More than just dancing, tango is a true religion in Argentina, and Buenos Aires is the global capital. Every evening, all year round, in all parts of the city, Argentinians and visitors find themselves at milongas, referring as much to the tango dance as to the event itself. Every milonga is different, each with its own scene. They offer dance lessons for beginners and enthusiasts (without prior booking), and even non-dancers will appreciate deciphering the body language, looks, aesthetics, musicality and sensuality of the tango. Milongas are a great Buenos Aires experience, the perfect complement to a dinner and tango show. Please note it's not guaranteed there will be a live band at a milonga (in other words, the cherry on top); however, our local Concierge can call a few days in advance for more information. Read on to discover our list of the nine best milongas in Buenos Aires...
1.
El Beso
Riobamba 416
Not many tourists visit this tango hall as it tends to cater for experts. To watch a tango demonstration by Argentinians, go on a Saturday night for the 'Milonga de Las Morochas', which is extremely popular with the locals. It's also one of the most sought-after milongas for singles.
2.
Malena Sunderland Club
Lugones 3161, Villa Urquiza
A milonga for old-school tango 'purists', where the men wear brilliantine (hair oil) and the women wear rhinestones. It's popular with the 'Porteños' (locals) for its atmosphere. In short, a real institution in the city, even though the dancing takes place in a gym...
3.
A Puro Tango
Scalabrini Ortiz 1331, in Salon Canning
This 'elderly milonga', serves an older crowd of both singles and couples. Nevertheless, the technical level here is high, earning it a spot as one of the best milongas in Buenos Aires. A Puro Tango provides a great opportunity to witness tango as it was once performed.
Image by Lucy Laucht
4.
Confiteria Ideal
Suipacha 380
An iconic tea house founded in 1912, its wooden and marble walls hold the spirit of Buenos Aires. Tango classes are offered daily from midday to the early hours of the morning. Confiteria Ideal is one of the best tango halls in Buenos Aires and probably attracts the most tourists.
5.
Parakultural
Scalabrini Ortiz 1331, in Salon Canning
One of the most famous in our roundup of the best milongas in Buenos Aires. In addition to its beautiful venue and live orchestra, there's a vibrant atmosphere and contagious energy. According to the proprietors, 'anything can happen'...
6.
La Viruta
Armenia 1366, in Centro Armenio
This is a real 'tango factory', but in a good way. It's one of the most renowned milongas on the international stage, known as much for its dance classes as for its after-party, which goes on until the wee hours of the morning. When visiting La Viruta, don't miss the live performances by 'new tango' orchestras.
Image by Kevin Fainghaert
7.
Club Villa Malcolm
Cordoba 5064
Before or after dinner, take a class or dance freely in one of the city's most bohemian locales. The site is, first and foremost, a football club, which makes the atmosphere unusual, to say the least. It also attracts a younger audience.
8.
La Bicicleta
Gorriti 5417
There's no stereotyping of this informal milonga. There may be no hardwood floor, but instead, there's superb decor, impressive tango expertise and a mad desire to join in the fun. The wine and homemade food are also excellent. Every Monday, it's the favourite practica of young 'Portenos'.
9.
Los Zucca
Humberto Primo 1462
The last in our list of the best milongas in Buenos Aires is a classic in the oldest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, San Telmo. Every Thursday from 10:30pm, the Centro Region Leonesa is transformed into a wonderful dance floor and becomes one of the best tango halls in Buenos Aires. A short lesson is given to all levels of expertise, then the floor is opened up to everyone. The audience is pretty young.
Header image by Kevin Faingnaert