It’s no exaggeration: Chacarita is on the list of the 50 coolest neighborhoods in the world. And anyone who walks along Avenida Jorge Newbery or Dorrego understands why. The area is completely self-sufficient. Everything a resident needs is there: specialty coffee, vermus and soda in the late afternoon, classic bodegones, dishes with a contemporary touch, internationally trendy shops, and art on the walls.
In Chacarita, new bars and restaurants have opened their doors in recent years, marking a gastronomic trend that is increasingly putting the neighborhood on the map. But the neighborhood hasn’t lost its soul. Unlike Palermo, which has become a showcase, Chacarita still has the scent of everyday life.
The historical landmark is the Chacarita Cemetery, the largest in the country, with a decidedly triumphant entrance and impressive architecture. Gardel is buried there, and the visit is well worth it for anyone interested in the history of tango.
Near the cemetery, Los Andes Park is a must-see in the spring, when the jacaranda trees paint the streets lilac. The streets of Calle Concepción Arenal and the surrounding area are a highlight for those who want to explore the neighborhood’s urban art.
Let’s Chacaritar with Ondas Buenas!
Ondas Buenas has created an exclusive tour of the neighborhood: Vamos Chacaritar, guided by Carol Carvalho, a Brazilian living in Buenos Aires who researches fashion, design, art, and architecture in the city.
The tour takes place every Friday, from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM, departing from the corner of Corrientes and Federico Lacroze avenues. The price is R$ 200 per person, suitable for all ages.
Colegiles: a tourist haven with a rural feel.
Neighboring the touristy Palermo district, Colegiales offers a charming tranquility. Among its cobblestone streets, you can enjoy the area’s many attractions while simultaneously experiencing the peace of a small town.
The flea market is a must-see for those who enjoy treasure hunting. The vast covered market sells custom-made furniture, lamps, and memorabilia.
Colegiales has also become the city’s official audiovisual district. El Dorrego, at Zapiola 50, is a multifaceted complex used for filming and screenings, as well as hosting the Masticar food fair in April and the Buenos Aires Market.
For food and drink, the neighborhood has great options for cafes, restaurants with a market-style concept, and craft beer bars.
Stalls: history, mosaics and a gastronomic hub
Barracas is located next to San Telmo and La Boca, but almost no tourists stop there. With a lot of history, art, and a growing gastronomic scene, the neighborhood has much to offer those who venture off the beaten path.
Originally occupied by enslaved people and built on the banks of the Riachuelo River in the 18th century, Barracas was also the neighborhood chosen by the wealthiest families in Buenos Aires, until the yellow fever epidemic of 1871 changed everything. Decades later, it consolidated itself as a working-class neighborhood with a strong Italian presence. Today, it is undergoing a vibrant revitalization process.
The most Instagrammable spot in the neighborhood is Lanín Street. Two blocks of urban art created by resident Marino Santa María incorporate colorful mosaics that shimmer in the sun, with each facade in a different tone and personality.
Another highlight is the CMD (Metropolitan Design Center), located in the old fish market. At the CMD, you can pick up a map that highlights historical points and murals around Barracas. Nearby, the Santa Felicitas Church holds an architectural curiosity: its towers have internal tunnels and a hidden temple.
To end the tour on a high note, Avenida Caseros is the neighborhood’s gastronomic hub. Revitalized in 2006, the avenue now boasts restaurants worth visiting, and the best advice is to sit at a table on the sidewalk to soak up the atmosphere.
Why going off the beaten path is worthwhile
Chacarita, Colegiales, and Barracas have in common what is lacking in the more touristy neighborhoods: authenticity. They are neighborhoods where the locals eat, drink, live, and meet. Entering these territories is to exchange the postcard for the real experience.
If you want to start your trip in Chacarita with the security of a Brazilian guide who knows every corner, the Vamos Chacarita tour from Ondas Buenas is the perfect way to go. Check the available dates and secure your spot.
Are you curious about other neighborhoods in Buenos Aires? Talk to our team! We’ll help you put together the perfect itinerary for your travel style.
