Palermo is undeniably one of the best neighborhoods in Buenos Aires and an ideal place to use as your base while exploring the city. This lively district is a vibrant blend of trendy cafés, stylish boutiques, cozy bars, and excellent restaurants. The streets are brought to life with colorful street art, while an endless array of shops and art galleries ensures there’s always something to discover. On top of that, Palermo is home to plenty of green spaces, including expansive parks like Bosques de Palermo, which are perfect for a peaceful stroll or a laid-back picnic. Combining culture, nature, and a dynamic atmosphere, Palermo is truly one of the best areas to stay in Buenos Aires.
In this blog, you’ll discover the highlights of Palermo, including the best places to stay in this exciting neighborhood.
Where is Palermo in Buenos Aires?
Palermo is the largest and one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, located in the northern part of the city. It borders Recoleta and Belgrano and stretches from Avenida del Libertador to Avenida Córdoba, with the Río de la Plata marking its natural edge to the east. Thanks to its prime location, Palermo is easily accessible from downtown Buenos Aires as well as from nearby neighborhoods.
The area is close to many of Buenos Aires’ main attractions and is particularly loved for its green parks and wide avenues, which make it a popular spot for walking and cycling. It’s also one of the best areas to stay in Buenos Aires because of its excellent public transportation. Several metro and bus lines pass through Palermo, making it easy to get around the city. With its combination of convenience, accessibility, and charm, Palermo is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Buenos Aires.
What Makes Palermo Special?
Palermo is widely regarded as the most fashionable and youthful neighborhood in Buenos Aires. It masterfully combines historical charm with a modern, energetic vibe, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists. The neighborhood is divided into smaller sub-areas, each with its own unique character and appeal. Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, for example, are famous for their trendy bars, boutique stores, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife. On the other hand, Palermo Chico is an elegant residential area, with stately villas and the city’s most exclusive embassies.
Another feature that makes Palermo one of the best places to stay in Buenos Aires is its lush green parks. The enormous Parque Tres de Febrero, also known as Bosques de Palermo, offers endless opportunities to relax and connect with nature. This vast park features scenic walking paths, peaceful lakes, and even a charming rose garden. For visitors who enjoy art and culture, Palermo is a feast for the eyes, with its blend of modern street art and timeless architecture. Strolling through this neighborhood often feels like wandering through an open-air museum.
Palermo is also a haven for food lovers. You’ll find everything here—from chic cafés and casual bistros to upscale restaurants that blend international influences with traditional Argentine flavors. Whether you’re coming for the nightlife, the parks, the art, or the dining scene, Palermo stands out as one of the best neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Its lively and versatile vibe makes it a truly unforgettable place to stay.
Where to Stay in Palermo
Palermo is one of the best areas to stay in Buenos Aires, especially if you’re visiting the city for the first time. The neighborhood offers the perfect mix of culture, green spaces, and a bustling nightlife scene, all within walking distance. Thanks to its central location and excellent public transport links, it’s also easy to explore other iconic neighborhoods like Recoleta and San Telmo. When it comes to accommodations, Palermo provides a wide variety of options, ranging from boutique hotels to luxury stays, making it the best place to stay in Buenos Aires for many travelers.
Best Hotels in Palermo
#1 Palo Santo Hotel features a spacious garden with an outdoor pool, a sun terrace, and a hot tub. Each room is stylishly and modernly designed, offering a balcony with beautiful views of the garden or the city. This is one of the best hotels in Palermo for anyone looking for comfort and luxury.
#2 The Glu Boutique Hotel is centrally located in Palermo Soho. Its bright and spacious suites are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows and feature private balconies or terraces. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff and the excellent location, making this one of the best places to stay in Palermo.
#3 Legado Mitico Buenos Aires is a luxurious boutique hotel in a central location in Palermo. Its spacious, uniquely themed rooms are inspired by Argentina’s culture and history. High guest ratings and glowing reviews make this one of the best hotels in Palermo for an unforgettable stay.
#4 Shoshana Hotel Boutique offers spacious, modern apartments just 400 meters from the Palermo subway station. The fully equipped rooms include kitchens, and guests love the complimentary unlimited snacks and drinks available in the lobby. This is one of the best places to stay in Palermo for those seeking comfort and convenience.
#5 Alfonsina Hostel is a budget-friendly option in Palermo. The hostel offers both private rooms and dormitories, with highlights including a charming garden and a terrace. For travelers who prefer to cook their own meals, the shared kitchen is a fantastic bonus, making this a great choice for affordable accommodations in Palermo.
The 11 Best Things to Do in Palermo
Palermo is one of the most entertaining neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, offering an amazing mix of attractions, parks, museums, markets, and cafés. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to spend several days exploring this lively area.
#1 Bosques de Palermo (Parque Tres de Febrero)
The Bosques de Palermo is the green heart of the neighborhood and one of the best attractions in Palermo. As one of the largest parks in Buenos Aires, this 19th-century gem is perfect for a picnic, a bike ride, or a leisurely walk along its peaceful lakes. One of the highlights here is the iconic Rosedal, a breathtaking rose garden that showcases hundreds of rose varieties. With its vast green spaces, scenic walking paths, and boats available for rent, the Bosques de Palermo is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors looking to unwind in nature.
