Self-Guided Bike Tour in Buenos Aires: From Palermo Hollywood to Recoleta
Updated September 2025
Buenos Aires’ bustling streets and loud buses might seem intimidating for novice cyclists, but the city has evolved into a surprisingly bike-friendly destination. With over 260 kilometers of protected bike lanes and counting, cyclists can safely reach beautiful areas throughout the city on two wheels.
In this first installment of our self-guided tours, we’ll take you from Palermo Hollywood to the elegant Recoleta neighborhood. Our itineraries begin at Palo Santo Hotel in Palermo Hollywood, where our eco-sustainable boutique hotel provides complimentary bikes for guests. However, you can easily adapt this route to your own starting point.
Safety first: Always stay alert while cycling, wear a helmet, and never leave your bike unattended in the city.
Buenos Aires Self-guided Bike Tour: From Palermo Hollywood to Plaza Francia (Recoleta)
Distance: 6.5km / 4 miles each way
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Estimated time: 1-2 hours (including stops)
The wide and safe bike lane along Libertador Avenue is one of Buenos Aires’ most pleasant cycling routes. This bidirectional, 4-meter-wide protected lane is completely separated from vehicular traffic, and the magnificent jacaranda and plane trees provide welcome shade along much of the route.
Starting Your Journey from Palo Santo Hotel
Begin your adventure right from the doorstep of Palo Santo Hotel, your eco-conscious boutique base in the heart of Palermo Hollywood. Our sustainable design hotel not only provides you with quality bikes but also offers the perfect starting point for exploring Buenos Aires’ most beautiful neighborhoods.
From Palo Santo Hotel, head toward Avenida Intendente Bullrich, then connect to the protected bike lane on Avenida del Libertador. This seamless connection makes our hotel an ideal launching point for cycling adventures throughout the city.
The Route: Exploring Bosques de Palermo
Before heading toward Recoleta, consider extending your tour through the Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods), the city’s largest green space. Take Avenida Infanta Isabel to reach the smallest of the park’s lakes, where you’ll find the charming rose garden island at its center (accessible only on foot).
Around the lake, you’ll encounter joggers, rollerbladers, and fellow cyclists enjoying this urban oasis. The park offers a peaceful respite from the city’s energy and showcases why Palermo is considered Buenos Aires’ green lung.
Discovering Palermo Chico’s Embassy District
For a cultural detour, explore the sophisticated Palermo Chico neighborhood by turning left onto Castilla Street from Libertador Avenue. This exclusive area features some of Buenos Aires’ most stunning architecture, including grand embassies, Belle Époque mansions, and luxury apartment buildings that showcase the city’s golden age elegance.
Navigate through the tree-lined streets between Libertador and Figueroa Alcorta avenues, where each block reveals architectural gems. This detour adds historical depth to your cycling experience and provides excellent photo opportunities.
Arriving in Recoleta
Continue east on Libertador Avenue toward your destination: Plaza Francia in Recoleta. This elegant square serves as the gateway to one of Buenos Aires’ most sophisticated neighborhoods, home to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, world-class museums, and upscale shopping areas.
The journey showcases the city’s evolution from the bohemian energy of Palermo Hollywood—where Palo Santo Hotel embodies the neighborhood’s creative, sustainable spirit—to the refined elegance of Recoleta’s European-inspired architecture.
Return Journey and Extended Options
Both Libertador Avenue and Intendente Bullrich Avenue feature bidirectional bike lanes, allowing you to take the same safe route back to Palermo Hollywood and Palo Santo Hotel.
For guests staying longer at our boutique hotel, this route serves as an excellent introduction to Buenos Aires cycling, building confidence for exploring the city’s expanding network of over 260 kilometers of bike paths.
Why Choose Palo Santo Hotel for Your Buenos Aires Cycling Adventure
Palo Santo Hotel offers the perfect combination of sustainable hospitality and strategic location for urban cycling enthusiasts. Our eco-conscious boutique property in Palermo Hollywood provides:
- Complimentary bicycle access for all guests (first-come, first-serve)
- Prime location with fast access to protected bike lanes
- Sustainable design that reflects Buenos Aires’ growing environmental consciousness
- Local expertise from our team to help plan additional cycling routes
Planning Your Next Cycling Adventure
This Palermo-to-Recoleta route represents just the beginning of Buenos Aires’ cycling possibilities. The city’s growing network now features a dedicated mobile app to help cyclists navigate the expanding infrastructure, making it easier than ever to explore safely.
Ready to start your Buenos Aires cycling adventure? Book your stay at Palo Santo Hotel and discover why our eco-sustainable boutique property in Palermo Hollywood is the perfect starting point for exploring the city on two wheels.
