Where to Stay in Bariloche (2026 COOLEST Areas!)

FIRST TIME IN BARILOCHE

FIRST TIME IN BARILOCHE

City Centre

Located right on the waterfront, the City Centre is the heart of the city and the ideal destination for your first time in Patagonia! The views from this area are nothing short of incredible – with stunning lakes on one side and the Andean foothills on the other.

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ON A BUDGET

ON A BUDGET

Lago Moreno

The area surrounding Lago Moreno is large – with the main town sharing its name with the lake, one of the best ways to explore this area is by car!

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FOR FAMILIES

FOR FAMILIES

Playa Bonita

Playa Bonita is calmer in atmosphere than the City Centre – but this doesn’t mean it’s lacking in things to do! Named after the gorgeous pebble beach in the area, Playa Bonita has a family atmosphere that draws visitors not just from abroad but from nearby towns.

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This charming city makes it a great destination if you want a little break from some of the more notoriously dangerous cities in South America on your Argentina backpacking adventure.

I felt incredibly safe here, even when walking around steep hills in the dark. Bariloche is fantastic if you wanna have a good leg workout without splashing on a gym membership!

You have the delicious choccie shops in the City Centre (I got way too carried away here, and lost hours of precious exploring time to bellyache – not recommended), and these are great to base yourself near if you want an easy introduction to this city. But beauty on a budget by Lago Moreno, and the tranquil shores of Playa Bonita are also cracking options.

Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the three best neighborhoods in the city. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the one that’s right for you.

1. City Centre – Where to Stay for Your First Time Visit

Located right on the waterfront, the City Centre is the heart of the city and the ideal destination for your first time in Patagonia! The views from this area are nothing short of incredible – with stunning lakes on one side and the Andean foothills on the other. I’ve been to almost 100 countries, and this may well be the most beautiful city I’ve seen so far.

It is also the retail hub of the city, with many of the best shops located along the main street.

Aside from the natural beauty and shopping, the City Centre offers some interesting cultural attractions! The unique architecture, reminiscent of Swiss Alpine buildings, is an attraction in itself, and there are also some interesting museums and galleries showcasing the history and culture of Bariloche.

• Best For: Access to the best amenities and the many delicious chocolate shops here.
• The Vibe: It’s pretty peaceful, you can find nice food stalls and pubs around here, whilst street entertainers perform along Mitre.
• Proximity to Airport: It’s an easy 20-minute Uber drive away.
• Transport Level: Easy. The whole area is walkable, albeit hilly outside the very center. But Uber is cheap and you don’t have to worry about public transport.
• Budget: You’re looking at a minimum of $16 for a dorm bed, and $32 for a private room here. Transport is cheap, food is mid-range.
• Crowds: It’s the busiest part of Bariloche, but not super crowded.

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Top Things to Do in City Centre

1. Take a walk along Mitre – this street is where you will find chocolate shops, tour agencies and souvenir stands amongst other retail delights.
2. The Museum of Patagonia is an excellent exhibition dedicated to the history of the region, including the indigenous cultures.
3. Head on a short trek up to Mirador Bahia Lopez – this is where you will find some of the best views in the City Centre.
4. Margarita Stuke Turismo is a highly rated tour guide service that provides trips around the lakes, mountains and elsewhere in Patagonia.
5. Many of the best restaurants are located close to Mitre – we recommend La Marca Patagonia for their well-priced and delectable local dishes.
6. Get stuck into delicious chocolates at Rapa Nui, Mitre’s most famous chocolate shop.

Best Airbnb: Perfect Space

This gorgeous studio is the perfect choice for couples visiting the city! It comes with a modern interior, and is only a stone’s throw away from the main attractions of the City Centre.

The kitchen is well equipped with everything you need for a short stay. The television comes with streaming services.

Best Hostel: Hospedaje Penthouse 1004

Not only is this the best hostel in Bariloche – it might be one of the best hostels in the world! Excellent views aside, they provide a hearty breakfast every morning. They also run regular social events, including wine evenings and tours of the city.

The cherry on top is, of course, the very affordable prices. It’s the best hostel in Argentina that I’ve been to.

Best Hotel: Cacique Inacayal Lake Hotel & Spa

This luxurious four-star hotel is surprisingly affordable – especially given its desirable location right on the lakefront! They provide a complimentary buffet-style breakfast every morning, as well as high-speed WiFi throughout.

Ski storage is available on-site, and they also have great spa facilities so you can unwind after hitting the slopes.

2. Lago Moreno – Where to Stay on a Budget

The area surrounding Lago Moreno is large, and one of the best ways to explore this area is by car! Even for those without a car, there are reasonably reliable public transport links between Lago Moreno and the City Centre, as well as between the towns around the lake. I will say though, that having a car here made this a truly magical experience during my visit and gave me the ultimate freedom to explore.

This area is often ignored by tourists visiting Bariloche, so the prices aren’t as inflated – perfect if you are on a strict budget! It still offers the same amazing views as the City Centre, as well as a great mix of activities, but hostels tend to be slightly cheaper, and the food is more local.

• Best For: Cheaper stays, whilst surrounded by natural beauty.
• The Vibe: It’s calm, it’s peaceful and it’s away from the crowds you’ll find in the City Centre.
• Proximity to Airport: It will take you 50 minutes to get here by Uber, or over 2 hours by public transport (you’d need at least 2 buses).
• Transport Level: Buses 20 and 51 run to the center, whilst having your own car is the easiest way to get around.
• Budget: Limited accommodation options bump prices up a little, but very affordable food options and transport knock them right back down again and make this a cheap option.
• Crowds: It’s quiet and tranquil making this a great place to base yourself.

