Is Buenos Aires Safe? The Best Neighborhoods To Stay

Are you getting ready to travel to Argentina but still anxious about safety issues? You’ve come to the right post. Let’s answer your most pressing questions about the capital, especially “Is Buenos Aires safe?”

Buenos Aires, often called “the Paris of South America,” is an amazing tourist destination and is safe to visit. It is known for its street art, delicious food, and cultural diversity.

Traveling to a foreign country can test one’s nerves, but excessive and unfounded travel jitters can be unnecessary. Fortunately, it can be eased by correct information.  For a stress-free travel experience, read on to learn more about the safety and security situation in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Is it Safe to Visit Buenos Aires?

Argentina is a pretty safe country overall, and its capital, Buenos Aires, is one of the safest South American cities.

Buenos Aires is a safe for both locals and visitors. The Global Peace Index (GPI) reports that Argentina is one of the safest countries in South America, a few notches behind Uruguay and ahead of Chile.

It ranks #54 out of 163 countries. Even the United States Embassy’s Travel Advisory places Argentina at a safe Level 1, urging travelers to exercise normal precautions.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay.

Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

6 Safest Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires

1. Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero is one of the safest places in Buenos Aires for tourists. The area is quiet and low-key, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s extremely modern. Plenty of industrial buildings and docks exist, but a long chain of amazing restaurants and bars make this place a heaven.

Did you know that the area was a port before but the old warehouses were then converted into apartments. Now, Puerto Madero is a great place for expats and tourists to stay safely and in luxury. The view of the river and sunset is one of the many reasons to visit.

2. Belgrano

Belgrano is one of the safest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. The place is quite popular because of the River Plate football club. However, it is not the only thing to enjoy here. The gastronomical options in Belgrano are second to none. 

Belgrano is a mix of residential and commercial districts, so many locals walk around safely during the day and night. Heads up, foodies! Don’t miss out on Chinatown in the district’s center. There are a lot of food that you will certainly enjoy.

3. Palermo Soho

Palermo Soho is located at the northeast end of Buenos Aires. It is considered one of the friendliest and most secure places for visitors.

However, the main highlight of the place is its nightlife. The electric atmosphere at the clubs and bars during the night will keep you entertained all the time.

If you are not a party lover, you can also head to trendy coffee shops and restaurants to try local cuisines. There are many great restaurants and cafes near Plaza Serrano. Another great thing about this place is that you can safely walk on the streets without security concerns.

4. Recoleta

Recoleta is why Buenos Aires is called the Paris of the South. The architecture in this area is stunning. When you enter this area, you will feel like you have entered a European city. However, all this luxury does come at a high price.

As safe as the area is, the accommodation prices are pretty high. Safety and luxury still attract many tourists and expats, however.

If you are visiting here as a tourist, we highly recommend you visit the parks to experience the peaceful atmosphere and local lifestyle. A visit to the El Ateneo bookstore is a must.

5. San Telmo

San Telmo is the best place for a budget traveler to enjoy Buenos Aires without safety issues. This area has a historical vibe. Street art, antique shops, and musical performances are the main highlights of San Telmo. A street fair occurs on Sundays near Plaza Dorrego, a must-do activity. You will get a true experience of local Argentine culture in San Telmo.

The only concern in this area is petty theft, so keep your belongings close in the market and other areas. Don’t flash your expensive stuff; you won’t get in trouble.

We stayed in San Telmo while we enjoyed our week-long stay in Buenos Aires, and we loved every second of it. There are plenty of food options, restaurants, and bars to spend time enjoying the city.

6. Palermo Hollywood

Palermo Hollywood, as the name suggests, used to be a place full of movie production and TV show studios. It is close to Palermo Soho, so many nightclubs and bars will be there. 

The area is usually packed with tourists every night, and it is difficult to find seats at restaurants and cafes. This also shows how safe the area is. You can safely walk the streets and party with local people.

However, the only downside is the pricing of hotels and hostels. The area is pretty expensive to stay in.

Where To Stay in Buenos Aires

1253 Recoleta Small Hotel (Budget)

1253 Recoleta Small Hotel offers buffet breakfast and complimentary WiFi accessible throughout the property. This 4-star hotel provides a 24-hour front desk and concierge service. Additionally, the hotel offers family rooms.