#2 Jardín Japonés
The Jardín Japonés, located in Palermo, is one of the largest and most well-maintained Japanese gardens outside of Japan. This tranquil park, established in 1967 as a symbol of friendship between Argentina and Japan, provides a serene escape from the bustling city. Featuring elegant pavilions, picturesque bridges, koi-filled ponds, and carefully sculpted bonsai trees, the Jardín Japonés offers one of the most peaceful things to see in Palermo.
Designed with traditional Japanese principles in mind, the garden includes multiple water features and paths adorned with red bridges and stone lanterns. Visitors can also enjoy a Japanese cultural center and a charming tea house that serves authentic Japanese tea. For anyone exploring the best areas to visit in Buenos Aires, this garden is a unique and relaxing highlight.
#3 Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA)
The Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, known as MALBA, is one of the best attractions in Palermo for art enthusiasts. This world-class museum showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Latin American art, featuring works by iconic artists like Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Antonio Berni.
MALBA goes beyond its permanent exhibits by offering rotating exhibitions, cultural events, and film screenings, making it a dynamic hub for creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just curious about Latin American culture, MALBA is one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires, providing inspiration and insight in equal measure.
#4 Palermo Soho
Palermo Soho is a trendy hotspot and one of the best areas to visit in Buenos Aires for shopping and street art. Known for its vibrant creative energy, this part of Palermo is filled with unique boutiques, local designer shops, and cozy cafés. Plaza Serrano is the neighborhood’s central gathering spot, especially on weekends when it transforms into a lively market with local artists, craftspeople, and street performers. Palermo Soho’s bohemian charm makes it an unmissable stop for anyone exploring the best neighborhoods in Buenos Aires.
#5 Palermo Hollywood
Palermo Hollywood is the go-to area for nightlife and dining in Buenos Aires. This buzzing district got its name from the film and television studios that were once based here, and it remains one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city. Palermo Hollywood is packed with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that cater to all tastes, from upscale dining to laid-back tapas spots. The energy in this part of Palermo really comes alive at night, making it one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires if you’re looking for a memorable night out.
#6 Ecoparque Buenos Aires
Once the city’s zoo, Ecoparque Buenos Aires has been transformed into an ecological park focused on conservation and education. The park highlights native Argentine animal species in spacious, humane enclosures while promoting environmental awareness. Admission is free, making it an excellent choice for families and nature lovers looking to learn more about local wildlife. For anyone exploring the best things to do in Palermo with kids, this is an engaging and educational option.
#7 Planetario Galileo Galilei
The Galileo Galilei Planetarium, located within the Bosques de Palermo, is one of the most fascinating attractions in the neighborhood. This striking, futuristic building, completed in 1966, is unmistakable thanks to its dome-shaped design. Inside, the planetarium offers interactive exhibits, immersive audiovisual shows, and workshops that bring the wonders of astronomy to life for visitors of all ages.
The main dome features dazzling projections of stars, planets, and galaxies, creating an unforgettable experience that feels like stepping into space. In addition to the shows, the planetarium also has a museum area with meteorites, astronomical tools, and exhibits on space exploration. Visiting the planetarium is one of the most unique things to do in Palermo and an excellent choice for families or anyone with an interest in the cosmos.
#8 Feria de Plaza Serrano
Every weekend, Plaza Serrano comes alive with a bustling market that showcases handmade goods by local artisans. From jewelry and leather accessories to one-of-a-kind souvenirs, the Feria de Plaza Serrano is a vibrant place to shop and soak up the creative energy of Palermo. Strolling through this market is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Palermo and a great way to support local artists while finding unique mementos from your trip.
#9 Mercado de Pulgas
The Mercado de Pulgas, or Palermo flea market, is a treasure trove for antique lovers and anyone with a taste for vintage finds. The market offers a wide variety of items, including furniture, clothing, books, and vinyl records. Exploring the Mercado de Pulgas is one of the best things to do in Palermo if you’re searching for a unique piece of Buenos Aires’ history and culture to take home.
#10 Floralis Genérica
While technically located just outside Palermo, Floralis Genérica is an iconic Buenos Aires landmark that deserves a mention. This massive metal flower sculpture opens in the morning and closes at sunset, symbolizing the city’s innovation and artistic spirit. Found in Plaza de las Naciones Unidas, the Floralis Genérica is one of the most photographed landmarks in Buenos Aires and a must-see attraction for visitors.
#11 Museo Evita
Het Museo Evita is one of the best attractions in Palermo for anyone interested in the life of Eva Perón, one of Argentina’s most influential historical figures. Housed in a stunning early 20th-century building, the museum chronicles her life, from her humble beginnings to her significant political and social impact.
Inside, you’ll find personal items, clothing, photographs, and documents that paint a vivid picture of her legacy. For fans of the musical Evita or those curious about Argentine history, the Museo Evita offers a deeper understanding of the woman behind the legend. Visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires if you want to connect with its rich cultural history.
