Hostels in Buenos Aires: where to stay, how to get there and what to do
Buenos Aires is the gateway for almost every backpacker arriving in Argentina and the starting point for buses to Patagonia, the north and Cuyo. The city is lived neighbourhood by neighbourhood: Palermo has bars, green spaces and nightlife; San Telmo, cobblestones, a street fair and tango; the centre, theatres, pizzerias and the metro (subte) going everywhere; Recoleta, the most visited cemetery in the country. Here you'll find how to get in from the two airports, how to get around, how to handle money and eight hostels picked by neighbourhood.
🛏️Dorm bedfrom ≈ US$ 14 a night
✈️AirportsEzeiza (EZE), 32 km from the Obelisk · Aeroparque (AEP), 13 km
🚌Bus stationRetiro, Av. Antártida Argentina 1202-1300
🚇Metro (subte)≈ US$ 1.18 with a registered SUBE card; contactless and QR also accepted
💵ExchangeOfficial, MEP and blue rates within 1 %: don't change money on the street
🌡️WeatherJanuary highs ≈ 30 °C · July ≈ 16 °C
🧭Next destinationCórdoba: 697 km, 8 h 15 to 9 h 45 by bus
Caminito, La Boca
The Obelisk
Puente de la Mujer, Puerto Madero
How to get to Buenos Aires
✈️ Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza) EZE
32 km from the Obelisk by motorway · 45 to 90 min depending on transport and traffic
Getting to the centre and the hostels
Tienda León: bus to the Pellegrini Terminal (Carlos Pellegrini 971, steps from the Obelisk), ≈ 1 h, ≈ US$ 11; buying online saves up to 10 %.
City bus 8 (24 h, paid with SUBE): the A (regular) and G (semi-express) branches go along Plaza de Mayo and Av. de Mayo and into the Retiro bus station; ≈ 70-80 min to Plaza de Mayo, ≈ US$ 0.87 with a registered SUBE card and around 50 % more with an unregistered one.
Official taxi: ≈ US$ 23 if you reserve on its website and ≈ US$ 32 at the counter, plus 10 % if you pay by card. Uber, Cabify and DiDi have signposted pick-up bays at the customs exit.
Direct flights
Direct international flights to Miami, New York, Madrid, Rome, Paris, London, Santiago, Lima, Bogotá, São Paulo, Rio and more. Domestically, Aerolíneas Argentinas flies to El Calafate, Ushuaia and Puerto Iguazú, and JetSMART to El Calafate.
✈️ Aeroparque Jorge Newbery International Airport AEP
12 km from Palermo Soho, 13 km from the Obelisk and 16 km from San Telmo by road (15 to 21 min without traffic)
Getting to the centre and the hostels
Tienda León to the Pellegrini Terminal (Carlos Pellegrini 971): ≈ 30 min, ≈ US$ 5.
City buses 8, 33, 34, 37, 45, 114, 160 and 166, with SUBE: the 33 goes to Retiro, the 37 to the Congreso area and the 160 to Almagro.
To connect with a flight from Ezeiza: Tienda León links the two airports in ≈ 1 h 20 for ≈ US$ 11, and city bus 8 links them too.
Direct flights
Domestic flights with Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSMART to Córdoba (≈ 1 h 30), Mendoza (≈ 2 h), Salta (≈ 2 h 15), Puerto Iguazú (≈ 1 h 55) and Bariloche (≈ 2 h 25); both fly to Ushuaia (≈ 3 h 40), and Aerolíneas Argentinas to El Calafate (≈ 3 h 20).
🚌 Retiro Bus Terminal
📍 Av. Antártida Argentina 1202-1300, Retiro
🛏️ 2.3 to 9.2 km by car from the hostels in this guide (6 to 13 min without traffic)
It has 75 platforms, 112 bus companies and the ticket offices on the upper floor; metro lines C (terminus) and E arrive here, and city bus 8 goes into the terminal. Official travel advice asks for extra care in and around the terminal: keep your phone out of sight and your luggage where you can see it.