Top Things to Do in Lago Moreno

1. Take a trip to Wesley Brewery Fabrica – the largest brewery in the Bariloche region, they do regular tours and beer tasting sessions.
2. Unwind on Playa Munoz, a small beach about five minutes south of the beach that often doesn’t have any people – giving you some room to think.
3. Head up to Punto Panoramico where you can enjoy 360 views of Lago Moreno, the Andean Foothills and as far as the other side of the main lake.
4. Criadas Truchas Colonia Suiza is located right on the waterfront of Lago Moreno, and offers excellent Argentinian cuisine.

Best Airbnb: Nature & Comfort

This gorgeous Airbnb Plus property offers mesmerising views of the lake and mountains! It comes with a well-equipped kitchen, as well as a stylish bathroom.

The bedroom has a kingsize bed and great views of its own – perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway, or solo travellers that just need to unwind.

Best Hostel: Hostel Capsula Refugio Oeste

A lovely little capsule hostel, in a peaceful nature spot. It’s not like Asian capsules where you can shut yourself in a futuristic pod. But you do get privacy curtains which for me is a big win! I really loved this place because I was able to relax to the sounds, sights and smells of nature in the outdoor picnic spot. Absolute bliss.

Best Hotel: Boutique Hotel & Spa Bosque del Nahuel

This cute boutique hotel offers super cozy cottages with a hot tub and lovely garden views. Get ready for flat screen TVs and full-on kitchen facilities too. The spa really takes things to the next level with guest access to a heated pool, fitness center and a dry sauna!

3. Playa Bonita – Best Neighborhood for Families

Playa Bonita is calmer in atmosphere than the City Centre, but this doesn’t mean it’s lacking in things to do! Named after the gorgeous pebble beach in the area, Playa Bonita has a family atmosphere that draws visitors not just from abroad but from nearby towns. I came alone but defo would’ve preferred to bring the fam here to share the tranquil vibes.

There are plenty of fantastic activities, including regular excursions on the lake.

Even if you aren’t visiting as a family group, Playa Bonita is an excellent option during the summer months. Many of the locals opt to spend time here to unwind, and it truly becomes a hub of life during the warmer weather.

The water is cold year-round, so be sure to bring an appropriate wetsuit before taking part in activities!

• Best For: Anyone looking for a safe base surrounded by nature rather than city life.
• The Vibe: If you’re looking for a pleasant, chilled spot with a slower pace of life, then this is great for you.
• Proximity to Airport: It’s 30 minutes away by Uber, or an hour away if you take the 72 bus to outside Restaurante Domador (Diag. Capraro 1415), then the 21 or 20 bus to Playa Bonita from there.
• Transport Level: The 20, 21 and 51 buses all operate, as does Uber. The area around the beach itself is walkable though.
• Budget: You’ll be paying a little more for accommodation due to “beach prices” here, otherwise it’s a fairly mid-range destination.
• Crowds: It’s much quieter than the City Centre, and very calm here.

Top Things to Do in Playa Bonita

1. Arum-Co Buceo not only offer regular boat tours on the lake, they also offer water sports activities – and basic equipment hire for more advanced users.
2. If you want to splurge on the ultimate Patagonia experience, hop on board a helicopter tour of the lakes and mountains with Helitronador.
3. K8 offer bike rental services on the edge of town – a great way to explore the surrounding area and even travel as far as the City Centre.
4. Keen for a spot of golf? Llao Llao Golf is located close to the beach, offering a beautifully landscaped 18 hole course with views over the neighborhood.
5. Though a little upmarket, Stag is absolutely worth it if you’re willing to splurge on mouthwatering Argentinian cuisine on the lakefront.

Best Airbnb: Mountain and Lake View

Surrounded by trees in the mountains, this two-bedroom house comes with a kingsize bed and two twin beds – perfect for families looking for a secluded getaway! It is a recently built accommodation, with modern design and furnishings inside.

There is also a gorgeous decked area with sunset views.

Best Hostel: La Casona Hostel

La Casona Hostel is only a short walk away from the beach, and guests are given a discount at local tour and equipment hire services! They offer both private and shared rooms – and there is a large communal balcony where you can admire the view and mingle with other guests.

Best Hotel: Charming Luxury Lodge

This stunning five-star hotel is surprisingly affordable for what you get in return – and well worth splurging out on if you want next-level service! It comes with an extensive spa facility offering a wide range of holistic therapies.

Guests are also given free access to the ski lounge at a nearby ski and shopping center.

Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Bariloche and where to stay. Between us, we’ve been here many times covering all areas mentioned thoroughly, so we have a good idea of the top spots by now.

I fell over whilst doing a spot of hiking through the stunning mountains of Bariloche. Fortunately, I was fine, BUT it’s easy to hurt yourself as you’re fully exposed to raw nature here. Get insured so you don’t end up in a hole here (possibly quite literally).

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

San Carlos de Bariloche is a beautiful destination that perfectly epitomises everything that makes Patagonia such a desirable region for visitors to Argentina! The gorgeous mountain and lake views aside, it is also a quaint little city packed with chocolate shops, breweries and local boutiques. I fell in love at first sight.

Whether you want to enjoy some water sports or simply unwind for a few days, Bariloche is a worthy destination. Our fave activity was heading up Cerro Camapanario, with views at the top so mesmerising, it reminded me of trips to the Alps.

We’re pretty stuck when it comes to picking the best neighborhood – but if we absolutely had to we would go with the City Centre! This might seem like the obvious choice, but it is the best-connected neighborhood, allowing you to get out and explore.

Ultimately, our advice is to visit all of the areas mentioned in this guide! Regardless of where you choose to stay, they are no more than twenty minutes away from each other and each have their own charms. I found Bariloche really easy to travel around with Uber, and used tours to reach trickier destinations.

We certainly hope we’ve helped you to narrow down your options.

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!