What is the best tango show in Buenos Aires? Is it a must-do when you visit Buenos Aires or is it too touristic? Is there a difference between shows? Argentina is the birthplace of the tango. A dance with influences from Africa, Native America, and Europe.
Where to see the best tango show in Buenos Aires? This is my honest and personal review of all the tango shows I visited in Buenos Aires. And going again to keep you up to date 🙂
Read also: hop-on hop-off bus in Buenos Aires, worth the money?
MY PERSONAL TIPS:
- Most of the tango shows also offer the “only show” option.
- Pick-up service at your hotel is an option to ask.
- The tango show in Buenos Aires mostly starts around 10 p.m. (22h00).
BOOK A TANGO SHOW
I went to see all the tango shows mentioned below. And I keep going to check and talk with the owners of the shows. Because of that, I was able to get a good connection with all the tango shows and talk about being a preferred partner of them. You can book most of the tango shows directly on Secrets of Buenos Aires. Skipping the line, and having English customer service. Don’t hesitate to contact me for more info.
CHECK AVAILABILITYThe best tango show in Buenos Aires
1. El Querandi Tango
El Querandi tango show is located in the old city center San Telmo on 5 minutes walk from Plaza de Mayo. The nice thing about the building of El Querandi is that you will enter a smaller tango show location than any other. You will get easier that cozy feeling, especially when the tango show is playing. The dancers do use the whole room including where you are sitting at the table.
The dances were magnificent, great tango skills, and on the background a live tango music band. At El Querandi there is also a focus on the music. The band has 2 or 3 solo acts, and in the meantime, the artists are changing their dresses.
The tango show will show you the complete history of tango. From the Belle Epoque time to the modern tango of today. The food was good and the waiters were efficient and do speak English.
From USD 58 (show + start or dessert + drinks) – USD 99 (with 3-course dinner)
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2. El Viejo Almacen
El Viejo Almacen tango has over 50 years of experience in bringing tango on a high level. The tango was performed by 4 tango couples, a live band, and a singer. The dinner takes place in El Viejo Almacens restaurant across the street and afterward you are guided to the tango hall. The performances were great and the music was good to hear in the hall. And of course, the food was delicious. Great quality when I went. The room is cozy with small round tables with candles on it. Also, there is a balcony that gives you a view from above.
El Viejo Almacen is located in the oldest neighborhood of Buenos Aires, San Telmo. Easy to reach by taxi or public transport.
Watch my personal review video below for more insight.
From USD 59 (show only) – USD 98 (with dinner)
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3. Tango Porteño
Did you take a picture at the Obelisco? Then you definitely spotted Tango Porteño. Located on the widest avenue 9 de Julio. A Broadway atmosphere with a sense of throwback to the 1920s, especially when you enter the building. Good performances of the dancers and live music band. A beautiful big stage at the tango show Porteño with may changes during the show. A tango show in Buenos Aires I can recommend if you’re looking for an “only tango show” option. Don’t expect the best seats but you didn’t miss a tango show :-). Of course, tango Porteño offers other packages depending on your wishes.
The room is big with rows of tables from the front till the back. It’s a perfect tango show in the middle of the city center. Before or afterward, you can go out for a drink or pizza in Avenida Corrientes.
From USD 38 (only show) – USD 119 (with dinner)
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4. Piazzolla Tango
A unique experience in the heart of Argentina. Piazzolla Tango is located in the Galleria General Guemes. When entering the theater you will notice the beautiful Art Nouveau style. Piazzolla Tango offers every night the tango show “Four Seasons of Tango” with Astor Piazzolla´s traditional songs.
Tango Piazzolla is one of the classic show in town. Pure traditional atmosphere and experience. The dinner and serving was good and nothing to comment on. The show was impressive. Very good tango dancers and that big stage. What gives a great view for everybody.
Average price: USD 74 (show only with 2 drinks ) – USD 99 (with dinner)
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5. La Ventana
La Ventana is one of the most popular tango shows among travel organizations. Of course, I went to check it out. It’s located in San Telmo and easy to reach by taxi or walking from Plaza de Mayo.
It was a friendly welcome and we were guided to our table. I was surprised about the decoration in the hall. A bit kitsch and over the top but it was pretty nice to see and be there.
The food was great. Especially the steak, which they recommended, was delicious. Time enough for having dinner and not a rush feeling.
The tango show itself was beautiful to see. A good mix of singers and tango dancers guided by a live band. A recommendation!
From: USD 79 (show only) – USD 129 (with dinner)
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6. Cafe de Los Angelitos
Cafe de Los Angelitos is located near the congress. So, easy to get there. Angelitos is a household name in Buenos Aires when it comes to tango shows. I got to know the cafe while walking around the city. I happened to stop there to eat a piece of Pan Dulce until I noticed that at night tango shows take place here behind the big red curtain.
The stage looks small but nevertheless 7 tango couples put on a beautiful performance. Accompanied by 2 singers and a quintet playing above the tango dancers. I am always amazed by their dance skills. A level that you can hardly see anywhere else.
You definitely need to go to Cafe de Los Angelitos if you like a traditional tango in a busy area and perfect to end your tour there.
From: USD 79
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More: best tango show in Buenos Aires
7. Carlos Gardel
Who doesn’t know Carlos Gardel? Argentina’s most famous tango singer. The Carlos Gardel Tango show is in honor of the great singer. It brings you back to the origin of tango in the city. The tango dancers on the stage were incredible. Such talented dancers.
The tango hall is very nice too. Beautiful style from the roaring ’20s. I didn’t have anything to complain about. It was a great night out.
