What to Do in Buenos Aires: Tango, Art, and Soulful Sophistication
Buenos Aires, Argentina’s magnetic capital, is a city where European elegance flirts with Latin American passion. Known as the "Paris of South America," Buenos Aires seduces travelers with its tree-lined boulevards, Beaux-Arts architecture, and a cultural rhythm defined by tango, steak, and spirited conversation. If you're a culture-loving traveler wondering what to do in Buenos Aires, prepare to fall for a city that never stops moving, yet always invites you to linger just a little longer.
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Top Experiences in Buenos Aires
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Buenos Aires Small Group Tango Show
When in Buenos Aires, it is a must to see the tango show. This small group show keeps costs down by sharing transportation costs, but is also an intimate gathering. You’ll see the dancers telling a love story narrating present and past, as they try to make a bond between the audience and the tango. You’ll also have dinner served to make the night even more special.
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Buenos Aires Teatro Colon Guided Tour
Delve into the Teatro Colón, considered to be one of the top 5 venues in the world, due to its acoustics. Follow your guide around this opera house, famous for its chandelier with 700 light bulbs, and ceiling frescoes. Hear about the history of Argentina's most famous cultural treasures. Choose between an English, Spanish, and Portuguese language tour when you book. Then, arrive at the theater to start your tour. Walk through the majestic halls of this opera house dating back to the early 1900s. Marvel at the horseshoe‐shaped auditorium and explore the backstage areas. See the beautiful ceiling frescoes, which were painted by artist Raul Soldi. Learn the history of this venue on this guided tour, and hear about the many performances and ballets that have taken place here over the years. (Argentine nationals can get special discounts by purchasing directly at the Theatre)
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Madero Tango Show of Buenos Aires
Discover the magic of tango at its finest at Madero Tango, the most emblematic show in Buenos Aires. Located in the exclusive Puerto Madero neighborhood, this show perfectly combines the elegance of tango with a first‐rate dining experience. In an imposing hall with panoramic views of the river and the porteño skyline, you will live an unforgettable night where music, singing and dance merge into a tour of the history and passion of Argentine tango. Every detail is thought to excite: from the international staging to a gourmet menu that enhances local flavors. Madero Tango is not only a show, it is a unique cultural and sensory experience in the heart of the city. Our modalities would be: Dinner Show Last Minute Dinner Show Platea Executive Show Dinner Show only.
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Buenos Aires Madero Tango Dinner Show
Discover the passion of the Argentine tango with this dazzling live show held at Madero Tango. Popular with locals, the show includes spectacular costumes, talented dancers, and live music by an international orchestra. Upgrade to include a delicious 3‐course dinner with a choice of dishes for each course, and enjoy drinks throughout the evening.
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Piazzolla Tango Show Buenos Aires
Feel the passion of dance in Buenos Aires. Tango shows are a hit with visitors to 'The Paris of the South', and the Piazzolla Tango Show is one of the best in town! Take a seat inside the restored Art Nouveau Astor Piazzolla Theater for a memorable soirée. The powerful performances on‐stage are accompanied by the music of legendary composer Astor Piazzolla, performed by internationally recognized singers and musicians.
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Buenos Aires Tango Show at Gala
In the 1880s, in the vicinity of Río de la Plata, the river which divides Uruguay and Argentina, the tango first appeared on records. A steamy, sultry dance, it moved from the streets and brothels into prestigious clubs, and now it’s an unmissable experience for anyone visiting Buenos Aires. Stylish restaurant and tango club Gala is one such institution.
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Mr. Tango in Buenos Aires
They will be able to taste a 3 course dinner, while enjoying a spectacular Argentine tango show. Come see the most famous tango house in Buenos Aires, one of the favorite shows of Brazilians, with an impeccable presentation and an atmosphere unlike any other tango house, accompanied by a delicious 3‐course Argentine dinner, one of the most popular houses in Buenos Aires. Fernando Soler, the owner of the house, is one of the attractions of the night with his charming voice, often leading the public to participate directly in the show.
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Buenos Aires Piazzolla Tango Dinner & Show
Experience the magic of the Argentine tango with this evening tango show. Take your seat inside the opulent Galería Güemes theater, tuck into a delicious 3‐course dinner accompanied by Argentine wines (if option selected), and enjoy a spectacular live tango performance performed by dancers, singers, and musicians, and featuring classic tango songs.
