The Best Live Music Venues In Buenos Aires

When thinking about Buenos Aires, the first things that typically come to mind are steak, wine, and tango. Argentina’s capital is certainly alive with the music of tango, but it is also a great place to see a wide range of genres, from rock to jazz. Looking through the city’s varied and vibrant music scene, here are the best places to see concerts and gigs in the city.

Teatro Colón

The Teatro Colón is for Buenos Aires what The Empire State Building is for New York or the Eiffel Tower is for Paris. It’s all about the Teatro Colón, one of the most famous landmarks in the city. This institution opened its doors in 1908 with the opera Aida by Guiseppe Verdi, and even today classic Italian and French works are staged. The list of performances ranges from opera and orchestral concerts to ballet, tango and even children’s choirs. The Teatro Colón is considered one of the five best concert venues in the world, because of its acoustics and the artistic and architectural value of the building construction. Pack up your stuff and experience this special part of Argentinian culture. The building is also open for guided tours during the day.

Opening hours: ticket office open Mon-Sat 10a-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm; guided tours 9am-5pm daily, unless there is a performance; check the website for the calendar of events

Cerrito 628, Centro, Buenos Aires, Argentina, +54 11 4378-7100

Makena Cantina Club

Makena Cantina Club is the perfect venue in Buenos Aires for concerts. It is situated in the prime nightlife district of Palermo, and is one of the area’s truly special clubs. Regularly musicians are invited to play on a stage, which is directly above the bar. The space before the bar also works as dance floor for unforgettable dance moves. Makena Cantina Club organizes a range of different events, and is open for everybody. Just pass by and have an unforgettable time.

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9pm-6am

Fitz Roy 1519, Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina, +54 11 4772-8281

Espacio 37

It is easy to remain seated, lean back and just listen to all the good music in Espacio 37. This area is a very cosy place, located in Palermo Soho, and shows unknown and known bands of a very high level. Also, if you want to play and feel your own special sound and instruments, you can do this in one of their music practice rooms. Or, if you just want to broaden your cultural horizons, do this at the excellent art exhibitions while discussing the displays with your friends and having a drink.

Opening hours: 12-11.45pm daily

CAFF – Club Atlético Fernández Fierro

CAFF was founded by the Orchestra Típica Fernández Fierro, which gave this club its name. It opened in 2004 in a former car repair shop, and sees itself as place for cultural activities, social exchange and creating new ideas. Once a week, you will find the orchestra on stage, performing tango in a way which will remain in mind for sure. If you want to feel the real and authentic passion of tango away from the mainstream, or see a new passionate band, this is the right place to go.

Opening hours: check their calendar of events for opening times

Sánchez de Bustamante 764, Buenos Aires, Argentina, +54 11 5555-5555

Orquesta Típica Fernández Fierro Gave the Club its Name

La Catedral Club

The historical building of La Catedral Club is one of the artistic and touristic cultural assets of the district of Almagro. The architecture, which makes it very special, is from about 1880 and its roof is made up of wooden beams, about 12 meters high. Originally, it was used as silo and factory for producing milk. Today it is a place for dedicating oneself to the passion of tango. So, let´s start.

Opening hours: 8am-4pm daily

Sarmiento 4006, Almagro, Buenos Aires, Argentina, +54 11 15 5325-1630

Thelonious Club

You will be taken immediately by the Thelonious Club’s extraordinary room structure. The club consists of a long room with tables placed against the wall, a small sidewards facing bar, and on the other end of the room is the stage. The Thelenious Club offers an intimate atmosphere where everybody feels comfortable. It is famous for its calendar of classic and contemporary Argentine jazz concerts, which is livened up sometimes by international acts. Open every day, visit to experience the best jazz musicians in Argentina.

Opening hours: open daily; check the website for the calendar of events

About the author

Ricarda Reininger

Ricarda was born and raised in Vienna and developed her passion for travelling while traveling regularly with her family as a child. After school she went to the Caribbean and South America to experience another way of life and broaden her horizons. Her keen interest in art and culture has taken her around the world, and she thinks that 'travelling enriches our life the most’. Her interests in art and culture are also a big part in her daily life, as she is a literature and music enthusiast and an avid photographer. Ricarda is currently studying Comparative Literature in Vienna.