Flechabus, General Urquiza, Chevallier, Sierras de Córdoba, Crucero del Este and others
Mendoza
1,045
13 h 25 to 17 h
≈ 21 a day
Andesmar, CATA, Central Argentino, La 20 de Junio, Chevallier and others
Puerto Iguazú
1,274
17 h to 18 h 45
≈ 15 a day
Crucero del Norte, Río Uruguay and La 20 de Junio
Salta
1,447
21 h 30 to 25 h
≈ 12 a day
La 20 de Junio, Flechabus, La Veloz del Norte and Balut
Bariloche
1,570
≈ 24 h 15
≈ 2 a day
Chevallier
Rosario
300
4 to 6 h
≈ 65 a day
Flechabus, General Urquiza, Chevallier and others
Mar del Plata
411
≈ 5 h
≈ 53 a day
Plusmar, Rutatlántica, Flechabus and others
Montevideo (Uruguay)
—
≈ 8 h 30 (overnight)
≈ 4 a day
Cauvi and EGA
There's no direct bus to El Calafate or Ushuaia (it takes about 2 days with changes), so it's better to fly; you can also cross to Uruguay by boat with Buquebus or Colonia Express.
Map of Buenos Aires: bus station, hostels and sights
The hostels in this guide, the bus station, the airport and the things to see, all on one map. Tap a point to see its name.
Loading the map…
HostelsBus stationAirportSights
Distances from the centre
Place
Distance
Time
How
Teatro Colón
0.6 km
8 min
on foot from the Obelisk
Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada
1.4 km
18 min
on foot from the Obelisk
Recoleta Cemetery
2.3 km
32 min
on foot from the Obelisk
Plaza Dorrego (San Telmo)
2.8 km
37 min
on foot from the Obelisk
Japanese Garden
4.8 km
7 min
by car from the Obelisk, without traffic
Caminito (La Boca)
6.1 km
9 min
by car from the Obelisk, without traffic
Plaza Serrano (Palermo Soho)
6.8 km
12 min
by car from the Obelisk, without traffic
Tigre (the Delta)
28 km
71 min
on the Mitre train from Retiro
Getting around Buenos Aires
The SUBE card works on the metro, city buses and trains: you can get one at SUBE points (kiosks) or online, and top it up at metro ticket offices (in cash), at TAS machines with QR, at kiosks or with the app.
The metro costs ≈ US$ 1.18 per ride with a registered SUBE card and ≈ US$ 1.65 with an unregistered one; at every station you can also pay with a contactless card, NFC or QR. On the SUBE network, a second ride within 120 minutes is 50 % cheaper and a third, 75 % cheaper.
City buses cost ≈ US$ 0.60 for a ride of up to 3 km with a registered SUBE card.
From Retiro: to San Telmo, line C to Independencia or San Juan; to Congreso, line C to Avenida de Mayo and change to line A; to Palermo, line C to Diagonal Norte and change to line D to Scalabrini Ortiz or Plaza Italia. Line H doesn't reach Retiro.
The centre, Congreso, San Telmo and Recoleta are 1.4-3 km from the Obelisk and easy to explore on foot; Palermo Soho is 5-7 km away, better by metro line D or city bus. Foreigners can use EcoBici with the «BA Ecobici by Tembici» app.
For taxis, the British official advice recommends calling a radio taxi rather than hailing one on the street, and the Canadian advice says to use only official taxis at Ezeiza.
Uber, Cabify, DiDi and taxis in Buenos Aires
All three apps work and since 2026 the City has regulated them (Resolution 99/SECT/2026). At Ezeiza, Cabify picks up at gate I at the far end of the former terminal A, and Uber and DiDi at the bay opposite; at Aeroparque there are meeting-point signs on the arrivals platform. Uber reports an average of ≈ US$ 20 between the city and Ezeiza and ≈ US$ 7 to Aeroparque. For a licensed taxi, the official app is BA Taxi.
Uber Available
The most widely used in the country: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Salta and Bariloche. It takes card, cash and Mercado Pago, and the same account you use at home works here.
