Tourist, Don´t Tourist

I often receive emails from readers who are planning their trips to Buenos Aires, and often want information on various Tango teachers, which restaurants to eat in etc...etc...

I do love to share information especially about places I love and have often taken the time to write back. Funny thing is, 89% of these information seekers never say "Thank you".

So perhaps I will just send them a standard link, from now on. What do you think?

But one recent reader asked for some info, and she seemed like a fun and crazy gal after perusing her blog, and if I were her and wanted to see some non-tourist touristy places they would be:

Bar 12 de octubre , Bulnes 331. In this teeny tiny bar located in Almagro, it is often standing room only, but most of the patrons are very friendly and will offer you a seat, if there is a spare one about. The decor hasn´t changed much since the 30´s, although the clientele sporting body art and piercings may have. Go late in the evening around midnight or so and enjoy the live Tango music, often with the patrons singing along.

Clasica y Moderna ,Callao 892 - Buenos Aires - 4812-8707 / 4811-3670. I had walked past this café/library numerous times in the evening and it looked as though they put on marvelous shows, so finally when my friend Tracey came for a visit we went (yay for expense accounts). We had not made a reservation, but decided to sit at the bar, which if it is a party of one or two I would highly recommend, as you can flirt with the gorgeous man behind the bar. They also carry a excellent selection of wines.

La Catedral, Sarmiento 4006 y Medrano. I can´t say I have really had the best mind blowing tandas here, but have had lots of fun just hanging out and socializing. By the Time Out link, it appears as though La Catedral must be open on a regular basis then it was a few years ago, when you never knew if it was or if it wasn´t, which can be kind of fun as well, except for the wasted cab fare. A word of caution, if it is raining outside, it is also raining inside. Do not leave wearing heels, or risk death descending stairs.



Las Violetas corner of Medrano y Rividavía is a must, especially for the indulgent. This beautifully restored building offers some of the city´s most amazing selection of cakes and facturas. Casual dress is fine, but going for the glamour makes the experience even more exciting. Don´t forget to order some champagne!

The best mode of transportation is your feet! Get out and walk, walk and walk some more. And inbetween walk and walk, stop in at a café that catches your fancy and take a Gancia or a Martini Rosso, sit and observe while this magical city moves to its own inner Tango beat.