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La Ventana Tango Show Review – Is It Worth It?

La Ventana Tango Show Review – Is It Worth It?

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Looking for a tango show in Buenos Aires and want to make sure you book the real deal?

All of the city’s best-known shows offer something a little different, and when we visited, we not only wanted to be entertained, we wanted to make sure that we were seeing an authentic performance. That’s one of the reasons why we opted for La Ventana, but did it measure up?

We have spent a ton of time in Buenos Aires so naturally, we’ve checked out many different tango shows! And with that in mind, we’ve written an in-depth review of La Ventana to help you decide whether or not it’s worth it, or if you should opt for a different performance.

What is the La Ventana Tango Show?

A cocktail at La Ventana Buenos Aires Argentina
Watching people tango is best with cocktails
Two people tango together at La Ventana Buenos Aires Argentina
Impressive!

La Ventana is one of the most popular tango shows in Buenos Aires. It’s been around since the early 80s! The performance takes place in a big tango hall in San Telmo, which used to be a convent once upon a time. 

San Telmo just so happens to be the city’s oldest and coolest area, which is also partly why we were so keen to book this particular show. We really enjoy the Bohemian vibe here, as well as the great bars and restaurants, and of course the famous market. 

In fact, the home of tango is not far from San Telmo as the dance originated in the nearby La Boca neighborhood back in the 1880s. But while we enjoyed watching street tango performances in La Boca, going to a sit-down tango show is a totally different experience! 

The show itself focuses on more than just tango. We got to watch different dances from all over Argentina, like Chamame, which comes from Corrientes, and Zamba (not samba!) which comes from Salta in the north of the country. It made us appreciate how diverse Argentina is – but don’t worry, there’s plenty of tango, too. 

And of course, as with any good tango show, there’s the option to have a 3-course dinner – and yes, steak is on the menu. We paid $130 USD each for the dinner and pickup option, but this is optional as it’s possible to book the show only, with or without transfers.

It’s also very authentic in the sense that dinner starts at 8 pm and the show kicks off at 10 pm – the party starts late in Argentina!

Our Experience at La Ventana Tango Show

A woman and man tango at La Ventana Buenos Aires Argentina
I could watch this all night

We booked the show a couple of days in advance and got a heads-up from our driver about our exact pickup time a few hours beforehand. He arrived on the dot and we headed off to La Ventana, picking up a few other passengers on the way.

Once we arrived, we were seated right away – which was just as well, since it was raining! – and ordered our food. I went for the soup, chorizo steak, and flan for dessert. 

We were able to order cocktails while we waited for the show to begin. These weren’t included in the tour, so we paid for them separately, but they were reasonably priced – I think we paid around $6 USD each, so no complaints here. We did get a complimentary bottle of Malbec after that, so luckily we hadn’t planned any early morning activities for the next day! Our food came pretty quickly, and I really enjoyed all of it, save for my flan, which was a little too sweet for my liking. 

Then, the lights went down and it was time for the performance to start. And let me tell you, time just flew by! We were mesmerized by the way that the dancers could move with such power and elegance at the same time. We found ourselves absorbed in the stories they were telling, and we loved getting to enjoy different styles of dance and folk music from across Argentina. 

Related Read: If you’re fitting this show into a quick trip, check out our ideal 3-day Buenos Aires itinerary for ideas on how to see all the highlights of the city!

How good was the show at La Ventana?

Two people tango at La Ventana Buenos Aires Argentina
They move so fast

It was fantastic. Honestly, it was one of the highlights of our time in Buenos Aires! It was such an incredible way to spend an evening and we had a lot of fun. In fact, it really made me want to learn tango – perhaps I’ll book a lesson next time I’m back in town! 

It wasn’t just the show that was good, either. The entire experience was very well-organized, the food was great, and the staff were really kind. So honestly, I can’t fault it!

What are the other Tango Shows in Buenos Aires, and are they better? 