Average price: USD 74 (show only with 2 drinks ) – USD 99 (with dinner)
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8. Rojo Tango Show
Rojo Tango advertises itself as an exclusive tango show in Buenos Aires. I have to be honest, indeed. It is special in that it takes place first in the luxurious hotel Faena. That is already something to look forward to. The room is small and intimate. Sometimes the idea that it was a little too small once the band started.
The tango performance was beautiful. You sit so close to the stage that the show is given just for you. The food was good with appropriate wines. Now I had expected something higher for the price, but it is the total experience that does it.
Rojo Tango is really something for you if you like a more exclusive atmosphere, a small-scale, and a cozy night out.
Average price: USD 190 (show only) – USD 260 (with dinner)
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9. Esquina Homero Manzi
Located in Boedo there is Esquina Homero Manzi Tango show. On the outside, it doesn’t look like a theater. However inside, there is room for a lot of people. Carlos Rossi (a famous tango singer) performance there 3 times per week. Especially the violist is a nice extra touch! I suggest taking a taxi to this show because the location is deeper in the city.
Average price: USD 40 (show only) – USD 80 (with dinner)
10. Madero Tango
Madero Tango, somewhat special. Located in Puerto Madero it gives a very commercial feeling. The show itself was beautiful and well performed. However, it feels that they place too many people at one table. Online reservations get a discount of up to 40%. Almost at the end of our list “best tango show in Buenos Aires”.
Average price: USD 30 (show only) – USD 86 (with dinner)
11. Señor Tango
Señor Tango is located in Barracas. A district between San Telmo and La Boca. It’s a combination of singing and tango. However, sometimes we had the feeling that “The Señor” took too much time on the stage and we often missed the tango.
Average price: USD 38 (show only) – USD 100 (with dinner)
This is my personal recommendation for the best tango show in Buenos Aires. I hope you will enjoy your tango show experience in Buenos Aires.
The tango show world cup
Every year around August – September, the city of Buenos Aires is the host of the Tango Show world cup and festival. The best moment to see a tango show in the open air, explore all kinds of tango styles and just enjoy the vibe of the city. Last year in 2021, an Argentina couple of dancers won the World Cup.
More info about the tango festival in Buenos Aires.
18 Comments
Hi Glenn, thanks for the info! I am travelling alone to BA during Easter so I wonder if shows are open by then and if you recommend any for non-couple travellers? And what about street shows? Just curious, thanks again for your nice blog!!
Hi Marianna, last time I went to El Viejo Almacen and Tango Porteño for example. The solo travelers had their own private table during dinner. Maybe Tango Porteño is a nicer location for solo travelers because it’s located next to the Obelisco. Always something to do in the neighborhood there.
We currently have dinner reservations at Piegari Carnes on 9 March. Are any of these tango shows in that area by chance? The restaurant was recommended by friends so we’d like to go there and catch a show after. Thank you in advance.
Hi Shelly, the closest is Tango Porteño on 18min walking distance. The show starts at 22h00. 🙂
Thanks for all the information about Tango (for tourists).
We’re going to be staying at the Marriott, and inclined towards just the show at Tango Porteno. Also most reviews, and over 86 percent good, in TripAdvisor.
El Querandi also being considered as recommended by Frommer’s and Fodors
Cheers
Hi Glenn, to clarify, the order from 1-10 is how you rank the various shows? Not sure if your “personal recommendation” comment at the end is general or referring to Señor Tango. Thanks!
Hi MJ, the list is of course my personal opinion and experiences when I went to see the tango show in Buenos Aires.
I decided to take our group to El Querandi. Does anyone know if there is a table for 6 in a good location? Also, for a small extra fee, they offer guaranteed good seating . Is it worth it?
Hi Robert, You can book the tickets through my website. I try to take care for good seatings 😀
Glenn was such a pleasure to work with – I did el querandi, Almacen and Ventana – and I absolutely loved querandi. Glenn is awesome and he made the process so much easier – muchas gracias glenn !! Buenos Dias
Deepak
Hi Glenn, thank you for making my research easier with your best tango show write up. Are we allowed to take video of the show? Set up a small tripod on top of our table with my cell to record show for family to view back home?
As Buenos Aires is known as the ‘Paris of the South’, what is the appropriate attire
to wear for both men & women?
Muchas gracias and hoping to hear from you!
Hi Joskie, in my experience I asked for permission to film parts of the tango show. You can always ask at the reception 🙂
Just casual is perfect for the tango evening in Buenos Aires. Enjoy!
Hi Glenn , Would you be kind enough to explain your rating system for the tango shows. Maybe I just missed what you have already explained. Even though I live in Bariloche with my Argentinian wife, I am interested in your observations…
Hi Wayne ?, It’s a personal list I made after seeing the tango shows in Buenos Aires. I watched the tango show and dance performance in it. I myself am not a tango dancer or familiar with the techniques, but it is a personal feeling how I experienced the show. The reception, the cozyness, and the dinner are also included in the score. ☺️ Maybe a good idea that I make a score per part of the experience.
What about the show at the Borges Cultural Center? Theatre seating but I thought it was a good option for someone who didn’t want an overpriced or mediocre dinner.
Hi Stephen, if you want to enjoy the true origin of tango, then you should go to a “Milonga”. Those are small dance halls where people come together and share their passion of tango. For the tango shows, there are mostly options without dinner available and the price is ok.
Thanks Bruno for the info about the best tango show in Buenos Aires. We went eventually to Tango Porteño near the Obelisco. The location was easy to reach by taxi, even from Palermo where we stayed. Your right, it has indeed a 1920 style building, also inside. Fantastic. A big stage with wonderfull tango dancers. The dinner was good with drinks all night long. Definitely worth to do when in Buenos Aires.
Hi Paul ?, thank you for your kind review. Lovely to hear that you enjoyed the tango show in Buenos Aires. Have a wonderful day!