Where to Stay in Buenos Aires

About Belgrano

Belgrano is a quiet, upscale residential neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and historic architecture. The area is home to Buenos Aires' authentic Barrio Chino (Chinatown), a vibrant Asian cultural district with over 100 businesses, traditional restaurants, and the historic Chong Kuan Buddhist temple, all centered around the impressive 11-meter Chinese archway on Arribeños Street.

Things to Do in November:

• Visit the beautiful Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción (our wedding venue)
• Explore Barrio Chino - stroll through the Chinese archway, dine at authentic Asian restaurants, and shop at traditional supermarkets
• Enjoy spring weather in Belgrano's peaceful tree-lined streets and local cafés

Note: While Belgrano is charming and authentic, Palermo offers a slightly more polished experience for tourists with more upscale accommodations and dining options.

About Palermo

Palermo is Buenos Aires' largest and trendiest neighborhood, home to the city's most beautiful parks, boutique shopping districts, world-class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. The area encompasses several distinct sub-neighborhoods including fashionable Palermo Soho with its cobblestone streets and designer boutiques, and Palermo Hollywood known for its buzzing bar scene around Plaza Serrano.

Top Attractions:

• Planetario Galileo Galilei (Av. Sarmiento s/n, Parque Tres de Febrero) - This iconic UFO-shaped planetarium from 1966 features 4D technology, cutting-edge projections, and houses a piece of lunar rock from Apollo 11. Buy tickets online
• El Rosedal (Av. Sarmiento & Av. del Libertador) - Award-winning rose garden with over 18,000 roses in geometric patterns, designed by French landscaper Charles Thays in 1914. Open Tue-Sun 10AM-6PM
• Jardín Japonés (Av. Figueroa Alcorta & Av. Casares) - One of the largest Japanese gardens outside Japan, featuring 150+ plant species, traditional bridges, artificial lake, waterfall, and tea house. Daily 10AM-6PM
• Plaza Serrano (Plaza Cortázar) (Honduras & Serrano streets) - Heart of Palermo Hollywood's nightlife with countless bars, pubs, and restaurants surrounding this vibrant square

About Recoleta

Recoleta is Buenos Aires' most elegant and sophisticated neighborhood, known for its French-inspired architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and world-class cultural attractions. This upscale district is home to some of the city's most prestigious museums, the famous cemetery where Eva Perón rests, and the world's most beautiful bookstore housed in a former theater.

Top Attractions:

• Recoleta Cemetery (Junín 1760) - World-famous cemetery where Eva Perón rests, featuring 4,691 elaborate mausoleums. CNN named it one of the world's 10 most beautiful cemeteries. Open daily 8AM-6PM, free guided tours available
• El Ateneo Grand Splendid (Av. Santa Fe 1860) - Named "world's most beautiful bookstore" by National Geographic, this stunning bookstore occupies a restored 1919 theater with original frescoed dome. Open Mon-Sat 9AM-9PM, Sun 12PM-9PM
• Buenos Aires City Bus Tour (Starting at Av. Presidente Manuel Quintana 591) - Hop-on, hop-off tour starts in Recoleta near Café La Biela. 22 stops, 3h 20min route covering the city's highlights. Buy tickets online

About Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero is Buenos Aires' newest and most luxurious neighborhood, representing one of the world's most successful urban waterfront restoration projects. This ultra-modern district features restored brick warehouses converted into upscale restaurants and lofts, sleek high-rises, and perfect waterfront promenades. All streets are uniquely named after important women, making it the only major neighborhood in the world with such a naming pattern.

Top Attractions:

• Puente de la Mujer (Woman's Bridge) (Dique 3) - Iconic rotating footbridge designed by Santiago Calatrava, representing a couple dancing tango. The white mast symbolizes the man, the bridge curve the woman. Declared Cultural Heritage of Buenos Aires in 2018
• Waterfront Dining & Bars (Alicia Moreau de Justo Ave) - World-class restaurants in restored brick warehouses offering panoramic river views. Notable spots include Sottovoce for Italian cuisine and Asia de Cuba for upscale nightlife
• Costanera Sur Promenade - Scenic waterfront walkway perfect for evening strolls, jogging, and enjoying river views. Adjacent to the 360-hectare Ecological Reserve, Buenos Aires' largest green space for nature walks and bird-watching

About San Nicolás

San Nicolás is Buenos Aires' historic center and main financial district, home to the city's most iconic landmarks including the famous Obelisk and the world-renowned Teatro Colón opera house. This neighborhood encompasses the heart of the city with government buildings, banks, and major cultural attractions. While it bustles with activity during business hours, it's safe to walk within the main touristic zones both day and night, though it's not the most charming area to stay overnight.

Top Attractions:

