VILLA CRESPO Buenos Aires | Ultimate Guide to BA’s Hidden Gem

Villa Crespo is lesser known than Palermo, but still has a similar vibe, with trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes. Check out this neighborhood for less crowds and fewer tourists.

The Villa Crespo Buenos Aires neighborhood feels like what Palermo was 20-25 years ago. It is trendy and cool, but not overdone. Not a lot of people know about Villa Crespo or think to spend much time there. However, it is actually one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city.

My ideal night in BA is dinner at the Mercat Villa Crespo and an artsy performance at the Microteatro, which I have done several times.

If you’re planning to visit Buenos Aires, and wondering where to stay, this is a great option. It’s within walking distance to Palermo, it’s near Subte stations, and has great eating options. This blog post will show you where to go, what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Villa Crespo.

Summary of the Villa Crespo Buenos Aires Neighborhood

Villa Crespo sits in the center between Palermo, Caballito, and Chacarita, encapsulating all three of these neighborhoods into one. It has the cool and trendy cafes of Palermo, the local chill tree-lined neighborhood streets of Caballito, and the up-and-coming feel of Chacarita. It’s a perfect location as it is near several other great hoods but outside of the main centers of chaos.

During the day, it might feel there is not too much going on besides the shopping crowds. But at nighttime, Villa Crespo comes alive. There are many great lounges and bars to choose from.

Hipster Vibe of Villa Crespo

Villa Crespo feels like what Palermo Soho once felt like in the beginning. The start of cool things happening. Good fashion and great sidewalk cafes. Art and culture. Music. Markets. There is active nightlife in this area, with unique bars and restaurants but much less crowded than in Palermo. It feels very hip and artsy.

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Is Villa Crespo a Good Neighborhood?

Villa Crespo is a great neighborhood. It feels safe when you walk around, there are lots of dining options, lots of shopping options, and good vibes. If you decide to live in Villa Crespo, it will be cheaper than Palermo Soho or Palermo Hollywood, but it is still within walking distance of both of those neighborhoods. Villa Crespo has a lot to offer.

Transportation in Villa Crespo

The subte line B (red) passes right through the center of the neighborhood, the main stop being Malabia O Pugliese. Angel Gallardo and Dorrego just straddle Villa Crespo, sitting right outside the official neighborhood lines. Like the rest of the city, there are a ton of buses that pass through the area, just check Google Maps for the stops.

What to Do in Villa Crespo

Go Shopping in Villa Crespo

If there was an official shopping district in Buenos Aires, it would be Villa Crespo. There are several blocks worth of shopping boasting discounts and sales all year long.

Outlet Stores

Right in the center of Villa Crespo are several outlet stores. If you’re looking for (somewhat) discount shopping, look no further. You can find these outlets where the map is highlighted yellow on Google. From Calle Malabia to Calle Serrano. From Velasco to Castillo.

Leather Stores

If you’re looking for a new leather jacket or bag, Villa Crespo is your place. There are several leather goods stores spread all around the neighborhood, but with the majority concentrated on Calle Murillo. One of the biggest shops is at Murillo 666.

Take a Walk in the Nearby Park

Villa Crespo doesn’t really have any of its own parks, though Parque Centenario sits right outside of its borders. This is a great park for exercise, bird watching, taking a stroll, or visiting the weekend markets. Plaza Gral. Benito Nazar has a playground in the center, but not much green space beyond that.

Go to the microteatro in Villa Crespo

Address on Google Maps: Serrano 1139, C1414 Cdad

The Microteatro is one of my absolute favorite things to do in the city. Here you can catch dinner, drinks, and a mini-play (about 10-15 minutes each). A new play starts every 25-30 minutes, at a cost of approximately 5 USD per show. There are discounts available as well, like 3 plays for the price of 2.

While you’re waiting for one of the mini-plays to begin, you can get great cocktails, sandwiches, burgers, or fries in the darkened lobby. Great vibe. Unfortunately, all the plays are in Spanish, so unless you’re comfortable with your Spanish language skills, you might wanna give it a miss.

Where to Eat and Drink in Villa Crespo

Villa Crespo is full of fantastic spots to eat, drink, and be merry. I’ll name a few here, but you’ll luck out even if you just walk around and try out something new.

Cafés in Villa Crespo

Estudio Te

Address on Google Maps: Thames 937, C1414

This is a great coffee shop for getting some work done. They have a minimalist vibe with many tables and chairs to work, as well as private rooms. Good coffee and pastries.

La Faustina

Address on Google Maps: Acevedo 930, C1414

This is both a cafe and a restaurant. It is designed beautifully with large ceilings and an outdoor patio. The Jewish inspired food is delicious and they have lunch specials.

Restaurants and Dining in Villa Crespo

Mercat Villa Crespo

Address on Google Maps: Thames 747, C1414

The Mercat Villa Crespo is another one of those food markets that are becoming trendy all across the world right now. It’s full of mini restaurants offering craft beer on tap, vegan ice cream, and a cocktail bar. There is maybe one pizza spot, but the market is overwhelmingly filled with Korean and Japanese food options.

Sarkis

Address on Google Maps: Thames 1101, C1414DCW

This is a highly recommended restaurant that has a menu of Middle Eastern and Arabic inspired foods. The food is fresh and delicious. The restaurant is also very popular. You should expect to wait in line when you go. I suggest arriving just before the lunch or dinner service begins so you can get seated right away.

NANI Cocina Armenia

Address on Google Maps: Gurruchaga 1088 Local 3, C1414

This is a unique option in the neighborhood of Villa Crespo. It is an Armenian restaurant but they also have a few Georgian and Mediterranean options. It’s a little expensive, but worth it.

Parrilla lo de Chuni

Address on Google Maps: Serrano 958, C1414DET

This is a typical local Argentinian parrilla restaurant in the Villa Crespo neighborhood of Buenos Aires. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. Prices are fair.

Bars and Nightlife in Villa Crespo

El Limón

Address on Google Maps: Castillo 590, C1414

El Limón is a great corner bar, open only at night (7 pm to late). It’s small and cozy, and has a great outdoor patio.

Where to Stay in Villa Crespo

Because Villa Crespo is not popular with tourists and travelers, there are more private apartment options available than hotels.

Departamento Moderno Palermo

This a modern, clean, and minimalist apartment in Villa Crespo. The apartment comes with a fully equipped kitchen, a seating area, a dining area, and a cable flat-screen TV. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.

BOOK NOW to stay in this modern private apartment in Villa Crespo

Acevedo 716 – Apart Hotel 

This is a brand new apartment hotel in Villa Crespo. Rooms are modern and clean. You’ll get your fully equipped kitchen, linens, and towels, etc.

Stay in this brand new apart-hotel in Villa Crespo, BOOK NOW

Miliño Apart Hotel

This is a simple apart-hotel that has everything you need- a kitchen, bed, wifi, etc. It’s in a great location and easy to reach restaurants and cafes.

BOOK NOW to stay in this simple apartment hotel in Villa Crespo

Check out these other Buenos Aires neighborhoods

Get to know these other Buenos Aires neighborhoods. Each area is unique and has its own charm.

Guide to the Best Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires

Villa Crespo Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the excitement of Palermo but want the calmness of Belgrano, then Villa Crespo is exactly what you’re looking for. There is a healthy nightlife, but it’s not as noisy or as crowded as Palermo. You’ll still be able to sleep at night. Villa Crespo is only going to continue to get cooler in the next several years.

Go do your outlet shopping and get your leather goods here. Enjoy a local parrilla and have a cocktail at a trendy bar. Villa Crespo has a lot to offer.

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