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by Betty and Marcelo

Palermo Soho Buenos Aires: Where to Eat, Drink, and Experience the Best of BA

Palermo Soho Buenos Aires street life

Palermo Soho is the beating heart of modern Buenos Aires. This tree-lined neighborhood of cobblestone streets, independent boutiques, world-class restaurants, and vibrant street art is where the city's creative energy is most concentrated. Whether you're a foodie, a shopper, a nightlife lover, or a culture seeker, Palermo Soho delivers.

As Betty and Marcelo, we chose Palermo Soho for our asado workshop because it captures everything we love about Buenos Aires: warmth, creativity, tradition, and an appetite for living well. This is our insider guide to the neighborhood we call home.

Why Palermo Soho?

Palermo Soho occupies the area roughly bounded by Avenida Santa Fe, Avenida Juan B. Justo, Avenida Córdoba, and the railway tracks. It's walkable, safe, and packed with things to do at every hour of the day.

What makes it special:

  • The highest concentration of quality restaurants in Buenos Aires
  • Independent fashion designers and leather goods boutiques
  • Some of the best street art in South America
  • A nightlife scene that starts at midnight and runs until dawn
  • Green spaces including the massive Bosques de Palermo
  • A creative, cosmopolitan atmosphere that blends Argentine tradition with global influences

Where to Eat in Palermo Soho

Best Restaurants

La Cabrera - The famous Palermo steakhouse known for generous portions and a parade of small side dishes. Great for a classic Buenos Aires steak dinner, but expect a wait on weekends.

Proper - One of the best brunch spots in Buenos Aires. Specialty coffee, creative plates, and a bright, modern space. Get there before 11 AM on weekends or prepare to queue.

Salvaje - Asian-Latin fusion with stunning presentation. A splurge-worthy dinner in one of Palermo's most beautiful restaurants.

Chori - Gourmet choripán (grilled sausage sandwich) elevated to an art form. Fast, casual, and genuinely delicious. A perfect lunch stop.

Don Julio - Consistently ranked among the best restaurants in South America. Their dry-aged beef is extraordinary. Reservations are essential.

Best Casual Eats

Burger Joint - Exactly what it sounds like. Some of the best burgers in Buenos Aires, with a cool speakeasy vibe.

El Preferido de Palermo - A historic bodegón (traditional Argentine eatery) that's been serving locals since 1952. Honest food, great atmosphere, reasonable prices.

Ninina Bakery - Sourdough bread, pastries, and sandwiches in a beautiful corner location. Perfect for breakfast.

Ice Cream

Buenos Aires takes ice cream seriously, and Palermo has the best:

Rapanui - Patagonian chocolate and ice cream chain with incredible flavors. The dulce de leche is life-changing.

Luccianos - Artisanal gelato with creative flavors and a beautiful presentation.

Best Bars in Palermo Soho

Cocktail Bars

Florería Atlántico - Hidden beneath a flower shop, this basement speakeasy has been named one of the world's best bars. The cocktails celebrate Argentine ingredients and the atmosphere is unbeatable.

Presidente Bar - A classic Buenos Aires cocktail bar with impeccable technique and a moody, intimate atmosphere.

Wine Bars

Pain et Vin - A French-inspired wine bar with one of the best Argentine wine selections in Palermo. Perfect for a pre-dinner glass of Malbec.

Aldo's Vinoteca - A neighborhood wine shop and bar where you can taste premium Argentine wines by the glass at shop prices.

Craft Beer

Buenos Aires' craft beer scene has exploded, and Palermo is ground zero. Strange Brewing, Berlina, and dozens of cervecerías line the streets, especially along Plaza Armenia and the surrounding blocks.

Street Art and Culture

Palermo Soho has some of the most impressive street art in South America. Entire building facades are covered in murals by local and international artists. Key streets to explore:

  • Thames and Serrano - High concentration of murals
  • Borges between Honduras and El Salvador - A walking gallery
  • Russell and Gorriti - Changing exhibitions on building walls

MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires) is a short walk from Palermo Soho, housing works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Argentine masters.

