Dancing Tango in La Boca’s Caminito Street!

If you want to watch expert tango dancers during the day in Buenos Aires ~ look no further than colorful Caminito Street, in the La Boca district!  This is not an area to visit at night, because it shuts down relatively early, around 7PM.  But during the day, this is one of the liveliest places to be….& it’s the perfect place to see tango professionals dancing in beautiful outfits (you can even get your picture taken with some of them)!  So without further ado, let’s head to Buenos Aires & learn about dancing tango in La Boca’s Caminito Street!

Dancing Tango in La Boca's Caminito Street in Buenos Aires, Girl Who Travels the World

Caminito Street is C-O-L-O-R-F-U-L!!!

Map of La Boca District

Caminito Street

Quick Facts About Caminito Street

  • Location: Caminito Street, which translates to “little walkway” or “little street,” is located in the La Boca district of Buenos Aires, south of Plaza de Mayo & the San Telmo neighborhood.
  • When to Go: During the day, before 6PM.  My friend & I made the mistake of grabbing a cab to Caminito at 7PM ~ & it was absolutely dead.  The La Boca area is also not super safe at night, so we hopped back in the cab & headed for the popular Palermo district. 
  • Best Way to Get There: Take a taxi or Uber.
  • What to See: Colorful shops, street art, & of course: professional tango dancers! If you take a photo with them, prepare to tip them in cash.
  • Is it Touristy? Yes, Caminito Street is quite touristy ~ we definitely saw more tourists here than locals. But don’t let that stop you from visiting at least once…it’s still worth it!
  • Is La Boca safe? I walked from the San Telmo neighborhood down to La Boca several times during my stay in Buenos Aires; once with a friend, & the other times by myself ~ & always during the day.  For the most part, it felt safe, particularly when on main roads.  If you get lost, & end up on random side streets, it may feel a little dodgier.  Your best bet is to take a taxi to La Boca, & have them drop you off right at Caminito Street. 
  • Would You Stay in La Boca? Personally, I wouldn’t.  I stayed in nearby San Telmo for much of my trip, & loved it: it’s got history, beautiful architecture, & cobble-stoned streets.  And plenty of people ~ meaning I felt comfortable walking around pretty much anytime, day or night.  In La Boca, it’s not as safe at night, so I’d opt for staying in San Telmo, trendy Palermo, modern Puerto Madero, or the upscale Recoleta district instead.  San Telmo & Puerto Madero are closer to La Boca; while Palermo & Recoleta are a little futher out (20+ minute taxi ride).

Photos of Caminito Street!

Dancing Tango in La Boca's Caminito Street in Buenos Aires, Girl Who Travels the World

Cute, outdoor cafes abound on Caminito Street…just make sure to visit during the DAY!!

Dancing Tango in La Boca's Caminito Street in Buenos Aires, Girl Who Travels the World

They were the most gorgeous couple we found tango dancing on Caminito….

Dancing Tango in La Boca's Caminito Street in Buenos Aires, Girl Who Travels the World

The street art in La Boca is a little playful, a little kitschy, & always colorful…

Dancing Tango in La Boca’s Caminito Street!

Sooo…when we first visited Caminito, my friend & I totally didn’t understand the dynamic of how things worked.  Basically, each cafe has their own couple performing outside the restaurant, & from time to time, they’ll ask patrons if they’d like to come up & dance with them & take photos (if you do, expect to tip them)!  They may also come around & chat with patrons, while also seeking donations.  And some offer lessons, too ~ so if you’re interested in learning tango, ask them!

Not understanding the dynamic fully, I was SHOCKED when one of the (beautiful) male dancers stopped mid-dance, gesturing towards me.  I looked over at my friend Nina, horrified, thinking he was scolding me for photographing them!  Not the case.  What he was actually trying to do, was ask if I wanted to dance with him & get a photo.  I soooo didn’t understand what was going on, & thus missed out on an opportunity to dance with a gorgeous man!! 

Don’t make the same mistake I did.

Dancing Tango in La Boca's Caminito Street, Girl Who Travels the World

Some couples dance in front of a particular cafe, & others, like this couple ~ just dance out in the street in front of small crowds..

Dancing Tango in La Boca's Caminito Street, Girl Who Travels the World

This guy FREAKED me out!!?! I thought he was telling me I couldn’t take a photo of them ~ but he was ACtually asking if I WANTED to take a photo with him!! Oops.

Dancing Tango in La Boca's Caminito Street, Girl Who Travels the World

Grab a seat, have a drink, & enjoy the show…

Dancing Tango in La Boca’s Caminito Street!

  I hope this article helps you avoid some of the mistakes we made when visiting La Boca (DANCE with those gorgeous dancers!!), & helps you make the most of your time in Buenos Aires.  To search some of my favorite hotels in the fashionable & trendy Palermo district ~ click on the button below.  Also, comments help me rank in Google searches, which helps people find my website ~ so comment below with your thoughts on Buenos Aires!

Dancing Tango in La Boca's Caminito Street, Girl Who Travels the World

There are also side streets off Caminito where you can shop & stroll…& fully enjoy your day in Buenos Aires.

Read Next: Exploring the San Telmo Market in Buenos Aires!

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