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Buenos Aires Nightlife

Night owls won't be disappointed by the after-dark action in Buenos Aires, that darts between brooding tango spectacles in traditional milongas (dance halls) and raucous all-nighters in booming boliches (nightclubs) where top-draw DJs start well after midnight and attract a mixed bunch of local and foreign party-goers. In every district an eclectic medley of bars abound, spanning from style-conscious cocktail lounges and sultry wine bars to the city's latest trend of low-profile speakeasies.

Nightlife peaks from Thursday to Saturday, but on week nights BA still brims with plenty of other cultural attractions, including amazing opera at majestic colonial theatres and high-octane percussion sets staged in avant-garde cultural centres. Various websites offer events listings such as Vuenoz Airez (www.vuenosairez.com) but it's also worthwhile checking the entertainment section of newspapers like English-language The Buenos Aires Herald (www.buenosairesherald.com) and La Nación (www.lanacion.com.ar). Most venues have box offices, but there are also a number of centralised carteleras (ticket agencies) such Ticketek (www.ticketek.com.ar).

Bars in Buenos Aires

Frank’s

Dress to impress at this see-and-be-seen speakeasy that pulls out the stops with its sultry prohibition theme - there's vintage wallpaper, pumping electro-jazz and bow-tied bartenders serving signature cocktails strong enough to make you swoon. Check its Facebook page for a password to get past the doormen, then be ready to dial in at a phone box for access to the hidden drinking lair.

Address: Palermo Hollywood, Arévalo 1443, Buenos Aires,
Telephone: +54 11 4777 6541

Milión

Pass through an arched entrance to find Milión housed in a grand turn-of-the-century mansion complete with French windows that open onto a sweeping outdoor balcony and leafy garden. The drinks menu is a weighty tome of heady cocktails and rich Argentinean reds, and the elegant bar is complimented by a dining area and an in-house DJ playing laid-back tunes.

Address: Recoleta, Paraná 1048, Buenos Aires,
Telephone: +54 11 4815 9925
Website: http://www.milion.com.ar

Verne Club

One of Palermo Viejo's hottest hangouts, Verne Club is the place to find something a bit more refined than a pint of Quilmes. Among its Persian rugs, inviting Chesterfield sofas and vinyl-spinning DJs, you'll find expertly made cocktails, a relaxed atmosphere and gourmet panchos (hot dogs) to soak up all the booze.

Address: Palermo Viejo, Medrano 1475, Buenos Aires,
Telephone: +54 11 4822 0980
Website: http://www.vernecocktailclub.com

Clubs in Buenos Aires

Crobar

As one of the established 'mega-clubs' in Buenos Aires, Crobar offers mainstream house music that draws in a smartly dressed, wealthy set. If those tunes don't cut it, there are myriad mezzanine levels and a back room playing everything from Latin pop to classic rock along with four bars providing refreshment for revellers.

Address: Palermo, Marcelo Freyre S/N, Paseo de la Infanta, Buenos Aires,
Telephone: +54 11 4778 1500
Website: http://www.crobar.com.ar

Kika

Ultra hip hangout favoured by Porteños (Buenos Aires natives) and expats alike, Kika hosts some of the city's most buzzing club nights with DJs playing an eclectic mix of drum'n'bass, classic hip hop and electro. Tuesday nights are a particular favourite and, despite the working week being in full swing, things don't get going until the early hours.

Address: Palermo Hollywood, Honduras 5339, Buenos Aires,
Telephone: +54 11 4833 9171
Website: http://www.kikaclub.com.ar

Niceto Club

One for the cool kids, Niceto offers a great assortment of club nights, from electro-cumbia (Latin urban music) to Thursday night's weird and wonderful Club 69, which bubbles excitedly with flamboyant costumes, funky beats and a good helping of cross-dressing. It's not all DJs and dressing up though as talented live music acts often take to the stage too.