Strong in Buenos Aires; also in Córdoba, Mendoza and Bariloche. Cash only in Buenos Aires, Rosario, Mendoza and Córdoba; to create an account it asks for a phone number and email address.
The official app for taxis in the City of Buenos Aires: it estimates the fare using the official rate table, shows the number plate and the driver, and you pay by card or Mercado Pago. It works within the capital (including Aeroparque, not Ezeiza).
Status of each app according to their official sites and the local press; it may change. The buttons open the official stores (Google Play for Android, App Store for iPhone).
The 3 best areas to stay in Buenos Aires
1Palermo (Soho and Plaza Italia) Bars, green spaces and nightlife
🚌 6.6 to 9.2 km from Retiro by car (11-13 min)
It's the area with the most hostels in this guide and the pick for anyone who goes out at night: bars, cafés, restaurants and the Palermo Woods nearby. Reviews highlight the neighbourhood and metro line D at Plaza Italia. The downside is the distance: the historic centre is 5-7 km away, so for San Telmo or La Boca you need the metro or a bus. Several reviews mention street noise in the early hours.
2Centre, Montserrat and Recoleta To get around on foot
🚌 2.3 to 4.1 km from Retiro by car (6-7 min)
Between the Obelisk, Congreso and Plaza de Mayo you'll find Che Juan, Parla and Milhouse; MONS is further north, in Recoleta, opposite the cemetery. It suits you if you're short on days: theatres, pizzerias, the metro going everywhere, the Tienda León terminal and the stops for bus 8 to Ezeiza on Av. de Mayo. Downsides: the office district empties out at night, there's street noise, and official advice asks for care on Florida, 9 de Julio and Av. de Mayo.
3San Telmo Cobblestones, street fair and tango
🚌 4.7 km from Retiro by car (≈ 8 min)
Cobblestones, old mansions and Plaza Dorrego, where the San Telmo Fair sets up on Sundays with antiques, artists and tango in the afternoon. From here you can walk to Plaza de Mayo, and from Retiro you get here on metro line C to Independencia or San Juan. Downsides: a recent review mentions dirty streets around it, official advice asks for care at the market, and La Boca, next door, is best explored without leaving Caminito.
The 8 recommended hostels in Buenos Aires
Eight hostels with dorms, good scores and lots of reviews, spread across the three areas. The pros and cons come from recent guest reviews and their category scores.
Che Juan Hostel BA
9.3 · 2,769 reviews
Lavalle 477, San Nicolás · ≈ 0.8 km from the Obelisk
🚌 2.1 km on foot from Retiro (≈ 28 min) · ≈ 6 min by carMixed dormsFemale dormPrivate roomsKitchen24 h reception
Shared dorm
Common room
Private room
The one with the most reviews in this guide, scoring 9.3. Mixed dorms with 4 to 12 beds and female dorms with 4 and 6, with blackout curtains, sockets at the foot of each bed and bathrooms with shampoo and a hairdryer. It doesn't serve breakfast, but the kitchen is well equipped and there's coffee and hot water all day.
Highly rated staff (9.7)
Curtains and sockets at every bed
No breakfast
Early-hours noise, according to guests
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
403333373333353533353333
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
·1241371249191989891989191
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 33 to US$ 40 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 91 to US$ 137. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The service, the security and the excellent convenience of the kitchen. Free coffee 24 hours a day.
Elsa · Argentina · Oct 2026
10The best hostel I've ever stayed in.
Excellent location near bus and metro lines. The building has a lift. They don't serve breakfast, but they have a very well-equipped kitchen so you can make your own meals. They have large lockers for your suitcase and small ones at the foot of the bed (you need to bring your own padlock).
Marzunrp · Ecuador · Sep 2026
10Excellent hostel
Everything was excellent. From the way they treat you to the facilities, location and cleanliness. I went on my own and I fully recommend it. I plan to come back and stay here again.
Valentina · Uruguay · Sep 2026
10The privacy of the beds
The privacy of the beds and how comfortable they are, along with the cleanliness. The spaces and rooms available for socialising; the place has several bathrooms and showers that are always clean. The challenge get-togethers open up the chance to meet people staying at the hostel.
