June 3, 2022, 2:37 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Anyone visiting Buenos Aires for the first time can quickly feel overwhelmed by the size of Argentina’s capital. A tour through five neighborhoods offers a glimpse into all facets of the city.
When talking about Buenos Aires, as with any major metropolis, it’s hard to speak of “the city” as a whole. Each neighborhood has its own milieu and charm, creating the grand composition of Argentina’s capital. A tour through the most exciting neighborhoods.
In our podcast “Around the World in 5 Minutes,” Adrian and Christoph, who run the travel podcast “Welttournee,” offer more tips for Buenos Aires:
Here is an overview of more podcast episodes.
San Telmo – the alternative neighborhood
San Telmo is part of the original core of Buenos Aires. The buildings are old, some are dilapidated or occupied. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll encounter colorful graffiti and trendy cafes frequented by students and artists. On Sunday evenings, the courtyard of an abandoned house near the San Pedro Gonzalez Telmo church is all about folklore: At the Peña, people dance the Chacarera to live music with such passion that dust rises. Empanadas and choripan, grilled sausage in bread, are served.
Puerto Madero – between old and new
In Puerto Madero, worlds collide. Glittering skyscrapers rise behind the grasses of a nature reserve. The high-rises are part of the once-neglected, now modernized port area. As you approach the delta, you find yourself in the La Reserva Ecológica nature reserve. Here, dragonflies buzz over the swampy outflows of the Río de la Plata, and joggers make their rounds even in the heat. There’s nature in the midst of the metropolis!
Palermo – the trendy neighborhood
Even the “New York Times” has called Palermo trendy – at least one of its four parts: In Palermo Soho, creatives live, work, and sell. This sub-neighborhood stretches between the streets of Santa Fé, Coronel Diaz, Córdoba, and Juan B. Justo. Palermo is the place to meet: for a morning coffee, a mate in between, a beer in the evening, and partying all night. The latter is best done in Palermo Hollywood.
La Boca – the historic neighborhood
The old port district of La Boca is where the tango was born. Here, it’s turned into business: Couples dance in front of restaurants, accordion players wait for tips. If you move away from the tourist hotspots, you experience the neighborhood as it truly is: lively – but its poverty is evident. Children play soccer in the street, while their idols play next door in the stadium of the country’s most popular club, Boca Juniors.
Recoleta – the elegant neighborhood
Those who find themselves in Recoleta either have money or work there. Although it’s one of the city’s business districts, there are worthwhile attractions: The El Cementerio de la Recoleta cemetery invites contemplative strolls – alongside monumental grave figures, you can also visit the final resting place of Evita Perón. The stately 19th-century villas, still standing among modern buildings like those on Avenida Alvear, are absolutely worth seeing.
Discover the Highlights of London in 4 Days
This Is Officially the Coolest Neighborhood in the World
The Weather in Buenos Aires
Safety in Argentina
According to the travel and safety advisories of the German Foreign Office (AA), the crime rate in Argentina is quite high. “Caution and vigilance are advised nationwide. Even during the day and in better residential areas, robberies occur. The perpetrators may be armed and are not deterred from using violence,” writes the AA.
Additionally, the AA has compiled some behavioral tips for Argentina:
- Keep money, IDs, driver’s license, and other important documents secure. Email copies of important documents to yourself.
- Carry only the cash needed for the day – possibly in a simple secondary wallet – and no unnecessary valuables.
- Be especially vigilant in large crowds such as at airports, train stations, on the subway, and on buses, and keep an eye on your valuables.
- Do not offer unnecessary resistance during robberies.
- Be skeptical of unfamiliar emails, prize notifications, offers, and requests for help from supposed acquaintances. Do not share your data; verify personally or contact the police if necessary.
Note: Before traveling to Argentina, check the current entry requirements regarding the coronavirus. Information can also be found at the German Foreign Office.