Buenos Aires is a magnificent city that attracts thousands of visitors. For our shops, our warm people, our history, our nightlife, and, of course, our food. Buenos Aires is a foodie’s dream, full of different dining options and flavors. And the best way to make the most of a culinary visit to Argentina’s capital is to stay close to the hot spots. This article is the ultimate guide for the best places to stay within walking distance from where the food and the fun are.

How Buenos Aires is Divided

Buenos Aires’ identity is defined by its neighborhoods, called barrios. There’s chic  Palermo, trendy Villa Crespo, and effortlessly cool Chacarita. Residential Belgrano, quiet Saavedra and Paternal. French-chic Recoleta and modern Puerto Madero. Traditional San Telmo and colorful La Boca, just to name a few.  

Each area has its own unique style, history, and people, so choosing one is choosing a defined facet of Buenos Aires. It all depends on what you are looking for.

Staying in Palermo

Palermo is so big that people started splitting it into “smaller Palermos” just so they could keep track of where they were. They all have their own flair: Palermo Soho is the epicenter of chic youth, while Palermo Botánico is known for its lush parks. But they all have three things in common: a great location, the coolest vibe, and an insane variety of great places to eat at.  

Palermo is sometimes considered the best area to stay and the go-to choice for many travelers when looking for accommodation options. It’s a walking distance of pretty much everything, it’s safe and it’s very easy to communicate in English with the locals. 

Palermo only has two downsides. One, it can get very crowded. Two, with so many places to eat and go, it can sometimes be difficult to separate the real gems from the tourist traps.

Another thing to consider is the vibrant nightlife and extreme movement during the night. For visitors looking for a quiet stay to relax, it may not be the best choice.

Home Hotel

This spa hotel in Honduras 5860, right in Palermo Hollywood, is an oasis in the middle of the bustling city. It’s decorated in a unique 60s and 70s art deco style and features a lovely garden. No doubt, the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back a la carte breakfast, lunch, or drink Argentine wine while you take in the plant-covered courtyard and swimming pool.

When ready to explore the dining options in Palermo, the following nearby options are worth a visit. Oli café is only a 10-minute walk away. The high-quality coffee and delectable French toast are a worthy breakfast or brunch. Try the warm cheese chipa for a taste of local cuisine (the fries with Caesar salad, while not local, are also highly recommended). For dinner, consider Fogón Asado, with Michelin-recommended fireside tasting menu. A more low-key alternative is Siamo nel Forno, a cozy Neapolitan pizzeria that uses a wood-fired brick oven for fresh, authentic pizzas. 

The newly opened La Ventana Anafe is a popular option among the younger crowd. The owners are the same as the Michelin Bib Gourmand, Anafe. It’s an informal spot for a great Chicken sandwich, fresh pastries, or a quick glass of local organic wine. This location is every foodie’s fantasy.

Jardín Escondido

This hotel’s green utopia was built by none other than the Francis Ford Coppola family – which cinephiles will appreciate! Its gardens extend over three levels, with a solar-heated pool, and an outdoor kitchen and parrilla where guests can make their own asados. 

It’s in the heart of Palermo Soho, at Gorriti 4746, within walking distance of every boutique, restaurant, and art gallery. Lucky guests might even catch sight of Coppola himself enjoying a glass of Argentine wine and writing, as he sometimes does in his boutique hotel.

There are an abundance of dining options nearby, but one of the most unique plans is to learn how to cook the best local dishes and asados. The neighboring cooking space Criolla Cooking and Wine offers small group classes and wine tastings. 

Nearby parrilla Lo de Jesus serves one of the best premium meats in Latin America. Another local favorite is El Preferido. You can’t go wrong with their renowned milanesa (schnitzel) or the unforgettable fainá (a chickpea flour flatbread with provolone cheese). For coffee lovers, Cuervo Café is a must. And head to La Alacena Trattoria for an authentic Italian experience featuring of burrata and homemade pastas.

 Fierro Hotel

Fierro is a boutique hotel in Soler 5862 rated #2 on Tripadvisor. It’s known for the high quality of the service and culinary experience. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a lush garden at UCO, their restaurant. For the worthwhile brunch, the Irish/Argentine-inspired selection of sweet and savory dishes includes creative options such as steak carpaccio, fish and chips, and croque madame, along with homemade pastries, yogurts, and juices.   

