Tango Shows in Buenos Aires: El Viejo Almacén Review + More!

You can’t come to Buenos Aires and not see a tango show—it’s like going to Naples and skipping the pizza. But with so many performances, how do you pick the right one?

During my five weeks in Buenos Aires, I made it a point to see a tango show shortly after I arrived. I chose El Viejo Almacén, one of the city’s most historic venues. Spoiler alert: I loved it.

In this post, I’ll break down my review of the show at El Viejo Almacén as well as 14 other tango performances to consider.

To put this list together, I’ve done extensive research, including getting tips from a local guide and scouring reviews.

Whether you’re looking for a smaller traditional performance or something larger and flashier, I’ve got you covered. I’ve even thrown in tips for free tango shows in Buenos Aires and a few beginner-friendly classes if you want to learn a move or two yourself.

Best Tango Performances at a Glance

There are so many incredible tango shows in Buenos Aires that it can feel a little overwhelming trying to choose. At a quick glance, here are some of the best tango performances to consider for your trip:

• For one of the most traditional performances: El Viejo Almacén
• To see how tango has evolved through the ages: El Querandi Tango
• For the most luxurious experience: Rojo Tango
• To see a more elaborate performance: Señor Tango

I’ve also put this graphic together to help you quickly compare some of the best ticketed shows in the city:

What Can You Expect During a Tango Show in Buenos Aires?

Most of the ticketed tango shows start in the evening and last a little under 1.5 hours. It can make for a late night, so you may want to avoid booking a show for your first night when you may be tired and jet lagged.

However, the late night is absolutely worth it! In my opinion, seeing a tango show is one of the main reasons you should visit Buenos Aires and a must for any itinerary to the city.

Almost all of the shows listed here include the option to book dinner and transport as well.

Dinner is typically before the show, so you don’t have to worry about getting distracted during the performance. However, double check this when you’re making your booking.

The transportation can be helpful, but I found it took quite a long time. You may find it easier and faster to just take your own Uber or Bolt to the venue instead unless your ticket comes with transport.

Most of the ticketed shows on this list include live musicians. These musicians will play as the tango dancers perform.

But tango isn’t only about the dancing! It’s about the music as well–something I didn’t really know before. So with that in mind, many of these shows will also include music-only performances.

And while the focus is on tango, some of them also include folk dances and other dance styles from throughout Argentina.

If you’re interested in trying out tango dancing for yourself, a few of these shows even have the option to book a lesson.

Tip: Click the button in the top left corner to help you navigate the map.

What is the Name of the Most Famous Neighborhood for Tango in Buenos Aires?

San Telmo is the most famous neighborhood for tango in the city today. Tango originated in this neighborhood as well as the nearby neighborhood of La Boca. Since then, San Telmo has become a center for the arts in Buenos Aires.

You’ll see in the map above that most of the venues for seeing tango in Buenos Aires are in San Telmo or not far from it. Note that while this neighborhood is quite safe during the day, it’s known to be a little sketchy at night.

It’s best not to walk around much, if at all, on the streets there at night, especially if you’re alone. If you don’t arrange transport with your show ticket, it should be easy enough to call a ride share to take you back to your hotel.

Best Tango Shows in the City

There are so many outstanding tango shows in the city. Let’s dive into the details on each one!

1. El Viejo Almacén – Review of My Experience

💃 Historic venue with one of the most authentic shows | 📆 Started in 1969 | 🍽️ Dinner Option? Yes | 🚐 Hotel Transfer Option? Yes | 💵 Shows Starting at $50 | ➡️ Booking Link

During my time in Buenos Aires, one of the first things I did was see a show at El Viejo Almacén with my dad. I selected El Viejo Almacén because it’s very well reviewed, has an intimate setting, and comes at a reasonable price. My local tour guide recommended it too.

I also chose El Viejo Almacén because it’s considered one of the most popular and authentic tango shows in Buenos Aires.

Argentina’s Congress declared El Viejo Almacén a national place of interest in 1982. Some of the country’s best tango singers have performed there.

World leaders, like the King of Spain, and even Taylor Swift’s backup dancers have seen a show there.

Some people say you really don’t need to have dinner, but we really enjoyed our three-course meal. It definitely made the evening logistically easier since the staff time the meal perfectly with the show.