Lamberti · Argentina · Sep 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 2,769.
🚌 3.1 km on foot from Retiro (≈ 42 min) · ≈ 7 min by car4- and 6-bed dormsFemale dormPrivate roomsBarTerrace
Shared dorm
Common room
View from the hostel
The only one in this guide in Recoleta, scoring 9.2 with more than 1,300 reviews. It has a bar, a terrace overlooking the cemetery, karaoke and ping-pong; breakfast is à la carte and paid separately. Guests highlight the curtained beds, the roomy lockers and the staff. There are parties on the terrace at weekends.
View over Recoleta Cemetery
Roomy, secure lockers
Parties and noise at weekends
Strong heating in the top bunks
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
323843·········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
93108120·········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 32 to US$ 43 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 93 to US$ 120. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
Being able to have the same breakfast as in any café, with an incredible view.
Rosaura · Argentina · Sep 2026
9Excellent hostel, comfortable beds, convenient location and exceptional staff.
The staff are very friendly and helpful: they helped me find my way around the city and get to know the metro. Another plus of the hostel is its lockers, which are roomy and secure.
Gerardo · Chile · Sep 2026
10If you want somewhere comfortable in a good area, this is it.
I liked everything: very modern, clean, the beds are comfortable, the bathroom and the shower are very good. It's an excellent hostel.
Valentina · Uruguay · Aug 2026
10It was fun and I'd definitely come back
I think it has an excellent location: you're connected to very touristy and commercial spots in Buenos Aires, and you also have full access to public transport.
Rodriguez · Colombia · Jul 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 1,312.
Casa Caravan - Plant Based Concept House
9.7 · 637 reviews
Uriarte 1642, Palermo Soho · ≈ 0.2 km from Plaza Serrano
🚌 6.9 km on foot from Retiro · ≈ 13 min by car6-bed mixed dormPrivate suitesBreakfast includedSwimming poolKitchen
Shared dorm
Common room
Swimming pool
The best-scoring hostel in this guide (9.7), a stone's throw from Plaza Serrano. It's a plant-based-concept mansion: buffet breakfast included, vegan or gluten-free, an outdoor pool, garden, terrace and bar. The kitchen is shared, but you can't cook meat. It has just one dorm, a 6-bed mixed one, and private suites.
Cleanliness and staff at 9.8
Much-praised breakfast
Bunks without curtains
Pricey for a dorm
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
504444564444503636363636
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
···222200200211166156166156156
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 36 to US$ 56 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 156 to US$ 222. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
Excellent place, well looked after, excellent heating and air conditioning and cleanliness, very friendly staff and a very good breakfast. 100 % recommended.
Marcelo · Chile · Oct 2026
10Excellent experience
The cleanliness, the staff and how peaceful the place is. Plus the safe neighbourhood, surrounded by cafés and restaurants, and transport nearby (metro and buses). Maybe in the future they could put curtains on the bunks for a little more privacy.
Angela · Chile · Sep 2026
10Hostel with gorgeous decor
Excellent accommodation, spotless, with comfortable and pleasant common areas. Excellent location in Palermo Soho, a few blocks from Plaza Serrano, restaurants and shops. The staff were very friendly.
Vacaflor · Argentina · Sep 2026
10Far from home, but they make you feel at home.
The spaces, the calm you feel there, the vibe of the people who work there. I really appreciated it when they offered me snacks or something breakfast-like to eat, because I was leaving the hostel very early and couldn't make it to breakfast time.
Cristian · Colombia · Aug 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 637.
Meridiano Hostel Boutique
8.8 · 2,353 reviews
Soler 4575, Palermo Soho · 600 m from Plaza Serrano
🚌 6.1 km on foot from Retiro · ≈ 11 min by carMixed dormsFemale dormPrivate roomsBarKitchen
Shared dorm
Patio
View from the hostel
A three-storey mansion in the heart of Palermo Soho, 600 m from Plaza Serrano and 800 m from Plaza Italia, with a terrace, garden and bar. It's second in this guide for number of reviews (more than 2,300). Mixed dorms with 4 and 8 beds and female dorms with 4; reception is open from 7:00 to 0:30.
