Tango has undergone something of a revival over the past few years and Argentines are as passionate about it now as they were after it swept through Europe in the early 1900s. Those wanting to learn, particularly foreigners, are flocking to Buenos Aires to take classes in one of the city's numerous tango schools. But many young portenos are also becoming ardent tango enthusiasts. Young people, it seems, will tango anywhere – in sports halls, parks, plazas and the more traditional confiterias (cafes) and dance halls. Such events are referred to as milongas although at a milonga, classes are often offered first, the word actually means dancing the tango to faster music with slight move variations on the traditional tango.

All About Tango
The official government tango portal is an excellent source of everything you want to know about it – shows, schools, shops, history etcetera, go to Tango Data. If you’re keen for advice on lessons, visit the Teatro General San Martin on Avenida Corrientes at 1530, which runs the aforementioned portal. Or the bilingual http://www.todotango.com/ has a ton of information and links as does abctango.com. Alternatively, pick up a copy of Buenos Aires Tango or El Tangauta, both free and available generally from record shops, tourist centres and hotels. The Guia Trimestral, published quarterly and available at kiosks and some book shops, is a complete guide to tango in Buenos Aires.

And in mid August the city hosts Buenos Aires Tango Festival, a nine-day carnival of tango events, including shows, exhibitions, free classes, milongas and concerts at a variety of venues. It is followed in late August by the prestigious World Tango Championships.

Tango Museums
One of Argentina’s most famous tango stars is Carlos Gardel and you’ll see pictures of him and places named after him all over Buenos Aires. The Museo Casa Carlos Gardel on Jean Jaures 735 was where he was born and it is now a memory to his life and the nearby Piazzolla Tango has a small gallery and museum. The Casa del Teatro on Avenida Santa Fe 1243 also has a small room dedicated to his the life of Gardel. On Avenida de Mayo 833 is the Academia Nacional del Tango, home to the World Tango Museum, the entrance to which is on Rivadavia 830. It recounts the history of tango. Open daily 2pm-8pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4345 6968.

Tango Shows
For those who simply want to watch tango and listen to the music, there is plenty of choice throughout the city. The tango scene is big and getting bigger all the time. The following shows are but a few regular performances.

Bar Sur on Estados Unidos 299 in San Telmo is small and intimate. Open 8pm-3am. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4362 6086.
Café Tortoni on Avenida de Mayo 829 holds tango shows most nights. Open Mon-Sat 8am-2am, Sun 9am-1am. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4342 4328.
Complejo Tango on Avenida Belgrano 2608 hosts a particularly elegant show. Open daily from 8.30pm-12.30pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4941 1119.
El Chino on Beazley 3566 in south west BA. Open from 10pm on Fri and Sat. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4911 0215.
El Querandi on Peru 302 in San Telmo is very popular. Show starts at 10pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4345 1770.
El Viejo Almacen on Balcarce with Independencia is a traditional and popular venue. Show starts at 10pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4307 7388.
La Esquina de Carlos Gardel on Pasaje Carlos Gardel 3200 gives a fun show daily with dinner from 8.30pm- 12.30am. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4867 6363.
La Esquina Homero Manzi on Avenida San Juan 3601 stages a large impressive affair. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4957 8488.
Rojo Tango hosted by the ritzy Faena Hotel + Universe on Martha Salotti 445 is a suitably lavish affair with dinner at 8pm and the show at 10pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4010 9200.
Senor Tango on Vieytes 1655 hosts a large dazzling show. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4303 0231.
36 Billares on Avenida de Mayo 1265 is an old café-style bar with night-time tango shows. Open 8am-2am. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4381 5696.
Tangueria El Beso on Riobamba 416 tends to be more authentic attracting serious tango dancers. Also offers classes. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4953 2794.
Taconeando at Balcarce 725 in San Telmo is a more informal show. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4307 6696.

Tango Classes
Academia Nacional del Tango on Avenida de Mayo 833 offers daily classes from 6pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4345 6968.
Centro Cultural Torquato Tasso on Calle Defensa 1575 in San Telmo is where you’ll see some seriously polished tango performances. It is also reputedly a great place to learn. Open 8pm-early hours. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4307 6506.
Club Gricel at La Rioja 1180 stages milongas from 11pm on Fri and Sat and from 9pm on Sun. Small and intimate. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4957 7157.
Centro Cultural del Sur on Avenida Caseros 1750. Sun lessons 6.30pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4305 6653.
Confiteria Ideal on Suipacha 384 is traditional old venue which gives afternoon classes. Tel:+54 (0) 11 5265 8069.
La Calesita on Comodoro Rivadavia 1350 offers classes at 9.30 with the milonga at 11pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4743 3631.
La Viruta Tango on Armenia 1366 in Palermo hosts milongas. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4774 6357.
The Mansion Dandi Royal hotel on Piedras 922 gives lessons and shows and you can also stay in an all-in-one package deal. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4307 7623.
Mora Godoy Tango Escuela on Avenida Pueyrredon 1090. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4966 1225.
Piazzolla Tango on Florida 165 offers classes in the Galeria Guemes. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4344 8201.
Porteno y Bailarin on Riobamba 345. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4932 5452.
Parakultural is an organization which organizes the best milongas and rotates the venues. Tel: +54 (0) 11 5738 3850.

Where to Buy Tango Paraphernalia
Tango Mina on the 10th floor of Riobamba 486 offers the latest in women’s tango clothes as well as handmade shoes. Open Mon-Fri noon-7pm, Sat 11am-5pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4952 3262.
Darcos Tango on Suipacha 259 is where professional tango dancers parchase the so called ‘magic shoes’. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4326 0232.
Tango Brujo on Esmeralda 754 sells all the contemporary styles as well as shoes and lots more bits and bobs to do with tango. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4325 8264.
Tango Moda on the 16th floor of El Palacio Barolo on Avenida de Mayo 1370 is an amazingly situated tango store with all the attire you need to dance. There are some unparalleled views from it enormous terrace. Open Mon-Fri 2pm-9pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4381 4049.
Club de Tango on the fifth floor of Parana 123 has a good collection of tango memorabilia. Open Mon-Fri 11am-6pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 4372 7251.
Buenos Aires Tango Shop on Suipacha 453 sells all sorts of tango CDs, posters, books, paintings and other accessories.
Abasto Plaza Hotel Tango Shop on Avenida Corrientes 3190 has a great section of tango clothes as well as CDs. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm. Tel: +54 (0) 11 6311 4465.