Beyond Palermo: The 3 Hottest Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires
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
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
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:
- Merienda at Las Violetas
Av Rivadavia 3899 - See a show at Teatro Timbre 4
Av Boedo 640