Updated in 2022.
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The capital of Argentina and one of the largest cities in Latin America.
Often considered to be the cultural capital of South America, Buenos Aires offers much in the way of old architecture, museums, art and, culture. This is the tango capital of the world! It’s also a great city for digital nomads coming into the country with dollars or euros.
Buenos Aires is also the most-visited city in South America, and the second-most visited city in Latin America, behind Mexico City.
POPULATION: 2,900,000
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WHERE TO STAY IN BUENOS AIRES
The best area of Buenos Aires to stay is in Palermo Soho. With a hotel or apartment in Palermo Soho, you will be walking distance to all the best bars and restaurants, concert venues, grocery stores, and other amenities. It’s a safe, hip, artsy upscale neighborhood with Brooklyn-esque vibes.
RENT AN APARTMENT IN BUENOS AIRES
$450-$750. Don’t count on finding anything less than $450.00 near the city centre. Prices for rent or purchasing real estate is often pegged to the US Dollar.
BEST BARS & NIGHTLIFE IN BUENOS AIRES
10/10
Like Sao Paulo and Mexico City, Buenos Aires earns a perfect ten in the nightlife department.
This is a party city, by anyone’s standards. Ergo, there are bars and discos all over town.
When you first arrive, just stick to Palermo so as not to get overwhelmed and frustrated trying to find any “hidden gems” that are “off the tourist track.” It would take at least a year of living here to be in the know in regards to any underground parties or secret hip bars that “aren’t out yet.” Sorry for all the quotation marks.
The nightlife is also better at certain times of the year. In Argentine summer, a lot of the party scene moves to Mar Del Plata and other beach towns.
Bars that My Latin Life recommends:
Kika Club: Sometimes the obvious choice is the best choice. Kika is by far the most well-known bar to young tourists in Buenos Aires. On any given night it will be at least 20% gringo, if not more. If this sounds like a turnoff, you’re right. it is. However, it’s unfortunately also the best place to get your feet wet if you’re new to Buenos Aires.
Trade Sky Bar: This rooftop bar has some of the best views in the city.
BEST CAFES IN BUENOS AIRES FOR DIGITAL NOMADS
Buenos Aires has one of the best cafe cultures in the world. Authentic Italian espresso can be found on every street corner. The issue is finding a decent wifi connection and work environment. Wifi speeds in Buenos Aires are acceptable and there are many cafes with a comfortable place for remote workers to work and sip espressos.
Cafes that My Latin Life recommends:
Full City Coffee Roasters: Popular modern cafe in Palermo Soho with good wifi.
Haciendo Coffee Company: Decent cafe in Palermo Soho near the park with wifi.
Dorina Cafe: Small cafe on a quietish street in Palermo Soho with solid wifi and good service.
Café Registrado: Beautiful place in Palermo with passable wifi speeds.
COST OF LIVING IN BUENOS AIRES
Buenos Aires is one of the cheapest cities in Latin America. Food, rent, etc is all very cheap. Argentina has a very low cost of living. Be sure to bring US Dollars and exchange at the ‘blue rate’. The blue rate is an important concept to understand for all travellers to Argentina. The blue rate is the black market exchange rate that you can receive from informal money changers. You will get an exchange rate that is much more favorable than what you’ll get from the banks. As a rule of thumb, you’ll get 2x the pesos at the blue rate which is very significant. I would never exchange my foreign currency at the ‘official’ rate in Argentina.
THINGS TO DO IN BUENOS AIRES
Party in Palermo.
Take a picture in front of the the Casa Rosada.
Visit the San Telmo neighborhood.
Visit the El Tigre area.
Take the ferry to Montevideo, Uruguay.
SAFETY IN BUENOS AIRES
Safe compared to almost all other Latin American capitals. Petty crime and theft is what you should be most concerned about in Buenos Aires. Violent crime against tourists is rare.
HOW TO GET TO BUENOS AIRES
Buenos Aires has a very well connected international airport. You can also reach Buenos Aires by boat from Montevideo. Santiago, Chile, one of the other financial centers of the continent, is an 18 hour straight drive west. Rosario, Argentina is a 3.5 hour drive and Cordoba is a 7 hour drive. If you head south to the beach, Mar del Plata is a 4.5 hour drive.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON BUENOS AIRES
One of the most livable cities in Latin America. If you are looking to settle down somewhere for a couple months, or even a year, give Buenos Aires some serious consideration. It has all the comforts and attractions of a European capital, but it is much cheaper and dare I say edgier than many European cities. For that, you are much better off in Peru or Colombia. Buenos Aires would be a good place to come if you’re an artist looking for inspiration, a telecommuter of any kind or just a romantic who’s in love with cafe culture, old buildings and city dwelling.
OVERALL RATING: 9/10
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