Is Recoleta in  Buenos Aires safe?

/ Buenos Aires, Safety

Recoleta is a residential neighbourhood in the city of Buenos Aires. It’s famous for its architecture, historical monuments, gardens, cultural attractions like: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Centro Cultural Recoleta and the National Library. 

In terms of stats, Recoleta is placed last in the top 5 neighbourhoods with the most crime rate in the city. As you can see in the map below, from December 2021, Recoleta has 5.5% non violent robberies. 

Source: mapa.seguridadciudad.gob.ar

Is public transport safe in Recoleta? 

Recoleta is half the size of Palermo, and even though it’s relatively small there are five metro stops within this neighbourhood and buses that run from early morning till 11pm at night. 

From my experience, it’s safe to take any means of transport, but you have to remember to look after your belongings and avoid rush hour. 

To use the public transport you’ll need a SUBE card that you can get and top up in any kiosk in the city. But if you don’t want to take the bus or the metro, you can order a taxi on Uber. 

Safest places to visit in Recoleta Buenos Aires

Most places feel relatively safe in Recoleta, you can visit any place as long as you’re careful with your belongings. You can book tours around the Recoleta Cemetery, which is a very popular attraction. These tours will make you feel safer since you’ll be walking around the city with a group of people and a local guide. 

Generally speaking, Recoleta is a safe neighbourhood, you’ll see city police officers walking around the city. 

Here are some recommendations that may be useful for your trip: 

💡 Book tours of places of interest to avoid walking around the city and getting lost! 

💡 Ask the locals or the hotel receptionist about specific streets or areas you should avoid going around your accommodation

💡 Get a map of the city, these usually contain all the information you need when visiting Recoleta 

Source: Policía de la Ciudad

Places to avoid in Recoleta 

The best advice is to avoid walking late hours at night alone. Like any other neighbourhood in a big city, you should stay around busy areas, where you can find restaurants or shops easily in case of needing it. 

If you want to avoid people asking for money, food or trying to sell you something while you eat your meal sitting at a table outside the restaurant, make sure you book a table inside in advance. You can also ask if there are any available tables inside, it might be more difficult on the weekends at night time. 

Safety precautions visiting Recoleta 

When visiting this neighbourhood always make sure you: 

  • Keep only the essentials you are going to use, for example a wallet with money for the day but if you are paying with a debit/credit card in some shops they might ask for your ID (driver’s licence should be fine) and the hotel room keys. 
  • Download a map of the city to use it offline
  • If you are going shopping you can bring a bag to keep all your stuff together in one place and avoid using a plastic one
  • Avoid keeping important objects in easy access pockets in your bag. 
  • Find coffee shops or restaurants if you need wifi, the city does not provide free internet connection.
  • If you need help, ask people on the street, or find the nearest kiosk or newsagent’s and they will definitely help you out!  

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