La Viruta, a milonga that promises you’ll enter walking but leave dancing, is one of Buenos Aires’ most welcoming places for newcomers looking to test the tango waters.
Tango classes of various levels are held every evening except Mondays and Tuesdays. From Wednesday to Sunday there is a milonga, (dance party) beginning around midnight that goes into the wee hours.
Housed in the basement of the Armenian Cultural Center, La Viruta is a good place to meet a diverse cross-section of the Porteño and visiting population. It’s ideal for beginners thanks to the dance hall’s large size and popularity.
→ Check out Buenos Aires’ Tango Shows & Fun Activities
A Relaxed Environment for Learning Tango
If you have two left feet and haven’t unlocked the ‘tango code’ of glances across the room, no need to worry — you won’t be the only one.
The teachers are very experienced, handle large groups well and some speak English. Partners are rotated often in classes and between awkward shuffles and giggles, friendships and romances blossom as they have throughout La Viruta’s 14 years.
This isn’t the hotest spot for the experienced milonguero or milonguera but as the night rolls into day, more experienced dancers make their appearances so that neophytes can observe and yearn for the days when they can move like that.
Although tango is the main protagonist here, there are also rock and roll and Cuban-style salsa classes three times a week. Minors are allowed to come along until midnight.
Food & Drink at La Viruta
La Viruta has a bar and restaurant on-site with the traditional pizzas, pastas, meat dishes and a couple of vegetarian options served until 3:30 am.
A couple of hours later you can also have a quick breakfast before heading home. Call to reserve a table, otherwise just throw on your dancing shoes and show up.
La Viruta/$-$$
1366, Armenia St
Palermo Viejo
Tel: 4774-6357/ 4779-0030
• Hours: Classes vary — check website linked above for times
• Open Milonga: Wed-Sun from 12am
• Entrance: AR-$$/ classes and milonga
⇒ Check out other tango tours and activities to learn the dance or check out the city’s milongas with a local.