What areas should you avoid in Buenos Aires?

Certain parts of Barracas and Constitución: These areas can be rough and are generally not recommended for tourists, particularly after dark, due to higher crime rates.. Areas far from the city center at night without specific reason: While Buenos Aires is generally safe in tourist zones, venturing into less populated or industrial areas late at night increases risk.

What are the safest areas to stay in Buenos Aires?

The safest neighbourhoods for tourists in Buenos Aires include Palermo, Recoleta. These areas are popular with visitors and well-regarded for safety.

What scams should you watch for in Buenos Aires?

Common scams in Buenos Aires: The 'Broken Credit Card Machine' scam: Waiters claim the machine is broken and ask you to pay cash, then use a skimmer.. Distraction theft: Pickpockets work in teams, one distracting you while another steals your wallet or phone.. Overpriced taxis: Ensure the meter is running or agree on a price beforehand if meter is not used (less common now but still possible)..

Areas to Avoid in Buenos Aires

Q: Is Buenos Aires safe for tourists?

Buenos Aires is rated as "Moderate" for tourists. Stick to well-lit, busy avenues and popular nightlife districts. Taxis or rideshares are recommended for getting around after dark, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.

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Honest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Buenos Aires. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.

Last updated: March 2026

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Buenos Aires is generally Use Caution

2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Palermo, Recoleta

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Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Buenos Aires are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.

Areas That Need Extra Caution

These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware

Certain parts of Barracas and Constitución

These areas can be rough and are generally not recommended for tourists, particularly after dark, due to higher crime rates.

🛡️ Stay here instead: Palermo

Trendy and expansive, Palermo offers a mix of leafy parks, vibrant nightlife, and boutique shopping.

Areas far from the city center at night without specific reason

While Buenos Aires is generally safe in tourist zones, venturing into less populated or industrial areas late at night increases risk.

🛡️ Stay here instead: Recoleta

Elegant and historic, Recoleta exudes old-world charm with its grand architecture and cultural landmarks.

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Buenos Aires

Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Buenos Aires Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Buenos Aires on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Buenos Aires Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Buenos Aires with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Best of Buenos Aires: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Buenos Aires's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

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Day Trip from Buenos Aires: Scenic Excursion

Escape Buenos Aires for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Local cultural experience and traditions

Buenos Aires Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Buenos Aires's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

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View all tours in Buenos Aires

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Stay Safe, Explore Confidently

Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Buenos Aires

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Stay in a safe neighbourhood

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Book a guided tour

Explore Buenos Aires safely with a local guide

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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood

These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers

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Palermo

Trendy and expansive, Palermo offers a mix of leafy parks, vibrant nightlife, and boutique shopping.

Generally safe during the day, be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas; at night, stick to well-lit, populated streets and consider taxis.

🛡️

Recoleta

Elegant and historic, Recoleta exudes old-world charm with its grand architecture and cultural landmarks.

Very safe during the day and night due to its upscale nature and presence of police; still, common sense precautions against pickpocketing apply.

View All Safe Neighbourhoods

General Safety Tips for Buenos Aires

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At Night

Stick to well-lit, busy avenues and popular nightlife districts. Taxis or rideshares are recommended for getting around after dark, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.

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Solo Female Travel

Generally safe, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Palermo and Recoleta. Be vigilant about surroundings, especially on public transport and at night. Avoid walking alone in dimly lit or deserted streets.

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Emergency Number

911

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Stay Connected

Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.

Common Scams to Watch For in Buenos Aires

1The 'Broken Credit Card Machine' scam: Waiters claim the machine is broken and ask you to pay cash, then use a skimmer.
2Distraction theft: Pickpockets work in teams, one distracting you while another steals your wallet or phone.
3Overpriced taxis: Ensure the meter is running or agree on a price beforehand if meter is not used (less common now but still possible).

🛡️

Travel Insurance for Buenos Aires

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.

Get covered

Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead

These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety

🛡️

Palermo

Trendy and expansive, Palermo offers a mix of leafy parks, vibrant nightlife, and boutique shopping.

Generally safe during the day, be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas; at night, stick to well-lit, populated streets and consider taxis.

first-timerscouplesnightlife

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Recoleta

Elegant and historic, Recoleta exudes old-world charm with its grand architecture and cultural landmarks.

Very safe during the day and night due to its upscale nature and presence of police; still, common sense precautions against pickpocketing apply.

first-timerscouplesculture

Safety in Buenos Aires

Moderate

CautionModerateSafeVery Safe

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Solo Female Travel

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At Night

Stick to well-lit, busy avenues and popular nightlife districts. Taxis or rideshares are recommended for getting around after dark, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.

🚨

Emergency

911

Common Scams to Watch For

1The 'Broken Credit Card Machine' scam: Waiters claim the machine is broken and ask you to pay cash, then use a skimmer.
2Distraction theft: Pickpockets work in teams, one distracting you while another steals your wallet or phone.
3Overpriced taxis: Ensure the meter is running or agree on a price beforehand if meter is not used (less common now but still possible).

Back to Buenos Aires full guide