Best Neighborhoods for Expats
Find your perfect barrio in Buenos Aires. Updated 2026 rent prices (doubled since 2023), safety rankings, and honest assessments from expats who live here.
Safety Reality: Palermo, Recoleta & Belgrano Are Very Safe
Despite media sensationalism, these three neighborhoods have crime rates comparable to European cities. The main risks are petty theft (phone snatching), not violent crime. Most expats never experience any issues in these areas. Use common sense and you'll be fine.
Quick Comparison
Neighborhood Guides
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. Most expats land here first.
- • Best restaurants and cafes
- • Vibrant nightlife
- • Large parks
- • Strong expat community
- • Walkable to everything
- • Higher rent prices (doubled since 2023)
- • Can be noisy
- • Touristy in some areas
Elegant and historic, Recoleta is Buenos Aires' most upscale neighborhood. Beautiful French architecture, the famous cemetery, and high-end shopping on Avenida Alvear. The safest area in the city.
- • Safest neighborhood in BA
- • Beautiful architecture
- • Cultural attractions
- • Parks and green spaces
- • Embassy district
- • Most expensive rents
- • Less nightlife
- • Can feel stuffy
- • Many tourists
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. Great Chinese food on Arribeños.
- • Family-friendly
- • Good schools
- • Quiet streets
- • Authentic Argentine feel
- • Great Chinese food district
- • Less central
- • Fewer tourists
- • Limited nightlife
Buenos Aires' oldest neighborhood with cobblestone streets, antique shops, and tango culture. The Sunday feria on Defensa street is world-famous. Stick to main streets (Defensa, Estados Unidos) at night.
- • Historic charm
- • Tango culture
- • Sunday market
- • Art scene
- • More affordable rents
- • Can be noisy
- • Side streets less safe at night
- • Older buildings
- • Tourist-targeted scams common
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. The 'next Palermo' for budget-conscious expats.
- • More affordable than Palermo
- • Trendy cafes
- • Good location
- • Authentic feel
- • Outlet shopping
- • Less polished than Palermo
- • Fewer parks
- • Developing area
- • Further from Subte lines
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. Popular with corporate expats.
- • Modern buildings
- • Waterfront views
- • Very safe
- • High-end dining
- • Gym/pool amenities
- • Most expensive rents (doubled since 2023)
- • Less character
- • Limited public transport
- • Dead on weekends
- • Feels like a bubble
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
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.
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.
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.
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.