11 best things to do in Palermo neighborhood, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for tips on the best things to do in Palermo, Buenos Aires?

Palermo is one of the most popular and frequently visited neighborhoods by tourists in Buenos Aires. A bohemian, beautiful, clean, and safe neighborhood with a variety of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, parks, and museums.

The neighborhood has a complete infrastructure for tourists, with banks, exchange offices, Western Union, supermarkets, pharmacies, and many leisure options. Palermo is also the best neighborhood to stay in Buenos Aires, home to some of the city’s best hotels.

For those who enjoy nightlife, Palermo in Buenos Aires is the best choice. The neighborhood hosts some of the city’s top nightclubs and bars. As a result, this area hosts some of Buenos Aires’ greatest parties.

---

Discover the Palermo neighborhood in Buenos Aires

Palermo is a very large neighborhood, so it is divided into different areas: Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood, Palermo Botánico, and Palermo Chico.

Palermo Soho is the most bohemian area, featuring many bars, cafés, restaurants, bookstores, and art galleries. It is a lively place with a vibrant nightlife, making it the busiest part of Palermo.

Palermo Hollywood is an area with sophisticated bars and restaurants, as well as some of the neighborhood’s best nightclubs.

Palermo Botánico is the area surrounding the Botanical Garden, a sophisticated place that becomes quieter at night.

Palermo Chico is a more peaceful part of the neighborhood, featuring tree-lined streets, museums, green spaces, and art galleries.

Palermo Soho is the ideal place to stay in if you like going out at night. For those looking for a more relaxed trip, Palermo Chico or Palermo Hollywood are ideal options.

---

Best things to do in Palermo, Buenos Aires

Palermo is an eclectic neighborhood, offering a variety of activities for all types of travelers. If you love gastronomy, be sure to include some restaurants in your itinerary. Palermo is home to some of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, including award-winning parrillas (barbecue).

The neighborhood also hosts some of Buenos Aires’ main tourist attractions, so don’t miss the chance to visit its classic sights. And if you enjoy drinking and partying, take the opportunity to explore the best bars and nightclubs in Palermo.

A great way to explore the Palermo neighborhood in Buenos Aires is by taking a free tour—a walking tour led by a local guide that covers the neighborhood’s main tourist attractions.

1. El Rosedal de Palermo

El Rosedal de Palermo is one of the most beautiful attractions in the neighborhood. This garden complex features over 18,000 roses, creating a stunning setting perfect for walking, sightseeing, and taking photos. In addition to the gardens, El Rosedal is home to the Greek Bridge, the Andalusian Patio, the Garden of Poets, an amphitheater, and a lake.

Entry to El Rosedal de Palermo in Buenos Aires is free, and the best time to visit is at sunset, when the sun is not too hot and the lighting is ideal for photography.

2. Carlos Thays Botanical Garden

The Buenos Aires Botanical Garden, also known as the Carlos Thays Botanical Garden, is one of Palermo’s main attractions. It is a peaceful and tranquil spot in the middle of the city, perfect for those who want to relax or have an interest in botany.

Covering more than 7 hectares, the garden is home to over 6,000 plant species. In addition to its diverse botanical collection, the garden features a herbarium, a botany library, a butterfly garden, a collection of sculptures, and five greenhouses, including an Art Nouveau greenhouse that won an award at the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition. The Botanical Garden was designed by Carlos Thays, the same landscape architect responsible for El Rosedal and other green spaces in Buenos Aires.

Entry to the Botanical Garden is free.

3. Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Palermo neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Designed by the Japanese community, it is the largest Japanese-style garden outside of Japan. This Zen garden features ambient music, azalea gardens, bonsai trees, a Japanese restaurant, a craftsman’s house, a tea house, serene lakes, and charming bridges. It is the perfect place for a stroll, photography, and experiencing a bit of Japanese culture.

Although designed as a peaceful and relaxing space, the garden is often crowded, making it difficult to fully unwind. On busy days, finding a good spot to sit and enjoy the scenery can be a challenge.

Entry to the Japanese Garden costs 13,500 Argentine pesos (USD 12,81).

4. Galileo Galilei Planetarium

The Galileo Galilei Planetarium is Argentina’s main center for astronomy education. Watching an astronomical show or simply admiring the building and the surrounding gardens makes for a great activity in Palermo.

The planetarium’s building is inspired by the planet Saturn and is located in a grassy area next to a beautiful lake. At night, its lights turn on, enhancing the building’s beauty. This attraction in Palermo is perfect for those traveling with children or anyone passionate about astronomy.

The Galileo Galilei Planetarium, Japanese Garden, Botanical Garden, and El Rosedal de Palermo are all located within Parque 3 de Febrero, the largest green space in Buenos Aires, also known as Bosques de Palermo. These attractions are close to each other, making it easy to plan a visit to multiple sites in a single day. For a more fast-paced itinerary, it’s even possible to explore all of them in one day.

5. Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA)

The Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA) is one of the most important museums in Buenos Aires and Latin America. This cultural space houses a permanent collection of at least 400 artworks by renowned Latin American artists, including Frida Kahlo, Roberto Matta, Diego Rivera, and Tarsila do Amaral.

