We were so excited when we finally made the decision to travel to Buenos Aires in 2026 and live there for 2 months as digital nomads. But then came the big decision – Where to stay in Buenos Aires? After some deep diving into the Facebook groups to get some local perspectives and searching online, the same three areas kept popping up: San Telmo, Palermo, and Recoleta.
These three hubs all have a different feel and can cater to different travelling styles and needs. We chose to stay in San Telmo (more on that later), and honestly feel like it was the best decision for us. In this article, I’ll explain what each area feels like, our experience as digital nomads and the best areas I recommend to make the most of your time in Buenos Aires – whether you are there for a quick trip or for a longer stay!
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Safest Neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires (And Where We Stayed)
The main three areas of Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo are all right next to each other. However, if you look at the distance between the three areas, they are a bit farther apart. You’ll want to take transit to get between each area. This decision really comes down to: where do you want your main hub to be? Which area do you feel most safe in?
I would have to say that I honestly felt safe in all three areas. We were quite diligent about our belongings everywhere we went. We had read and seen online about pickpocketing being prevalent and how it’s common for phones to be taken right from your hands. Due to this, I almost always walked around with my bag in front and rarely looked at my phone on the street. I would duck into a store if I needed to view maps or something like that.
We stayed in San Telmo and loved the local feel of the area. Through staying here, we also became introduced to Puerto Madero, a quiet area with lots of greenery! Palermo and Recoleta were still neat areas, but they certainly lacked the local charm that San Telmo had. Palermo and Recoleta felt busier, had more upscale bars and restaurants, and seemed to have more tourists as well.
Regardless of where you stay, it’s important to keep your guard up with your belongings. Keep your phone tucked away and only really use it when you are inside an establishment.
The Best Neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires to Stay In
Palermo (Soho & Hollywood): Best Area for First-Timers, Cafes & Digital Nomads
Palermo has awesome nightlife, is filled with cafes and bars, and there are tons of shopping to be had. We travelled here a few times in the afternoons and into the evenings so we could enjoy the nightlife ambiance! We primarily stayed in the Soho area; however, we did venture into the Hollywood (more financial district type area) to get to one of our new favourite bars – Uptown.
Palermo also has a market, which, although it wasn’t too big, was a cool place to check out especially in the evenings. That whole area is surrounded by tons of bars and restaurants. We had a lot of fun going to a karaoke bar (despite us not really speaking much Spanish) and honestly just loved the energy and excitement of the place!
Lots of digital nomads recommend Palermo, and it certainly is a digital nomad hub. Soho is a bit more popular to stay in versus the Hollywood side; however, they are so close that it really would just come down to which building accommodates your needs the best.
My Accommodation Recommendations for Palermo:
1. Hotel Clasico
Hotel Clasico is a beautiful hotel bordering the line between Soho and Hollywood areas. I love the ambiance that the hotel’s rooms have, with the modern and detailed furnishings. The balconies in the rooms are so cute and let in so much amazing natural light! I also love the wainscoting the rooms have, so if you are into interior design, then I’d absolutely check this hotel out! I would highly recommend this place for travellers looking to be right in the action. Palermo is a really cool city to explore, and this location is perfect for just that!
Book Your Stay: Hotel Clasico
2. Hotel Palermitano by DOT Boutique
Hotel Palermitano is located right in the heart of the Soho area. If you are looking for a luxury boutique feel, then this just might be your go-to spot. We love boutique hotels and often seek them out when travelling to new destinations. At Hotel Palermitano, they have a unique decor with parquet floors and wood furnishings. Depending on your choice, you could get a private balcony; however, lots of light does get in regardless, which is so nice! Of course, it has an amazing rooftop pool, which is perfect after a fun day out exploring the restaurants and shops nearby. I think this place is great for couples or solo travellers who are looking for a premium spot in Palermo!
Book Your Stay: Hotel Palermitano
3. Luxury Apartments In Palermo – by BueRentals
Luxury Apartments In Palermo – by BueRentals would be an ideal place for a digital nomad stay. While it is a studio, it does feel large, and it does have a full kitchen area. Not only does it come with a full stove, but there is an oven, microwave, and full fridge too! The apartment has a simple design, but I love the added pops of colour and the wood accent wall. Every apartment also comes with a balcony, which would be amazing to have a glass of wine there after a long workday. This place is a great value for money, right in the action in Palermo, and honestly a great choice for digital nomads!