Meal durations in Argentina can be unpredictable, and it’s not unusual for dining out for dinner to last as long as three hours! So knowing we could have a nice meal and not have to stress about missing the show was worth it to me.

Once the show began, I appreciated that it started with a video sharing more about the history of tango.

Throughout the performance, I was impressed with the skill of the dancers as well as the variety of performances. Aside from dancers, we got to see some talented musicians and even a unique folk dance performance.

The other bonus to this show is the venue is quite intimate. This means that no matter where you’re sitting, you’ll be fairly close to the stage and get a great view of the performance. I’m a fairly short person but didn’t have any issues seeing the stage.

2. El Querandi Tango

💃 Performance that runs through all eras of Argentine tango | 📆 Started in 1992| 🍽️ Dinner Option? Yes| 🚐 Hotel Transfer Option? Yes | 💵 Shows Starting at $58 | ➡️ Booking Link

El Querandi Tango is another one of the most highly rated shows in Buenos Aires. My tour guide recommended this one as well.

What makes this performance so unique and special is that the performers showcase the different eras of Argentine tango, from its origins in the late 19th century to today.

This show comes with the options to book a hotel transfer as well as a 3-course menu that comes with alcoholic beverages during the show. The dinner here is highly rated.

Next time I’m in Buenos Aires, I plan to see this show. Everyone speaks so highly of this performance, and I love how you can see the evolution of the musical and dance style.

3. La Ventana

💃 Show with dance styles from all over Argentina | 📆 Started in 1982| 🍽️ Dinner Option? Yes | 🚐 Hotel Transfer Option? Yes | 💵 Shows Starting at $55 | ➡️ Booking Link

La Ventana provides a unique experience as it includes performances of a number of different dance styles from all over Argentina beyond tango.

This is considered one of the best tango shows in the city, and my local tour guide recommended it.

The show includes a performance of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” so if you’re a fan of the musical Evita, then you may want to choose this show for that reason.

Like most of the shows on this list, La Ventana offers hotel transfer and 3-course dinner options. But they have an number of other booking options as well, including a wine tasting and taking your own tango lesson before the show!

4. Rojo Tango

💃 The fanciest show in Buenos Aires | 📆 Started in 2005| 🍽️ Dinner Option? Yes | 🚐 Hotel Transfer Option? Yes | 💵 Shows Starting at $260 | ➡️ Booking Link

If you’re looking for the most luxurious tango show in Buenos Aires, then Rojo Tango is for you. My local tour guide described this show as “super expensive but the best.”

Celebrities like Katy Perry, Mick Jagger, and Sting have even been to this show, which is located in the ultra luxurious Faena Hotel.

The performers are considered some of the best in the country. Throughout the show, they showcase different eras of tango, starting in the 1920s. They’re also known for their stunning costumes.

The venue is quite small and intimate, so you’re fairly close to the performers. However, the stage is not elevated, so if you’re seated farther back, you may find it difficult to see some of the performance.

Reviewers rave about the dinner, but if you’re on a tight budget and still want to see this show, it would be worth it even without the dinner. Even if you book the “show only” option, you get unlimited wine and hotel transport with your ticket.

5. Café de Los Angelitos

💃 Elegant show in a historic cafe | 📆 Started in 1890| 🍽️ Dinner Option? Yes | 🚐 Hotel Transfer Option? Yes | 💵 Shows Starting at $115 | ➡️ Booking Link

Carlos Gardel, perhaps one of the most notable Argentine tango singers of all time, used to visit this cafe. It has long been a historic cafe in the city, first a popular hangout for thugs and later for musicians and politicians.

The cafe has been so popular that in the 1940s, a tango song called “Café de los Angelitos” was released and became a hit.

The tango show at Café de los Angelitos similar to the one at Rojo Tango with an elegant feel and variety of tango performances showing how the dance has evolved throughout the decades.

However, it’s a much more economical option than Rojo Tango.

Even if you don’t end up going to a show here, you can still visit during the day for a coffee and a sweet treat in the cafe.

6. Piazzolla Tango

💃 Music based on a tango icon’s work | 📆 Started in 1915| 🍽️ Dinner Option? Yes | 🚐 Hotel Transfer Option? Yes | 💵 Shows Starting at $68| ➡️ Booking Link

Named after Astor Piazzolla, who is considered to have revolutionized the musical genre into what it is today, this show is the only one in the city based on Piazzolla’s compositions.

