10 Things to Do in Buenos Aires at Night

Buenos Aires is one of those cities that never sleeps, so you can discover it during the day, but also at night, when the sun goes down and the canopies of the Argentine capital light up to illuminate the magic of Buenos Aires.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Buenos Aires at Night

Buenos Aires by night | ©Nestor Galina

If you want to really discover Buenos Aires, then you can't miss visiting at night, when the incandescent lights set the scene for the bustle of the city, which stands out for its shows, its crowded streets and its varied gastronomy, which is available anywhere and at any time.

Some of the best things to see and do in Buenos Aires at night include attending a play at the Teatro Colón, contemplating the panoramic view of the capital from the terrace of the legendary Palacio Barolo, walking along Corrientes street and even having a cocktail in a speakeasy, which will immerse you in a journey back in time to the 1920s of the Prohibition.

1. Attend a play at the Colón Theatre

Inside the Colon Theatre| ©Rogerio Camboim S A
Inside the Colon Theatre| ©Rogerio Camboim S A

Visiting the Colon Theatre is a unique and unforgettable experience. One of the most important theatres in the world, known for its exceptional acoustics and impressive architecture, you will find 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. Once inside, you will be amazed by the classical architecture and exquisite décor, so the show will start long before the performance begins.

Visiting the Teatro Colón is usually not a cheap experience, but you can be sure that the works presented will be of high quality, so it is well worth the investment. And after the show, you can have a drink at the theatre's bar or stroll around the nearby area, which is crowned by the populous Corrientes Street and the Obelisk, marking the imaginary kilometre 0 of Buenos Aires.

Book a guided tour of the Teatro Colón

2. Take in the panoramic views of the city from the Barolo Palace.

View from the Barolo Palace| ©Luiz Antonio Dourado
View from the Barolo Palace| ©Luiz Antonio Dourado

The Barolo Palace is a majestic building located in the heart of 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 and is considered one of the best 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.

The view from the Barolo Palace is particularly interesting at dusk, when the sun sets and the city begins to be illuminated by the lights of the night. The skyline is tinged with shades of pink, orange and purple, creating a visual spectacle not to be missed, making it an experience not to be missed, especially if you plan to visit Buenos Aires in summer, when the weather is mild and the sky is usually clear.

Book a guided tour of the Barolo Palace

3. Walk along Corrientes Street

Corrientes Avenue| ©pabs242
Corrientes Avenue| ©pabs242

Walking along Corrientes Street at night in Buenos Aires is an exciting and lively experience. This street is one of the most famous in the city, so you won't be able to say that you really know the city until you get lost in its layout.

Corrientes Street 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 the country, and you will also find restaurants, bars, traditional pizzerias and even bookstores open during the early hours of the morning, a custom that often surprises tourists. If you are visiting the Argentine capital, Corrientes Street 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.

Besides, Corrientes Avenue will also catch your attention for its open view towards the Obelisk, which is pointed out as the most representative monument of the city and the obligatory stop of the best tours of Buenos Aires.

Book a guided tour in Buenos Aires

4. Take a night tour of the Recoleta Cemetery

Recoleta Cemetery| ©Andres Larrazabal
Recoleta Cemetery| ©Andres Larrazabal

The Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most emblematic places in Buenos Aires and at the same time it is full of history and mystery. This cemetery is home to many imposing tombs and mausoleums, belonging to some of the most important families in Argentinean history. The site is full of trees and flowers, which makes it a quiet and relaxing place during the day, but during the night, the atmosphere is completely different.

A night tour of the Recoleta Cemetery is an unforgettable experience. The tombs and mausoleums are illuminated by dim lights, creating a mysterious and supernatural atmosphere, so you can immerse yourself in the legends of Buenos Aires. During the experience you will be able to 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?

Book a Recoleta Cemetery Tour

5. Visit the Obelisk

Obelisk by Night| ©total 13
Obelisk by Night| ©total 13

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.

Besides, visiting the Obelisk during the 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.

Near the Obelisk, you can also find several restaurants and cafes that offer open views of the monument. You can get there by public transport on the Buenos Aires hop on-hop off sightseeing buses.

Book tickets for the Buenos Aires tourist bus

6. Enjoy a tango show

Tango show| ©deepfoto
Tango show| ©deepfoto

A tango show in Buenos Aires is a unique cultural experience not to be missed if you visit the city. Tango is a traditional Argentinian 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. 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. It is an ideal opportunity to experience the dance and music that are part of Argentina's cultural heritage and will allow you to appreciate the passion and beauty of the genre. In addition, many places offer additional activities such as:

  • Dinners or cocktails during the show, which include delicious options of Argentinean gastronomy.
  • Tango lessons.
  • Live music, with bands and orchestras playing instruments such as accordion, piano and violin.

Book tickets for a tango show

7. Have a cocktail in a speakeasy bar.

Cocktail| ©ambernambrose
Cocktail| ©ambernambrose

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, often requiring a secret password, which adds 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 evening with friends or a partner. In addition, these bars tend to have low lighting and soft music, creating a relaxing and inviting setting.

8. Discover the nightlife of Palermo Soho

Palermo by night| ©Massimo Frasson
Palermo by night| ©Massimo Frasson

Palermo Soho is one of the most vibrant and fashionable areas of Buenos Aires, especially at night. Its bars and nightclubs tend to have eclectic and creative décor, with 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. These places offer 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 nightlife in Palermo Soho is the range of offerings. You can find quiet and elegant bars for a relaxed night out with friends, as well as discotheques and dance clubs for a day of partying. You will also find live music venues, allowing you to enjoy concerts and shows while having a drink.

9. Take a stroll around Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero| ©Hernán Piñera
Puerto Madero| ©Hernán Piñera

Puerto Madero is one of the most distinguished neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires and walking through 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, which create an unmissable 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 wide 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 also home to several tourist attractions, such as the Puente de la Mujer bridge and the Sarmiento frigate, which you can visit at night. These attractions are illuminated with spectacular lights, making them look even more impressive under the moonlight. If you're looking for a more active night out, there are several bars and nightclubs in Puerto Madero that stay open late into the night.

10. Take a gastronomic tour with wine tasting.

Wine Tasting| ©Metropolitan Touring
Wine Tasting| ©Metropolitan Touring

If you are a lover of good food and wine, taking a gastronomic tour with wine tasting at 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.

During the tour you will be able to visit some of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, each with its own style and specialities. In addition to 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 will walk through the illuminated streets, admiring the architecture and beauty of the city while learning about its rich history and culture.