Because the geography of cities changes just as much as people’s habits do, two neighborhoods that are distinct in their own right—yet each with its own style—seem to be coming together to form one of the newest and most interesting culinary and cultural hubs in Buenos Aires. We’ll tell you all about “Chacagiales.”
If someone had told you a few years ago that the blurred boundary between Chacarita and Colegiales would become the epicenter of Buenos Aires’ cool scene, you wouldn’t have believed it. The area of Buenos Aires bounded by Dorrego, Álvarez Thomas, Federico Lacroze, and Córdoba/Niceto Vega avenues offers some of the best dining options in Buenos Aires. On those very same streets, you can find factories and warehouses that have been transformed into cultural centers or venues hosting some of the most interesting events in the City of Buenos Aires.
If you want to know why everyone’s talking so much about Chacagiales, we’ve put together a day-and-night itinerary, a map to help you find your way around, and—for the most curious among you—even a breakdown of the cost of living in this area.
Daytime itinerary: vintage treasures and plenty of greenery
The charm of Chacagiales during the day lies in simply strolling through it. The ideal route starts at the Mercado de las Pulgas (Dorrego Ave. and Álvarez Thomas Ave.), a well-known flea market in Buenos Aires where you can spend hours browsing for everything from industrial-design furniture and retro armchairs to antique tableware and curiosities from bygone eras.
Just a few blocks away, Plaza Mafalda is the perfect spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy some mate. But if you want to check out one of the most popular spots, head over to the Colegiales Railway Park. This reclaimed green space has given the area a much-needed breath of fresh air and is ideal for strolling with a mate (or cappuccino) in hand, picked up from one of the many specialty coffee shops that have sprung up on the surrounding streets.
Afternoon or evening itinerary: Warehouses, independent art, and vermouth
When the sun goes down, Chacagiales reveals its more industrial side: former auto repair shops and printing plants have been repurposed and now host everything from art exhibitions to concerts. One of the venues with the widest variety of events is the C Complejo Art Media (on Corrientes Avenue near Dorrego), where the weekend schedule is packed with concerts, design fairs, parties, and conventions.
The area is a mecca for vermouth bars and trendy wine bars. It’s perfect for sitting on a sidewalk or terrace to enjoy a draft vermouth with a small plate of spinach fritters or osso buco empanadas.
You’ll also find wine bars and outdoor dining areas where live DJs and cocktail bars come together.
The info you’re dying to know—and we saved for last: How much does it cost to live in Chacagiales?
With the culinary and cultural boom, demand for real estate skyrocketed, and Chacagiales became one of the most sought-after neighborhoods to live in Buenos Aires. If you’ve fallen in love with the neighborhood after exploring it, here’s a snapshot of current prices:
- Rentals: An average two-room apartment in the area currently ranges from 750,000 to 800,000 pesos per month (plus maintenance fees), depending on the amenities and proximity to avenues such as Jorge Newbery or Dorrego.
- For buyers: If you’re thinking of investing, brand-new apartments start at $160,000.
If you’ve only known Chacarita and Colegiales so far, what are you waiting for to discover one of Buenos Aires’ newest neighborhoods?
