Which Buenos Aires neighborhood for a first-timer?

[EthanStroker]

Trying to decide between staying in Palermo or Recoleta, which one has a better vibe for sightseeing and safety

 

[Youngstunna]

Recoleta is very central and safe for a first-timer, but Palermo has the best food and nightlife options.

 

[SharonCook]

Recoleta is great for sightseeing because of the architecture and proximity to the cemetery, but if you want more authentic restaurants and a slightly younger crowd, I'd choose Palermo Soho or Hollywood.

 

[KevinKing]

For a first-timer, Recoleta is probably better. It’s walkable, has less busy streets, and feels very elegant and safe.

 

[JessicaClark]

I actually recommend splitting the difference and looking at Retiro. It’s right next to Recoleta for safety and sightseeing, but it connects easily to Palermo and the more central areas like Microcentro without having to commit to one vibe.

 

[GeorgeLewis]

Palermo is huge, so make sure you specify Palermo Soho or Hollywood if you want the best food and bar scene, not just any part of Palermo.

 

[HannahWalker]

Trying to decide between staying in Palermo or Recoleta, which one has a better vibe for sightseeing and safety

Recoleta is perfect for first two days of sightseeing. Then you can spend the rest of your time in Palermo. That way you get the history and the nightlife without having to move your luggage.

 

[SamYoung]

Recoleta is very central and safe for a first-timer, but Palermo has the best food and nightlife options.

If you’re into museums and upscale shopping, Recoleta wins. If you want boutique stores and craft cocktails, it's Palermo.

 

[JuliaAllen]

Palermo is where I would stay. It might feel slightly further from the tourist core, but the sheer volume of great cafés, parrillas (steakhouses), and independent businesses there gives you a much better feel for modern, local Buenos Aires life. Safety is fine in the busy parts.

 

[BrianBaker]

The access to the Subte (metro) is slightly better from certain parts of Recoleta, which can be useful for long-distance sightseeing.

 

[DianaWright]

If your priority is seeing the main tourist spots like the Casa Rosada and San Telmo quickly, Recoleta is more central. Palermo forces you to commute a bit more, but it’s a more fun place to come home to.

 

[RobertGreen]

I'd choose Palermo. The atmosphere is just more dynamic and you’re closer to where the younger locals hang out after dark.