Where to Stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Where to Stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Are you wondering where to stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires is my favorite city in South America. I spent one month there and I can’t wait to go back! If it’s your first time visiting Buenos Aires, you might be wondering where to stay and what to do.

Buenos Aires is a sprawling cosmopolitan city that is nicknamed the “Paris of the South” due to its elegant architecture and European flair. I completely agree with this, having previously lived in Paris.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Buenos Aires:

Stroll through Cementerio de la Recoleta, a cemetery that is more like a city of the dead
Catch a tango show or take some tango lessons and do some dancing yourself!
Visit some of the city’s amazing museums (most are free or just a couple of dollars.) My favorites are the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the MALBA, and the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo
Discover the cuisine of Buenos Aires on a local foodie adventure
Take a guided walking tour of La Boca, the colorful neighborhood in Buenos Aires where many of the city’s immigrants lived when they first arrived from Europe
Visit San Telmo Market on a Sunday for lots of shopping and eating opportunities
Explore this flat, bikeable city on two wheels on a guided bike tour
Check out El Ateneo Grand Splendid, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world
See a performance (or at least take a guided tour) of the stunning Teatro Colón
Get out of the city and take a day trip (or overnight trip) to another country in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, which is just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Buenos Aires by ferry
Explore the lively, chic Palermo Soho neighborhood known for dining and nightlife
Stroll through the tranquil Jardín Japonés and the other nearby parks

For a first-time visitor in Buenos Aires, where you stay is important, especially if you only have a few days, because Buenos Aires is a large city and it can take a while to get around. Staying in a central location within walking distance to many of the top sights in the city will save you a lot of time.

Best Places to Stay in Buenos Aires

As I mentioned, Buenos Aires is a large city with tons of neighborhoods to choose from.

These are the neighborhoods I would recommend all tourists to stay in:

Recoleta: This is a beautiful, centrally-located neighborhood that will make you feel like you’re in Paris as you stroll down its tree-lined streets. A great place to base yourself in Buenos Aires.
Retiro: Another one of the best areas to stay in Buenos Aires, Retiro is located between Recoleta and Centro, making it convenient to many of the top tourist attractions in the city.
Palermo: This is where I stayed, but it’s actually a massive neighborhood with smaller sub-neighborhoods. Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood are chic, trendy neighborhoods but they’re far from most tourist attractions in Buenos Aires. I recommend Palermo Chico for a more central location.
Centro: This is the lively heart of Buenos Aires. It reminds me of New York’s Times Square because of how it’s always bustling 24/7. It’s also the performing arts hub of the city.

Getting around in Buenos Aires is simple. Most of the city is very walkable, or you can take Ubers or taxis (they’re extremely affordable) or use the subway system, which is very cheap and efficient.

Note: Never prepay for a hotel room in Argentina or you’ll be charged in U.S. dollars. Instead, pay at the hotel and you will be charged in Argentinian pesos at a preferential exchange rate called the MEP. This can save you a LOT of money. Pay with a Visa debit or credit card for the best results.

Here are my top three picks for where to stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

Best in Recoleta/Retiro: Up Recoleta Hotel
Best in Palermo: 1828 Smart Hotel Boutique
Best in Centro: Esplendor by Wyndham Buenos Aires Tango

And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels in Buenos Aires.

Tip: I use and recommend Booking.com for getting the best deal on hotels. If you book directly through a link on this page, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Stay to Wander!

Palo Santo Hotel

If you want to stay in the heart of the trendy Palermo Hollywood neighborhood, Palo Santo Hotel is the perfect choice. This sleek and modern hotel is located steps from more restaurants, bars, and boutiques than you can count. It’s also about five minutes from the nearest subway station.

All rooms have a balcony with a city view or garden view. Amenities include a rooftop swimming pool and hot tub. A complimentary buffet breakfast is included every morning during your stay.

View on Booking.com | View on TripAdvisor

1828 Smart Hotel Boutique

Another great Palermo hotel is 1828 Smart Hotel Boutique. Located in the vibrant Palermo Soho neighborhood, this hotel is chic and stylish and makes the perfect base in Buenos Aires. Tons of restaurants and nightlife options are right at your doorstep staying in the heart of this trendy neighborhood.

Guests will enjoy amenities like a heated swimming pool, rooftop terrace, and fitness center. Complimentary breakfast is served in the morning and complimentary snacks are offered in the afternoon.

View on Booking.com | View on TripAdvisor

Up Recoleta Hotel

If you want to be within easy walking distance of many of the top tourist attractions in Buenos Aires, Up Recoleta Hotel is a great option. This boutique hotel offers comfortable rooms and nice amenities.

Some rooms offer a private balcony with city views. You can easily walk to many popular museums such as the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes as well as the Cementario de Recoleta.

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SuMa Recoleta Hotel

Another good option in the Recoleta/Retiro area is SuMa Recoleta. If you are looking for an affordable yet stylish hotel in a convenient location in the heart of the city, this is the place to stay.

You’re within easy walking distance of many of the top attractions in Buenos Aires when staying at this comfortable book, positioned strategically between the central neighborhoods of the city.

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Huinid Obelisco Hotel

If you’re looking to stay in the Centro neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Huinid Obelisco Hotel is a top-rated hotel. This sleek, modern hotel is in an excellent location close to sites like Teatro Colón.

Guests staying at this hotel will enjoy amenities like a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and a hot tub. The rooms and common areas all feature a clean, stylish design where you’ll feel right at home.

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Esplendor by Wyndham Buenos Aires Tango

Finally, one of the best hotels in Centro is Esplendor by Wyndham Buenos Aires Tango. If you’re looking to stay in a conveniently located chain hotel that still has a boutique feel, this is a great choice.

The hotel is in the heart of the Centro neighborhood and boasts amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, and a complimentary buffet breakfast that is included every morning of your stay.

View on Booking.com | View on TripAdvisor