MALBA also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring artists from around the world, as well as displays of contemporary Argentine and Latin American art. General admission to the museum costs 9,000 Argentine pesos (USD 8,54). On Wednesdays, admission is 4,500 Argentine pesos (USD 4,27).

6. Evita Museum

The Evita Museum preserves and shares the history of Eva Perón, an actress and influential political leader in Argentina. The museum offers insight into a significant part of Argentine history through Evita’s life, showcasing her clothing, personal belongings, graphic materials, family memories, decorations, and artifacts that represent different moments of her journey.

In addition to the museum, visitors can enjoy the Restaurant Museo Evita, which serves sophisticated dishes in a beautiful setting with an outdoor patio. The entry fee varies, but for foreign tourists, it is generally above 6,000 Argentine pesos (USD 5,69).

7. Palermo Hippodrome

For horse racing enthusiasts, the Palermo Hippodrome is an exciting attraction in the neighborhood. The venue boasts beautiful architecture and is well known for hosting major events. In addition to races, the Hippodrome features shops, a restaurant, a bar, and a casino. Races take place weekly, and ticket prices vary depending on the event.

Check out our 3-day itinerary for Buenos Aires, Argentina.

8. Enjoy urban art in the Palermo neighborhood in Buenos Aires

In addition to its tourist attractions, Palermo is widely known for its street art, with murals and graffiti covering walls and buildings. These artworks feature pieces by famous artists as well as amateurs, who use the streets to express their emotions, ideals, and social messages.

One of the most iconic murals in the neighborhood is Frida en Flores, a tribute to the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. In addition to this, you’ll find many other stunning murals scattered throughout Palermo, making it a great place to explore and appreciate urban art.

Russel Street is filled with amazing graffiti, so be sure to check it out. However, the neighborhood also has other great spots with impressive street art. A good tour in Palermo for street art enthusiasts is the graffiti and street art.

9. Explore the Restaurants of Palermo in Buenos Aires

Palermo is home to some of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, including internationally acclaimed establishments. So, one of the top things to do in Palermo is to discover great restaurants and indulge in delicious Argentine cuisine.

For an excellent parrilla (barbecue) experience, we recommend La Cabrera, La Carnicería, and Don Julio. If you’re a fan of good pasta, Vanffanculo Cantina Italiana is a fantastict choice.

If you’d like to visit a traditional bodegón (restaurant with generous portions), we suggest Bellagamba Bodegón, a classic restaurant known for its generous portions and great prices.

For a coffee break, Adorado Café y Bar and Cuervo Café are exceptional options.

If you’re looking for a place to eat or drink near Bosques de Palermo, there’s a great dining complex between the Hippodrome and Rosedal called Arcos Del Rosedal. Our favorite restaurant in this area is Mooi Rosedal.

For a more authentic culinary experience, you can join an authentic argentine barbeque in Palermo—a full asado hosted in a private home with a terrace and a view of the neighborhood.

Another highly recommended experience is the Palermo food walking tour, which takes you through four different bars and restaurants, allowing you to sample some of Argentina’s culinary specialties.

10. Explore the Bars and Nightclubs of Palermo

The most vibrant nightlife in Buenos Aires happens in Palermo. In this neighborhood, you’ll find some of the best bars and nightclubs in the city. Nightlife in Buenos Aires usually starts late, with clubs filling up around 3 AM. It’s common to stop for drinks at a bar before heading to a club, as parties often last until sunrise.

For those looking to enjoy a great night out, CroBar, The Roxy Live, and Niceto Club are excellent choices. Entry fees and party themes vary depending on the event, so be sure to check the club’s official pages for the latest schedule.

Another establishment we really like in Palermo is Carnal Resto Bar, a bar/club with two different areas playing various music styles. Later at night, the second floor transforms into a club with electronic music.

Palermo also has some great themed bars for those looking for a unique night out. The Hole Penitentiary Bar is an excellent option—it has a prison-themed atmosphere and a diverse menu. Another standout is Uptown, a bar inspired by the New York City subway, offering an interesting selection of food and drinks.

If you prefer a more relaxed bar to enjoy some snacks and drinks, The Temple Bar, Big Food Restobar, and Backroom Bar are great choices.

The Pub Crawl is an amazing tour in Palermo for those who love parties. It’s a fun experience that takes you through traditional bars and ends the night at a nightclub. With Buenos Aires Nightlife, you’ll also get to experience the city like a local.

11. Shopping in Palermo neighborhood

Palermo is a great place for shopping, with plenty of malls, outlets, and stores. One highlight is the Palermo Soho Market, where independent artists sell clothing, accessories, and handicrafts.

Near Palermo, you’ll also find Villa Crespo, a neighborhood known for its brand-name outlets like Nike, Adidas, and others. While prices nowadays may not differ much from other countries, it’s still worth checking out.

We always enjoy shopping for local brands, especially leather accessories, which are a great find in Buenos Aires.

Did you enjoy our tips on the best things to do in Palermo, Buenos Aires?

Be sure to also check out how to travel from Buenos Aires to Mendoza!