La Fresque Hotel (Mid-range)

La Fresque‘s rooms feature classical interiors adorned with antique furniture and polished wooden floors. The majority of rooms come with a balcony boasting city views, air conditioning, and spacious bathtubs. The building has been renovated while preserving its original architectural style.

Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires

At The Four Seasons Hotel in Buenos Aires, guests can indulge in spacious luxury suites featuring marble bathrooms, delightful gardens, and upscale gourmet restaurants and bars.

It stands out as the sole hotel in the upscale Recoleta neighborhood, offering an outdoor swimming pool set within its gardens. Visitors can also unwind at the acclaimed spa and modern gym facilities.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Places To Avoid in Buenos Aires

The Villas Near the Train Station

Pickpockets are very active near the villas located near the train station. If you want to move from Buenos Aires to Tigre, you will have to use the train station. In that case, keep your belongings close and avoid being alone as much as possible.

La Boca

Some places in La Boca can be unsafe, especially after dark. The area around El Caminito is safe during the day, but outside Caminito in La Boca, there’s more crime and robberies, so be cautious, especially at night. 

Retiro Bus Terminal

The bus station in Buenos Aires, called Retiro Bus Terminal, is a big hub for buses. But be careful around there, especially at night. Crime reports and pickpocketing have occurred, especially near the Retiro railway station, two blocks from the bus station.

Traveling in Buenos Aires

Transportation Safety

Public transportation in Argentina, including Buenos Aires, is pretty safe. Buses are commonly used by plenty of locals and tourists. The subway is even safer, but remember, it can be pretty crowded during rush hours.

Taxis are another means of transportation, but check that the meter is turned on and working.

Walking at Night

Walking at night can be risky, so use private transport while traveling from one place to another. Taxi is the best option for traveling at night, as other public transport have seen robberies and assaults at night.

6 Expert Travel Tips to Stay Safe in Buenos Aires

We have listed the six best tips to help you have a trouble-free, great experience in Buenos Aires.

• Choose an apartment or hotel with good security features. Many hotels in Buenos Aires are aware of the security situation and offer rooms with modern security systems.
• Don’t show off your expensive items in public. Thieves will instantly get attracted to you if you flaunt your stuff.
• Please don’t fight back if you get into an unwanted situation.
• For traveling to restaurants and nightclubs during the night, you are advised to use taxis.
• Keep your money in two places (for instance, in your purse and your pocket); if you get caught by robbers, you can set yourself free by giving a lower cash amount.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Is Buenos Aires Safe?

Is It Safe To Travel to Buenos Aires Right Now?

Buenos Aires is pretty safe to visit. However, common street crimes are still an issue in the city. Keep your belongings close and avoid walking alone at night to prevent unwanted situations.

Are Tourists Safe in Buenos Aires?

Yes, tourists can feel safe in Buenos Aires. Although Buenos Aires is safer than most cities in South America, we still advise you to follow basic safety precautions.

What Should You Not Do in Buenos Aires?

Here are some things you should never do in Buenos Aires

• Be careful when talking about sensitive topics.
• It’s a good idea not to give knives or scissors as gifts in Argentina because they symbolize wanting to end the relationship.
• Don’t exchange money on the street. It’s safer to use official currency exchange services to avoid scams.
• Bring both money and cards with you. Make sure you have both for buying things.

Is Buenos Aires Safe for Female Solo Travelers?

Buenos Aires is relatively safe for female solo travelers. It can be a wonderful destination with a vibrant culture and rich history, but taking some precautions is essential to ensure safety.

Is It Safe To Walk in Buenos Aires During The Night?

Walking alone in Buenos Aires at night can be risky. To avoid issues, we recommend taking a taxi or walking in groups.

Additionally, stick to well-lit, busy streets and neighborhoods safe for tourists, such as Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo. These areas often have a strong police presence and plenty of people around.

Conclusion – Is Buenos Aires Safe?

Argentina and, by extension, its capital, Buenos Aires, stands with Uruguay and Chile as among South America’s top three safest countries. The country’s ranking in international reports, such as the Institute of Economics and Peace’s GPI, is even higher than the United States (#121).

The city awaits your exploration, and unfounded fears about safety should not hinder your enjoyment of this travel experience. As with other countries, there are places in Buenos Aires that you’re well advised to avoid and precautions that you should observe. 

With timely information, common sense, and street smarts, an average female solo traveler to Buenos Aires won’t have safety issues to complain about.

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