Buenos Aires is a large, eclectic capital on the Río de la Plata, known for its preserved European-style architecture and rich cultural life. It is a diverse, multicultural city, and that variety carries over into where you can base yourself: the centre, the northern districts and the southern edge of downtown each have a distinct character and a different set of practical advantages.
For a visitor, the useful way to think about the city is by broad area rather than by individual barrio. The Centro covers downtown and its southern edge, the North holds the chic, high-end districts, and Palermo Soho and Palermo Viejo sit within the stylish, Bohemian part of the city. This guide covers which of these areas to choose for a first visit, for nightlife, for families and for a tight budget, and what kinds of places you will find in each.
Best areas to stay in Buenos Aires
1. Centro
The Centro covers downtown and its southern edge. On the San Telmo side, on the edge of downtown, you will find budget hotels and hostels, which makes this the most practical choice if you want to keep costs down while staying close to the historic core.
It also suits travellers who want to walk to the centre's sights rather than rely on transport. If you are hunting for the cheapest rooms, walk down Avenida de Mayo near Café Tortoni, starting from Avenida 9 de Julio and heading towards the Plaza de Mayo, and look on the small side streets within about two blocks either way.
2. Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero is described as the most secure area of the city, and it is where many foreign travellers prefer to stay. It sits on the edge of downtown, so you are still connected to the centre while based in a quieter, more contained setting.
This area suits visitors who prioritise security and a calmer base over a central location among the bars and restaurants. Expect the upper end of the market here rather than budget options.
3. North
The North is the chic, high-end part of the city. It is known for boutique hotels and for the four-star-and-up crowd, so it is the natural choice if you want polished, design-led accommodation and are not watching the budget closely.
It suits travellers who want a quieter, more residential-feeling base with easy access to the city's smarter dining and shopping. If your priority is a high-end hotel rather than proximity to the historic centre, this is the area to look at.
4. Palermo Soho and Palermo Viejo
These two neighbourhoods are stylish and Bohemian, and they are home to some of the trendiest small boutique hotels in the city. Those hotels offer the amenities of their larger international chain counterparts, plus a more personal style of service, often at a fraction of the cost.
They suit travellers who want character, design and a lively neighbourhood atmosphere rather than a downtown location. If you want a small hotel with personality and you are willing to base yourself outside the Centro, this is the strongest option.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: an enormous number of hostels, plus budget hotels where you can get your own room. The cheapest rooms are often not advertised online, so you may need to look on the ground.
- Mid-range: a good selection of mid-range options scattered around the city, including small boutique hotels in Palermo Soho and Palermo Viejo that offer chain-level amenities with more personal service.
- Splurge: luxurious and expensive hotels, chic high-end boutique hotels in the North, and the four-star-and-up crowd.
- Apartments: hundreds of short-term apartments, from economy to deluxe, often much larger than a hotel room for the money. Availability calendars can be misleading because the same apartment is often listed by multiple agents who do not communicate with each other, and photos can be misleading too, so research carefully before committing.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the Centro. It puts you on the edge of downtown, within walking distance of the historic core and the Plaza de Mayo, and it offers the widest spread of accommodation, from hostels and budget hotels in San Telmo to more comfortable options. If security matters more to you than centrality, Puerto Madero is the alternative, but the Centro is the more practical first base.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I am travelling on a budget?
Look at the Centro, particularly San Telmo on the edge of downtown, where there are budget hotels and hostels. There are also more than 150 hostels across the city, and several budget hotels where you can get your own room. The cheapest places are often not advertised online, so it is worth walking the side streets off Avenida de Mayo to find them.
Where should I stay if I want nightlife and a Bohemian atmosphere?
Palermo Soho and Palermo Viejo are the stylish, Bohemian neighbourhoods, and they are where you will find the trendiest small boutique hotels. They suit travellers who want character and a lively neighbourhood rather than a downtown base.
Do I need to book hostels in advance?
Unlike most South American cities, the better Buenos Aires hostels are fully booked at weekends. You can always find something, but if you want a specific hostel, book in advance.
Should I book an apartment before I arrive?
Availability calendars can be misleading, since apartments are often advertised by multiple agents who do not communicate with each other, and photos can also be misleading. Street noise can ruin an otherwise good apartment, so research carefully. If you are flexible on the area, it may be better to wait until you arrive, and it is easier to negotiate discounts face-to-face.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit you using the booking tools on this page.