Buenos Aires
 

I will be staying in San Telmo for 7 days....how really bad is that area for tourists to be in....?? I heard daytime is ok..but at night .. yes I can see why..

Really bad. Or not. Depends on where in San Telmo you are staying. Some areas are dark at night and downright dangerous. In other areas the lighting is better and there is less chance of being mugged. This principle holds true in most neighborhoods, but it is especially so in down-in-the-heels San Telmo.

It is true, if you are a tourist and don't know your way around, days can be safe enough although pick pockets are bad but nights you will have to be very careful. Take taxis and keep your valuables close. Never carry much cash with you and never carry your passport, carry a copy.
Good luck.

oh craps..ok I will fortunatley be ( and unfortunatley be)..with the largest tango festival in the world at that time...so I am sure the surley portenos will be on the lokoout for wayward strays...I will be on guard but am trying not to be to paranoid.

I heard that daytime is Ok..is that right..?

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You probably should know that porteños tend to be anything but
surly - surely ! They may not be as smiley as North Americans, but they are kind and helpful and can be wonderful companions and friends.

Yes, caution in San Telmo at night, and in some areas any time, but mostly just good travelers sense will suffice. Wishing you a safe and interesting Tango Festival and visit to BsAs.

thank you Marnie...that is what I needed also..a shot of confidence. I have seen other comments on tripadvisor that the area is lively and the comment of simply to watch myself..is what is needed..rather than be paranoid.

Chnaman - I love the San Telmo neighborhood and have spent hours wandering the streets, checking out the cafes, restaurants and shops - but in the daytime, not at night. If you use taxis at night and stay alert and aware of your surroundings in daytime, you will be fine.

Can't offer any better advice than you've received.....we spent a couple of nights in San Telmo but were with a friend who owns a bar there and relied on his knowledge of the area.

But I can recommend a great restaurant - Cafe San Juan on Avenida San Juan. We had two lovely meals there

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran..._District.html

And our friend's bar is lots of fun - a mix of ex-pats and young Portenos....and they make delicious nachos!

http://www.lapuertaroja.com.ar/

In the years we have lived in Buenos Aires, I have yet to meet a "surly" Porteño.

I will add a great little brasserie which is located on the border of San Telmo and Monser att. ( take a taxi)
http://www.brasseriepetanque.com/

We keep coming back because of the people.

Brasserie Petanque is terrific and Cafe San Juan is on my radar to try!