The streets of Carranza, Ravignani, and Arevalo offer an array of distinct food options for any budget, making up the main foodie scene in Palermo Hollywood. Las Flores is a gluten-free restaurant and garden. It offers al fresco dining, fresh pastries, lunch, and a great selection of wines, creating a moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

For a sophisticated taste of Perú, two nearby options to try are Tigre Morado, or the outdoor garden of La Mar. Both have a wonderful atmosphere in the late afternoon to enjoy a pisco sour, with Nikkei sushi, causas de pulpo (grilled octopus over potato patties), and typical stir fry dishes. 

Staying in Recoleta

Recoleta is an upscale neighborhood of Buenos Aires with the look and feel of a Paris arrondissement. Picture French balconies, fancy restaurants with outdoor seating, haute couture boutiques, and luxury hotels. It’s closer to downtown Microcentro (the city center) than Palermo, meaning closer to the theater district and the historic center. It’s very close to must-see museums and attractions like the MALBA, the Fine Arts Museum, the Decorative Arts Museum, and the Recoleta Cemetery. It’s also where some of the best hotels are.

Some things to consider: Recoleta is generally a safe area, but visitors should be on the lookout for pickpockets. At night, caution is advised when venturing closer to the Retiro station and train tracks. The area is pretty much deserted after the sun goes down, and even locals avoid it. Anyone staying should also consider that Recoleta has fewer options to go out than Palermo, and reunites an older, more sophisticated crowd.

The Four Seasons

A luxurious option offering the best in hospitality, dining, and service. Their restaurant, Elena, is ranked #40 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. The menu is an exquisite mix of Argentine food such as dry-aged premium Ribeye steaks, charcuterie, and brasserie, as well as the best national and international wines. 

For a different take on meat, Nuestro Secreto is a parrilla that turns the Argentinean tradition of asado into a social grilling experience, hidden in the gardens of the hotel. To round out the food tour, the polo-inspired cocktail bar, Pony Line, serves creative mixed drinks and some of the finest burgers in the city.

Sofitel

A high-end option, Sofitel is a sophisticated and luxurious French experience in the heart of downtown, at Posadas 1232. Right at the limit of Recoleta and Retiro, each room has a unique view of the city. The hotel also shines for its buffet breakfast, complimented by all guests. Their restaurant, Alma Buenos Aires, specializes in grilled meats and local seasonal vegetables.  

Not far is Fervor, a classic option to taste true Argentine meat, seafood, and pasta. Aramburu Bis, a Michelin bistró, aims to heighten the senses through smell, presentation, and, of course, flavor. There’s also Gran Bar Danzón, one of the most creative cocktail bars in Buenos Aires. For a veggie night with one of Argentina’s top chefs, Marti Barra is sure to deliver.

Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt

Another five-star choice, the Palacio Duhau at Alvear Av. 1661 is truly a palace. Belle Epoque furnishings, a huge garden that takes visitors out of the city for a moment, panoramic views of Buenos Aires from every room, and a wellness center. 

One can bathe in the sun on the external terrace while enjoying the Piano Nobile salons, where lunch and dinner are served every day. Although, the real star is the five o’clock tea with a world-renowned patisserie. At the end of the night, the Oak Bar is a private space to drink “club style” from one of the most extensive malta selections in the city.  

The hotel’s main restaurant is on the Michelin guide, and prepares Argentine cuisine, seeking perfection in simplicity. The specialty is grill cooking: whether fish, vegetables, or steak, they all converge on a “family style” menu of seasonal products. And, for a vegan-friendly option, Gioia Cocina Botánica offers elaborate, mouthwatering dishes that also support local producers who want to make a difference on the planet.   

Staying in Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero used to be the city’s port. In recent years it was transformed into a financial and high-end commercial district, maintaining the original buildings and warehouses. Within very close proximity to Plaza De Mayo, the Cathedral, and San Telmo, it’s a good hub for sightseeing. During the day it’s possible to walk along the ecological reserve and the riverfront, where restaurants line the sidewalks. 