A woman performs at La Ventana Buenos Aires Argentina
La Ventana has so many different acts!
A couple tangos at La Ventana Buenos Aires Argentina
They make it look easy

Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango, so there are plenty of great shows around! We even wrote a full guide on all the things you should know before booking a tango show. Honestly, I would say that they’re all similar in terms of performance quality, but they each offer a different experience.

We chose La Ventana because it was competitively priced and had hundreds of 5-star reviews (you can read those reviews here!), but I’ll list some other reputable options below. 

Tango Porteño

In case you didn’t know, “porteño” means someone who comes from Buenos Aires, and this show is inspired by the city’s Golden Age of tango! The Tango Porteño show is known for its fantastic costumes and the venue was more upscale than others we visited. We would recommend this one for those looking for a dazzling production and a more luxurious evening, or groups of friends who will no doubt enjoy the unlimited wine together. 

The food is beautifully plated and delicious, and the staff are super attentive and friendly. We’re really impressed by the price of this one, as it’s very competitive when compared to other tango shows and you get a lot of bang for your buck. It costs $74 USD and includes a 3-course dinner, unlimited wine, and hotel pickup and drop-off … I mean, you can’t go wrong! 

A woman in a red dress and a man tango at La Ventana Buenos Aires Argentina
The music was amazing too!
Couple does tango with backs turned at La Ventana Buenos Aires Argentina
Dancing in that suit can’t be easy

Aljibe Tango

As I mentioned earlier, people in Buenos Aires tend to start their evening long after night has fallen, and most of the tango shows start pretty late. So if you’re looking for one that starts and ends at a reasonable hour, allow me to introduce you to Aljibe Tango

This was the first tango show we saw in Buenos Aires, and it was fantastic. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how great the food was going to be, but I was really impressed. Plus, the waitstaff couldn’t have been nicer to us. When we finished our complimentary bottle of wine, our waiter snuck us an extra glass each for free!

One of my favorite things about this show was that as well as the tango, we also got to watch gaucho dancing. More specifically, a Malambo, which is basically a masculine dance that involves very intricate footwork and the swinging of boleadoras (weighted hunting cords). It was incredible! 

The Aljibe show costs $109 USD including dinner and transfers, although you can book the show only. However, I would recommend including the transfers rather than trying to get there yourself as this show is quite far out of the city center! It’s a great option for families or anyone who doesn’t want to stay up too late since the show starts at 8 pm.

A man and woman tango in suits at La Ventana Buenos Aires Argentina
Can you tango?

El Viejo Almacén

El Viejo Almacén is perfect for those looking for a historic and authentic tango show! In fact, the name “El Viejo Almacén” means “the old grocery store”, and the building has been here for well over 200 years! The show, meanwhile, has been going since the late 1960s, making it one of the oldest shows in the city. Some of Argentina’s best-known tango dancers have performed here, so it’s certainly got prestige. 

Although this show is very well known, the venue is smaller than the others I have mentioned. For that reason, I think that this show is perfect for couples – after all, tango is a very romantic dance! 

It costs $68 USD for the show only, or $97 USD for the dinner show. However, if you and your loved one are looking for a really special (or boozy) date night then you can upgrade to a VIP ticket, which will set you back an extra $20 – $30 USD but includes better seating and an open bar all night! All options include transfers, so no worries about getting there and back.  

Related Read: For more ideas of must-do experiences, have a look at our top 10 tours in Buenos Aires!

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

Would I recommend the La Ventana Tango Show?

Two people tango with musicians at La Ventana Buenos Aires Argentina
Yes!

Yes, I would! I found it such a fantastic way to discover more about Argentinian culture, but not only that, it was also just so much fun.

It was a really memorable evening and when friends and family ask me about what I got up to in Buenos Aires, it’s always one of the first experiences that springs to mind. And seriously, what’s not to like about good food, good wine, and incredible entertainment? 

