Recoleta is the high-class “old money” barrio of Buenos Aires located between Palermo and El Centro (downtown). Recoleta, taking its name from the Recoletas Order of Monks who settled the area, is comprised of high-rise apartment buildings, beautiful plazas, museums and restaurants. This is the perfect barrio for the more serious traveler whose interest in art and the finer things in life outshine their desire for trendy stores and all night clubbing. Some of Buenos Aires best and most exclusive property can be found in this barrio that is close to both downtown and Palermo.

Recoleta is a 15-minute walk from El Centro (downtown) and has bus lines that connect to all other important barrios. From Recoleta, take bus route 93 to arrive in El Centro (downtown) in 10 minutes and route 110 to arrive in Palermo in under 10 minutes. The subte (subway) line D runs though Recoleta and the main station is Aguero which is 7 minutes from El Centro (downtown). Please note these times are estimates and depend on traffic and time of day.

Recoleta is the most expensive district in Buenos Aires (although both Palermo and Puerto Madero are catching-up) and has been safe haven Buenos Aires’ elite for many years. Urban myths with a likeness to Romeo and Juliet have Argentina’s famous landowning families crossing swords in these very plazas.

A regal history that is visible today, Recoleta Cemetary constitutes one of the three most important cemeteries in the world. It was built in 1822 and has suffered various remodelling that has angered many an ancestor.  Its architecture captures the opulence of the dominant classes that settled Buenos Aires between 1880 and 1930.  This vast monument of a bygone age presents a startling historical journey and a good guide will open your eyes to one of South America’s most important capital cities and its great late historical figures.

Known as the Paris of South America for its French style architecture and beautiful boulevards, Recoleta is filled with art galleries, couture shopping, trendy bars and some of the finest restaurants and wine bars you will find in Buenos Aires. Visitors should spend time wandering the streets surrounding the cemetery, especially Figueroa Alcorta and Posadas where Dior and Louis Vuitton have claimed their stake.

Recoleta is one of the quietest and safest barrios with a policeman on nearly every corner. This barrio boasts many international embassies and is home for much of the expatriate diplomatic service.

During the weekend, Francia Square’s visitors can enjoy of one of the largest craft fairs in the adjoining ‘place of the artists’ and can bargain their way to some of the best locally designed jewellery, leather goods and art-de-object found anywhere in the world.

Read our guide to the Recoleta ’s monuments and main tourist attractions

Read our guide to best restaurants and resto-bars in Recoleta Buenos Aires