Barrios in Buenos Aires: Find out Which is the Best for You!

By Expanishargentina @expanish

Apart from being known as the Madrid or New York of Latin America, Buenos Aires is home to more than 40 neighborhoods, or as we like to call them, barrios. In the heart of Buenos Aires, there are 5 barrios that are the most well known; Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo, Puerto Madero and Belgrano. Each barrio is not only within walking distance of one another, but also has its own distinct personality. Here, let me show you.

The Fashion Hub

The barrio of Palermo, located in the center of downtown Buenos Aires, is considered the young neighborhood. Lined with cobblestone roads and full of designer stores, boutiques and delicious restaurants, you could lose yourself for hours in its streets. Palermo is huge and because of its size, it is split into 2 areas; Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, even though there is little difference between the two. So, if you like fashion, great atmosphere and even better food, look no further- Palermo is your place.

The Cultural Hub

According to all of the Porteños, Recoleta is the barrio cultural. Many of the most famous museums of Buenos Aires are located in the center of the Recoleta, as well as the best Tango places. Complete with golden lightposts and magnificent statues, Recoleta is place to get all the information about Argentine history, art and of course, culture.

The Historic Hub

Are you a history buff? If so, San Telmo is the place for you. With old historical buildings scattered throughout the antiquated alleys of this neighborhood, you always feel like you are discovering these 200 year old buildings for the first time- which is a pretty cool feeling. If you aren’t into seeing old historical buildings, you can always pop over to the most famous market in Buenos Aires which takes place every weekend, the San Telmo Market. As far as the eye can see the streets are lined with authentic Argentine art, food, and music. Let me tell you, this market should be on everyones Buenos Aires To Do List.

The Modern Hub

Located right on the water, Puerto Madero is the newest and most modern of the barrios of Buenos Aires. Although it is the youngest of them all, Puerto Madero still has breath-taking qualities like the beautiful brick buildings that line the river that runs through town. Being where most of the Buenos Aires businesses are located, there is always a 5 star restaurant within eyesight, which always sweetens the deal. Especially at night with the lights lit up on the bridge, Puerto Madero is a sight to see.

The Classic Hub

The final of the barrios that makes up the famous Buenos Aires, is Belgrano. This northernmost barrio is considered the classic neighborhood. Also filled with parks and museums, this barrio has a special addition; Barrio Chino- the Chinese village of Argentina. Here you can get great chinese food, find international food stores as well as cheap souvenirs, what more could you want?

Well, that was a very brief peek into the barrios of Buenos Aires, but as you can see, there is so much more to Buenos Aires than just the “city” it is known for. Now that you have an idea of what is waiting here in BA, what are you waiting for? Contact us here for more information about the city and the school!