Highly rated location (9.5)
Terrace and outdoor spaces
Hot water that doesn't last long
Three floors of stairs
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
2622222422222323····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
72·72727272727272727272
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 22 to US$ 26 a night, depending on the month. The private room costs around US$ 72. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The location is excellent and the accommodation is beautiful. I really liked the staff's service, especially Vicky's: her attitude is lovely and she's always ready to help you.
Maria · Colombia · Oct 2026
8The area is very good
The area is very good, the hostel is lovely and very comfortable, super spacious, with room for lots of people. Very close to bars and shops, near Plaza Italia, where buses and metro line D run. What I didn't like: the hot water in the showers lasted a very short time.
Franco · Argentina · Sep 2026
9The terrace is gorgeous
The common areas are cosy and the terrace is gorgeous. Everyone respected the quiet hours. A plus point for the two four-legged friends.
Vivien · Spain · Sep 2026
8Beautiful house in Palermo. Comfortable and pleasant.
Excellent location, service and organisation of the rooms.
Silvana · Uruguay · Sep 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 2,353.
America Del Sur Hostel Buenos Aires
8.8 · 1,292 reviews
Chacabuco 718, San Telmo · ≈ 0.6 km from Plaza Dorrego
🚌 3.8 km on foot from Retiro · ≈ 8 min by car4- and 6-bed dormsFemale dormMale dormPrivate roomsKitchen
Shared dorm
Dining room
Exterior
This guide's hostel in San Telmo, scoring 8.8 with almost 1,300 reviews. It has 6-bed and 4-bed dorms (female and male) and private rooms for one to four people. In the dorms, the shower, toilet and washbasin are separate, and every bed has a light and a socket. Patio, shared kitchen, terrace and dance classes.
Separate shower and toilet in the dorm
Shampoo and conditioner included
You can hear the neighbouring rooms
Full fridge in the kitchen
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
242520292629282826···
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
7510075887581887875···
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 20 to US$ 29 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 75 to US$ 100. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The location, easy to get to various points in the city. Lots of shops nearby to stock up.
Carlos · Chile · Sep 2026
8A very good place
I liked that in the room the shower, toilet and washbasin were separate so each guest can use what they need at the same time. Also that each bed had its own soft light and sockets. I thought it was a very good place for how cheap it was.
Marcel · Uruguay · Sep 2026
9Cosy
I liked the facilities, the atmosphere and the good service from the staff. The rooms are very clean and comfortable, which inspires a lot of confidence.
Sebastian · Colombia · Aug 2026
10Right in the heart of San Telmo
The place is beautiful. Big rooms with comfortable beds. Cheap, full breakfast. Right in the heart of San Telmo.
Esteban · Argentina · Aug 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 1,292.
Parla Hostel
8.7 · 1,454 reviews
Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen 855, Montserrat · ≈ 0.6 km from Plaza de Mayo
🚌 3.1 km on foot from Retiro · ≈ 7 min by car4-bed dormsFemale dormPrivate roomsBarTerrace
Shared dorm
Terrace
View from the hostel
A social hostel a few blocks from Plaza de Mayo and 9 de Julio, scoring 8.7 with more than 1,400 reviews. All the dorms have 4 beds, including female ones, and there are private rooms, one with a balcony. The terrace with a view is the meeting point; it has a bar, a shared kitchen and a barbecue grill. The building is old and it shows.
Terrace with a view for socialising
Highly rated staff (9.4)
Old building, cleanliness 8.4
Not every floor has a bathroom
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
14241416171717·····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
45553645454545·····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 14 to US$ 24 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 36 to US$ 55. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
Very comfortable facilities and excellent location. Good system for getting in and out of the building. They also helped me sort out a timing issue with the luggage storage. Highly recommended!
Patricio · Argentina · Oct 2026
10The location is ideal
The location is ideal, the atmosphere is really nice and the staff make you feel at home. The facilities are very good and the terrace is an incredible plus for meeting people and enjoying Buenos Aires. I'd definitely come back.
