11 Things to Do in Buenos Aires at Night
Buenos Aires is one of those cities that never sleeps. Discover it when the sun goes down and the lights fill it with a special magic and charm.
If you want to really discover Buenos Aires, you can't miss visiting it at night, when the incandescent lights come on and it's at its most bustling. Enjoy the shows, crowded streets and varied gastronomy available once the sun goes down, and get to know the Argentinean capital from a completely different point of view.
And, to do so, don't miss a play at the Teatro Colón, a panoramic view of the capital from the terrace of the legendary Palacio Barolo, a walk along Calle Corrientes or a cocktail in a speakeasy. These are some of the main things to do in the Argentine capital.
1. Enjoy a tango show
A tango show in Buenos Aires is a unique cultural experience not to be missed if you visit the city. Tango is a traditional Argentinean dance and the capital of Buenos Aires is known as the birthplace of this genre. There are several places in the city where you can enjoy live tango shows, from small bars and restaurants to theatres and dance halls:
- Tango show at the Teatro Piazzolla in Buenos Aires, from CAD 67.
- Tango show at the Café de los Angelitos in Buenos Aires, from CAD 147.
During the show, professional dancers move to the rhythm of the music in a sensual and elegant dance that reflects the passion and romanticism of the genre. Enjoying a tango show in Buenos Aires is an unforgettable experience that immerses you in the culture and history of the city**, an ideal opportunity to experience the dance and music** that are part of Argentina's cultural heritage. In addition, many places offer additional activities such as:
- Dinners or cocktails during the show, including delicious options of Argentinean gastronomy.
- Live music, with bands and orchestras playing instruments such as accordion, piano and violin.
- Private tango class in Buenos Aires, an ideal experience. Find out all the information about tango classes and give it a try.
2. Design your night route in Buenos Aires
Another excellent option to get into the Argentinian capital when the sun goes down is to book a private tour in Buenos Aires, as you have the option to choose to do it from dusk onwards and design the route according to your preferences.
In this private activity you will go with an expert guide who will adapt to your tastes and those of your group and, in this way, you will be able to choose the main monuments you want to see. In my opinion, the Plaza de Mayo, the Caminito de la Boca, the San Telmo Market are not to be missed. But you can also include some more curious points of interest such as the Paseo del Fileteado, the Zanjón de Granados or the Recoleta Cemetery.
In addition, the guide can give you some tips on how to experience the atmosphere of the Argentine capital to the fullest or give you some tips on the main dishes of the local gastronomy very useful for the rest of your trip.
3. Walk along Corrientes street
Walking along Corrientes Avenue at night in Buenos Aires is an exciting and lively experience. This street is one of the most famous in the city and you won't miss it if you book a guided tour in Buenos Aires. Don't hesitate, you won't be able to say you really know Buenos Aires until you get lost in its layout.
Avenida Corrientes is known for its vibrant nightlife and for being the heart of Buenos Aires theatre, but also for its theatres, many of which are considered among the most important in Argentina. In addition, you'll find bars, traditional pizzerias and even bookstores open until the early hours of the morning. Corrientes Avenue is the perfect place to:
- Experience the Porteño nightlife.
- Discover the energy of the city at every corner.
- Enjoy a theatre play.
- Dine in an elegant restaurant.
- Or just let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere.
Moreover, it will also attract your attention because of its open view to the Obelisk, the most representative monument of the city and a must on the best tours of Buenos Aires.
4. Take a night tour of the Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta is one of the most emblematic places in Buenos Aires. It is full of history, mystery and is home to many impressive tombs and mausoleums belonging to some of the most important families in Argentine history. It has many trees and flowers, which make it a quiet place during the day, but at night the atmosphere is very different.
Booking a tour of the Recoleta Cemetery is an unforgettable experience. The tombs and mausoleums are illuminated by dim lights that create a mysterious and supernatural atmosphere, so you can immerse yourself in the legends of Buenos Aires. You can also visit some of the most famous tombs in the cemetery such as the grave of Eva Peron, the famous Argentinean politician and actress.
Although the cemetery may seem like an ominous place, the tour guides are prepared to make the experience safe and exciting. They will also ask that as a visitor you respect the solemnity of the place and that no damage is done to the tombs and mausoleums. Are you ready for this spooky experience?
5. Visit the Obelisk
The Obelisk is an iconic monument in the centre of Buenos Aires and can be seen from various points in the city. During the night it can be a very interesting experience, as you will see it illuminated by the incandescent lights of the popular Corrientes Avenue, and also by its own artificial lights, which change colour according to the time of the year and the events it represents, creating a magical postcard of Buenos Aires.
Visiting the Obelisk at night allows you to enjoy the city in a quieter atmosphere. The crowds of tourists and residents who visit the area during the day are less crowded and it will be easier to appreciate the beauty of the monument and its surroundings. You will also be able to take some of the best photographs of your trip.
To do so, you can book your ticket for the Buenos Aires tourist bus and get there comfortably. There is a great offer such as hop on-hop off tourist buses. Besides, near the Obelisco, you can also find several restaurants and cafés that offer open views towards the monument. You can get there by public transportation on the
6. Attend a play at the Colón Theatre
The Teatro Colon is one of the most important theatres in the world, known for its exceptional acoustics and impressive architecture. Here you can enjoy opera, ballet, contemporary dance and acoustic musicals.
