Best Places to Learn and Dance Tango in Buenos Aires

Perhaps one of the most well known milongas, or tango dancehalls in Buenos Aires, this Palermo Soho location draws the best of the local tango scene, but for complete novices it also offers classes that are split into six different levels of experience, so you don’t need to feel embarrassed if you are a tango virgin. Classes can be enrolled in at any time of the year without booking in advance, and they also offer salsa, rock, swing and bachata classes to get your hips swinging no matter what dance floats your boat.

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La Catedral is better known for its venue than for its tango classes. Located in a crumbling old building in the heart of Almagro, La Catedral used to be a flour storage space, and the vast cavernous space with its high ceilings and assortment of random nooks and crannies speak to its former life. A great option for tourists who are looking to dip their toe in the tango pool without jumping in head first, La Catedral offers classes every day, on Mondays and Wednesday at midday, and also every evening before the nightly milonga gets going. Head there around 7.30pm for a class and then put your skills to work on the dancefloor when the live music begins around 10.30pm.

This tango school is located in a beautiful old mansion in the southern neighbourhood of San Telmo and exudes all the classic charm of Buenos Aires. As well as being a tango school, Mariposita doubles as a boutique hotel and cultural centre, inviting visitors, guests and students to really live and breathe the tango experience. It takes its tango seriously, and there are a wide range of classes for everyone from beginners to experts. Take a group or a private class, or if you are interested in really perfecting certain aspects of the dance, take a choreography class or a coaching lesson for professional dancers.

Widely considered one of the best places to train in tango in the world, Academia de Tango Mora Godoy is run by internationally renowned tango artist Mora Godoy, who famously danced with Barack Obama on his state visit to Argentina in 2015. This school is considered revolutionary in the world of tango because it was the first to break out of the traditional mould of tango and introduce new concepts and styles, something which had never been attempted before.

Escuela de Tango has a long history of dance education, with over 20 years experience in the training of students and teachers. The school is focused on preserving the history of tango and keep the energy of tango alive in the city. Classes are held daily from Monday to Saturday and occasionally invited teachers give special workshops on a variety of topics related to dance and movement.

DNI Tango is perfect for people passing through the city who want to get a taste of what tango is all about. Attracting a young crowd of travelers, expats and people spending a few months in Buenos Aires, DNI Tango offers classes for all levels in a number of languages, and you can attend group classes, private classes, themed classes or workshops. Check out a free introductory class to see if tango is for you.

This is the place to go if you are serious about making tango a central part of your life. Also known as the University of Tango, the Centro del Tango de Bueno Aires offers numerous courses that revolve around tango, from the history and culture of the dance to tango instructor training and the musical language of tango. Some of the courses are free, so you can brush up on the theoretical side of tango while you take a break from dancing.

An old classic on the Buenos Aires tango scene, Maldita is a great option for newbies and better dancers alike. The milonga’s standout attraction is definitely its live orchestra, El Atronfe, which plays once or twice a week (check Facebook or Instagram to see when they are on and make a reservation). The orchestra is comprised of Maldita’s managers who founded the space some ten years ago, eventually becoming legendary in the local scene. Be sure to arrive by 11 pm when the orchestra starts, or by 9 pm to join classes that cater to all levels. Recommended by Harry Stewart

Cosy and intimate, El Beso puts on a different themed event almost every night. The most popular of which is the infamous Cachirulo on Tuesdays from 9 pm to 3 am, said by those in the know to be the best tango event in the city. But take note, this is an experts only affair so beginners will feel very out of place on the dance floor. Of course, feel free to turn up and watch the pros working their magic. LGBT dancers should check out their Friday event, La Marshál Milonga Gay, for some gay friendly tango action. Recommended by Harry Stewart

Best on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays when the renowned tango production company Parakultural puts on an epic event including orchestras, singers and live performances. This longstanding milonga has been entertaining crowds for over 15 years, attracting a mixed bag of locals, tourists, beginners and experts of all ages. After the live performances finish in the early hours of the morning, some of the city’s best dancers take advantage of the excellent quality dance floor to strut their stuff in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Recommended by Harry Stewart

Not a night owl? Then check out Confiteria Ideal’s Matineé Milonga, an afternoon tango session that begins at the far more reasonable hour of 3 pm. Downstairs is an elegant cake shop, which although a little aged, is a local institution that has sold an exquisite selection of pastries to Buenos Aires’ elite since 1912. The upstairs dance hall features a massive domed roof and is lit by a series of graceful lanterns that exude old world charm. This historically important landmark also puts on a Saturday evening event from 10 pm for those who prefer late nights.

Recommended by Harry Stewart