Premium nightlife in Buenos Aires

Premium nightlife in Buenos Aires moves to two rhythms; on one hand, there's the usual circuit walking through San Telmo with a beer in hand, trying to dodge the street noise.

Then there’s the scene for those who have moved on from noisy after-work drinks and are looking to trade up. We’re talking about heading to a rooftop overlooking the Río de la Plata, a speakeasy where getting in requires more than just queuing, and poker games accompanied by a 25-year-old whisky.

As sunset falls, the city transforms; and for those who know where to go, Buenos Aires offers endless experiences that you won't find in typical tourist guides. In fact, a good starting point is the Buenos Aires Casino, where you can set the tone for your evening with bets and cocktails by the riverbank.

But the journey doesn’t end there, as the alta-style scene doesn’t stop at the VIP tables in Palermo’s nightclubs; you’ll discover the real magic in those hidden corners where luxury isn’t advertised with neon signs – all they need to do is look after you in style, serve you fine drinks and offer you the utmost discretion.

Why is Buenos Aires the capital of exclusive nightlife?

The answer is simple, because it combines European heritage (very noticeable in the turf and gambling halls) with the modern nightlife that few Latin capitals possess. Let's take as an example the Night races at the Palermo Racecourse, in a setting with over 140 years of history, which is lit up on summer nights, creating an atmosphere where the old porteño guard mingles with current generations.

This makes the appeal of this spot not just about the horses, but something to be savoured with a delicious glass of vermouth on the Jockey Club terrace, dressed in a perfect linen suit and sharing a cigar hour with your most select friends.

On the other hand, Buenos Aires' nightlife has the San Isidro Racecourse, which sets the standard for alta when the Carlos Pellegrini Grand Prix takes place. There’s no room for error there; the code must be followed and you have to be ready to exude luxury, elegance and altivez from head to toe. 

In parallel, the offer is complemented in the Casino Puerto Madero with hundreds of machines and a poker room where luck is always on the right side of the table. And if that's not enough for you, then you can plan a speedboat getaway to the Casino Trilenium of Tigre; you can set up camp there for dinner and then try your luck.

This is what a night on a alto flight is like

An exclusive evening gets off to an early start. At around 8.30 pm, you break the ice with a cocktail at the Crystal Bar at the Alvear Icon (in Puerto Madero). Then, you go for dinner with a good signature roast Don Julio (you must book a month in advance), to finish by letting yourself be carried away by the adrenaline and strategy of poker.

In fact, the best room in the city is held by the Casino Puerto Madero: daily tournaments, but if you prefer more action, then head over to the tables Cash game during a weekend, as the limits rise and the big bets are placed only for the riskiest.

Now, if what you're looking for is to unleash your competitive side, Casino Trilenium is made for that and more. Just come to the Weekly tournaments in the AMBA Plan a stellar evening at the “Tigre Poker Masters,” where you can see who the lucky one will be to pocket the 5 million pesos. Who knows, that could be you!

However, if your emotions move away from cards and dice, the night races at the Palermo Racecourse are a show you're sure to appreciate. During the season, the action kicks off early, giving you access to more exclusive areas with deluxe service, air-conditioned ambience, and screens to follow every detail of the race. Leaving the hustle and bustle of the stands behind, for a moment of sophisticated enjoyment.

My advice as a regular is to arrive with plenty of time to enjoy the first race (around 8:00 PM) before the lounges get too busy. And if you're going to bet, try the predictions from the Turf magazine and let the profits come to you.

The roadmap for you not to fail

Having accurate information on Buenos Aires' nightlife is only half the battle; here are the coordinates to help you get around without a hitch:

• Casino Buenos Aires It is located in the Dársena Sur area (Av. Elvira Rawson de Dellepiane s/n). It is open 24 hours a day. . Non-negotiable requirement: carry your physical ID card or passport and be over 18 years of age. It has parking and security. Regarding the Dress code, it's quite flexible, but forget about entering in shorts or beach footwear. Telephone: (011) 4363-3100.
• Casino Trilenium (Tigre): It is located at Perú 1385. It is open from Monday to Wednesday from midday until the early hours of the morning, and from Thursday to Sunday 24 hours a day. It has an international cuisine restaurant. Telephone: (011) 4731-7001.
• Palermo Racecourse It is situated at 4101 Av. del Libertador. The night racing season runs from November to March, usually on Fridays. To access the VIP box, it is advisable to book in advance.
• The poker circuit The Casino Trilenium has a dedicated room that organises regular mid-week tournaments. In Puerto Madero, Thursday events are usually the busiest meeting point, as they attract a good number of local players.

Smart moves before leaving

• Cash is king, so make sure you take some with you, as casino payment systems often fail. And one key thing to bear in mind about US dollars is that, although the casino cashiers will accept them, they’ll exchange them at the official rate (minus a commission); so you’re better off taking pesos, in 1TP3A notes.
• Clothes definitely make a difference. Forget sportswear, as if you're going to access the VIP areas of the racecourse, you must wear elegant footwear.
• Timing is everything, as the bars in the alta area fill up quickly. So a good tip is to arrive around 8.45 pm, as getting in in the early hours is almost a miracle.
• Don't forget the logistics for getting home. Both Uber and Cabify work perfectly for taking you from any of these places, especially if the evening included cocktails or wine.
• The golden rule with tipping is that, while not mandatory, giving one shows you know the local customs. In the VIP boxes or at a top-class bar, you can tip from 15% to the waiter or the Croupier. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter the casino if I'm a foreigner?

Of course, you just need to present your valid physical passport; it won't require any special visa either.

Are there any fancy bars open after 1 AM?

Yes, although this varies according to the dynamic of the place. While most Roofs city close around 2:00 AM, the bars inside the Casino Buenos Aires operate 24 hours. 

The best day to go to the San Isidro Racecourse is Saturday.

Grand Prix Sundays, which are usually on the weekends.

Can you smoke in casinos?

By law, smoking is prohibited in enclosed spaces; however, casinos have designated areas such as internal courtyards or semi-covered outdoor terraces for smokers. In the case of the Hipódromo de Palermo, you can smoke without problems on the balconies and open spaces of the VIP Box.

Do I need a booking for the Tigre Casino?

It's not necessary for the casino, but it is for the restaurant, so I recommend doing it 48 hours in advance.

EUseful places

To delve deeper into each experience, you can read the articles we've already published:

• The Palermo Hippodrome: A VIP Experience of Night Racing
• Casino Puerto Madero: a night of gambling in the heart of Buenos Aires
• Tigre Casino: Day Trip from the City
• Where to play poker in Buenos Aires: rooms and casinos for visitors
• Poker tournaments in Buenos Aires: calendar and guide to participating
• San Isidro Hippodrome: tradition and elegance 30 minutes from CABA

And here the tour ends. The premium Porteño night is not exhausted by one visit. It has layers: the gleam of the machines, the smell of freshly cut grass at the turf, the silence of a decisive poker hand at the river. Choose your plan, dress appropriately, and go out. The city, after 10 PM, is yours.