Have you ever wondered where the best cycling areas in Buenos Aires are located to maximize both your fitness and cultural exploration?
Look no further! ExpatPathways has meticulously compiled a list of the best cycling areas just for you. From the lush landscapes of Parque Sarmiento to the bustling streets of Retiro-Recoleta, this guide is your ultimate companion for discovering the city’s top spots on two wheels.
Ideal for expats, travelers, and digital nomads alike, each trail offers a unique glimpse into the city’s diverse neighborhoods and scenic vistas.
Ready to explore Buenos Aires like never before? Grab your bike and let’s go!
The Best Cycling Areas in Buenos Aires
1. Costanera Norte
Costanera Norte is celebrated for its well-maintained, flat streets, ranking it among the safest areas in Buenos Aires. This locale is not only perfect for cycling but also offers an array of restaurants and bars where one can pause to enjoy a cold beer with a view of the docks and the city skyline.
Cyclists can explore interior streets to discover design shops and some of the tallest, modern buildings in Buenos Aires, including notable sights like the Puente de la Mujer, several parks such as Micaela Bastidas Park, and cultural landmarks like the Fragata Presidente Sarmiento and the Fortabat Museum.
The bike path starts at Avenida Sarmiento, skirts around Jorge Newbery Airport, passes the entertainment district, and ends near the Parque de la Memoria, providing a family-friendly pavement that is accessible for bikes, walking, and those with limited mobility.
2. Palermo
In contrast, the Palermo neighborhood, the largest in the city, offers a 7.5-kilometer cycling circuit that begins and ends at Plaza Julio Cortázar, also known as “Serrano.”
This route allows cyclists to immerse themselves in the local culture and history, passing through gastronomic zones and historical sites like the Parroquia de San Francisco Javier and the Jewish Moroccan community center, ACILBA.
The journey includes Plaza Italia, Ecoparque, and expansive green spaces such as Tres de Febrero Park.
Significant monuments along the way include the equestrian statue of Juan Manuel de Rosas and the Rodin-crafted statue of his rival, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, in Plaza Sicilia, enhancing the cultural richness of the ride.
3. Caballito, Villa Crespo, and Colegiales
The neighborhoods of Caballito, Villa Crespo, and Colegiales offer a rich tapestry of cultural and natural attractions perfect for cyclists.
Starting in Caballito, the geographic heart of the city, the journey begins at Parque Rivadavia, moving past significant landmarks such as the parish of Nuestra Señora de Caacupé, designed by Norwegian architect Alejandro Christophersen in 1906.
Cyclists can then pedal around Parque Centenario, designed by Carlos Thays, which hosts the Argentine Museum of Natural Sciences Bernardino Rivadavia and an astronomical observatory.
Moving into Villa Crespo, the route highlights historic spots like Café San Bernardo, a famous meeting place for tango legends, and the old pharmacy ‘Farmacia del Águila’, maintaining its original furniture and vintage décor.
The bike tour concludes in Colegiales, known for its Distrito Audiovisual and vibrant street murals, along with charming spots like the Mafalda and Clemente squares and the Flea Market.
4. Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur (Puerto Madero)
On the southern edge of Buenos Aires, near Puerto Madero, lies the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur.
This ecological reserve spans 350 hectares of rugged terrain just blocks from the city center and is one of the largest urban parks globally.
Ideal for bike enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, the reserve offers several cycling trails that range from 2 to 8 kilometers, providing breathtaking views of the Río de la Plata.
Visitors can enjoy the area’s rich biodiversity, observe local wildlife, engage in bird watching, and relax in picnic areas. The proximity to the touristic Puerto Madero district makes it a favored spot for both relaxation and recreation, blending city life with the tranquility of nature.
5. Parque Chacabuco, Boedo, and Parque Patricios
Cycling through the neighborhoods of Parque Chacabuco, Boedo, and Parque Patricios in southern Buenos Aires offers a nostalgic journey through childhood memories, evoking images of playing on the sidewalk and endless fun.