Staying in Puerto Madero is a safe choice and a great option if traveling for business, getting on a cruise, or simply wanting to make the most of the days in the city. Nevertheless, while it’s close to the city center, this neighborhood offers fewer nearby entertainment options. It can be good for a pricey, short visit, but is not a great place if the goal is to really explore Buenos Aires.

Alvear Icon

Alvear Icon, a five-star hotel in Puerto Madero, has it all. Their sky bar, Crystal, offers a view of the whole city from atop while enjoying a drink. At Kayla Restaurant, the menu is filled with local products such as pickled mullet, smoked duck, black pudding croute, and homemade bread. Sunny Yard lets the sun shine through a crystal-enclosed garden while hosting lavish breakfasts, afternoon teas, and lunches. 

Another thing that sets Alvear Icon apart is its luxurious kosher restaurant, Glitter, a welcoming space that combines classic local cuisine with enhanced flavors. 

 Faena

The Faena has been the place to stay for many high-profile celebrities visiting Argentina. One of the top five hotels in the country, it has the luxury, the ambiance, the spa, the amenities, and even the three-story suite to feel like a rock star. But the good part is its six restaurants and bars.

• Bistró Sur: An elegant setting that brings together all the food cultures that have arrived at the port of Buenos Aires. They now welcome a pop-up experience by Chef Pedro Picciau of Italpast, with signature dishes and traditional flavors of Italian-Sardinian cuisine.
• El Mercado: A mixture of Porteñan canteens and European open-air markets. An intimate space with an adobe oven and an open-pit barbecue for asado that results in an unforgettable experience.
• The Library Lounge: A fan of books, good coffee, and drinks? This cozy space is a dream come true to enjoy some time alone with the best company: a good story. 
• The Poolbar: What could be more stylish than looking out over a dramatic pool with sunglasses on and a drink in hand made from exotic fruit juices and Argentina’s signature spicy spirit? 
• El Cabaret and Rojo Tango: Made for tango lovers. A trip to the past of Buenos Aires, romantic 1920s thugs, and immigrant history, surrounded by red velvet and a glass of Argentine wine.   
• La Cava: A great way to immerse in the country’s extensive wine culture. The wine bar has exclusive tastings of more than four thousand bottles, perfect for a romantic dinner by candlelight.

Staying in San Telmo

San Telmo is a fascinating part of the city, where the traditional colonial Porteña culture shines through on every corner. Antique shops, art galleries, secret passageways, tango shows, and a lively atmosphere where the famous San Telmo Market takes place every Sunday. It’s perfect for first-time and solo travelers wanting to see the main points of the center and downtown area. It’s close to the historic center, the theater district, the Obelisco landmark, La Boca, and a fair number of subways and buses. 

Being a visitor hub, tourist traps and pickpockets are common during the day. At night,  avoid walking Colón Avenue alone, or wandering away from well-lit areas. The rest of San Telmo is usually safe and there are a fair amount of people in the main streets.

L’Adresse

What was once a mansion and then a conventillo(a tenement house for poor immigrant families) has now been transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel in Bolívar 1491. It combines elements of each era, resulting in a blend of the history that defines San Telmo.

Nearby Caseros Avenue is a hot spot for foodies. A noteworthy dining spot is Nápoles Bar, an Antiquities warehouse turned Italian canteen with great small bites, handcrafted drinks, and collectible antiques to get lost in. On the same street is Hierba Buena, featuring vegetarian cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere. They offer a fun and vegan version of the Argentine choripan, the choriplant. The architecture on Caseros is not to be missed, a reminder of a grand and golden era of the past.

 San Telmo suites

Just twelve rooms to keep it intimate and recreate a homely experience. This upcycled old aristocratic house in Chile 437 is within walking distance of San Telmo’s market, the main highlight of the area. This is the best place to learn about the history of the neighborhood, shop for antiques, and sample great food from the stalls(like the mouth-watering empanadas from El Hornero). Just around the corner, El Federal Bar is another must-see historical bar notable, reminiscent of Buenos Aires’ mythical tango.