While Piazzolla Tango has dancing, what makes this show special is the music. If you’re a music lover and interested in hearing pieces based on Piazzolla’s work that infused jazz and classical styles into the genre, then this might be the best tango show in the city for you.

The small theater is a bit larger than some of the other venues but still small enough to offer good views. It’s beautifully designed, looking like how you might imagine an old opera house.

Here you also have the option to book a tango lesson if you’d like to learn a bit more about the dancing style. Reviews generally seem good for the tango lesson as well as the dinner, but note that there are some negative reviews.

This was another one of the shows my local guide recommended. It’s on my list to check out next time I’m in the city.

7. Michelangelo Tango

💃 Cozy upscale venue with a cool bar | 📆 Started in 1967| 🍽️ Dinner Option? Yes | 🚐 Hotel Transfer Option? Yes | 💵 Shows Starting at $67| ➡️ Booking Link

The Michelangelo Tango show provides a good mix of tango singing, dancing, and folk music.

The atmosphere feels cozy but upscale. The food reviews here seem better than some of the other tango show options, so if you’re looking for a good dinner, this might be the choice for you.

There’s a chic bar here as well, so if you want to keep enjoying your evening after the show, then it’s nice to have that option.

8. Aljibe Tango

💃 One of the earliest shows in the city | 📆 Started in 1982| 🍽️ Dinner Option? Yes | 🚐 Hotel Transfer Option? Yes | 💵 Shows Starting at $48| ➡️ Booking Link

Aljibe Tango offers the earliest tango show in the city, starting at 8:15 p.m. If you’re struggling to get over jet lag or get used to Argentina’s late nights, then this show might be the best option for you.

The show includes a mix of traditional Argentine tango music and dancing as well as folk dancing.

You can choose to book a hotel transfer and a three-course dinner here. The food and wine here are highly rated.

9. Tango Porteño

💃 More affordable show in an old school movie theater | 📆 Started in 1956| 🍽️ Dinner Option? Yes | 🚐 Hotel Transfer Option? Yes | 💵 Shows Starting at $37| ➡️ Booking Link

Tango Porteño is another highly-rated tango show that my local tour guide also recommended. Like El Querandi Tango, this show includes performances that run through the different eras of tango from its inception to today.

The show is held in an old school former MGM movie theater. The venue is quite large compared to some of the others on this list, so depending on where you’re seated, you may find it harder to see the show.

Reviewers say those who have dinner with the show are given better seats, so if you plan to get dinner too, then you shouldn’t worry about getting a good view.

Even if your view isn’t that great, it’s worth noting that this is one of the more affordable shows on this list. So if you’re on a budget, it might be a good choice for you.

Tango Porteño might also be a good option for solo travelers. They seat guests at long tables, so you have more of an opportunity to meet other people in attendance.

10. Señor Tango

💃 An elaborate show run by a tango singer | 🍽️ Dinner Option? Yes | 🚐 Hotel Transfer Option? Yes | 💵 Shows Starting at $54.94| ➡️ Booking Link

Señor Tango is owned by a distinguished tango singer named Fernando Soler. It provides a variety of performances showcasing the evolution of tango as well as Argentine folk dances.

You’ll also experience a mix of solos and large-scale elaborate dance numbers. Reviewers really rave about how talented the performers are and how exciting this show is.

It looks like they really go above and beyond with their acts too–sometimes bringing out horses on stage or even having dancers flying through the air.

It’s a highly rated show that’s seen a number of famous visitors like Mariah Carey, John Travolta, and Bill Clinton.

Señor Tango has one of the largest tango show venues in Buenos Aires, seating up to 1,500 people. It’s not an intimate venue by any means, but it’s a cool setting that feels like stepping back in time into an old theater.

It’s worth noting that this tango show is a bit farther from where you’ll likely be staying in the city. If you choose this show and plan to take your own transportation there, definitely give yourself some extra time.

While I personally prefer the more intimate shows, this one looks so elaborate and exciting that I’m adding it to my list for my next visit to BA.

11. Café Tortoni

💃 One of the most affordable shows in the city’s oldest cafe | 🍽️ Dinner Option? Yes | 🚐 Hotel Transfer Option? No | 💵 Shows Starting at $27| ➡️ Book in person or on WhatsApp: +54 9 11 5010-8040

According to my local tour guide, Café Tortoni is possibly the most affordable tango show in Buenos Aires. If you’re on a budget and if you want to visit this cafe, which is the oldest in the city, then this could be a great option for you.