• Obelisk of Buenos Aires (Intersection of Av. Corrientes & Av. 9 de Julio) - The city's most iconic 67-meter monument built in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary. Located at Plaza de la República, it's the perfect reference point and photo spot. Best viewed during jacaranda season (November) when purple flowers frame the monument
• Teatro Colón (Cerrito 628) - One of the world's finest opera houses with perfect acoustics, inaugurated in 1908. Offers guided tours daily and hosts world-class performances. Buy tickets and tours online. Tours run Tue-Sun 9AM-5PM, performances Sep-Nov season
• Plaza de Mayo (Bounded by Bolívar, Hipólito Yrigoyen, Balcarce & Av. Rivadavia) - Historic main square featuring Casa Rosada (Pink Palace), Metropolitan Cathedral, and Cabildo. Site of major political events and weekly Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo gatherings every Thursday 3:30PM
• Av. 9 de Julio (World's widest avenue with 18 lanes) - Stretches from Retiro to Constitución passing the Obelisk. Features important theaters, government buildings, and connects major neighborhoods. Traffic light cycles are perfectly timed for sightseeing walks
• Avenida Corrientes ("The Street That Never Sleeps") - Theater district with over 20 venues, historic cafés, bookstores, and famous pizzerias. Pedestrianized 7PM-2AM from Callao to Libertad for safe evening strolls. Home to legendary bookstores and tango culture
• Pizzería Güerrín (Av. Corrientes 1368) - Historic 1932 pizzeria serving authentic Argentine thick-crust pizza from wood-fired ovens. Famous for fugazza and celebrity clientele including Maradona. Open daily 10AM-2AM, expect lines but worth the wait

Safety Note: San Nicolás is safe to walk during both day and night within the main touristic zones around the Obelisk, Teatro Colón, and Corrientes Street. The area is well-patrolled and busy with tourists. However, while safe for sightseeing, it's not the most charming neighborhood to stay overnight as it primarily serves as the business and government district.

About San Telmo

San Telmo is the birthplace of tango and Buenos Aires' most aesthetic neighborhood (according to Tutti!). This historic barrio is the oldest residential area in the city, characterized by its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, antique shops, traditional cafés, vibrant street art, and authentic porteño culture. The neighborhood preserves the essence of old Buenos Aires with its beautiful restored conventillos (old tenement buildings), atmospheric plazas, and passionate tango culture that flows through its streets daily.

Top Attractions (Visit During Daytime):

• San Telmo Sunday Market (Defensa Street from Av. San Juan to Plaza de Mayo) - Famous antique market every Sunday 10AM-5PM only. Browse vintage treasures, crafts, and artwork while watching spontaneous street tango performances. The heart of the market centers around Plaza Dorrego with the best atmosphere and live music.
• Plaza Dorrego (Defensa 1098, San Telmo) - Buenos Aires' second oldest square, surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings housing antique shops and traditional cafés. On Sundays, the plaza comes alive with tango dancers, live music, and market stalls. Perfect for enjoying a cortado while watching the authentic porteño life unfold.
• El Querandi Tango Show (Perú 302, San Telmo) - Experience authentic tango dinner show in an intimate colonial setting with live orchestra and professional dancers. Book tickets at querandi.com.ar/en. Note: Let Tutti and Brendan know if you want to go - we can get you better rates as Argentine citizens!
• Mafalda Statue (Defensa 584, San Telmo, in front of antique shop) - Bronze statue of Argentina's beloved comic strip character Mafalda, created by Quino. This popular photo spot represents Argentine culture, humor, and social consciousness. The statue sits on a bench where you can pose with this iconic character.

Safety Note: San Telmo is safe to explore during the day with normal urban precautions, but it's not safe to walk here at night. Stick to the main streets like Defensa and the areas around Plaza Dorrego during daylight hours. For evening tango shows, take a taxi or Uber directly to and from the venue.

About Colegiales

Colegiales is a safe, residential neighborhood popular with locals and expats. While it's a secure place to stay with a pleasant atmosphere, it's not particularly touristy and doesn't have many major attractions or activities for visitors. It offers a more authentic, quiet Buenos Aires experience away from the main tourist areas.

About La Boca

La Boca is one of Buenos Aires' most iconic neighborhoods, famous worldwide for its vibrant street art, colorful corrugated metal houses, and passionate tango culture. This working-class barrio grew around the port and was historically home to Italian immigrants who painted their houses with leftover ship paint, creating the distinctive rainbow palette. La Boca is the birthplace of the tango and home to Argentina's most beloved football club, Boca Juniors, making it a cultural epicenter despite its rough edges.

Top Attractions (Caminito Area Only):

• Caminito Street Museum (Caminito & Magallanes) - The most famous street in Argentina, turned into an open-air museum with colorful houses, tango performances, street artists, and souvenir shops. Named after a famous tango song, this 150-meter cobblestone street showcases the neighborhood's artistic soul. Visit between 10AM-6PM when the market is open.
• Traditional Parrilla Experience (Various restaurants along Caminito) - Enjoy authentic Argentine barbecue at the traditional parrillas lining Caminito street. Try the classic asado with chorizo, morcilla, and perfectly grilled beef while watching street tango performances. Most restaurants offer outdoor seating with views of the colorful houses.
• Museo de la Pasión Boquense (Brandsen 805) - Official Boca Juniors museum showcasing the club's legendary history, trophies, and memorabilia including Diego Maradona artifacts. Located next to La Bombonera stadium. Open daily 10AM-6PM. Buy tickets online
• Estadio Alberto J. Armando (La Bombonera) (Brandsen 805) - Iconic football stadium of Boca Juniors, known for its steep stands and incredible atmosphere. Stadium tours available daily showing locker rooms, field, and museum. The stadium literally shakes when full - hence the nickname "chocolate box."

Critical Safety Note: Only visit the Caminito pedestrian area during daylight hours. Do NOT wander off Caminito street into surrounding neighborhoods, and do NOT stay in the area after 6PM when the market closes. Stick strictly to the main tourist zone and leave before evening.

About Nuñez

Nuñez is a safe, residential neighborhood popular with locals and expats. While it's a secure place to stay with a pleasant atmosphere, it's not particularly touristy and doesn't have many major attractions or activities for visitors. It offers a more authentic, quiet Buenos Aires experience away from the main tourist areas.