Discover La Boca: Buenos Aires' Most Colorful Neighborhood

La Boca is one of the most famous neighborhoods in the south of Buenos Aires. It’s located next to the Riachuelo River, right on the border of the city. Known for its colorful streets, tango, and ‘fútbol’ culture, it’s a must-visit for tourists. But is it safe to visit? Let’s explore this and all the things you can do in La Boca.

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Is La Boca Safe?

One of the first questions tourists ask about La Boca is whether it’s safe. The area doesn’t have the best reputation, and many may have heard it’s dangerous. But is that really true?

If you stick to the main tourist areas and visit during the day, La Boca is quite safe. Popular spots like Caminito and the Boca Juniors Stadium are full of police officers and plenty of other tourists. Still, you should take care of your belongings and avoid walking around with your phone in your hand, especially near the road (if you aren’t in the middle of a tourist area).

We highly recommend taking a taxi, Uber, or Cabify to get to La Boca. This way, you won’t risk getting lost. It’s also a good idea to visit between 9 AM and 6 PM, as the area isn’t safe after those hours. So, safety in La Boca really depends on where and when you visit.

Caminito: La Boca’s Famous Street

Caminito is one of the most iconic spots in Buenos Aires. The street is known for its brightly colored houses, which were originally homes for European immigrants, mostly from the south of Italy. These homes, called conventillos, were shared by multiple families. Today, many of these buildings have been turned into shops, bars, restaurants, museums, and art galleries.

Caminito is also a hub for local artists. You’ll come across many local artists selling their paintings. Most of the artwork is inspired by the neighborhood, featuring scenes of tango, Buenos Aires, and La Boca itself. These pieces capture the vibrant spirit of the area, making them great souvenirs or gifts to take home.

As you walk through Caminito, you’ll also see a lot of street performers, including tango dancers. It’s said that tango was born right here in La Boca. If you want to take a picture with one of the dancers, remember to ask how much it costs beforehand. You might also catch a small tango show outside a restaurant, with dancers and singers performing for the crowd.

Fundación Proa: Art with a View

For art lovers, Fundación Proa is a must-see. This modern art museum often has interesting temporary exhibitions, so it’s worth checking their schedule before your visit. The museum also has a rooftop café with beautiful views of the river, which makes for a great stop to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Boca Juniors Stadium: La Bombonera

La Boca is also home to Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s biggest ‘fútbol’ clubs. Their stadium, La Bombonera, is famous around the world. You can visit the museum to learn more about the history of the team and even tour the stadium itself.

If you want to experience the excitement of a live match, be prepared for a challenge. Tickets are hard to come by, as they are reserved for the club’s oldest members. The only way to get one is through a tour operator. Make sure you choose a reliable company, as tickets will be sold under the club’s member name, and not yours. For sure, you’ll want to avoid scams.

Usina del Arte: Where Art and Architecture Meet

Another cultural gem in La Boca is Usina del Arte. This art center used to be a power station and has been transformed into a stunning venue for concerts, exhibitions, and events. The building itself is a piece of art, so even if you don’t catch a show, it’s worth visiting just to admire the architecture.

Street Art in La Boca

La Boca is also famous for its vibrant street art. As you explore the neighborhood, you’ll find large murals and graffiti all over the streets. This urban art gives La Boca a lively and colorful atmosphere that’s hard to miss. We highly recommend exploring the area with a local.

Tips for Visiting La Boca

Visit during the day between 9 AM and 6 PM.
Stick to the main tourist areas: Caminito, La Bombonera.
Join a tour, take the hop-on hop-off bus, use a taxi or rideshare app to get there and avoid walking around outside the main areas.
Keep your belongings safe and don’t flash your phone or valuables.