Tango in Buenos Aires: a journey through one of the most important musical styles in Argentina.
Intense, passionate and full of feeling, tango has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and is the most representative icon of the city of Buenos Aires.
What Is Tango?
It is very difficult to get to know the city without immersing yourself in the magic of tango, both its music and its dance. It flourished in Buenos Aires and later spread all over the world.
You may be wondering, what is tango? It is a musical style in duple time, with the renowned 2×4 beat, born in the Río de la Plata region during the 19th century. It arose from the fusion of African culture with the local culture of native peoples and gauchos, together with the European contribution of the immigrants who came to the country.
Famous Tango Musicians
Among the most important and recognized tango musicians, we can mention Astor Piazzolla (a distinguished genius who, in his time, was not well loved by traditionalists, since he changed the style entirely; learn more about Astor Piazzolla), Carlos Gardel (a figure whose nationality has always been in doubt, but who is loved in Argentina as if he were from here), Roberto Goyeneche, Aníbal Troilo and Osvaldo Pugliese, and Adriana Varela, one of the most important female voices in the world of tango, among others.
If you want to enjoy a unique tango show in Palermo, we recommend Secreto Tango Society. Learn more and book at Secreto Tango Society.
Where to Enjoy Tango in Buenos Aires
Street Tango in Caminito, La Boca and San Telmo
In various areas of the city, you will find tango artists performing in the streets of Buenos Aires. One of the most characteristic places is Caminito. In turn, the neighborhood of La Boca has tango decoration and its characteristic filete porteño painting on signs. Not far from there, you can find more tango scenes in San Telmo, in its main square, Plaza Dorrego, where many street tango shows, orchestras and works of art take place. Find out what to do in San Telmo.
Bars, Cafés and Tango Shows
In addition, many bars, bodegones and cafés offer tango shows during the night or day, such as Secreto Tango Society, Café Tortoni (a meeting place for great composers and artists in the 1920s and the following decade), The Carlos Gardel Corner (opened in the Abasto Market, close to Carlos Gardel’s house, which you can also visit) and the famous Café Homero Manzi (in the heart of Boedo, a central headquarters for tango culture; see what to do in Boedo).
You do not need to be an expert to enjoy this very Argentine music and dance. If you want to learn even more, many places offer classes before each show, so you can leave knowing the steps of the 2×4!
World Tango Festival
Once a year, the World Tango Festival takes place, with countless artists, workshops, talks, dances and classes. To learn more and check the updated dates, visit the official festival website.
We invite you to join our Free Tours around the city and keep learning more about Buenos Aires!