Emanuel · Italy · Sep 2026
10I won't forget my stay at Parla
I won't forget my stay at Parla. The staff are adorable, the place is very nice, the terrace is wonderful. It's an intimate hostel you'll like if you want to meet people, share a mate or a dance.
Oscar · France · Sep 2026
10Two blocks from 9 de Julio
Located two blocks from 9 de Julio and a few more from the Obelisk, it guarantees you can explore the capital in the best way; you also have the metro really close to go anywhere. It has a beautiful terrace where it's definitely worth spending an afternoon drinking mate with an amazing view.
Martin · Argentina · Aug 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 1,454.
Milhouse Avenue
8.6 · 957 reviews
Av. de Mayo 1245, Montserrat · 200 m from metro line A (Lima)
🚌 3.6 km on foot from Retiro · ≈ 7 min by carMixed dormsFemale dormPrivate rooms with bathroomBarLockers
Shared dorm
Bar
Terrace
A classic social hostel in a renovated 19th-century mansion, 600 m from the Obelisk and 200 m from metro line A. It has a bar, a terrace with barbecue grills, a shared kitchen, pool table and 24 h reception, and sells tango classes and football tickets. The private rooms, for one to four people, have their own bathroom.
Bar and terrace with barbecue grills
Highly rated staff (9.2)
Small lockers, on the top floor
Towels cost extra
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
262622322225······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
12012892132107115······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 22 to US$ 32 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 92 to US$ 132. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
Excellent value for money. Good location. Very attentive and helpful staff. Clean facilities.
Valeria · Chile · Sep 2026
10Really great
What stood out most for me was the staff's service. Incredibly kind, and always very willing to help. A really pleasant atmosphere, lots of travellers from all over, really comfortable facilities.
Luna · Chile · Sep 2026
10A central place
I loved it; we stayed 5 days. It's a central place and the staff are very attentive. I'd stay at the same place again.
Concoha · Guatemala · Sep 2026
99.8 points.
Very comfortable facilities. The bar is really nice. The staff are very friendly.
Rocío · Uruguay · Aug 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 957.
Play Hostel Garden
8.5 · 1,247 reviews
Paraguay 4539, Palermo · ≈ 0.7 km from Plaza Serrano
🚌 6.2 km on foot from Retiro · ≈ 11 min by carMixed dormsFemale dormPrivate roomsBreakfast includedGarden
Shared dorm
Shared kitchen
Garden
A party hostel in Palermo, near Plaza Italia, scoring 8.5 with more than 1,200 reviews. The buffet breakfast is included and is one of the most praised things about it; there's a garden, terrace, bar, shared kitchen, 24 h reception and activities every night to meet people. Mixed dorms with 4 and 8 beds and a 4-bed female dorm.
Buffet breakfast included
Daily activities to meet people
Small rooms and bathrooms
Noise from the street and the lift
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
282624262216191916272321
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Private room · 2 people
9190751005652595952675756
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A bed costs from US$ 16 to US$ 28 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 52 to US$ 100.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The atmosphere is very pleasant, and so is its location, as it's close to lots of points of interest. All the staff are very friendly and care about your wellbeing. There are activities every day to meet new people.
Norman · Costa Rica · Sep 2026
10The spectacular breakfast
Very good location, a great atmosphere and a spectacular breakfast.
Caceres · Uruguay · Aug 2026
10Very good, a recommended place
Excellent service; José, super friendly and a good host, helped me a lot with the questions I had. Good area, everything is close by, good breakfast.
Gustavo · Bolivia · Sep 2026
10Excellent stay
Very good service, very tidy and clean. Excellent breakfast and location. Easy access to public transport.
Diego · Costa Rica · Aug 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 1,247.
Backpacker tips for Buenos Aires
1Don't change dollars on the street
The official dollar, the MEP rate and the blue rate are within 1 % of each other, so the «blue» no longer gives you an edge. The street money changers («arbolitos») on Calle Florida carry a risk of fake notes and don't give receipts: use a bank or an exchange office.
