Neighborhood and City Guide for Residents
cheLA in the neighborhood and the city
How to get to cheLA?
cheLA is located at Iguazú 451, between Pedro Chutro and José A. Cortejarena streets, in the Parque Patricios neighborhood (Comuna 4). It's location shown in a map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rS3N94gGSh8CmzSVA
From Ezeiza Airport (EZE), the most practical way to arrive is via Cabify or Uber. Cabify has a designated parking area inside the airport grounds, while Uber operates just outside (less than a kilometer away); in both cases, they usually respond quickly to requests.
From Aeroparque (AEP), if you have a lot of luggage, we also recommend traveling by Uber or Cabify. Taking a public bus (colectivo) from either Ezeiza or Aeroparque to cheLA is not recommended: the routes are indirect, require crossing the city through inefficient paths, and involve multiple bus transfers.
Lastly, official City Taxis (black and yellow) can be hailed on the street; however, they are not recommended at major transit hubs (Aeroparque, Buquebus, Retiro, etc.).
Getting around the neighborhood and the city
What is the City of Buenos Aires like?
Approximately 3 million people live in the City of Buenos Aires. It is part of the AMBA (Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires), a vast urban area inhabited by over 15 million people. The name "Buenos Aires" can refer to both the City of Buenos Aires (the nation’s capital and an independent administrative unit) and the Province of Buenos Aires (the territory and administrative unit surrounding the City). In this text, whenever we mention "Buenos Aires," we are referring specifically to the City.
Is Buenos Aires safe?
Buenos Aires is not particularly unsafe compared to other large cities; in fact, it is significantly safer than most Latin American capitals. However, as in any large city, special precautions should be taken. For example, on public transport, it is recommended to wear your backpack on your front and avoid using your phone near the doors.
It is also best not to walk with your phone in your hand or keep your wallet in easily accessible pockets. Do not leave valuables unattended; at bars, if you are sitting outside on the sidewalk, do not leave your phone on the table. Regarding bicycles, always use a lock or, preferably, keep them in a commercial parking lot.
Parque Patricios is not an unsafe neighborhood either, but since it contains industrial areas (with less lighting and less foot traffic), it can sometimes feel lonely. As mentioned before: be cautious without becoming paranoid. You may want to be slightly more alert when heading south of cheLA (that is, towards the increasing street numbers on Iguazú St., in the opposite direction of the Park).
Public Transportation
For public transport in Buenos Aires, the SUBE card is the primary method of payment. The SUBE is a prepaid card that can be purchased and topped up at some convenience stores (kioscos), lottery shops (quinielas), and subway (subte) stations. It can also be topped up using a smartphone with NFC technology.
cheLA will provide you with SUBE cards and can assist you with the credit top-up.
Neighborhood Landmarks
The corner of Av. Caseros and Monteagudo (also known as Caseros and Rioja) is the heart of the neighborhood and a major transport hub. Most bus lines pass through here, and you will also find the nearest subway station, Parque Patricios (Line H). (Note on orientation: although people drive on the right in Argentina, subways and trains run on the opposite side, meaning they move along the left-hand track). The bus lines that pass closest to cheLA are: 9, 25, 31, 32, 50, 65, 91, 101, 118, 133, 134, 150, and 188.
Another landmark is the neighborhood's namesake park, Parque Patricios. It is a large green space, ideal for spending time outdoors. Opposite the park, on the way to cheLA, you will find the Buenos Aires's City Hall, a building designed by the renowned architect Norman Foster.
Useful Places
In Case of Emergency
- Police and General Emergencies: 911
- SAME (Medical Emergencies): 107
- Penna Hospital (Hospital General de Agudos José María Penna): Pedro Chutro 3380 (this is the nearest hospital, just 4 blocks away from cheLA) https://maps.app.goo.gl/hsi8CePtJETdWZrD6
- Community Police Station N°4 (Comisaría Comunal 4): Zavaleta 425 https://maps.app.goo.gl/7EFwWbdFR6khZXtz6
Where to shop?
The following is a by no means exhaustive list of nearby places to satisfy your basic shopping needs. As the neighborhood has been changing significantly in recent years, you will likely find many more good or interesting places to shop.
Groceries & Food Shops
- Lo de Epi (Butcher & Greengrocer): Corner of Iguazú and Famatina. https://maps.app.goo.gl/teQCmto98mWnG2bV6
- Avi Cuatro (Butcher shop): Av. Caseros 2878 https://maps.app.goo.gl/7pTvqgLwgzPvRTR9A
- Vitalecer (Health food store): La Rioja 2130. https://maps.app.goo.gl/PcMhmRmSFvonqu5R8
- Buon Giorno (Fresh pasta factory): Dean Funes 2181 https://maps.app.goo.gl/fFY6zv5MJpj9BSfD8
- Parque Patricios City Market (Feria de la Ciudad): Located on Corrales Viejos St. (between Av. Caseros and Patagones). Wednesdays only, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Offers a variety of products (meat, produce, dairy, deli, etc.).
