COLEGIALES Buenos Aires | The Best Guide to an Underrated Neighborhood

The Colegiales Buenos Aires neighborhood is not talked about enough. It is truly the city’s hidden gem and totally underrated.

The Colegiales Buenos Aires Neighborhood is one of the most underrated areas in the city. Palermo gets all the attention for going out, nightlife, and international cuisine. But Colegiales can compete, albeit on a smaller scale.

Colegiales has a very residential and local vibe, but if you’re willing to dig in, you’ll be surprised. There are a ton of great places to hang out, relax, and eat. I loved taking walks around this neighborhood and discovering new things. It was always a treat.

This blog post will introduce you to Colegiales and tell you where to eat, drink, and stay. This is a fantastic place to stay during your visit to Buenos Aires.

Summary of the Colegiales Buenos Aires Neighborhood

Colegiales is a smaller Buenos Aires neighborhood that fits between Belgrano and Palermo. It is one of the lesser-known Buenos Aires neighborhoods in the city, but with a lot to offer.

The Vibe of Colegiales

The Colegiales ‘hood is very quiet. It’s easy to forget that you’re walking around in a massive city. You definitely get the feeling that you’re in a residential neighborhood.

The streets of Colegiales are quiet and not crowded like they are in other parts of the city. It doesn’t give off a rich or upper-class vibe like Belgrano and Recoleta do. But there are plenty of cute cafes and restaurants around to satisfy your city cravings.

Because Colegiales is lesser-known and does not have a ton of things to do, it is not included in my 10-day itinerary in Buenos Aires. But if you have a little more time in the city, or you want to live like a local, check out Colegiales.

Transportation in Colegiales

There are no subte stops in this neighborhood, but there are several bus stops, mainly along Avenida Elcano. The Mitre Train line also passes right through this neighborhood, with a stop at Teodoro Garcia and Cramer, about 3 blocks east of the green pedestrian bridge.

Things to do in Colegiales

This is a pretty residential neighborhood in Colegiales, so there isn’t much to “see & do” besides eating at restaurants, having coffee in precious little cafes, taking strolls, and visiting the weekend markets.

Pasaje General Paz

There is an old and beautiful building called Pasaje General Paz. It’s unclear if it’s just an old apartment building or a museum. The gate is usually closed, so you’re not free to wander around.

However, if you happen to be passing by, it’s worth a stop and a gander at the beautiful old architecture that is still in relatively good shape.

Go shopping in Colegiales

The two main avenues in this neighborhood are Avenida Elcano and Federico Lacroze. All along Avenida Elcano, you can find cafes, restaurants, plant shops, clothing boutiques, etc.

There is also a lot of commerce along these two main avenues, as well as where several avenues come together, just next to the Plaza San Miguel de Garicoits. There is a massive Disco supermarket right along Avenida Elcano, which offers a lot of options.

Colegiales Flea Market

The Flea Market (Mercado de las Pulgas) is just across from Plaza Clemente. Here, you can find anything from antiques to furniture to paintings.

This market is not on the scale of the San Telmo Sunday Market, but it is still a great Buenos Aires Market to stroll through and find vintage and antique items.

Colegiales Farmer’s Markets

On Saturdays (from 8 am-2 pm), you can find the local farmer’s market along La Calle Cramer (between Maure and Jorge Newbery, near the train tracks).

There is another small farmer’s market on Sundays (from 8 am-2 pm) along the edge of Plaza Mafalda.

Relax in a Park in Colegiales

Colegiales has a number of small parks and plazas.

Plaza Juan Jose Paso

Plaza Juan Jose Paso is a small park with a basketball court, playground, and a few trails where people walk their dogs. It’s not glamorous or beautiful, but it serves its purpose if you are looking for a place to exercise or take a seat in nature.

Plaza San Miguel de Garicoits

Plaza San Miguel de Garicoits is a small park right along a busy avenue, so it is not quiet or peaceful. There is a children’s playground there which is pretty big, and it seems like a meeting place for dog owners.

