5 Artsy Bars in Buenos Aires for the Business Traveler

Everyone knows Buenos Aires has one of the most active nightlife scenes in the Southern Hemisphere. But with so many bars, plazas, restaurants, and events, how does one know which to choose? Make the most of your time outside the office; check out our top 5 picks for the business traveler.

La Catedral
Sarmiento 4006 (Micro Centro)

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive is the beautiful, towering structure that houses this nightly milonga (tango gathering). But step inside, and the views only become more breathtaking: a giant heart dangles from the ceiling of this dimly lit warehouse as graceful pairs charge back and forth in step with the tango music. If you’re a newcomer, get yourself a pass to the hourly tango classes and find a table off to the side as you wait to be called into the center for class. Your tango lesson will be a good opportunity for you to practice your Spanish as the class is instructed mainly in the language.  After your lesson, continuing to occupy the dance floor or take a seat and enjoy a bottle of wine from the bar as other dancers show off their skills in the center.

Photo Credit: La Catedral Club

Photo Credit: La Catedral Club

Makena
Fitz Roy 1510 (Palermo)

So you know porteños (the nickname for Buenos Aires locals) love their tango, but they also love rock and funk –and Makena is the best place to get both. Enjoy good beer and great music at their Palermo location. The funky venue boasts a stage located above the bar which makes for a different, but interesting, kind of concert experience. Check their website for a schedule of musical performances.

Photo Credit: Makena Facebook

Photo Credit: Makena Facebook

Thelonious Jazz Club
Jerónimo Salguero 1884 (Palermo)

Want a classy, unforgettable, and delicious experience? Then you want Thelonious Jazz Club. From the moment you arrive, you’re enveloped in an authentic, old-school jazz experience. Ring the doorbell to gain access inside, order one of their specialty cocktails, then grab a table near the stage. Enjoy the hum of constant conversation by candlelight until the jazz band takes the stage, and then fall entranced with the soulful music. The music is great and the drinks are delicious. Don’t miss this.

Photo Credit: Thelonious Club Facebook

Photo Credit: Thelonious Club Facebook

Club Cultural Matienzo
Pringles 1249 (right off of Avenida Cordoba)

A favorite among many, Club Cultural Matienzo is a can’t-stop, won’t-stop type of bar combining drinks, good music, and art all in one. Step into the front of the bar and be ready for a bizarre experience in this eccentric palace of culture. Order a drink at the bar, then pass into the club to dance. If dancing isn’t your thing, walk straight upstairs to check out their modern visual/audio art galleries, hang around their second bar, or step out to the outdoor standing area. Whatever you’re looking for, Club Cultural Matienzo has it.

Photo Credit: Matienzo Facebook

Photo Credit: Matienzo Facebook

Boteco Do Brasil
Honduras 5774 (Palermo Hollywood)

Sundays at Boteco Do Brasil are show-stopping –and not just because of their mouth-watering stroganoff. Live samba and dancing fill the space, and the infectious energy never stops. The bar is small, but that’s part of what makes it so great: strangers refill your empty glass, music floods the area, and it’s almost impossible to not get up and dance (even if your rhythm is terrible –no one will mind!). Although it’s not specifically Argentine, it’s an incredible experience you won’t want to miss.

Photo Credit: Boteco do Brasil Facebook

Photo Credit: Boteco do Brasil Facebook

Whether you want jazz, Samba, funk, or tango, Buenos Aires has it. Make the most out of your stay by visiting one of our top five picks for nighttime entertainment. And then, take your personal, business, and travel opportunities to the next level by practicing your Spanish for your Argentine colleagues. Spanish is one of the world’s primary languages, and having knowledge of the tongue will advance you in your career and personal life. Take a free online Spanish level test to see how good your current language skills are. Then, contact Language Trainers to meet a native, qualified tutor in your neighborhood. Nos vemos pronto!