Recoleta neighborhood is a historic area, much frequented by tourists and the city's residents for its cafés, galleries and the famous Recoleta cemetery. Recoleta is part of the area known as Barrio Norte, together with the barrios of Retiro, Palermo and the northern part of Balvanera. Like its neighbours, Recoleta is an affluent residential district, initially populated by citizens escaping the 1871 yellow fever epidemic. Recoleta is one of the most expensive places to live in Buenos Aires, both in terms of real estate and of the cost of living.

The district has been referred to as the "Paris of the Americas". Many French-style palaces and villas were built in the area, especially on Avenida Alvear, and the verdant squares are known for their cafés. Recoleta hosts one of the best and most expensive hotels in Latin America, the five-star Hotel Alvear, a grand 1932 palace. Nearby are other mansions built by the most important families, some used as embassies. Café La Biela is one of the city's most famous cafés and is patronized by authors, politicians, and other celebrities. Nightlife here is very active too, with the pedestrian passage RM Ortíz known for its restaurants.

On the picture, Floralis generica, a big moving sculpture by Eduardo Catalano intended to be an icon of Buenos Aires.