In the last 10 years, Palermo has become the hottest neighborhood in Buenos Aires for travelers, expats, and Argentines alike. And while to this day it still holds the title of hippest barrio, many people are looking for areas that are cheaper or more authentically Porteño.

Travelers can now check out Caballito, Villa Crespo, and Almagro, three traditionally Argentine neighborhoods near Palermo which are more affordable and still have great offerings of cafes, bars, shopping, and transport.

1. Caballito: the geographic heart of the city

Una publicación compartida de Nico Aila (@nicoaila) el

Caballito is an underrated barrio with tree-lined cobblestone streets and 19th-century British architecture, which borders Villa Crespo to the north and Almagro to the east. Avenida Rivadavia runs through the center, with plenty of shopping and transportation. There is a quiet atmosphere here due to many parks — people move here for just that sense of serenity.

Things to do in Caballito:

  • Eat at Mangiata
    Av Angel Gallardo 1008
    12 pm to 4 pm, 8 pm to 12 am daily
  • Parque Centenario (nice green space for playing)
    Angel Gallardo and Diaz Velez
    Hours: 7:30 am to 10 pm daily
  • Feria del Libro (Book Fair) in Parque Rivadavia
    The book fair in Parque Rivadavia is open every Sunday and is one of the best places to find used books (also in English) in the city.

2. Villa Crespo: Palermo’s better half

Una publicación compartida de Vanessa Matos ♈ (@v3matos) el

Villa Crespo is right next door to Palermo and gets overshadowed, but it’s one of the best neighborhoods in the city. Villa Crespo is close to Av Corrientes, a main avenue, and the Angel Callardo Subte B station. Living near these areas will offer you a safe haven with easy access to public transportation.  People are moving here because Subte B can take you straight into downtown (great if you work in Centro) and it is centrally located to popular bars and restaurants.

Notable in Villa Crespo:

  • Brunch at Cafe Crespin
    Vera 699
    Tuesday through Friday 8 am to 8 pm; Saturday 9 am to 8 pm; Sundays 12 pm to 7 pm
  • (Co) Work space at La Maquinita
    Loyola 501

3. Almagro: the original porteño

Almagro is lined with hole-in-the-wall restaurants, cafes, theaters, and tango culture. Corrientes, Córdoba, and Rivadavia run through this barrio, so it’s a perfectly central location where you can easily pick up transportation to other neighborhoods. People are moving here for the friendly, quirky, and authentic atmosphere and the convenience of having everything you need right around the corner. Plus, Almagro has hugely popular flower market on Acuña de Figeroa.

Notable things to do in Almagro: