The tango is a partner dance more than 100 years old, originating from La Río de la Plata between Argentina and Uruguay as a blend of European and African cultures. Developed by former slaves, the style was adopted by the lower-class districts in Buenos Aires and Montevideo before rapidly spreading around the world. Today there are hundreds of clubs and milongas (tango events) in Buenos Aires.
La Catedral del Tango © Eliza | Flickr
La Catedral del Tango
Watching the floor move in the tango capital of Argentina can be daunting, so beginners who want the opportunity to take a lesson and watch the pros should check out La Catedral. The place is relatively new and popular with younger dancers. They have lessons for beginners everyday at 6 p.m., and the milonga starts around 11 p.m. La Catedral has a more relaxed feel, so dress casually.
Confitería Ideal © Jorge Lascar | Flickr
Confitería Ideal
Strolling along downtown Buenos Aires, one might come across an unassuming pastry shop. The place might look a little rundown, but inside is a thriving daytime milonga. Confitería Ideal has an evening tango event every Saturday night, but the place really gets going during their daily matinee milonga around 4 p.m. The venue features historically beautiful architecture as well as a live orchestra.
La Viruta © Beatrice Murch | Flickr
La Viruta
This late-night establishment is kind of like an after-hours club made for tango. Milongas are held on Wednesdays and Fridays through Saturdays, opening around 2 a.m. to serve patrons still looking to dance when the other clubs have closed. The vibe is friendly and open to novice dancers, with DJs mixing an eclectic selection of tango, rock, salsa and cumbia. On Fridays and Saturdays, La Viruta also serves a breakfast of medialunas (croissants) and coffee after 4 a.m.
Milonga Parakultural
For the best all-around venue, Milonga Parakultural is the place to go. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, milongas are held in the historic dancehall, Salon Canning, where they regularly feature live performances before opening up the dance floor to the city’s best tango dancers. The crowd is a healthy mix between young beginners and experienced milongueros, and it fills up quickly so arrive early to get a table without reservations.
El Yeite
Another late-night joint, El Yeite is popular with the Buenos Aires club scene, often filling up at 3 a.m. when the other venues have let out. The milonga is held upstairs on Mondays and Thursdays, often attended by the talented up-and-coming dancers of the city. On Thursdays, you can head downstairs as well for salsa and bachata.
Read This Next
Spring Break: Montevideo
Spring Break
Jan 10, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Nov 21, 2024Art Basel Happenings at Miami’s The Ritz-Carlton Hotels
Art Basel Miami Beach takes place Dec. 6–8. This iconic international art fair features works from worldwide established and emerging artists. To celebrate the event, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami, and The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, host special programming with a focus on female artists.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Travel Goods
Nov 21, 2024Never Lose an Item Again with Apple’s New Share Item Location Feature
It’s your worst nightmare: Your plane is taxiing and you’re looking out the window, only to realize you’ve left your iPad or laptop in the airport. Thanks to a new feature from Apple, these fears can be allayed, ensuring we always know where our valuables are, whether traveling or at home.
Dining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America
You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Destinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
ShareThis