Other Activities to do While You’re in Buenos Aires

Bailey sits on the colorful streets of La Boca, Buenos Aires
Even the streets are colorful in La Boca!
potatoe dishes at the Argentine Experience in Buenos Aires (2)
You won’t leave The Argentine Experience hungry!

A tango show is just one of many fun things you can do in Buenos Aires. So if you’re looking for even more activities, check out some of my favorites below!

  • Gran Café Tortoni – Gran Café Tortoni is an iconic Buenos Aires coffeehouse. it’s one of the oldest cafes in the city and has even been named one of the most beautiful cafes in the world! This is the perfect place to grab a late-morning coffee or medialunas (Argentina’s mini croissants).
  • Wander around La Boca – This is our favorite neighborhood in Buenos Aires! La Boca is famous for being so colorful and you’ll often hear tango music while you’re walking around here. There are some great bars and art museums or just walk around on a sightseeing tour or on your own and see what you find!
  • Visit the River Plate Museum – The River Plate Museum is one of the biggest sports museums in the world, so it’s a must for any soccer fan. It’s located in the Monumental Stadium, and you can get skip-the-line entry with this museum and stadium combo tour.
  • Experience the gaucho lifestyle – Gauchos are Argentina’s cowboys and an integral part of the culture. To experience this firsthand, book a gaucho tour in Buenos Aires! You can head to the countryside on this Estancia Tour, which includes horseback riding, a barbecue feast, and stories from the gauchos themselves.

Where to Stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina

spacious room at Hilton Buenos Aires, Argentina
Photo credit: Hilton Buenos Aires

Before booking this tango show, you might want to figure out where you’re staying! Luckily, there are many great accommodation options in the city. As you’re narrowing it down, you can take a peek at our guide to the best areas to stay in Buenos Aires.

You don’t need to break the bank to stay here, but if you are searching for a luxurious getaway, you can find that too. Here are my top picks for various price ranges!

Hilton Buenos Aires – $$$

You can’t beat the location with the riverside Hilton Buenos Aires. You’ll be within walking distance to downtown as well as the Playa Reserva Ecológica Buenos Aires. There’s a rooftop pool to relax in or sit down for a meal or drink at the hotel’s restaurant or bar.

The service is exceptional, and the rooms are spacious. It’s a more expensive place to stay at $250-$350 USD per night, but worth it if you’re looking for a five-star experience. Book your stay at the Hilton online here.

Broadway Hotel & Suites – $$

Located in the heart of Buenos Aires, the Broadway Hotel & Suites offers spacious rooms at a great price. The swimming pool on the roof has amazing panoramic city views and a sun deck to soak up some rays. The rooms feature large windows, minimalistic art deco-type décor, and bathrooms with marble fittings. You’ll also have plenty of choices for shopping and restaurants nearby.

A junior suite here can be under $70 USD! To snag this awesome deal, check availability and book online in advance.

Selina Palermo – $

Stay in one of the trendiest neighborhoods of Buenos Aires on a budget! Selina Palermo puts you close to the best bars and nightclubs – giving you a great place to crash after a night on the town. The place feels really modern, and there are nice extras like a rooftop bar, breakfast, and bike rentals available.

Shared dorm rooms with bunk beds are around $20 USD per night. If sharing isn’t your style, there are affordable private rooms with nice balconies starting at $90 USD. Book your stay on Booking.com or HostelWorld.com to secure your room!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel and Bailey take a selfie in Buenos Aires
Thanks for reading!

I hope my review of the La Ventana Tango Show has helped you decide if you want to go! I enjoyed it so much that I’ll definitely go back again and hopefully bring along a few friends with me. There are so many great tango shows in this city, but this one is my favorite.

If you’re planning a trip to South America, let us help! Check out all our blogs on Argentina here and I picked out a few below that will be especially helpful for your time in Buenos Aires.

My 4 Favorite Food Tours in Buenos Aires After Living Here!

15 BEST Day Trips from Buenos Aires

How to Spend TWO DAYS in Buenos Aires: 2-Day Itinerary