Buenos Aires Nightlife

Dress to impress at this see-and-be-seen speakeasy that pulls out the stops with its sultry prohibition theme - there's vintage wallpaper, pumping electro-jazz and bow-tied bartenders serving signature cocktails strong enough to make you swoon. Check its Facebook page for a password to get past the doormen, then be ready to dial in at a phone box for access to the hidden drinking lair.

Pass through an arched entrance to find Milión housed in a grand turn-of-the-century mansion complete with French windows that open onto a sweeping outdoor balcony and leafy garden. The drinks menu is a weighty tome of heady cocktails and rich Argentinean reds, and the elegant bar is complimented by a dining area and an in-house DJ playing laid-back tunes.

One of Palermo Viejo's hottest hangouts, Verne Club is the place to find something a bit more refined than a pint of Quilmes. Among its Persian rugs, inviting Chesterfield sofas and vinyl-spinning DJs, you'll find expertly made cocktails, a relaxed atmosphere and gourmet panchos (hot dogs) to soak up all the booze.

As one of the established 'mega-clubs' in Buenos Aires, Crobar offers mainstream house music that draws in a smartly dressed, wealthy set. If those tunes don't cut it, there are myriad mezzanine levels and a back room playing everything from Latin pop to classic rock along with four bars providing refreshment for revellers.

Ultra hip hangout favoured by Porteños (Buenos Aires natives) and expats alike, Kika hosts some of the city's most buzzing club nights with DJs playing an eclectic mix of drum'n'bass, classic hip hop and electro. Tuesday nights are a particular favourite and, despite the working week being in full swing, things don't get going until the early hours.

One for the cool kids, Niceto offers a great assortment of club nights, from electro-cumbia (Latin urban music) to Thursday night's weird and wonderful Club 69, which bubbles excitedly with flamboyant costumes, funky beats and a good helping of cross-dressing. It's not all DJs and dressing up though as talented live music acts often take to the stage too.

This uber-cool cultural complex hosts an array of live music nights, but none are as good as La Bomba de Tiempo who bring their amazing and utterly unique percussion act to the stage on Monday nights. Those that miss them will find plenty of dynamic theatre and cutting-edge contemporary art to see too.

Established in 1969, El Viejo Almacén is one of Buenos Aires' longest-standing show venues and can be found in a charming old colonial building in atmospheric San Telmo. Most come for dinner beforehand then cross the road to the small theatre where, on an intimate stage, tango dancers perform with high-octane glitz and glamour.

The refurbished Teatro Colón is home to the Buenos Aires Philharmonic orchestra who often hold free classical music recitals in the Salon Dorado (Gold Room). Tango is the dominant dance here, and shows are always worthy of such a majestic setting. Music lovers will also find incredible operas as well as ballet of the highest standard.