Centro Córdoba

Centro Córdoba is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in Argentina, and walking its streets is a lesson in the country's history. The Manzana Jesuítica (Jesuit Block), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, anchors the neighborhood with its 17th-century church, university, and colegio — reminders that Córdoba was Argentina's intellectual capital long before Buenos Aires rose to prominence. The Cathedral, facing Plaza San Martín, is another architectural landmark, and the surrounding blocks are a fascinating mix of colonial, republican, and modern architecture. For daily life, Centro is Córdoba's most convenient neighborhood.

The pedestrian streets (Peatonal Córdoba) are the city's main shopping area, banks and government offices are concentrated here, and all bus lines converge on the center. The area is busy and commercial during the day — this is where cordobeses come to shop, work, and handle errands. After business hours, it quiets down considerably, especially on weekends when most commercial activity ceases. Rents are affordable and you get the best transport connectivity in the city.

The main downsides are the commercial character (it's not particularly charming for evening walks), the daytime crowds and noise, and the fact that many buildings are office-oriented rather than residential. Expats who choose Centro do so for convenience and budget — everything is accessible, and the savings compared to Buenos Aires are dramatic.