That’s a really important question for travelers in Buenos Aires, especially solo visitors. The city is generally safe in tourist areas, but some neighborhoods are riskier after dark. Here’s a clear breakdown:
🚫 Areas Best Avoided at Night #
-
La Boca – Famous for Caminito in the daytime, but once shops close, the area becomes deserted and crime-prone. Go during the day only.
-
Constitución – Busy transport hub with high petty crime and occasional violent incidents. Avoid walking here at night.
-
Retiro bus station area – Crowded during the day, but sketchy at night (pickpockets, opportunistic crime).
-
Once (Balvanera) – Good for shopping in the day but not safe at night; quiet streets and theft risks.
-
San Telmo side streets – The main plaza and tango bars are fine, but avoid wandering into poorly lit, empty streets late at night.
-
Some parts of Microcentro (downtown) – Around Obelisco and Avenida de Mayo is lively early evening, but after business hours it empties out, and isolated blocks can feel unsafe.
✅ Areas That Are Safer & Lively at Night #
-
Palermo (Soho, Hollywood, Las Cañitas) – Trendy bars, restaurants, nightlife. Crowds keep it safe.
-
Recoleta – Upscale, calm, with nice evening cafés and wine bars.
-
Puerto Madero – Modern and heavily patrolled; fine for dinner or waterfront walks.
-
San Telmo (main square & tourist streets) – Busy on weekends and during tango shows, but stick to well-lit areas.
🛡️ Safety Tips #
-
Always use taxis, Uber, or Cabify late at night instead of walking long distances.
-
Stick to main avenues; avoid small alleys or deserted side streets.
-
Keep valuables out of sight (phone, jewelry, camera).
-
If staying in less touristy neighborhoods, arrange transport back to your accommodation after dark.
👉 Rule of thumb:
-
Tourist hot spots (Palermo, Recoleta, Puerto Madero, San Telmo main areas) → fine at night.
-
Transport hubs and outer neighborhoods (La Boca, Constitución, Once, Retiro station area) → daytime only.
