RECOLETA Buenos Aires | A Guide to the Most Beautiful Neighborhood

The Recoleta Buenos Aires neighborhood is bustling with history, art, parks, and great food. This guide will help you navigate around the area.

As you look around the Recoleta Buenos Aires neighborhood, you will be in awe of the beauty. In the springtime, the bright purple jacaranda trees begin to bloom and cover the area. The Floralis Generica opens and closes its giant metal leaves according to the time of day. The art museum is free and the Recoleta Cemetery is the most famous in the country.

I have spent a lot of time in the Recoleta neighborhood. It’s easy to keep coming back. When I have friends and family visit me in Buenos Aires, this area always makes the list. Make sure you add it to your 10 days in Buenos Aires itinerary. Every time I come back to Recoleta, I discover something new and amazing.

In this Recoleta neighborhood guide, I will explain where to go, what to eat, what to see, and where to stay.

Summary of the Recoleta Buenos Aires Neighborhood

Recoleta is generally considered more of an upscale neighborhood, particularly the area around the cemetery. The average age also tends to be a bit older than in other neighborhoods. In this neighborhood, you can find weekend markets, free museums, free events, and tons of history.

Beautiful Vibe of Recoleta

Recoleta feels comfortable and safe, mainly the area around the Cemetery and parks, which gives off a much more relaxed vibe. There are cute restaurants and cafes all around.

As you leave that area and head south towards Santa Fe and Córdoba Avenues, things start to feel much busier and ‘city-like.’ There is less of a comfortable neighborhood feel and more of a chaotic feel in that direction.

Transportation in Recoleta

Both Subte lines D (green, Aguero stop) and H (yellow, stop Santa Fe-Carlos Juaregui) pass through the Recoleta neighborhood. The green line D stops of Callao and Facultad de Medicino skirt right along the southern border of the neighborhood on Avenida Cordoba.

There are, of course, several bus lines and bus stops all throughout the neighborhood. While there is not officially a train stop inside the Recoleta neighborhood, the Retiro station is just next door on the barrio’s eastern edge.

Transportation in Buenos Aires is fantastic and it is easy to make your way to Recoleta.

What to do in Recoleta

Recoleta is a smaller neighborhood with a lot to do and see. You can find many of the free things to do in Buenos Aires right here in Recoleta.

Go shopping in Recoleta

Recoleta Urban Mall

Just across from the cemetery is the Recoleta Urban Mall. This is a 4-floor building which offers several shop options, as well as a food court, and a cinema. There are also other smaller shops and boutiques along the side roads near the cemetery.

Feria Artesenal

On the weekends, there is a large Feria Artesenal in the green space on the corner, near the Cultural Center, where you can find many white tents set up with beautiful handmade items. There are a ton of great outdoor markets in Buenos Aires.

Stroll through the parks in Recoleta

The northern edges of Recoleta are covered in green space with trees, shade, jacaranda trees along Avenida Alvear, and statues. It’s a beautiful area. Starting from the Recoleta Cultural Center, you can find a large green park that curves around the corner and goes along Avenida Alvear.

Then all in a row, you have Plaza Francia, Plaza Mitre, and Plaza Evita Peron. All three parks are covered with grass, trees, and several shady spots. Plaza Mitre has stairs that lead up to a large statue of Bartolomé Mitre and a great view. Across the street you’ll find the Plaza Naciones Unidas; right in the center of this plaza is where you’ll find the Floralis Genérica.

If you’re looking for more green space in the city, there are several beautiful parks in Buenos Aires.

Floralis Genérica

This is a giant metal flower donated to the city by Argentine architect, Eduardo Catalano. The flower opens up in the morning and closes in the evening.

Facultad de Derecho

This Law School building is directly next to the park with the Floralis Genérica. Its architecture was influenced by Greco-Roman temples.

Centro Cultural Recoleta

This is a cultural center located directly next to the Recoleta Cemetery. It is free to enter. They have art exhibits, concerts, etc.

Cementerio Recoleta

This is easily the most famous cemetery in the city, if not the country. It is incredibly beautiful with above-ground mausoleums. Of course, its most famous resident is Evita Peron (#37). It costs about $16 to enter for foreigners and must be paid with a credit card.

Donation-based tours in English are available with a man named Simon. Just ask for him at the front gate. I also noticed in 2024 that several other guides stand out front waiting to give tours in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

La Biblioteca Nacional

This National Library is in a funky modernist building made of concrete. It is free to enter, you’ll just need to show an ID. There are a few different rotating exhibits.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

This museum is free to enter. There are two floors. Classic 16th-17th century Portraiture and a history of Argentina on the first floor, and more contemporary work on the second.

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Where to Eat and Drink in Recoleta

Surrounding the edges of the Recoleta Cemetery and the Centro Cultural, you’ll find several upscale and stylish restaurants and cafes. All along Plaza Barrientos, you’ll find franchises such as Starbucks, Moisha, and Mooi. They have outdoor patios and the atmosphere is peaceful next to the park.

La Biela

I recommend La Biela for its historical importance. They have a large outdoor, fenced-in patio. In the summer they put up awnings to provide shade. This is a Bar Notable in Buenos Aires and the oldest restaurant in Recoleta.

Andra Bakery

If you like scones, you would regret not visiting Andra Bakery. I had the best scone of my life in this quaint and cozy cafe. I recommend trying both the scon de crema and the scon de queso. Outstanding.

El San Juanino

For the best empanadas, check out El San Juanino. This is a super traditional and well-known restaurant in the Recoleta Buenos Aires neighborhood. It gets busy during the lunch hour but it’s worth the wait. They also have seating in the basement.

Buller

This is a great craft beer spot that offers a fantastic view of the Recoleta cemetery. Whether you went inside the cemetery, or prefer to peep the free views, this place is perfect for you. There are several tables outside on the terrace. Order at the bar and self-seat.

Where to Stay in Recoleta

Recoleta has great options in terms of accommodation and is a safe place to stay.

Click here to see a full list of where to stay in Buenos Aires.

ilVero Hostel Recoleta

This is a great hostel for low-budget travelers wishing to stay in the Recoleta neighborhood. It’s clean, safe, and within walking distance of everything.

BOOK NOW to reserve your spot at this Recoleta hostel

Cyan Recoleta Hotel

Breakfast is included in this hotel which is just around the corner from the Recoleta Cemetery and near several bars and restaurants.

Stay near the Recoleta Cemetery, BOOK NOW

Melia Recoleta Plaza Hotel

This is an upscale hotel with a hot tub, spa facilities, an on-site beauty shop, wifi, and breakfast included. It’s in a great location, close to everything important in Recoleta.

BOOK NOW to stay in this luxurious Recoleta Hotel

Check out these other Buenos Aires neighborhoods

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

Guide to the Best Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires

Final Thoughts on Recoleta Buenos Aires Neighborhood

The Recoleta Buenos Aires neighborhood is not to be missed. With its parks, sculptures, history, and food scene, springtime jacaranda trees, this is an area worth visiting.

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