Plaza Mafalda

The Plaza Mafalda is a park in honor of the famous Argentine cartoon, Mafalda. This is a family park with a playground and a few paths, and a lot of construction at the moment.

Just adjacent to this park is Plaza Clemente, where you can see several exercise groups working out. There are also a few tables to sit, chat, and drink mate in the sun. There is a small farmer’s market here on Sundays.

Plaza de los Colegiales & Plaza Matienzo

The Plaza de los Colegiales, including the Plaza Matienzo, is a long and skinny park that runs alongside the street Benjamin Matienzo. There is a playground and a concrete futbol pitch. Highly notable was the smell of weed. There is some green space, but I wouldn’t say this is a relaxing park due to its proximity to a busy street.

Plaza Colegiales

Plaza Colegiales is just one block from the Plaza de los Colegiales. It’s a small, fenced-in corner park with a basketball court inside. On the corner, there is a small area with outdoor exercise equipment for public use.

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Where to eat and drink in Colegiales

Colegiales is full of adorable cafes, pubs, and local eateries ready to be explored. There is something for everyone in Colegiales, making it a magical place for any foodie who comes to visit!

Verdin

Outside, you would never guess how adorable Verdin truly is. Inside, it is as the name suggests, all green. Green walls and tons of plants. There is an upstairs sitting section, as well as an outdoor terrace.

They have calculated each detail carefully, right down to the beautiful handmade pottery of their mugs and plates. There are tons of delicious homemade treats, a veggie sandwich, and they even had a chai latte.

Salvaje Bakery

In my opinion, the best bakery in the entire city is here in Colegiales (right on the border with Palermo Hollywood), called Salvaje Bakery. Both the delicious food and great atmosphere combine to make this a memorable dining experience.

As American 90’s rock bands play on the radio, you can enjoy your freshly baked bread (or bagel, or croissant, or…) along with your freshly squeezed orange juice or sparkling grapefruit juice. This is not strictly a vegetarian restaurant, however, there are a ton of vegan/veg options here.

Cafe Colegiales

Cafe Colegiales is such a tiny and cute little spot. I absolutely love it. It definitely gives off local neighborhood cafe vibes. I watched locals come in and hug the waitresses. There was definitely a really nice energy here.

They don’t have big fancy brunch menus, but the simple pastry and toast menu they do have is full of quality. Everything is fresh and homemade, and the coffees are excellent.

Strange Brewing

Strange Brewing has fantastic craft beers and delicious food options, including a hearty grilled cheese sandwich if you’re craving home. Don’t expect quick service if you head there on a weekend night. But do expect great beers, especially if you like a nice hazy IPA. It is one of the better breweries in Buenos Aires.

Pipu Cucu

Pipu Cucu is located just next to the Pasaje General Paz (see below), and is a cute little restaurant with great lunch specials. It’s not specifically a vegetarian restaurant, though there is a large variety of vegan/vegetarian options. The decorations are cute, and it feels like an old-timey French cafe.

Is Colegiales Buenos Aires Safe?

Yes. Colegiales fees like one of the safer areas in Buenos Aires as it is a middle-class residential neighborhood. The streets are lined with green trees, and you can find several parks with children playing. I never felt unsafe in Colegiales.

Where to stay in Colegiales

Because Colegiales is such a residential area, there are no hotels in this neighborhood. The majority of places to stay are private home rentals. Here are a few suggestions:

• InspireBA – Garden
• Metropolitan Highline Apartments
• Comfortable Apartment in Colegiales
• StayHub Departamento

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

Colegiales Buenos Aires Final Thoughts

While Colegiales does not offer a ton in the way of entertainment or tourist attractions, it offers a lot to someone who wants to live like a local. Eat where locals eat and do what locals do. It is close to many other main centers of the city like Chacarita and Palermo, so you are never too far away from a great time.

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