Is Buenos Aires Safe? A Solo Female Travelers Safety Guide
Jet Setting with Jen contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
After over 20 years of solo traveling across nearly 50 countries, I will be sharing all of my experiences and tips that so many women have asked me regarding safety in Buenos Aires. As a solo female traveler, safety is key, and no matter what city or country I am traveling to, I make sure that I am alert and mindful of my surroundings. Now, you probably want to know, “Is Buenos Aires safe for solo female travellers?”
When I first started planning my trip, of course, I wasn’t sure if Argentina as a whole was safe for travelers, but the more I dug in and did my research, I knew it would be safe. Now, of course, just like any other country I travel to, being aware and mindful is key. Of course, Buenos Aires is a large city, lots of people, and lots of tourists, so petty theft can be common, and of course petty scams. That being said, after all of my travels to Buenos Aires, there are some key safety tips that I will be sharing with you so you know what to expect and can navigate this incredible city safely and confidently.
Introduction
As I was planning my trip and as I plan trips for my travel clients, the one question that I am frequently asked is “Is Buenos Aires safe for solo female travelers?” Honestly, it’s not just a yes or no answer. No matter where you go, you always need to be mindful of your surroundings and stay alert, especially in a city you aren’t familiar with or may not even know the language in.
While the city is full of amazing culture, food, museums, and things to do, I moved around the city feeling very safe, but also very alert. Petty theft and scams aren’t uncommon, and in this guide, I will be sharing safety tips, neighborhood recommendations, and strategies that helped me stay safe and explore the incredible city with confidence.
Buenos Aires Safety My Experience and Perspective
I pride myself on the experience I have gathered over the several years I have been solo traveling, regarding how I practice staying safe. And of course, Buenos Aires was no different. From wandering the city streets during the day to my walks home after dinner, I learned so many tips and tricks to staying safe in Buenos Aires, where to go, where not to go, and how to stay safe during your travels.
Just like with any large city, petty crime like phone snatching, bag snatching, and pickpocketing does occur. However, with the right tools, tips, and strategies that I have learned along the way, and will be sharing with you, you too can travel to Buenos Aires, and any city really, confidentially and safely.
Buenos Aires Neighborhoods: Areas I felt Safe
The one thing I have learned along the way in all of my travels is that deciding where to stay can make or break your trip. As a solo female traveler, I look for areas that are safe, walkable, quiet, and near public transit.
Luckily, as I was planning my trip, several areas in Buenos Aires met my criteria for where to stay:
Palermo (Soho & Hollywood): My base for most of my stays, Palermo felt lively and safe, with plenty of restaurants, lights, and foot traffic even later in the evening.
Recoleta: Elegant and well-lit, this neighborhood felt secure for both daytime museums and evening strolls.
Puerto Madero: Modern, open, and easy to navigate, I found this waterfront area especially pleasant for solo wandering.
There are two other areas that I found safe to visit during the day for exploring, because they were busy and full of locals and tourists, but at night, the streets are less populated, and crime tends to increase. Those two areas were La Boca and San Telmo.
Buenos Aires Safety Tips for Tourists: Tips I used Daily
These safety tips are tips that I live by regardless of the city I am in, so save them and reference them throughout all of your solo travel adventures:
Keep your belongings secure: I always used a zipped, anti-theft style bag close to my body and never flashed phones or jewelry in crowded places.
Use trusted ride services at night: Apps like Uber or Cabify were my go-to after dark, instead of hailing taxis on the street.
Stay in main streets after sunset: Even in busy neighborhoods, I stuck to well-lit avenues and avoided dim side streets.
Learn the local vibe: Argentines dine late and socialize after dark, so many streets remain active until late. However, knowing which blocks stay lively makes a big difference.
Trust your instinct: If something felt off, I’d immediately change direction or call a ride. That instinct has saved me from a few uncomfortable situations throughout my travels.
Conclusion
After solo traveling throughout Buenos Aires, I can honestly say that I felt safe as a solo female traveler. I stayed alert, was mindful of my belongings, and explored the city with confidence, practicing these safety tips.
Regardless of where you travel, these tips shared here can be leveraged throughout your adventures. Stay aware and alert, and feel empowered to travel to Buenos Aires with the confidence that you will be safe.