Buenos Aires nightlife is one of a kind. Where else can you stay out until 6 am at a boliche (club) and eat medialunas while watching the sunrise? While you may know how to paint the town red in your neck of the woods, there are some very important points to keep in mind before doing it Porteño style.
Here are a few tips to consider when exploring Buenos Aires nightlife.
Beware of booze – Don’t start drinking early. Remember that no one goes out until after 2 a.m. Don’t plan your previa (pregaming get-together among friends) until at least midnight after you’ve had a decent meal that’ll serve as a fernet filter. Also, although technically it is illegal, drinking in the street is extremely accepted. If you want to bring some swag syrup for the trip to the boliche feel free, but make sure you buy it before 10 pm, which is when most kiosks and supermarkets close.
Touchy Feely – Although you might not be as physically affectionate in your neck of the woods, remember that passion is nothing if it isn’t expressed. Does this mean you’ve got to grope and fondle? No, not at all. But if you’re interested in someone, don’t be afraid to throw in a few physical expressions of interest. Some men here, and I have no idea why, like to stroke the hair of a girl as she walks past him in order to show interest. While I don’t recommend this, it exists and is more common than you think. Ladies, if some bearded man touches your hair, don’t be surprised, but you are justified in a good slap.
Let your hair down – Don’t worry about that five o’clock shadow or scruff. It’s very common for men to have facial hair in Buenos Aries. Many women prefer men with facial hair because it makes them appear more ‘manly.’ I have a friend with a huge beard and women treat that mass of manliness as if it were cotton candy. Ladies, think late 90’s Gisele Bündchen when cropping the doo.
Call me maybe – If you get a girl’s number here, you’d better send a whatsapp message or call within 48 hours. It’s very possible that she’s given out her number to other potential dates that evening, and you don’t want her to forget you. Ladies, if you give a man your number, don’t be surprised if you start getting many, many texts within the first day. If you don’t respond, he’ll probably take this as a challenge and persist, persist, persist. If you don’t want him texting, be very direct. Otherwise, get ready for a barrage of sms compliments about everything from your smile to your smell.
Mind the gap – Subway hours are from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., depending on the line. So if you’re leaving a boliche at 5 am you’ve always got a less expensive trip home with the subte. Bus services are 24 hrs and are usually very reliable.
For more about Buenos Aires nightlife and other Buenos Aires travel tips read more on Say Huque’s blog. Or to start planning your trip to Argentina, contact us directly at Say Hueque Argentina Journeys!
