Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Palermo is B.A.’s largest barrio and, befitting its size, offers the broadest range of nightlife. You can sample a veritable buffet of after-dark options here. Milongas and oh-so authentic folk music halls appeal to traditionalists, while wine and jazz fans will both find bars that cater to their tastes. Prefer to amp things up? Opt for an underground speakeasy or go over the top at an all-night dance club.
There's nothing pretentious about this place: laid-back groups gather to enjoy traditional Argentine folk music and hand-held foods like empanadas and tamales. The exposed-brick walls are adorned with rustic memorabilia, including guitars that you're welcome to play if so inspired.
Named after the tall cactus plants that typify northwest Argentina, Los Cardones is the place to go for a beer around a big table with strangers you'll get to know by the end of the night. Spontaneous dancing at this peña folklorica isn't unheard of; to prepare, ask ahead about their folk-dancing classes.
One of the city's best venues for two decades features everything from demure indie rock to the flamboyant and legendary Club 69 on Saturday. Check out live bands and dancing on the A Side, while something contrasting and chill simultaneously takes place in the back B Side room.
A barely marked door and a narrow passageway open into a world far removed from the flashy bars and restaurants surrounding this music venue. The eclectic programming includes a wide range of folk, tango, jazz, classical, and improvised music as well as some politically charged theatrical performances. Grab the sofa if you can, for maximum comfort.
The best porteño jazz bands (and occasional foreign imports) play at this upscale spot. Arrive early for a good seat, as it's a long, narrow bar and not all tables have good views; on weekends there are usually two shows per night.
This is an intimate art deco venue for local jazz maestros and appreciative audiences. It's a great space and you can get up close and personal with the musicians, who draw from a deep well of talent and cover a lot of ground, from improv to standards and experimental.
