Buenos Aires/South
La Boca (literally "the mouth", as the neighborhood is at the mouth of the Matanza River) is a working class district of Buenos Aires, considered Buenos Aires's most colorful neighborhood with a very outgoing personality. Tourists favor this picturesque district for its rich history and vibrant colors: greens, yellows, reds, and purples highlight the urban scenery.
Get in
There is no subte to La Boca, but buses go there. Walking to La Boca from other neighborhoods is not advisable due to safety concerns. Instead, take a taxi or bus. Buses 29 and 64 go there from the north and center of the city.
See
La Boca
CaminitoPedestrian street with arts and crafts. Tango dancers are in the cobblestone streets. The buildings are painted in bright colors.
La BomboneraThe 49,000 capacity home of Boca Juniors - the most famous football club in Argentina and club of its most famous son - Diego Maradona. The large crowd is loud and passionate - watching a match is not for the faint hearted. Besides regular football matches, La Bombonera can be visited. You will be guided through the changing rooms, the viewers areas and you will also spend some moments on the very playing field.
Puente TransbordadorThe transporter bridge was the first link to connect Buenos Aires with the outskirts on the other side of the Riachuelo River.
Barracas
Calle LanínA street where all houses are decorated with colorful tile mosaics.
Do
- Football Game Tourists are often advised to go with large, organized groups such as LandingPadBA with bilingual guides, in particular to a Boca Juniors game. This ensures that you can watch the game in peace and still have a great time. Best to purchase a (more expensive, approx AR$900, 2018) Plateas (grandstand) ticket rather than being in the Populars (terraces, approx AR$350 prices 2018)...It is strongly encouraged to go with a friend or someone local you trust who knows not only the area but also supports the local side & is familiar with the way things operate on match day.
River cruiseAmong other sights a huge metal structure can be seen.
Row boatsYou may try to catch a row boat to Avellaneda on the other side of the water for $0.50 pesos, but the rower may not allow you to if you are a tourist, saying the other side it's dangerous (peligroso).
Eat
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La Perla
phone: +54 11 4302-2524address: Av. Don Pedro de Mendoza 1899A bit overpriced, but very nice if you want a view of the old bridge.
Sleep
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Versalles Palace
phone: +54 11 4361-7356,+54 11 4361-7357address: Dr. E. Finochietto 864If you're looking for a simple, clean and affordable place, this is the one. Don't expect the services of a full hotel, it's much simpler, but much, much better than a hostel, including private clean bathrooms. It's not far away from downtown, with easy bus, cab or subte(subway) access.
Stay safe
La Boca is one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in the city, prone to more crime than central areas. Tourist areas are relatively safe; going beyond the unmarked borders (crossing a street can be enough) of the tourist area can put you at risk of trouble. You should be able to identify the rough boundaries of the tourist area, as it'll be full of tourists, shops, restaurants, and so on. While hundreds of tourists visit the area without incident every day, tourists should exercise caution at all times. While fairly safe during the daytime, it should be avoided at night.