Colegiales: The Neighbourhood Between Palermo and Belgrano Nobody Talks About
Colegiales sits between Palermo and Belgrano and offers the best of both: Palermo's food scene with Belgrano's quiet streets, at 15% less rent.
Rosie CarterWriter · Palermo, Buenos Aires
Colegiales is the neighbourhood that real estate agents describe as "basically Palermo" to justify the rent and "basically Belgrano" to justify the quiet. It is neither. It is its own thing: a small, residential barrio sandwiched between the two most popular expat neighbourhoods, with a food scene that rivals both and a character that is genuinely distinct.
Where it is
Colegiales is bounded by Álvarez Thomas to the north, Dorrego to the east, Córdoba to the south, and the Mitre railway line to the west (leading into Chacarita). It is compact. You can walk across the entire neighbourhood in 20 minutes.
The main arteries: Federico Lacroze (where the Mitre train station sits) and Álvarez Thomas (lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes). The residential streets between them are tree-lined, quiet, and full of older apartment buildings with character.
Why Brits are discovering it
The food. Colegiales has quietly become one of the best eating neighbourhoods in BA. The stretch of Álvarez Thomas between Lacroze and Elcano has a restaurant on every corner. Key spots:
- Anafe — modern Argentine, changing menu, consistently excellent
- Chuí — one of the best in the city. Reserve weeks ahead.
- Gran Dabbang — Thai-Argentine fusion from the chef who runs Proper in Villa Crespo
- Las Pizarras — classic bistro with a daily chalkboard menu
The rent. A one-bedroom in Colegiales runs USD 600-850 versus USD 800-1,200 in Palermo. The difference is not dramatic but over a year it adds up to USD 2,400-4,000.
The quiet. Colegiales does not have the nightlife noise of Palermo Hollywood. Saturday nights are calm. Sunday mornings are silent. If you work from home, this matters.
The access. Federico Lacroze station (Mitre train line) connects directly to Retiro (15 min) and the northern suburbs. Multiple bus routes run through. It is well-connected without being a transport hub.
The vibe
Young professionals, creative types, and couples without children dominate. Fewer families than Belgrano, fewer tourists than Palermo. The neighbourhood has a "discovered but not yet overrun" feel. Compare it to Peckham circa 2012: good restaurants, reasonable prices, slightly gritty edges, about to become very popular.
Housing
Buildings are mostly 5-8 story apartment blocks from the 1960s-1980s. Higher ceilings than newer builds. Some have rooftop terraces.
Transport
- Mitre train from Federico Lacroze: 15 min to Retiro
- Subte B: Dorrego station is on the southern edge (10 min walk from central Colegiales)
- Buses: 39, 42, 63, 111, 140, 160 all pass through
- Cycling: flat terrain, good cycle lanes on Álvarez Thomas
Worth reading next
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colegiales the same as Palermo?
No. They are adjacent but distinct. Colegiales is quieter, slightly cheaper, and has its own identity. Real estate agents sometimes blur the boundary but residents know the difference.
How does Colegiales rent compare to Palermo?
15-20% cheaper for equivalent apartments. A one-bedroom runs USD 600-850 versus USD 800-1,200 in Palermo.
Is Colegiales good for families?
Less family-oriented than Belgrano but fine for couples with young children. Fewer playgrounds than family barrios, but Parque de los Andes is nearby.
Does Colegiales have good restaurants?
Excellent. Álvarez Thomas has become one of the best dining strips in the city. Anafe, Chuí, Gran Dabbang, and Las Pizarras are all top-tier.
Sources & Links
Further reading — legal & visa
We cover the lifestyle side. When it comes to visas, residency, and the paperwork — these guides from Lucero Legal are the most thorough we've found.
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