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Buenos Aires Guide

Best Neighborhoods for Expats

Find your perfect barrio in Buenos Aires. Compare safety, rent prices, transport, and lifestyle across the city's top expat areas.

Quick Comparison

Best Overall
Palermo
Perfect balance of amenities, transport, and expat community
Safest
Recoleta
Lowest crime rates, well-lit streets
Best Value
Villa Crespo
Palermo vibes at lower prices
Best for Families
Belgrano
Quiet, good schools, family-friendly
Best Nightlife
Palermo Hollywood
Bars, clubs, restaurants open late
Most Authentic
San Telmo
Historic, traditional Buenos Aires feel

Neighborhood Guides

Palermo
Soho • Hollywood • Botánico
10/10
HighVery GoodExcellent

The most popular neighborhood for expats. Divided into trendy Palermo Soho with boutique shops and cafes, Palermo Hollywood with nightlife, and peaceful Palermo Botánico near the parks.

Average Rent:
$700-1,500/month
Best For:
Young professionalsDigital nomadsNightlife lovers
Highlights
  • Best restaurants and cafes
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Large parks
  • Expat community
Considerations
  • Higher rent prices
  • Can be noisy
  • Touristy in some areas
Recoleta
9/10
HighExcellentExcellent

Elegant and historic, Recoleta is Buenos Aires' most upscale neighborhood. Beautiful French architecture, the famous cemetery, and high-end shopping on Avenida Alvear.

Average Rent:
$800-1,600/month
Best For:
FamiliesRetireesUpscale living
Highlights
  • Safest neighborhood
  • Beautiful architecture
  • Cultural attractions
  • Parks and green spaces
Considerations
  • Most expensive rents
  • Less nightlife
  • Can feel stuffy
Belgrano
8/10
Medium-HighVery GoodVery Good

A peaceful, residential neighborhood with a strong community feel. Belgrano R and Coghlan are particularly popular with families and older expats seeking a quieter lifestyle.

Average Rent:
$600-1,200/month
Best For:
FamiliesLong-term residentsQuiet living
Highlights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good schools
  • Quiet streets
  • Authentic Argentine feel
Considerations
  • Less central
  • Fewer tourists
  • Limited nightlife
San Telmo
7/10
MediumModerateGood

Buenos Aires' oldest neighborhood with cobblestone streets, antique shops, and tango culture. The Sunday feria on Defensa street is world-famous.

Average Rent:
$500-900/month
Best For:
ArtistsBudget-consciousHistory buffs
Highlights
  • Historic charm
  • Tango culture
  • Sunday market
  • Art scene
Considerations
  • Can be noisy
  • Some areas less safe at night
  • Older buildings
Villa Crespo
7/10
MediumGoodGood

An up-and-coming neighborhood next to Palermo with lower rents but similar vibes. Known for outlet shopping on Avenida Córdoba and great food scene.

Average Rent:
$500-900/month
Best For:
Young expatsFoodiesValue seekers
Highlights
  • More affordable
  • Trendy cafes
  • Good location
  • Authentic feel
Considerations
  • Less polished than Palermo
  • Fewer parks
  • Developing area
Puerto Madero
6/10
Very HighExcellentModerate

The newest neighborhood with modern skyscrapers, luxury apartments, and waterfront dining. Very safe but can feel sterile and disconnected from the rest of the city.

Average Rent:
$1,000-2,500/month
Best For:
High-income expatsBusiness travelersModern amenities
Highlights
  • Modern buildings
  • Waterfront views
  • Very safe
  • High-end dining
Considerations
  • Expensive
  • Less character
  • Limited public transport
  • Dead on weekends

Buenos Aires Neighborhood Map

Understanding the layout of Buenos Aires helps you choose the right neighborhood. The city is divided into barrios, each with its own character.

Interactive map coming soon. For now, explore our detailed neighborhood guides above or contact us for personalized recommendations.

Tips for Choosing Your Neighborhood

Consider Transport Links

Buenos Aires has excellent public transport, but some neighborhoods are better connected than others. Palermo, Recoleta, and Belgrano have multiple subway lines. San Telmo relies more on buses.

Budget for USD Rent

Most landlords now quote rent in USD. While this protects against inflation, it means higher upfront costs. Factor in security deposit (usually 1-2 months) and potential guarantee (garantía) requirements.

Visit Before Committing

Each neighborhood has a very different feel. If possible, spend a few days in different areas before signing a lease. What's charming during the day might be noisy at night.

Think About Lifestyle

Do you want to walk to cafes and restaurants? Palermo or Recoleta. Prefer quiet evenings? Belgrano or Núñez. Want authentic Buenos Aires? San Telmo or Almagro.

Still Deciding?

Get our detailed neighborhood comparison guide and personalized recommendations based on your budget and lifestyle preferences.