a cost-effective option, taxis are recommended for late-night travel or when in a hurry. Always ensure taxis are licensed, and consider using ride-hailing apps for added security and convenience.
Using the bus network can seem a little complicated at first for tourists, so be sure to check out my guide on public transport in Buenos Aires.