Shopping

Palermo Soho is Buenos Aires' independent shopping capital:

  • Leather goods - Argentina is famous for leather. Palermo Soho has dozens of boutiques selling jackets, bags, and accessories at a fraction of European prices
  • Fashion designers - Local designers showcase on streets like Honduras, El Salvador, and Gurruchaga
  • Plaza Serrano (Plaza Cortázar) - The central plaza hosts a weekend craft fair with jewelry, art, and handmade goods
  • Vintage shops - Scattered throughout the neighborhood, offering unique finds

Experiences in Palermo Soho

Asado Experience with Betty and Marcelo

The best way to experience Argentine food culture in Palermo Soho is to join a private asado dinner. At our workshop in the heart of the neighborhood, Marcelo grills premium cuts right in front of you while Betty shares stories about Argentine traditions, culture, and food. Argentine Malbec, Torrontés, and Cabernet flow throughout the evening.

It's the most authentic dining experience in Palermo and consistently rated among the top things to do in Buenos Aires.

U$D 104.00 per guest - Book your experience →

Mate Experience

Discover Argentina's most sacred tradition with our mate experience. Learn the history, preparation, and cultural significance of mate, and take home your own kit.

Tango Classes

Several studios in Palermo offer tango classes for all levels. It's a great way to spend an afternoon before heading to dinner.

Cooking Classes

Palermo Soho has become a hub for Argentine cooking classes, from asado workshops to empanada-making classes. The neighborhood's food culture makes it the natural home for culinary tourism.

Getting Around Palermo Soho

  • Walking is the best way to explore. The neighborhood is compact and pedestrian-friendly
  • Subte (metro) - Line D stops at Plaza Italia and Scalabrini Ortiz, both on the edges of Palermo Soho
  • Bus - Multiple colectivo routes serve the area
  • Taxi/Rideshare - Uber and Cabify work well for getting here from other neighborhoods
  • Bike - The city's EcoBici bike-share system has stations throughout Palermo

Insider Tips

  • Dinner starts late. Most restaurants fill up at 9:00-10:00 PM. Arriving at 8:00 PM gets you first pick without a reservation at many places.
  • Weekends are packed. Thursday through Saturday nights, Palermo Soho's streets buzz with energy. Sunday is more relaxed, with brunch culture taking over.
  • The side streets are best. The main avenues have chain stores. The real Palermo Soho magic is on the quieter cobblestone streets between Honduras, El Salvador, and Thames.
  • Don't skip the corners. Buenos Aires' most charming buildings are on corner lots, and Palermo Soho has dozens of beautiful corner cafés and restaurants.
  • Afternoon is for exploring. The streets come alive between 4:00-7:00 PM as shops open and locals emerge for merienda (afternoon tea/coffee).

Plan Your Palermo Soho Evening

Here's our recommended itinerary for a perfect evening:

  1. 5:00 PM - Walk the street art on Thames and Borges
  2. 6:00 PM - Browse the boutiques on Honduras and El Salvador
  3. 7:00 PM - Glass of Malbec at Pain et Vin or Aldo's Vinoteca
  4. 8:00 PM - Asado experience with Betty and Marcelo in our Palermo Soho workshop
  5. 11:00 PM - Cocktails at Florería Atlántico or Presidente Bar
  6. 1:00 AM - If you're still going, Palermo's clubs are just getting started

FAQ: Palermo Soho

Is Palermo Soho safe?

Yes, Palermo Soho is one of the safest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Like any major city, use common sense (don't flash expensive jewelry, keep an eye on belongings), but the area is well-lit, well-patrolled, and full of people at all hours.

What is the best time to visit Palermo Soho?

Palermo Soho is great year-round. Buenos Aires has mild winters (June-August) and warm summers (December-February). The best months for pleasant weather and outdoor dining are March-May (autumn) and September-November (spring).

How do I get from the airport to Palermo Soho?

From Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), take a remise (private car service) or Tienda León shuttle bus. The trip takes 45-60 minutes. From Aeroparque (domestic flights), it's a 15-minute taxi ride.

Can I walk from San Telmo to Palermo Soho?

It's about 5 km (3 miles), which is walkable but long. The Subte Line D connects the two neighborhoods, or a taxi/rideshare takes about 15 minutes.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires | Best Steakhouses in Buenos Aires

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