This cafe is one of the most popular tourist sites in Buenos Aires. There’s even a tango song about it.

As I write this, tickets cost 40.000 Argentine pesos if you buy them in cash in person at the cafe. That equates to $27 USD, but please note that prices will fluctuate, sometimes quickly due to inflation.

This show does not have a live orchestra like the others, but people say the tango performers are very talented and that they still enjoy the performance.

It’s also worth noting that the tango shows here start much earlier in the day–at 5 and 7 p.m. So if you want to see some tango but don’t want it interfering with your dinner plans or you don’t want to stay up so late, this is a good option.

Free Tango Performances in Buenos Aires

You don’t have to spend oodles of money to see a tango performance. In fact, you can even see some tango performances for free!

These performances are not quite as formal and elaborate as the options shared above, but they’re a great way to still experience Argentine tango during your trip if you just want to see a little bit of it:

12. Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo

You can often find free tango performances in Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo. They tend to take place daily, but if you really want a special experience, I recommend visiting on a Sunday when the San Telmo open air market takes place.

13. El Caminito in La Boca

Exploring the colorful streets of El Caminito is one of my favorite things to do in the city. I think it should be on every traveler’s list, and the bonus is you can see tango for free here!

Take a seat at any one of the outdoor cafes and keep your eyes peeled for one of the many performers bound to start singing or dancing nearby.

14. Puente de la Mujer in Puerto Madero

You can often find tango performers on or near the iconic pedestrian-only Puente de la Mujer bridge. This is a lovely area to go for a walk and get a drink alongside the river.

15. Calle Florida by Galerias Pacifico

Tango performers will often perform along the pedestrian-only area of Calle Florida near Galerías Pacífico Mall (a stunning mall that’s worth popping into).

I’ve heard it’s best to start near the mall but performers may be anywhere along that street between Av. Córdoba (where the mall is) to Av. Corrientes.

Tango Classes and Milongas for Dancing Opportunities

Looking to do more than just watch a tango show in Buenos Aires and try out the dance for yourself? There are a number of opportunities for you to learn tango, from organized classes to milongas, where you’ll find locals dancing tango.

Here are some tango classes in Buenos Aires to consider:

• Private tango lesson + visit to a milonga to try out your moves ($140+)
• Small group tango class + show ($149+)
• Group tango class with mate and snacks ($25+)
• Small group tango class + wine tasting ($50+)
• Private tango lesson ($39+)

When it comes to milongas, there are so many all over the city. I’ve heard these are cool milongas to check out:

• La Glorieta del Belgrano (Saturdays and Sundays with classes at 5 p.m. and the milonga from 6 to 10 p.m.)
• La Catedral del Tango (daily classes at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and the milonga at 11:30 p.m., kitchen and bar onsite as well)
• La Viruta Tango Club (classes Wed, Fri, Sun with dancing after–see schedule here)

You can also visit the Hoy Milonga website to get a schedule of milongas in the city.

Where to Stay in Buenos Aires

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Buenos Aires, here are a few options that I recommend:

📍Budget Option: Casa Vaca Hostel is in my favorite neighborhood Palermo Soho. The staff are friendly, and you have the option to either book a private or a shared room.

📍Mid-Range Option: Legado Mítico is also located in Palermo Soho. This boutique hotel has a charming interior that will be sure to help you feel at home during your stay. Rooms are clean and staff go out of their way to help you make plans and enjoy your trip.

📍Luxury Option: Palacio Duhau is located in Recoleta. Staying at this hotel will surely make you feel like royalty as it looks like the kind of place you’d see in Bridgerton!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions when it comes to tango shows in Buenos Aires.

Conclusion: Best Tango Shows in Buenos Aires

As you can see, there are so many different tango shows in Buenos Aires and each has something special to offer. I know it might feel overwhelming to decide, but honestly I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them!

If you’re feeling torn between a few options, I recommend choosing whichever is more convenient time and location wise for you and/or whichever is more affordable.

And hey, there’s nothing wrong with seeing two either! If you have the time, it could definitely be cool to see two different shows and see how they compare.

Plan the Rest of Your Time in Buenos Aires

Aside from tango, Buenos Aires has so much to do. Check out this article for a list of top activities to consider for the rest of your stay there.