Where to stay in Buenos Aires? Choosing a hotel in Argentina’s capital can be a challenge. In general, travelers are divided between five of the city’s main neighborhoods: Centro, San Telmo, Recoleta, Palermo and Puerto Madero.
To help resolve this difficult question, we have prepared this complete guide on where to stay in Buenos Aires.
Here you will find the pros and cons of each neighborhood and suggestions for well-located hotels, cheap hostels and luxury inns and accommodations for special trips.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires, neighborhood by neighborhood
Without further delay, let’s go to the five main neighborhoods to stay in Buenos Aires:
- center
- San Telmo
- Recoleta
- Palermo
- Madero Port
Hotels in the center of Buenos Aires
Pros and cons of staying in the center of Buenos Aires: It has easy access to everything in the city. It’s a beautiful place, full of historic buildings.
However, if you are looking for a quieter walk, this is not the best option for you, as the streets are a little crowded.
Tourist attractions on site: May Square, Pink House, Columbus Theatre, Tortoni Café, Obelisk, Pacific Galleries.
Hotel and hostel options in this area:
- Hotel Parada – Very well located, close to Congress and 9 de Julio (daily rates $75)
- BA Stop – Hostel with great location (daily 21 dollars)
- Ideal Social Hostel – Another well-located hostel (daily 17 dollars)
- Tritone Hotel – 3 stars close to Florida Street (daily rates $75)
- Pestana – 4 stars with indoor pool and lots of comfort (daily 170 dollars)
- Vistas al Obelisco – Two-bedroom apartment with views of the Obelisk (daily 140 dollars)
- Gran Hotel Argentino – 3-star hotel, one of those old ones, but with very good prices (daily rates from 40 dollars)
- Hotel Conte – Great location and value for money (daily rates from 60 dollars)
Check out more hotel and hostel options in the center of Buenos Aires
Hotels in San Telmo, Buenos Aires
Pros and cons: If you enjoy the bohemian atmosphere, are looking for a neighborhood full of personality, like browsing antique shops and want to be close to everything, San Telmo is the neighborhood for you.
However, some parts of the neighborhood have a reputation for being unsafe. Look for hotels on the main streets and avenues and you won’t have any problems.
Tourist attractions on site: San Telmo Fair, Antique Shops, Monument to Mafalda
- Puerto Limón – Half guesthouse, half hostel, great location (beds for 17 dollars, rooms for 50)
- Linas Tango Guesthouse – Inn in San Telmo and very close to 9 de julio (daily rates $70)
- Telmho Hotel Boutique – Charming and well-located hotel (daily rates from 60 dollars)
- Anselmo Buenos Aires – Very comfortable, a 4-star Hilton hotel (daily 160 dollars)
Check out more hotel and hostel options in San Telmo
Anselmo Buenos Aires Room (Photo: Booking/ Disclosure)
Hotels in Recoleta, Buenos Aires
Pros and cons: I think it’s the ideal neighborhood for couples and anyone who wants to relax. Walking through the streets of Recoleta is quite a walk, as is sitting in one of the countless cafes in the region. It’s the neighborhood I would always stay in if I could.
However, it’s not a neighborhood that’s close to the center, which means you can’t walk everywhere. Taxis may be necessary.
Tourist attractions on site: Recoleta Cemetery, National Museum of Fine Arts, Ateneu Bookstore
- Up Recoleta – Three-star hotel with very good prices. The location is great (daily 50 dollars)
- Dazzler by Wyndham – Hotel with pool and excellent location! (daily 120 dollars)
- Recoleta Uriburu – Apartments for rent in Recoleta (daily rates from 130 dollars)
- Épico Hotel – Good and cheap hotel in Recoleta (daily rates from 75 dollars)
Check out more options for hotels, inns, apartments and hostels in Recoleta
Up Recoleta room balcony (Photo: Booking/ Disclosure)
Hotels in Palermo, Buenos Aires
Pros and cons: It’s a pleasant place and a less traditional alternative for those who enjoy Recoleta, but want a younger feel.
Not so positive is the fact that Palermo is not as close to the center as other options – but taxis and public transport solve this problem.
The neighborhood has a subway that takes you directly to the center. This makes Palermo a good area to stay in Buenos Aires if you want a place close to the clubs and don’t mind using public transport during the day.
Tourist attractions: MALBA, Botanical Garden, Japanese Garden, Zoo, Planetarium.
- Malevo Murana Hostel is close to parks and squares and has a barbecue and free area for guests (20 dollars per night).
- La Casa de Bulnes – Well located guesthouse with excellent reviews (daily rates from 80 dollars)
- Hotel Costa Rica – 3 stars and highly praised for its location (daily rates from 50 dollars)
- Hotel Bys Palermo – Perhaps the best hotel in Palermo (daily rates from 150 dollars)
Check out more hotel and hostel options in Palermo
Hotels in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires
Pros and cons: This region is beautiful, has a nice park and a lively nightlife. There are large chain hotels there.
However, it looks like a place you would find in any city, it doesn’t have as much of a Buenos Aires feel as other neighborhoods.
Tourist attractions: Puerto Madero itself and Ponte da Mulher.
Check out hotel and hostel options in Puerto Madero
After all, what is the best area to stay in Buenos Aires?
It depends on your travel style.
Backpackers and ultra-budget travelers will prefer to stay in the center.
Do you want comfort and be close to bars and restaurants? So the best region for you to stay in Buenos Aires is Recoleta or Palermo.
How much does a hotel cost in Buenos Aires?
Hotel prices in Buenos Aires vary according to the time of year, style of accommodation and location. But, as you saw in the text, you can get an idea of the average:
- Beds in hostel dorms cost around $17
- Three-star hotels cost between 50 and 60 dollars
- More comfortable accommodations from $70
- Luxury hotels in Buenos Aires start at $250
How many days to stay in Buenos Aires?
The ideal is to stay at least five days in Buenos Aires. With this time you will get to know the main attractions of the capital of Argentina.
Do you have more time? Excellent. Take the opportunity to take a day trip to the Tigre Delta or extend the trip to Uruguay.
There are also many people who only spend a weekend in Buenos Aires. It’s not ideal, but you can make the most of it.
Do I need travel insurance for Argentina?
Travel insurance is optional for Argentina, but our recommendation is that you never travel without it.
Therefore, in the event of any medical emergency, theft, lost luggage or need to interrupt your trip due to some major unforeseen event, you will be protected. See our article on the best insurance for South America.