The elegant and sophisticated atmosphere of the theatre will envelop you as soon as you walk through the entrance door and the bright lights illuminate the majestic façade of the building. And once inside, you'll be amazed by its classical architecture and exquisite décor, so the show will start long before the performance begins.
In general, a visit to the Teatro Colón is an unmissable experience. The plays performed are of high quality, so it is well worth the investment. And after the performance, you can have a drink at the theatre bar or stroll around the nearby area, which is crowned by the popular Corrientes Street and the Obelisk, which marks the kilometre 0 of Buenos Aires. And if you want to get to know all its nooks and crannies, be sure to book a guided tour of the Teatro Colón the next morning.
7. Enjoy the panoramic views of Buenos Aires from the Barolo Palace.
Palacio Barolo is a majestic building located in the historic centre of Buenos Aires, which is famous for its rich history, for its strong relationship with the city and because it offers one of the most beautiful views from its terrace, which is crowned by an open-air bar.
This palace was built in the early 20th century and is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture. It is considered one of the finest buildings in Buenos Aires. From its dome, which reaches a height of more than 100 metres, you can appreciate a 360 degree view of the skyline and observe some of the neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires and the most emblematic monuments of the city such as:
- The Obelisk.
- The 9 de Julio Avenue.
- The Colón Theatre.
- The National Congress.
- San Telmo neighbourhood.
- The district of Palermo.
- The neighbourhood of La Boca.
- The Recoleta neighbourhood.
However, bear in mind that the view from the Barolo Palace is particularly interesting at sunset, when the sun sets and the city begins to light up with the night lights, so I recommend you to book the last guided tour of the day for the Barolo Palace. An experience not to be missed, especially if you plan to visit Buenos Aires in summer, when the weather is pleasant and the sky is usually clear.
8. Discover the nightlife of Palermo Soho
Palermo Soho is one of the most vibrant and fashionable areas of Buenos Aires, especially at night. Its bars and nightclubs are often creatively decorated and offer a wide variety of drinks and cocktails available to choose from. The restaurants are also an excellent choice for dinner, offering a wide range of Argentinean and international dishes in an elegant atmosphere.
In addition, Palermo Soho also has many nightclubs offering a wide variety of music, from electronic to rock and pop. Many of these clubs are very popular among young people, especially those looking for a night of partying and dancing.
One of the most interesting things about the nightlife in Palermo Soho is the range on offer. In fact, you can also book a graffiti tour in Buenos Aires. And, of course, you can find quiet and stylish bars, as well as discos, dance clubs and live music venues.
9. Take a stroll through Puerto Madero
Strolling around Puerto Madero is one of the best things to see and do in Buenos Aires. It is one of the most distinguished neighbourhoods in the Argentine capital and walking along its streets and docks at night is a magical experience not to be missed if you visit the city. This place is known for its modern architecture, its impressive bridges and its vibrant nightlife.
During your night walk through Puerto Madero you will be able to:
- See the lights of the buildings reflected in the water of the harbour and create a must-see atmosphere.
- Enjoy the view of the boats and yachts anchored in the harbour, the well-lit walkways and the green areas surrounding the neighbourhood.
- Find several trendy restaurants and bars offering a variety of dining options and sophisticated cocktails.
- Come across designer shops that invite you to browse while enjoying the nightlife scene, which you will find particularly busy if you plan to visit Buenos Aires in January or during the summer months.
Puerto Madero is a key location if you book a bike tour of Buenos Aires and is also home to several tourist attractions, such as the Puente de la Mujer bridge and the Sarmiento frigate, which you can visit at night. If you're looking for a more active night out, Puerto Madero is also home to several bars and nightclubs that stay open late into the night.
10. Delve into the culinary culture with a gastronomic tour and wine tasting.
If you are a lover of good food and wine, a gastronomic tour with wine tasting during the night in Buenos Aires is an experience not to be missed. The Argentine capital is known for its rich gastronomic culture and its wine tradition, which makes it an ideal destination to enjoy a gastronomic tour in the city with wine tasting or even if you are looking for a more active proposal, you can book a cooking class of Argentine empanadas in Buenos Aires.
On the tours you can visit some of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, each one with its own style and specialities. As well as sampling the local food, you will also have the opportunity to taste some of the best wines in the country. Winemakers will guide you through the different grape varieties, the winemaking processes and the proper tasting of each grape variety.
In addition to the delicious food and wine, the tour will also give you the opportunity to explore some of the busiest areas of Buenos Aires at night. You'll walk through the illuminated streets, admiring the architecture and beauty of the city while learning about its rich history and culture.
11. Sip a cocktail at a speakeasy bar
Having a cocktail in a speakeasy in Buenos Aires is an exciting experience that will transport you back to the prohibition era of the 1920s in the United States. Speakeasies were secret bars that operated underground during Prohibition and Buenos Aires has its own well-publicised version of these speakeasies that often require a secret password, adding to the sense of adventure and mystery.
Once inside the speakeasy you will find yourself in an intimate, sophisticated and elegant environment, evoking the atmosphere of the past, with decorations and furnishings that seem to have been taken straight out of the 1920's. The cocktails served are signature, with quality drinks and unique and creative presentations. Just be aware that you may need to book in advance.
The atmosphere in these speakeasies is generally quiet, making it a perfect place to enjoy an intimate night out with friends or a partner. In addition, these bars tend to have low lighting and soft music, creating a relaxing and inviting setting.