12 Ways to Explore the Most Popular Neighborhood in Buenos Aires

Much as this sub-barrio’s name would suggest, the main attraction in this part of Palermo is the city’s Botanical Garden. Known for its proximity to Plaza Italia, the Botanical Garden is home to over 6,000 different types of flora. If you’re frustrated with the city’s urban sprawl and concrete, be sure to head to Palermo Botánico and take a stroll amidst the towering trees and flowers.

Adjacent to Palermo Botánico is Palermo Nuevo, a fresh sub-barrio located midway between central Palermo and Belgrano, a neighborhood in the northern part of the city. Much like its neighbor, Belgrano, Palermo Nuevo is still a majority residential part of the city. However, visitors hoping to explore this up-and-coming part of the city can try international cuisine by grabbing a bite to eat at restaurants such as Perú Deli.

If you’re headed to Palermo Zoológico because you’re hoping to see some animals, you’ll surely be disappointed. The zoo closed in 2016, but old habits die hard, so this sub-barrio’s name has yet to change. The old zoo is set to become the city’s new interactive Ecoparque, but in the meantime, visitors in this neighborhood can learn about the country’s famous first lady, Eva Perón. The Museo Evita is located in the heart of this neighborhood, and it operates out of the same house Evia’s foundation once used as a women’s shelter.

A few blocks south on Avenida Libertador will lead you into Palermo Chico, where most visitors only find themselves if they’re hoping to check out the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, or MALBA, for short. This sub-barrio is mostly residential these days, but your trip to this community can also include stops at the nearby Japanese Garden and Rosedal de Palermo. Both of these attractions are located in a liminal space at the edge of the city that is somewhere between Palermo Chico and Palermo Zoológico, so they should be on your must-see list as you migrate from one sub-barrio to the next.

Palermo Norte is Palermo Chico’s lesser-known neighbor, even though the line between the two is thoroughly blurred. But if you’re looking to visit quieter museums away from the city’s main avenues, this part of Palermo is for you. Palermo Norte’s most popular attractions are the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo, which is renowned for its weaponry and furniture collections, and Parque las Heras, a massive park that is currently under construction (and, in some circles, could also be considered part of Palermo Alto.)

Located on the other side of Avenida Santa Fe from Palermo Norte, Villa Freud is a sub-barrio many visitors pass through but never really notice. This neighborhood’s center is believed to be Plaza Güemes, and most tourists have no reason to visit this primarily residential neighborhood. However, Villa Freud can make a strong claim to include Club Araoz as part of its own. This nightclub is not located in popular Palermo Soho, but it is certainly worth the trek if you’re looking to party with locals and foreigners alike.

Most people find themselves in Palermo Soho when it’s three in the morning and they’re heading to Plaza Serrano (officially known as “Plaza Cortázar”) for a night out on the town. This is a must-see sub-barrio if you’re hoping to dance to reggaeton until dawn, with boliches (Argentine nightclubs) such as Rosebar and Kika drawing international crowds to this bustling plaza all hours of the night.

Drawing its name from the fact that so many media studios call this sub-barrio home, Palermo Hollywood, like its neighborhood, Palermo Soho, is another hotspot for porteño nightlife. In addition to being home to clubs like Niceto Club, this part of Palermo also features some tasty cafes and bars, like Pani, and On Tap.

Here’s the fun thing about Palermo Viejo: It’s actually the parent barrio for Palermos Hollywood and Soho. So, technically, both of those sub-sub–barrios are all part of Palermo Viejo. While all the attractions in those neighborhoods are part of Palermo Viejo, most people associate Palermo Viejo with more tranquil activities, such as brunches and dinners. When you think of Palermo Viejo, think lowkey gastronomy options like Libros del Pasaje and Victoria Brown.

If you’re hoping to visit a traditional shopping mall while you’re in Buenos Aires, look no further than Palermo Alto. It’s known for its mall, Alto Palermo, which has a strikingly similar name to its local sub-barrio. Here, you’ll find stores such as Cuesta Blanca, Etiqueta Negra, and Key Biscayne. Be sure to stock up on local threads so you can impress friends and family back home with your new Argentine style.

Smushed into a few streets between Belgrano and Palermo Nuevo lies Las Cañitas, a foodie’s paradise. Ranging from traditional Argentine fare at spots like El Estacionero to Mexican food at Lupita, even the pickiest of taste buds can find solace in Las Cañitas. Due to its developing reputation as a dining district, you can expect this sub-barrio to be crowded around mealtimes.

La Imprenta is probably technically part of Las Cañitas, but this part of Palermo is a specific concentration of streets near Plaza Bolivia. Here you can find local chain restaurants, such as Tea Connection, Cafe Martinez, and Freddo, which are worthy dining options for a first-time visitor, too. This sub-barrio is as close as you can get to Belgrano without actually crossing into the barrio next door, and since it’s out of Palermo’s popping center, prices are a little cheaper over here.