Book Your Stay: Luxury Apartments in Palermo
San Telmo: Best Area for History, Tango, Local Markets & Charm
I LOVED staying in San Telmo. I felt like I was just another local there. We sought out our favourite go-to places, and we enjoyed walking through the Sunday San Telmo Market multiple times! It has cobblestone streets, outstanding local restaurants, and it honestly feels like a true gem in Buenos Aires. Ideally, I’d stay between the areas of Calle Defensa and Calle Bolivar, as between these two parallel streets you’ll find the best places to dine and shop.
Our apartment was close to Calle Defensa, and literally was a 2 minute talk to the Sunday San Telmo market. Now, our apartment itself was just okay for a digital nomad set-up; the area is top-notch, and I highly recommend San Telmo if you are looking more for a local feel.
My Accommodation Recommendations for San Telmo:
1. San Telmo Suites
San Telmo Suites is a beautiful loft-style accommodation in the heart of San Telmo. It has an amazing location, right between Calle Defensa and Calle Bolivar. You’ll be steps away from the San Telmo market and about a 10-minute walk to the central Mercado. The San Telmo Suites would be a great choice for a solo traveller or a couple. It has modern furnishings, seems spacious with the loft layout, and even a desk to get some work done. If you want a place to feel more like a home, then I would book here.
Book Your Stay: San Telmo Suites
2. Telmo Hotel Boutique
Telmo Hotel Boutique has simple, clean rooms, and my personal favourite – a beautiful rooftop terrace! It’s also in a prime location, right next to Plaza Dorrego where you’ll find the famous antique market. We also saw tango dancers multiple times in this location too. You are literally right in the heart of the San Telmo market, so I’d definitely consider staying here, especially if it’s the weekend. I’m a fan of the loft-style suites at Telmo Hotel Boutique, and this can be a great spot if you are looking to not only explore, but to get some work done too.
Book Your Stay: Telmo Hotel Boutique
3. San Telmo Suites 12
San Telmo Suites 12 is a great place to go as a digital nomad. While the building is a bit farther away from the main hub, it has lots of great amenities to utilize for your stay. The suite has a large work desk, a comfortable living room environment, and a small kitchen area with a stove. I especially love the amenities, including the large pool, gym, and co-working area. I understand first-hand the desire for a comfortable apartment while working on the road, so this I’d certainly consider for my stay.
Book Your Stay: San Telmo Suites 12
Recoleta: Best Area for European Architecture, Quiet Streets & Upscale Stays
Recoleta is a neat area; however, we spent the least amount of time there. The architecture is beautiful, and it certainly has a more upscale feel. We spent some time here going to Centro Cultural Recoleta, the Recoleta Cemetery, and enjoyed having a few bites to eat and drinks at Buller Brewing too. Recoleta is located between Palermo and San Telmo, so it has a great central location. If you are looking for more of a relaxing pace and quieter environment, then Recoleta is where you’ll want to be!
My Accommodation Recommendations for Recoleta:
1. Casa Par Grand Suites
Casa Par Grand Suites is a beautiful accommodation that features Japanese-style business suites. The suites are large, modern, sleek, with gorgeous bathrooms! And I love how much natural sunlight shines into the apartment too! I think this would be a great spot for a solo traveller or a couple who want to have an amazing accommodation for travel, right in the heart of Recoleta.
Book Your Stay: Casa Par Grand Suites
2. Up Recoleta Hotel
Up Recoleta Hotel is a beautiful hotel with a stylish bathroom. I love the comfortable balconies they have, which honestly would be the best way to unwind after a day of exploring. This hotel is located very close to multiple parks, which would be such a great way to start your days there! They have room options to stay in a double room or a 2-single set-up, making it convenient to stay with a group. Up Recoleta Hotel is a great value for money and certainly one to consider if you want to stay in the Recoleta area!
Book Your Stay: Up Recoleta Hotel
3. Amazing Studio With City Views
I really like this Amazing Studio with City Views as it has everything you’ll need (and more) for a stay as a digital nomad. It’s a great value for money with all of the amenities included, as you’ll have access to a gym, pool, and sauna! It’s a simple setup with a 2-burner stove and microwave oven. I really like the large table in the studio that is ideal for a nomad work setup. If you are staying in Recoleta as a nomad, I’d definitely recommend checking this place out!