This 8.7-kilometer route boasts 28 points of interest, starting at Parque Chacabuco. A notable stop is the historic carousel “calesita de Tatín,” installed in 1960, which featured in Sandro’s film “Quiero llenarme de ti.”
The path continues past Felimana Luna Park S.A., a carousel manufacturer since 1960, through to the SuperBatuque Toy Museum, which houses a vast collection of toys dating from 1940 to 1990. Off the beaten track, the circuit explores the historical Emilio Mitre neighborhood, constructed in 1923, with streets named after Enlightenment ideals.
The journey proceeds through Boedo, adorned with murals celebrating the local football icons of San Lorenzo, and concludes in Parque Patricios, where cyclists can admire the sustainable government building designed by Norman Foster and visit the historic Bernasconi Institute and Maternidad Sardá.
6. Coghlan, Belgrano, and Núñez
Further north, the neighborhoods of Coghlan, Belgrano, and Núñez offer a 7.4-kilometer bike tour with 24 points of interest, beginning at the Ana Frank Center in Coghlan, which recreates the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during WWII.
The route leads cyclists through the historic and cultural landmarks of Belgrano, including the Spanish Art Museum Enrique Larreta and the Sarmiento Historical Museum, and past the Barrancas de Belgrano, which houses a small iron replica of the Statue of Liberty by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.
The path winds through the vibrant Barrio Chino and up to Núñez, where cyclists can refuel at La Guitarrita pizzeria, founded by famous footballers. The tour concludes at the iconic Monumental Stadium and its museum in Belgrano, making it a culturally enriching and picturesque route.
7. Parque Sarmiento
Cycling around Parque Sarmiento in the Saavedra neighborhood offers a serene 3.5-kilometer asphalt loop that encapsulates the entire park, allowing cyclists to ride at their own pace without interruptions.
Training groups frequently gather here, especially after 5 PM on weekdays and in the mornings on weekends, providing opportunities for more intensive workouts.
Cyclists can also explore the park’s inner roads. Entry to Parque Sarmiento is via Ricardo Balbín Street and is affordably priced, making it a popular spot for both solo riders and groups seeking a tranquil yet challenging cycling environment.
8. Retiro and Recoleta
The Retiro-Recoleta area presents a more urban cycling experience with a 9.2-kilometer route that passes through 41 points of interest, starting at the National Museum of Decorative Arts in the Errázuriz Palace.
The circuit showcases iconic spots like the Floralis Genérica and the Law School, winding through grand avenues lined with historic buildings and lush parks, including Thays Park and the former Italpark site.
Highlights include the Torre Prourban, known as “el Rulero,” the Noel Palace which houses the Isaac Fernández Blanco Museum of Spanish-American Art, and the majestic Palacio San Martín.
The route also offers views of the Kavanagh building, a rationalist architectural marvel, and ends with cultural enrichment at the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Along the way, cyclists can marvel at the diverse architectural styles and historic landmarks, making this circuit not only a physical journey but also a voyage through Buenos Aires’ rich cultural heritage.
9. Parque Manuel Belgrano (KDT circuit)
The Parque Manuel Belgrano, formerly known as the KDT circuit, is a favorite among both amateur and professional road and mountain bikers residing in Buenos Aires.
This park features a 1,200-meter track that includes varying elevations with sections designed for climbing and descending, catering to cyclists looking for a comprehensive training environment.
Entry to the park is economically priced, making it accessible to everyone. Additionally, the park offers bicycle rentals, ample parking, and playgrounds for children, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere.
Known simply as KDT, the circuit stands for Kilometer, Distance, and Time—three critical variables that cyclists consider during their training sessions.
Located in a vast public green space managed by the City Government, the Parque Manuel Belgrano is more than just a cycling hub. It also provides tennis courts, children’s play areas, picnic zones, and sports facilities for football and volleyball, along with swimming pools that are operational during the summer months.
(Featured Image Source: harpman71/flickr.com)
