Buenos Aires San Telmo

La Scala de San Telmo, Pasaje Giuffra 371 (☎4362 1187; www.lascala.com.ar). S Independencia. Home to a beautiful theater and cafe. Events include musicals, operas, jazz, classical concerts, and dance. Box office open M-F 10am-6pm, Sa-Su 5-10pm.
Teatro Margarita Xirgu, Chacabuco 875 (☎4300 8817; www.mxirgu.com.ar). S Independencia. A plain stone facade, complete with neon sign, conceals this sleek, beautifully renovated theater, which shows both operas and classical music events.

Live Music And Concerts

Mitos Argentinos, Humberto Primo 489 (☎4362 7810; www.mitosargentinos.com.ar). S Independencia. Just off Plaza Dorrego, this alternative venue hosts a variety of talented local underground groups, as well as tribute acts to major Latin American bands, such as the Heroes del Silencio. Open Th-Sa until late. Cover AR$10-15.

Tango

San Telmo is, by most accounts, the center of tango in the city. Though most barrios these days have great tango bars, no other neighborhood has as many popular, traditional, and fun places.

Bar Sur, Estados Unidos 299 (☎4362 6086; www.bar-sur.com.ar). S Independencia. This small, intimate venue offers traditional tango shows nightly 8pm-3am. Though audience members are never far from the action, they are usually invited to participate by the end of the evening. Get ready. Tickets from AR$125.
El Viejo Almacén, Balcarce 799 (☎4307 6689; www.viejo-almacen.com.ar). S Independencia. Housed in an old mansion, El Viejo Almacén has long been one of the city’s most popular, and famous, tango venues, offering nightly shows that are traditional, sleek, high-quality, and well attended. Dinner 8pm Show 10pm. Tickets from AR$175.
Taconeando, Balcarce 725 (☎4307 6696; www.taconeando.com). S Independencia. Offers traditional tango shows Th-Sa at 9pm. A relaxed atmosphere in an old, out-of-the-way mansion in San Telmo. The 25% advance online booking discount makes it one of BA’s most affordable shows. Cocktail hour show AR$140, dinner show AR$180.
El Balcón, Humberto Primo 461, 2nd fl. (☎4362 2354; www.elbalcondelaplaza.com.ar). S Independencia. Tango shows are on F and Sa nights starting at 10pm and Su afternoons from 1-7pm at this brightly painted bar. The shows themselves are free, a welcome break from the high prices at other venues, though it’s good form to order a meal while you’re there. Food AR$15-35. Drinks AR$10-25. Cash only.
El Tasso, Defensa 1575 (☎4307 6506). S San Juan. Located just across the street from Parque Lezama, this small, relaxed milonga draws a crowd of locals who come to dance to a small orchestra on Su nights. Free.