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Experience Buenos Aires: Private Tango Lesson
Meet your dance instructor at the studio in Buenos Aires for this private tango lesson. Once you get acquainted, you and your group of up to four people learn the legendary tango, a dance so passionate that it has been known to burst out spontaneously between partners in the San Telmo neighborhood's Dorrego Square. Learn that tango is a dance‐based upon the simple act of walking with your partner across the floor and pausing to express emotion and passion through dance moves at dramatic moments. Observe your instructor demonstrate the technical and musical aspects of the tango and its music. Listen to the harmonies and melodies of the accordion, guitar, or clarinet as they set the tempo, mood, and rhythm of the dance. Learn the 'close embrace,' the proper way to hold your partner during tango, and some basic steps. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or have never taken a step, develop an appreciation for this quintessentially Argentine art form. Enjoy personalized attention and a truly authentic Argentinian experience in this private tango lesson in Buenos Aires.
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Buenos Aires: Michelangelo Tango Show
Attend Michelangelo’s dinner and tango show and taste Argentine cuisine while watching a tango performance. Start with a multi‐course dinner that includes steaks, empanadas, and regional wines. After dinner, the atmosphere shifts to a tango show. Skilled dancers and musicians perform, demonstrating the passion and style of this famous dance. The choreography and storytelling offer a glimpse into the culture of Buenos Aires. Enjoy the mix of food and dance for an evening that showcases Argentine traditions.
What to Do in Buenos Aires: Culture and Elegance
For those exploring what to do in Buenos Aires through a lens of culture and refinement, the journey begins in Recoleta. This upscale neighborhood is home to the Recoleta Cemetery, a must see in Buenos Aires where Argentina’s elite, including famed First Lady Eva Perón, rest beneath intricate marble mausoleums. Just steps away, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes houses works by Goya, Rembrandt, and the great Argentine painter Xul Solar.
What to Do in Buenos Aires by Night
Wondering what to do in Buenos Aires once the sun has gone down? The city’s energy intensifies after sunset. Begin your evening with cocktails in the chic speakeasies of Palermo Hollywood, then dine at a closed-door restaurant (puerta cerrada) where local chefs serve multi-course meals in intimate, secret locations.
Unexpected and Unique Things to Do in Buenos Aires
Looking for unique things to do in Buenos Aires? Step off the tourist track and visit El Zanjón de Granados, a network of restored 18th-century tunnels beneath San Telmo, offering a surreal glimpse into the city’s colonial past. Or, head to Feria de Mataderos on a Sunday for a folkloric festival on the city’s edge where gauchos perform horseback stunts and artisans sell traditional crafts.
For art lovers, the ultimate must see in Buenos Aires might just be hidden in plain sight on the city’s walls. Book a graffiti tour through barrios like Colegiales and Barracas to discover massive murals and political masterpieces by artists such as Martin Ron and Jaz in this street-art Mecca.
What to See and Do in Buenos Aires — Choose Your Neighborhood
When crafting your itinerary, you'll quickly realize that deciding what to see and do in Buenos Aires is really about deciding where to go. In San Telmo, cobblestone streets and antique markets whisper of a bohemian past. In La Boca, the colourful houses of Caminito burst with energy and drama. Palermo, split into Soho and Hollywood, delivers design-forward boutiques, modern galleries, and the city’s best coffee scene.
Don't miss Puerto Madero, where polished skyscrapers meet leafy nature reserves. A stroll along its waterfront boardwalk, especially at the golden hour, is among the best things to do in Buenos Aires.
What to Do in Buenos Aires: One‐Day Itinerary
If you’re tight on time and wondering what to do in Buenos Aires if you have only one day, start in Recoleta with the cemetery and museum, followed by lunch at the iconic El Sanjuanino for empanadas and locro stew. In the afternoon, head south to San Telmo for a market stroll and coffee at Café Rivas. Then cross over to La Boca to admire Caminito’s vibrant facades before capping your evening with a steak dinner at Don Julio, one of the world's top parrillas, or traditional Argentinian grill restaurants.
What to Do in Buenos Aires in Two Days
Planning what to do in Buenos Aires in two days allows an opportunity for deeper immersion. Spend your first day as above, then dedicate day two to Palermo. Explore the Botanical Gardens, Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), and shop at local designer stores. Linger in Plaza Serrano for cocktails, then end your day with a milonga experience in Villa Crespo or a rooftop wine tasting in Palermo Soho.
Top Things to Do in Buenos Aires for the Culturally Curious
Here’s a curated hit list of the city’s top cultural attractions and activities for those still pondering the top things to do in Buenos Aires:
Final Thoughts: The Romance of Buenos Aires
Figuring out what to do in Buenos Aires is like dancing the tango — there’s structure, yes, but also plenty of room for spontaneity, rhythm, and joy. With every leafy plaza, whispered political debate, or perfectly poured Malbec, the city cannot fail to seduce.