Is Buenos Aires Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Buenos Aires, as a bustling city, possesses both safe and unsafe areas. Daytime travel is generally safe in most parts while some neighborhoods require extra caution, especially after dark. Street crime like pickpocketing, purse snatching, petty theft are potential risks, and as a solo female traveler, it's crucial to stay vigilant. Nevertheless, locals are friendly and ready to help. Always trust your intuition and use common sense when you feel uncomfortable about a situation or a place.

Safety rating

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Safety index

Safety at night:Moderate

Buenos Aires has areas that are well-lit and crowded even at night, such as Palermo and Recoleta, where you may feel quite safe. Nonetheless, as a female solo traveler, it is recommended to exercise general caution. Certain parts of the city, like La Boca or San Telmo, should be avoided at night. Always use a reliable taxi service rather than walking alone especially in deserted or less touristy areas. Personal safety varies greatly by neighborhood and time of day.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Buenos Aires, such as buses and the subway system, is generally reliable and used by many local residents. However, as a solo female traveler, it is important to stay alert due to the risk of pickpocketing and unwanted attention, particularly during peak hours. Late at night, it might be better to opt for a taxi or rideshare service. Also, knowing some Spanish will be helpful in navigating the system.

Street harassment:Moderate

Buenos Aires is relatively safe for solo female travelers, but like most major cities, there can be incidents of street harassment. The locals are typically warm and welcoming, yet it's not uncommon for women to receive unsolicited attention on the streets in the form of catcalling or persistent compliments. Always stay vigilant, especially at night or in lesser populated areas.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Buenos Aires, like many large cities, has a certain level of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching. Tourists, particularly those who stand out and look lost or distracted, can be targets. However, by being cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded public places and tourist areas, you can significantly reduce the risk of being a victim.

Tap water:Safe

In Buenos Aires, tap water is generally considered safe to drink. The city’s water treatment system is highly regulated and extensive. However, taste and quality may vary depending on the area, and some travelers might take a bit of time to adjust to the mineral content of the water. As comfort and personal tolerance can be subjective, it could be beneficial to have bottled water at hand.

Is Buenos Aires safe to travel?

4.1 /5

Based on 21 experiences

Family travel experience

My trip to Buenos Aires was so memorable, food, people, public transportation, were amazing. I didnt have high expectations but Buenos Aires its such a beautiful and safe city and cant wait to be back soon. I loved every second I spent there, pizza, media lunas, asado and milanesas were my favorite thing, going to la boca, la casa rosada, san telmo, recoleta, av 9 de julio, etc. I highly recommend trying the restaurant “petalo” and “el imperio de la pizza”

Posted: December 20, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I come from Argentina and in my opinion, Buenos Aires is safe, just watch out for your belongings in public transportation and in crowded areas. I suggest visiting San Telmo market and its surroundings, Puerto Madero, Recoleta cemetery, Ateneo library, and the Palermo district. Buenos Aires is huge and there are a lot of things to do there.

Posted: September 27, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I went to Buenos Aires in December and had a great time. I only know a few words in Spanish, but I managed somehow. I used the "hop on-hop off" tourist bus as an easy way to get to all the main sightseeing spots. I had a safe travel bag that I kept with me at all times, as in any big city, but I didn't have any problems. There are plenty of attractions and things to do, and the food and drink are fantastic!

Posted: September 25, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I was in Buenos Aires alone for a month and I had a really good time there. I stayed in the Recoleta district and walked alone, feeling safe. I highly recommend learning Spanish, especially if you plan to use Uber or a taxi, as I noticed that drivers do not speak English.

Posted: September 11, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I visited Buenos Aires last year in June and I felt safe. The weather was perfect. I stayed near the Obelisk, so everything was within walking distance. I really loved this city, especially the wine and food. I also enjoyed watching tango (my favorite dance).

Posted: July 30, 2023
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Group travel experience

I mostly stayed in Micro Centro, Belgrano, and Palermo so I can only really speak to these areas. Palermo was the most walkable and had many work friendly cafes. Amazing options for restaurants, nightlife. Plaza Serrano and San Telmo have great markets during the weekends. In my experience very safe but as the case with all major cities safe keep an eye on petty crime. A friend of mine had their phone swiped from their hand while navigating late at night.

Posted: June 27, 2023Experienced: May, 2022
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Solo travel experience

I traveled for three months throughout South America, and I spent a week in Buenos Aires - the only place where I felt unsafe. All the taxi drivers were absolute scoundrels and they often exchanged our money for counterfeit.

Posted: April 17, 2023
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Solo travel experience

Buenos Aires is safe for a solo traveler. I spent the month of February there and stayed in Palermo Hollywood. There is a lot to do, great food and bars, it's easy to get around and it's cheap.

Posted: April 13, 2023
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Group travel experience

I was there in February and stayed for five days - we walked alone at night through various restaurants and had a great time, feeling completely safe. We took taxis everywhere and never had any problems. We stayed in the Palermo district. However, we were definitely warned not to display our mobile phone in public places and to make sure the purse is close to the body so nobody could grab it and run away.

Posted: April 10, 2023
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Is Buenos Aires safe for women?

Is Buenos Aires safe right now?

Before your visit to Buenos Aires, it's essential to check travel advisories for Argentina, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States Government advises exercising normal precautions in Argentina. However, some areas may pose an increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: August 18, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian Government advises taking normal security precautions in Argentina. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 15, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Argentina. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 18, 2024

Is Buenos Aires worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 21 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Solo travel experience

I went on a solo trip to Buenos Aires and had a great time. The food was delicious and reasonably priced, and there were many districts to explore. Places that must be visited include: San Telmo Market, La Boca with a tango show, Palermo and Recoleta.

Posted: April 10, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I liked the different barrios, the variety in food, things to do/see, the atmosphere. Very intersting history and friendly people!

Posted: April 3, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Luz

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Soy Luz, hablo español y tengo un nivel intermedio de inglés. Me gustaría conocer gente nueva de distintas partes del mundo. Dentro de unos meses me voy a España por una pasantía y me encantaría conocer diversos lugares.

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agustina

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I'm a 28 year old Spanish teacher based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Love animals, conversations, music and dance. Trying to become a better person little by little 💞

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Buenos Aires

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I'm a 28 year old Spanish teacher based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Love animals, conversations, music and dance. Trying to become a better person little by little 💞

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Buenos Aires

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Hey! My name is Renata, Im a flight attendant and would love to meet different cultures. I like meeting people and I’m super outgoing. Also I love to have fun with things in life but I can also be a serious person if it is necessary. I speak Spanish (native), English (fluent) and French (Intermediate)

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Upcoming visitors to Buenos Aires

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Marlene

Marlene

About Me

Hello! I am Marlene from Germany, I started traveling solo in September 2021 and have been traveling through eight African countries ever since. My goal is definitely to see as much from the earth as possible and I already learnt so much about cultures, traditions, beliefs, life and myself that I feel like I don’t want to stop traveling and exploring at all! I love to meditate, I do yoga regularly, would love to do my breathwork certification next year and am passionate about everything regarding philosophy and psychology! I love good, vegan food, good books and conversations that spark something inside of me.

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Safety in Argentina