Palermo is the largest and most diverse neighborhood in Buenos Aires, and it is where most savvy travelers choose to base themselves. Divided into sub-neighborhoods — Soho, Hollywood, Chico and the Bosques — Palermo combines tree-lined streets, independent boutiques, world-class restaurants, the best nightlife in the city and beautiful green spaces. If you stay in Palermo, everything you need is within walking distance.
Palermo at a glance
- Best for: Food, nightlife, shopping, young travelers, design lovers
- Subway: Line D (Palermo, Plaza Italia, Scalabrini Ortiz stations)
- Hotel prices: USD 50-150/night (3-4 star)
- Dinner for two with wine: USD 25-60
- Safety: Very safe day and night in the main areas
Palermo Soho
The heart of Palermo centers around Plaza Serrano (officially Plaza Cortazar). This area is packed with independent fashion boutiques, leather goods shops, design stores, art galleries and cafes. The streets are cobblestoned and tree-lined, with colorful street art on many walls. It is the best area in BA for shopping for Argentine design and fashion at reasonable prices.
What to do in Palermo Soho
- Browse the boutiques on Honduras, El Salvador and Thames streets
- Visit the weekend artisan fair at Plaza Serrano (Sat-Sun)
- Explore street art — every block has impressive murals
- Have brunch at one of the many trendy cafes (USD 8-15)
- Shop for leather jackets, bags and accessories (50-70% cheaper than Europe)
Palermo Hollywood
Named after the TV and film production studios in the area, Palermo Hollywood is the nightlife and bar district. The streets around Honduras and Fitz Roy are lined with cocktail bars, beer gardens, restaurants and clubs. This is where portenos go out on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Best bars & restaurants
- Proper: Craft cocktails in a speakeasy setting
- Nicky Harrison: Trendy bar with a dance floor later at night
- Don Julio: Best parrilla in Buenos Aires (arrive early or reserve, USD 25-40/person)
- Tegui: One of Latin America's best restaurants (tasting menu USD 80+)
Bosques de Palermo
The Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods) are 400 hectares of parkland with lakes, rose gardens, a Japanese garden (USD 2 entry), a planetarium and cycling paths. Use the free Ecobici bike-sharing system to explore. Perfect for a morning jog or afternoon stroll.
Where to stay in Palermo
Palermo is the best neighborhood for tourists. You are close to restaurants, bars, shops and subway stations. Hotel prices are reasonable compared to equivalent neighborhoods in other world capitals:
- Hostel: USD 10-18/night (many excellent options)
- 3-star hotel: USD 40-70/night
- Boutique hotel: USD 80-150/night
- Airbnb apartment: USD 30-80/night