Book Your Stay: Amazing Studio With City Views
Puerto Madero: Quiet Modern Area and Close to Local Markets
Puerto Madero is an up-and-coming neighbourhood and is located across the bridge from San Telmo. There are many apartment high-rises, and the neighbourhood feels more spread out. The sidewalks are larger, and it feels greener than San Telmo. It was about a 10-minute walk from our apartment, and I honestly enjoyed the quieter pace this area had. They do have a number of upscale and fancy restaurants too. I’d recommend this area especially for families if you want a quieter living environment, but still a close walk to the charm of San Telmo.
My Accommodation Recommendations for Puerto Madero:
1. Elegante departamento frente al Dique
Elegante departamento frente al Dique is a spectacular apartment in Puerto Madero and honestly a place I’d consider if I were staying as a nomad in this area. I love the earth tones in the apartment, the fact that it has a full oven, and a comfortable living setup. Ideally, this would be for someone who doesn’t require a large work desk for their nomad living. The gym and rooftop pools are great additions to easily unwind and relax after a long workday. I’m also a big sucker for a great view, and this apartment really has it all.
Book Your Stay: Elegante departamento frente al Dique
2. Hotel Madero Buenos Aires, WorldHotels Elite
Hotel Madero is a beautiful hotel and perfect for a short stay in this area. Each room is bright and spacious and even comes with its own private balcony. It has sleek, modern furnishings and truly has that luxurious feeling, perfect for a relaxing vacation. While it is a bit more expensive than the other options, it has amazing amenities including an indoor pool, office area, and my favourite – a rooftop terrace with incredible views!
Book Your Stay: Hotel Madero
3. Resort Experience in Puerto Madero
Resort Experience in Puerto Madero is a unique accommodation and honestly is just really cool. I love that these rooms have a beautiful accent wall that really stands out, and they even have a small swing inside. We do enjoy a studio, especially for a short to moderate length of stay. Having a small kitchen area is ideal, and the room is still quite spacious. If you don’t need to get work done, I’d go for the studio; otherwise, the one-bedroom apartment comes with a large dining table that would be suitable for a work desk. The accommodation feels like a true gem, as it caters to so many types of travellers!
Book Your Stay: Resort Experience in Puerto Madero
Frequently Asked Questions About Staying in Buenos Aires
What is the safest neighbourhood to stay in Buenos Aires for solo travellers?
I would honestly say that I felt safe in all areas of Palermo, Recoleta, Puerto Madero and San Telmo. I would have to say perhaps Palermo and Recoleta a little bit more, only because those areas were busier in the evenings and had more people walking around. Puerto Madero is very quiet in the evenings. Well, I didn’t feel unsafe here; it’s just something worth noting.
I was never approached while living in San Telmo; however, I didn’t walk around much alone at night. While we did venture out in the evenings frequently, my partner was always with me.
Overall, I felt safe in all of these areas; it just depends on whether you want to stay in a busier area with more people walking around at night.
Is San Telmo a safe area to stay in?
San Telmo is a safe area to stay in from my experience, and I would recommend staying between Calle Defensa and Calle Bolivar. Between these two streets, there are tons of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore, and honestly it’s such a fun place to check out. I loved staying in San Telmo as it had more of a low-key local vibe, and we loved the laid-back feel it had!
How many days do you need in Buenos Aires?
I would easily recommend staying 5 days in Buenos Aires if you are there for a short trip. There is so much to do and so many places to explore and dine at that you’ll want to properly take your time and venture out into the different parts of the city. I would definitely want to be in the city over the weekend and perhaps spend Saturday night in Palermo to enjoy the bustling nightlife and, of course, go to San Telmo to enjoy the iconic Sunday market!
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Buenos Aires
We honestly loved our time in Buenos Aires when we stayed there for 2 months in 2026. We spent a long time trying to figure out where exactly we wanted to stay, and finally landed on San Telmo. This was a great choice for us, as we loved the local feel, enjoyed going to the San Telmo Market (multiple times) and had so many restaurants and bars nearby to explore.
While San Telmo was our main hub, we enjoyed exploring the Palermo area and certainly understand why it’s on just about every recommendation list of places to stay. Recoleta is also a nice area, with beautiful architecture and parks to explore. While this wasn’t the place for us to stay, it was certainly a nice place to spend some time. Finally, we were happy to explore Puerto Madero and only really did so by chance. With its proximity to San Telmo, it’s a quiet, upscale area that we enjoyed going for walks through frequently.
I hope this article helps you decipher which area is best for you. Buenos Aires is a really cool city to explore, and each area brings its own charm!