2Pay for your hostel with a foreign card
Foreign tourists don't pay the 21 % VAT on accommodation, including at registered hostels, if they show their passport and the immigration entry record and pay with a foreign card or a transfer from abroad. It doesn't apply if you pay in pesos or with an Argentine card: ask at reception how they'll charge you before you pay.
3Western Union as an alternative
Sending money to yourself via Western Union and collecting it in pesos is one way to get cash. It charges a fee, and at its Ezeiza and Aeroparque offices the rate is less favourable.
4Keep your phone out of sight
Official advice from the UK and Canada warns about phone snatching on the street, thieves on motorbikes (motochorros) and the «mustard stain» scam, with extra care in Retiro, Florida, 9 de Julio, Av. de Mayo, Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo and Palermo.
5In La Boca, stay in Caminito
Canada's advice recommends not leaving Caminito, because there have been violent robberies in the surrounding streets. It's best to go during the day.
6Taxis: radio taxi or app
Call a radio taxi rather than hailing one on the street, as the British advice recommends. At Ezeiza, official taxis only, or Uber, Cabify and DiDi from their bays at the customs exit.
7Bring your own padlock
Hostels have lockers, but they don't always lend padlocks: at Che Juan you need to bring your own and at Play Hostel Garden a guest asked for them to lend one. Better to bring yours.
8Cook at the hostel
A meal at a cheap restaurant is around ≈ US$ 19. To save, shop at supermarkets like Coto or Día and use the hostel kitchen; the classics to try out are choripán, empanadas, pizza or fugazzeta, milanesa and medialunas.
Things to do in Buenos Aires (and how to get there on your own)
Recoleta Cemetery
Junín 1760, the most visited cemetery in the country. There are free guided tours in Spanish: Tuesday to Friday at 11 am and 2 pm, and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 11 am and 3 pm.
Distance
2.3 km from the Obelisk
How to get there
On foot, ≈ 32 min from the Obelisk
Teatro Colón
Cerrito 628. A 50-minute guided tour every day from 10 am to 4:45 pm, every 15 min; in English at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm and 3 pm, and in Portuguese at 11:45 am and 4 pm.
Distance
0.6 km from the Obelisk
How to get there
On foot, 8 min from the Obelisk
Entry
≈ US$ 22 per tour (foreigners)
San Telmo Fair
On Sundays, in Plaza Dorrego and along Humberto 1º: antiques, artists and tango at the «Patio de Tango» in the afternoon.
Distance
2.8 km from the Obelisk
How to get there
On foot, ≈ 37 min from the Obelisk
La Boca: Caminito and La Bombonera
Caminito is a street-museum about 150 m long; a few blocks away, the Museo de la Pasión Boquense opens from 10 am to 6 pm with a visit to the Boca Juniors stadium. Go during the day and don't leave the Caminito area.
Distance
6.1 km from the Obelisk
How to get there
By car, ≈ 9 min without traffic
Entry
Museum + stadium ≈ US$ 31
Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve
A nature reserve on the Costanera Sur, with entrances at Av. Achával Rodríguez 1550 and Av. Giralt 70. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm (Apr-Oct) and from 8 am to 7 pm (Nov-Mar); closed on Mondays and rainy days.
Distance
2.3 km from the Obelisk (by car)
How to get there
Entrances on Achával Rodríguez or Giralt
Entry
Free
MALBA
The Museum of Latin American Art, at Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3415. Closed on Tuesdays; on Wednesdays entry is half price. City buses 10, 37, 59, 60, 67, 93, 102, 110, 118, 124 and 130 stop nearby, as does metro line H (Facultad de Derecho, ≈ 700 m away).
Distance
4.2 km from the Obelisk
How to get there
City bus or metro line H
Entry
≈ US$ 9; Wednesdays ≈ US$ 4.50
Japanese Garden
Av. Casares 3500, in the Palermo Woods area. Open from 10 am to 6:45 pm.
Distance
4.8 km from the Obelisk
How to get there
By car, ≈ 7 min without traffic
Entry
≈ US$ 16 (non-residents)
Tigre and the Delta
A day trip: the Mitre train links Retiro with Tigre in 71 min, and shared river boats leave from the river station to explore the islands of the Delta.
