Our Review of a budget-friendly studio apartment in Buenos Aires

Looking for an affordable, comfortable home base during your travels in Buenos Aires? We found this budget-friendly studio that checks all the boxes: clean, quiet, and perfectly located for exploring on a modest budget. Here’s our honest review—because finding the right stay can make or break your adventure.

Jeff and I embarked on an unconventional adventure, selling nearly everything we owned to travel fulltime and explore potential countries to call home—or perhaps embrace perpetual travel. During our first month in Argentina, we found the Noma BA’s budget-friendly studio apartment in Buenos Aires to be an ideal base. Its perfect blend of thoughtful design, comfort, and practicality stood out from the rest.

We chose this centrally located studio apartment for several reasons. Its clean and modern aesthetic, prime location, and stellar reviews caught our attention during our search for budget-friendly accommodations in Buenos Aires. Plus, the studio’s proximity to markets, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants, combined with its reputation for being impeccably clean; made it a standout choice for us as budget-conscious travelers.

What truly set the Noma BA apartment apart was its attention to detail. Safety features, efficient use of space, and a guest-friendly design made it not just a place to stay but a comfortable temporary home. For us, as slow travelers balancing practicality with a touch of style, this studio offered incredible value—better than any other options we researched in Buenos Aires.

Accommodation Details

The Noma BA studio apartment offers a well-designed, compact living space that efficiently meets the needs of travelers seeking both comfort and practicality. At approximately 350-400 square feet, the studio maximizes every inch of space with thoughtful design.

Room and Amenities

The apartment features a comfortable queen-sized bed and a fully equipped kitchen that goes beyond typical short-term rental offerings. Guests can enjoy the convenience of a Nespresso™ machine, drip coffee maker, toaster, microwave, and a full-size refrigerator/freezer. A dedicated workspace provides a functional area for digital nomads or travelers needing to catch up on work.
Storage is surprisingly generous for a studio, with a well-organized closet featuring two hanging bars, shelves, and drawers. (Bonus: The bed is high enough to slip suitcases under the bed for storage!) This attention to storage helps travelers like ourselves maintain an organized living space during extended stays.

Technology and Comfort

Modern conveniences are well-addressed with strong, free, Wi-Fi, a television, and climate control that includes both air conditioning and heating. These amenities ensure comfort regardless of Buenos Aires’ variable weather conditions.

Building Features

Noma BA stands out for its traveler-friendly facilities:

• No-contact check-in for convenience
• Dual Elevators so you never need to wait
• 24/7 free laundry facilities
• Secure, monitored building access
• Complimentary onsite luggage storage
• Rooftop pool (a unexpected luxury in an urban studio)

Noise

The apartment’s back-facing view overlooks the backsides of other buildings, which might not be picturesque but offers a quieter alternative to the noisy street front. Minor ambient noise includes sounds from an adjacent elementary school and an attached music school. For travelers who spend most days exploring the city, these sounds are unlikely to be disruptive.

Location

The apartment building is located in the San Nicolás neighborhood. A historic and vibrant neighborhood located in the downtown area of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is known for being a central commercial and cultural district of the city, characterized by its mix of historic architecture and modern urban landscape.

The neighborhood is home to several important landmarks, including:

• The Obelisco (Obelisk): Perhaps the most famous monument in Buenos Aires, located at the intersection of Avenida Corrientes and Avenida 9 de Julio. This iconic 67-meter tall white monument was built in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first founding of Buenos Aires. (Note: Contrary to what one travel blogger wrote, you can not climb to the top for the view)
• Teatro Colón: One of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, considered an architectural and acoustic marvel. It’s located on Avenida 9 de Julio and is renowned for its stunning interior and world-class performances.
• Avenida Corrientes: Often called the “street that never sleeps,” this avenue is famous for its theaters, bookstores, and vibrant nightlife. It’s sometimes referred to as the “Broadway of Buenos Aires” due to its numerous theaters and cultural venues.

For the best tours, day trips and activities in Buenos Aires visit our Viator Shop!

The neighborhood is densely populated and serves as a major commercial hub, with numerous shops, offices, and businesses. It’s also well-connected in terms of public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes passing through the area.

San Nicolás blends historical significance with contemporary urban life, featuring a mix of older buildings and modern skyscrapers. Its central location makes it a key part of Buenos Aires’ urban landscape, attracting both locals and tourists with its cultural attractions and bustling atmosphere.

Neighborhood Accessibility

• Proximity to multiple subway lines
• Walking distance to key attractions like the Obelisco and Teatro Colón
• Numerous bus routes within easy reach
• Close to restaurants, cafes, and essential services

Facilities and Services

Building Services

• Monitored Entrance and Access Codes
• Elevator access
• Rooftop pool (a surprising amenity for an urban apartment building)
• Free laundry facilities open 24/7
• Secure luggage storage

Staff and Service

The building management demonstrated a commitment to guest satisfaction. Communication, through Whatsapp, was prompt, professional, and helpful. The no-contact check-in process was seamless, providing both convenience and flexibility for travelers with unpredictable schedules.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Impeccably Clean!
• Well-designed, efficient studio space
• Comprehensive kitchen facilities
• Comfortable queen size bed
• Excellent building amenities
• Central location in San Nicolás
• Budget-friendly option for extended stays
• Secure building

Cons

• Limited view from this particular apartment
• Occasional ambient noise from adjacent buildings

Value for Money

For budget-conscious travelers like ourselves, the Noma BA apartment represents an excellent balance of comfort, location, and affordability. The combination of well-thought-out amenities and competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for extended stays in Buenos Aires.

Final Verdict

Rating: 5/5 stars

Best suited for:

• Digital nomads
• Couples
• Solo travelers
• Budget-conscious explorers seeking a comfortable, centrally-located base

Additional Tips

• Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons
• Take advantage of the building’s laundry and storage facilities
• Bring noise-canceling headphones if you’re sensitive to ambient sounds

Our Personal Experience

Our decision to stay at the Noma BA studio was strategic and deliberate. In a city as vast and diverse as Buenos Aires, finding the right accommodation is crucial, especially for fulltime travelers like ourselves. This apartment stood out not just for its amenities, but for its exceptional value proposition.

The central location in San Nicolás proved to be a game-changer for our travel style. Within walking distance, we discovered a rich tapestry of local life: neighborhood markets with fresh produce, artisan bakeries offering irresistible medialunas, and a diverse array of cafes and restaurants that captured the essence of Buenos Aires’ culinary scene.

What truly set this apartment apart was its commitment to cleanliness—a detail immediately apparent upon our arrival. In an era where hygiene has become paramount, the immaculate condition of the studio provided peace of mind and comfort.

Budget was a critical factor in our choice. As travelers committed to finding our next potential home while managing expenses carefully, the Noma BA apartment represented the perfect intersection of affordability and quality. We compared numerous options, and this studio emerged as the clear winner—offering the most comprehensive package at the most reasonable price point.

Money Saving Tip! Make your reservation through Booking.com if at all possible! We booked direct through Welcome2BA’s website and later learned that we missed out on the free continental breakfast and the free private taxi offered through Booking!

Want to know how we find great places like this budget-friendly studio apartment in Buenos Aires? Check out our guide Stretch Your Travel Dollar: Finding Affordable Places To Stay!