Centro

Centro is the most practical base in Bariloche, with everything within walking distance and lit streets in the evening. Expect tourist prices and watch for petty theft in crowded spots.

Centro is the busiest part of town and the easiest base for a woman traveling alone. The Centro Cívico, a square of stone-and-wood buildings facing the lake, sits at the middle of a compact grid of streets. Mitre Street has the chocolate shops, outdoor gear stores and restaurants, while San Martín and Elflein streets have the bars and late-night spots. Hostels, tour agencies, banks and bus stops are all within a few blocks, so you rarely need to walk far at night. Streets are lit and busy into the evening, and eating or having a coffee alone is common. The main risks are petty: bags and phones can be taken in crowded chocolate shops, around the Centro Cívico and near the bus terminal, and street money changers near shopping galleries are best avoided. Later at night, stick to the main streets rather than quiet side blocks.