Address: Palermo, Niceto Vega 5510, Buenos Aires,
Telephone: +54 11 4779 9396
Website: http://www.nicetoclub.com

Live music in Buenos Aires

Ciudad Cultural Konex

This uber-cool cultural complex hosts an array of live music nights, but none are as good as La Bomba de Tiempo who bring their amazing and utterly unique percussion act to the stage on Monday nights. Those that miss them will find plenty of dynamic theatre and cutting-edge contemporary art to see too.

Address: Abasto, Sarmiento 3131, Buenos Aires,
Telephone: +54 11 4864 3200
Website: http://www.ciudadculturalkonex.org

El Viejo Almacén

Established in 1969, El Viejo Almacén is one of Buenos Aires' longest-standing show venues and can be found in a charming old colonial building in atmospheric San Telmo. Most come for dinner beforehand then cross the road to the small theatre where, on an intimate stage, tango dancers perform with high-octane glitz and glamour.

Address: San Telmo, Balcarce 799 e Independencia, Buenos Aires,
Telephone: +54 11 4307 7388
Website: http://www.viejoalmacen.com.ar

Teatro Colón

The refurbished Teatro Colón is home to the Buenos Aires Philharmonic orchestra who often hold free classical music recitals in the Salon Dorado (Gold Room). Tango is the dominant dance here, and shows are always worthy of such a majestic setting. Music lovers will also find incredible operas as well as ballet of the highest standard.

Address: Centro, Cerrito 628, Buenos Aires,
Telephone: +54 11 4378 7100
Website: http://www.teatrocolon.org.ar

Classical music in Buenos Aires

Dance in Buenos Aires

Theatres in Buenos Aires

Music and Dance in Buenos Aires

Culture in Buenos Aires

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Casa Calma

In the heart of downtown Buenos Aires, this wellness boutique equips its 17 rooms with jacuzzi tubs and six deluxe rooms have saunas. The vibe throughout is eco-chic, with furniture fashioned from recycled fabrics and floors crafted from sustainable pine. Healthy buffet breakfast, bicycle hire and an honesty bar are among its many attractions.

Faena Hotel

A pioneering design hotel, opulently contemporary Faena has been crafted out of a former grain warehouse along the docks of Puerto Madero. Designed by Philippe Starck, the interior is an eclectic mix of minimalist décor, regal furniture and quirky artefact, with facilities counting a spa, outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art meeting and events space and two stylish restaurants.

Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

A 5-star Park Hyatt property in the affluent downtown Recoleta district, chandeliers and working fireplaces set the tone in this grand palace - first built in 1934 and lovingly restored in 2006. The 165-room hotel commands an impressive array of art in its underground gallery, the Paseo de las Artes Duhau, and facilities include the Ahín Wellness & Spa with its indoor swimming pool, sauna and whirlpool.

Hotel Frossard

This centrally located hotel offers simple, modern facilities in an old, French-style house. Most visitors are attracted by the reasonable prices and ease of access to nearby cultural attractions rather than its specific charm. Offering bed and breakfast, Hotel Frossard is also surrounded by many of the city's finest cafés and restaurants which makes it a worthy budget choice in what can be a pricey city.

Telmo Tango

This friendly San Telmo hostel and bed-and-breakfast is a comfortable option for newcomers to Buenos Aires. Organised trips include outings to football games and sailing from Puerto Madero, and the English-speaking manager is happy to share his tips on the city. The building's top terrace is a nice little spot to catch the sun away from the busy streets. Ask for a room at the front of the building that benefits from a balcony.

Pop Hotel

This budget boutique hotel is located in the emerging neighbourhood of Villa Crespo amid a scattering of trendy cafes, art spaces and new restaurants. The hotel's design is fresh and urban, with 44 air-conditioned rooms boasting plenty of light and fitted with iPod docks and security boxes for laptops. The deluxe rooms offer private balconies and breakfast croissant delivery.