Tango and Steaks: The Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires

Overview

Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital city of Argentina, boats unparalleled cultural experiences, world-class cuisine, and enough tango dancing to keep you busy for weeks. A densely populated city with a rich history, Buenos Aires has evolved into a fascinating destination to experience South American art, music, and food.

Here we’ve researched some of the best things to do in Buenos Aires for a well-rounded cultural experience:

Indulge in Local Cuisine

Empanadas

Argentina is well recognized for its amazing traditional food. Argentines love their empanadas, and it is pretty clear why. Empanadas are small folded pastries with various savory fillings like beef, chicken, spinach, and cheese. They are a popular street food and a prominent part of national cuisine, and you can find countless empanadaseries throughout the city.

Asado

Asado is a typical Argentinian barbecue, consisting of various components like chorizo (sausage), morcilla (blood sausage), and vacio (stomach of the cow). Pairs of steaks and mollejas (sweetbreads) can be found in the asado too. Barbecuing and sharing meals with friends, family or colleagues is an integral part of the Argentine culture, and it typically involves a variety of smoked meats prepared on a barbecue called a parrilla. Not to be missed!

Parrilla dining

You can explore some top-rated parrillas located in Buenos Aires’ neighborhoods, where food and wine culture is pampering you with the delightful tastes of traditional Argentine dishes. Try flavors like bif hojeo, a cut of beef that is thinly sliced against the grain, cooked over hot coals, twice – once for the flames, and once for the soot.

Experience the Tango

The story of tango is deeply connected with the story of Buenos Aires. Tango was an improvised dance shared by working-class people in the slums of Buenos Aires around the 1880s. The dance gained popularity over the years and then reached the world stage through various artistic mediums.

Visit the Original Tango Houses

There’s no better way to fully immerse yourself in the world of tango than by visiting one of the city’s renowned tango houses such as La Viejita Milongas or397427. These venues have been around for decades and maintain a traditional atmosphere, where locals gather to enjoy live music, dance, and share their passion for tango.

Experience Tango Shows

Tango shows in Buenos Aires are numerous and typically feature talented dancers, singers, and musicians, expressing the art of tango through live performances. Shows may be accompanied by a full orchestra or a smaller ensemble, and they give you an insight into the evolution of the dance. Check out various places that offer tango shows like El Quimmil or Esquina Barrio Alma during your visit.

Take Tango Classes

For the more active travelers who want to spice up their dance moves, a variety of milongas and tango performances all over the city present an opportunity to join classes or workshops to learn some basic steps or to improve their skills. Tango schools like Señor Tango or Tango Kryss are famous institutions that teach Argentine tango

Explore the Buenos Aires Architecture

Spain left its cultural and architectural footprint on Buenos Aires during the colonization period. As a result, the city exhibits a rich mix of architecture that transports you to Spain.

La Mancha

One beautiful example of Spanish Colonial architecture is La Mancha, a small neighborhood full of white houses with colorful tiles, cobblestone streets, and wooden balconies. This part of Buenos Aires feels like a step back in time and is the perfect spot for a romantic walk or photography session.

Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento

Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento is a church that displays a remarkable French neo-classical façade built in the 18th century. This magnificent structure is one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Argentina.

Support Local Art

Buenos Aires identifies itself as a center for art, so be sure to notice its intense emotion and idealism.

San Telmo Thursday Market

San Telmo is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires and also home to one of Buenos Aires’ most famous features: the Sunday market, or the Feria de San Telmo. This market is a living art museum, where you can find anything from antique furniture to contemporary art installations and street performances. This is a must-visit place, especially on Sundays.

Recoleta Cemetery

The cemetery is a museum of mausoleums with an incredible variety of designs showcasing 19th-century Romanticism, Neo-Gothic, and Pseudo-Mexican architectural styles. If you are an admirer of art or architecture, this is a perfect location to contemplate the unique artistry of stone.

Enjoy Buenos Aires Culture

Buenos Aires is a city that pulsates with culture. From its effervescent performing arts to the vibrant artistic community, the city is a joy to experience.

Teatro Colón

Described as one of the five best theaters worldwide, Teatro Colón offers a variety of performances, ranging from ballet to opera and classical music concerts. This is a must-visit location for culture vultures, also because of its architectural beauty.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

The museum houses an extensive collection of Argentine and foreign art, including a variety of sculptures, paintings, and drawings. It’s always good to spend some quiet time here, away from the noisy city.

Conclusion

Buenos Aires is a rich, layered city with much to offer any traveler looking to delve into Spanish colonial architecture, indulge in local delicacies, and be part of the tango dance. So, when you’re in Buenos Aires, lend an ear to the rhythm of the city, indulge in its famous flavors, and allow the tango to guide you through an unforgettable journey.