About

La Boca is a vibrant and colourful neighbourhood located just south of downtown Buenos Aires. It is a historical port area shaped by many European immigrants, mainly from Italy, who settled in the 19th century. The fusion of diverse cultures and bustling port activity gave La Boca a distinct tone compared to other neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires.

These days, the hustle and bustle of everyday port life has faded, but the reminiscence of what the area was like in its heyday is plain to see along 'El Caminito.' Meaning 'Little Walkway,' El Caminito is a small pedestrianised street in the heart of La Boca. The street is popular due to its colourful backdrop. All the houses are painted in different colours, as locals used leftover ship paint to add vibrancy to the neighbourhood. Many murals adorn the walls, along with figures and statues depicting and honouring La Boca and Argentina's history. Over the past decades, La Boca's culture and heritage have made it one of the most popular places for tourists to visit in Buenos Aires.

What to Do in La Boca Buenos Aires

The area of La Boca has a lot to offer its visitors. Most of the week, many bars and restaurants put seating outside and provide live tango entertainment, folk music, and dance. There are also a number of museums and art galleries such as Fundación Proa, Museo de Cera, La Casa Amarilla, and El Museo de Benito Quinquela Martin, which showcases works of La Boca's most celebrated artist, Benito Quinquela Martin. La Boca has numerous stalls and shops selling all sorts of handcrafts, souvenirs, and other curiosities. Close by is La Bombonera, home to the famous Boca Juniors football team. Check out the section on the Boca Juniors Stadium Tour and Museum for more information.

Safety Note: La Boca is best visited during the daytime, when there is more activity going on. The surrounding areas that lead off from La Boca can be a little unsafe, especially at night. Be vigilant and stay within the main hub of La Boca. Also to bare in mind is to plan around when Boca Juniors are playing. On matchday many streets in the area get cut-off, and big number of fans crowd the area. This can make exploring the area more challenging. Check out our section on Buenos Aires safety tips for more information.

Did You Know?
In the 1880s, due to their discontent with the government, the residents of La Boca briefly tried to break away from the Union of Argentina and declare a Republic. Their uprising was quickly quashed.

If you're interested in more popular places to visit in Buenos Aires, take a look at our Best Attractions in Buenos Aires.