- La Florida (Deli / Fiambrería): Corner of Av. Caseros and Catamarca https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ze9bXsLVaYMePmJg9
- Galileo Bakery: La Rioja 2133 https://maps.app.goo.gl/rCmpBWSoPSNodmiv8
- Supermarket across the street from cheLA: Open from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM and from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. It has a greengrocer's, a butcher's and bodega products
- Carrefour Express Supermarket: La Rioja 2040 https://maps.app.goo.gl/82iY5ng1g5k7FgJQ8
- Día Supermarket: Av. Caseros 2938 https://maps.app.goo.gl/HePTzsjBxC5Z5hoH6
- Los Mellis (Greengrocer): La Rioja 2039 https://maps.app.goo.gl/UB72oZe3R95NwZvj8
Pharmacy
- La Santé: Av. Caseros 2980 https://maps.app.goo.gl/ysjC7NPNu9Na2jtL6
- FarmaPlus: Av. Caseros 2827 https://maps.app.goo.gl/xLZiWsqTQCEwRyAb8
Laundry
- Lavemás: La Rioja 1976 https://maps.app.goo.gl/zNv2AmfNCUBhNhSAA
Dining Out (or Delivery)
- La Taberna de Roberto (Steakhouse / Parrilla): Sánchez de Loria 2110 https://maps.app.goo.gl/MiLHSPksEWYYtrxF6
- Los Patricios (Pizza & Empanadas): Corner of Monteagudo and Uspallata https://maps.app.goo.gl/8ia8d4NuWSUZF9pT8
- El Globito Pizza (Pizza & Empanadas): Av. Caseros 3015 https://maps.app.goo.gl/7ZYFxfootsUpsGMV7
- El Globito Bodegón (Traditional local eatery): Serving milanesas, meat, pasta, etc. Av. Caseros 3159 https://maps.app.goo.gl/nfiXumnkNLSKsMuo7
- Pulpería del Cotorro (Traditional local eatery): Famous for milanesas and local dishes. Pepirí 320 https://maps.app.goo.gl/KYok3swjNTWR6fVw9
- Mamma Silvia (Italian food): Av. La Plata 1988 https://maps.app.goo.gl/nkgbshRSgbYZ9Hnr5
- Bulevar (Coffee shop): Corner of Monteagudo and Uspallata https://maps.app.goo.gl/4jd2moeSmihcAdzd8
- Kainos (Ice cream & Coffee): Corner of Av. Caseros and Sánchez de Loria https://maps.app.goo.gl/WorB1dBSignv2SaGA
- Firenze (Ice cream): La Rioja 2030 https://maps.app.goo.gl/TtPUU2EjBKzWpbg17
- Antojitos (Peruvian food): Delivery only, until 11:00 PM: +54 9 11 5948-5556
Local Cultural Spaces
- Tango: Every Saturday afternoon at the corner of Caseros and Monteagudo, the group Práctica Patricios hosts an open-air milonga (tango dance event).
- Planta Inclán: http://plantainclan.com
- Galpón FACE: http://faceproyecto.ar
- Centro Cultural El Cántaro: Instagram @cc_elcantaro
- Casa Cultural Víctor Jara: Instagram @ccvictorjara
Where to go in Buenos Aires?
Circuito artístico y cultural de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires
(completar)
National Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA): Located in Recoleta, it houses the largest public art collection in the country.
MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires): A must-see for 20th-century and contemporary Latin American art.
Modern Art Museum (Moderno): Located in San Telmo, focused on contemporary trends.
Usina del Arte: A stunning multidisciplinary cultural center in La Boca, very close to Parque Patricios.
Proa Foundation: A contemporary art space in the heart of Caminito (La Boca).
Colón Theatre: One of the finest opera houses in the world, offering guided tours and world-class performances.
(completar)
Places to eat around the city
- Ice Cream (Helados): Buenos Aires is famous for its high-quality ice cream. Rapanui is an excellent local chain with branches in the city's most popular areas. If you visit Tigre, Vía Toscana is a great choice near the River Terminal. Other top-tier ice cream shops include: Tufic, La Flor de Almagro, Tino, Gruta, Scannapieco.
- Pizza: Bar Roma (complete)
- Steakhouse (Parrilla): (complete)
- Bodegón (Traditional Eateries): A "bodegón" is where you will find typical "porteño" food, a mix of Spanish and Italian heritage with local "criollo" influences. They are known for serving generous portions at good prices, usually in a simple, unpretentious, and sometimes picturesque atmosphere. Many local neighborhood clubs have their own bodegón. It is very common (and recommended) to ask if dishes are meant for sharing. You can also find more "upscale" bodegones with the same traditional menu but a more refined setting and higher prices.
Recommended Bodegones: El Miramar, Bodegón Fraga, El Puentecito, El Federal, Albamonte, El Globo, El Ferroviario, El Nuevo Castel, El Preferido de Palermo.
- Peruvian Food: Chan Chan, La Catedral del Pisco.
- Japanese Food: Miyako, Nikkai Shokudo-
- Breakfast and Afternoon Tea (Merienda): (complete)
Other Places of Interest
Tigre, Costanera Norte (incluyendo Parque de la Memoria), una clase en cualquier facultad de alguna universidad pública, Barrio Chino,