Distance
28 km from Retiro
How to get there
Mitre train from Retiro
Tours you can book online
Almost everything above can be done on your own. If you'd rather go with a guide, below you'll find tours and excursions around the city and beyond.
Weather and seasons in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires gets travellers all year round: summer is hot (highs of ≈ 30 °C in January) and winter mild (≈ 16 °C in July), with rain spread across every month. Dates to keep in mind when you reserve: long weekends around public holidays, Lollapalooza (12 to 14 March 2027, at the San Isidro Racecourse) and the Pride March, on the first Saturday of November.
max. / min. °CHigh seasonShoulder seasonLow season💧 rain (mm)
Average temperatures and rainfall according to climatestotravel.com.
Plan the rest of your trip
Buenos Aires is the hub of the country's transport network. Domestic flights leave from Aeroparque (and a few from Ezeiza), 12-16 km from the neighbourhoods with hostels: Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSMART fly to Córdoba, Mendoza, Salta, Puerto Iguazú, Bariloche and Ushuaia, and Aerolíneas also to El Calafate. Long-distance buses leave from the Retiro bus station: 8 h 15 to 9 h 45 to Córdoba, 13 h 25 to 17 h to Mendoza, 17 to 18 h 45 to Puerto Iguazú and about 24 h to Bariloche; there's no direct bus to southern Patagonia. To Uruguay you can go by overnight bus or by boat from Puerto Madero.
✈️ Flight trackingThe driver tracks your flight and waits if it's delayed.
💵 One clear priceTaxes, tolls and tip included, no cash needed.
🤝 Met on arrivalFree cancellation up to 24 h before.
🚐 Ezeiza → Obelisk≈ 29 min without traffic (45 to 90 min depending on traffic)🚐 Aeroparque → Palermo Soho≈ 15 min without traffic🚐 Retiro → Palermo Soho≈ 11 min without traffic
How do I get from Ezeiza to the hostels in the centre or Palermo?
The simplest option is the Tienda León bus to the Pellegrini Terminal, steps from the Obelisk: ≈ 1 h and ≈ US$ 11. The cheapest is city bus 8, which runs 24 h and is paid with SUBE (≈ US$ 0.87 with a registered card), taking ≈ 70-80 min to Plaza de Mayo. By taxi, official ones only: ≈ US$ 23 if you reserve online.
Is it worth changing dollars at the blue rate?
Not any more. The official, MEP and blue rates are within 1 % of each other, so there's no advantage in changing money on the street, and the «arbolitos» on Florida carry a risk of fake notes and don't give receipts. Use a bank or an exchange office, pay with a foreign card where you can, or collect pesos via Western Union.
Do I have to pay VAT at the hostel?
If you're a foreign tourist, accommodation (including at registered hostels) comes without the 21 % VAT when you show your passport and the immigration entry record and pay with a foreign card or a transfer from abroad. It doesn't apply if you pay in pesos or with an Argentine card. Ask at reception how they'll charge you before you pay.
Which neighbourhood is best for a backpacker?
It depends on your plans. Palermo is for going out at night and has most of the hostels, but it's 5-7 km from the historic centre. The centre and Montserrat work if you're short on days and want to get around on foot and by metro. San Telmo is the neighbourhood of cobblestones, the Sunday fair and tango.
Is Buenos Aires safe for backpackers?
Canada advises a high degree of caution in the metropolitan area, and both its advice and the UK's point to phone snatching, thieves on motorbikes (motochorros) and the «mustard stain» scam as the most common problems. They ask for extra care in Retiro and its bus station, Florida, 9 de Julio, Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo and La Boca, where it's best not to leave Caminito.
How do I pay for the metro and city buses?
With the SUBE card, which you can get at kiosks (SUBE points) or online and top up at metro ticket offices, TAS machines, kiosks or with the app. The metro costs ≈ US$ 1.18 with a registered SUBE card and also accepts contactless cards, NFC or QR at every station. City buses cost ≈ US$ 0.60 for up to 3 km.
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