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In the summer of 2011, we took some Latin dances classes. But due to our weird work schedule, we didn’t go for too long. That was until late summer 2017 when we discovered Argentine Tango. We got hooked and, just four months into our tango experience, we’ve discovered that it’s easy to mix travel with tango. Since then, we’ve incorporated tango classes, practicas, and milongas in our travels.

So we decided to ask fellow travel writers about the places in the world where one can dance. No matter if you like to dance salsa, bachata, or tango, here are some great options for your trips.

Dancing Casino in Cuba by Dorothy from Oz and Other Places

>>book accommodation in Havana, Cuba

Casino is a traditional Cuban partner dance that developed in the 1950s and has been popular in Havana ever since. It is sometimes referred to as Cuban salsa and it derived from a variety of dances, including the Chacha and the Son. Casino developed into a unique style that is typically done in a circular format (or “rueda” style). It involves a group of couples that form a circle and rotate partners throughout the dance. It is a very social and significant part of Cuban culture, and I was lucky enough to get a lesson while visiting Havana, Cuba.

For a lesson, you can expect to pay between $40-100 USD per person. Our lesson was 3 hours long and included a welcome cocktail, as well as a video of the experience! Most classes can be tailored based on skill level, so whether you are a beginner or an accomplished dancer, you can find what you’re looking for. While many teachers are classically trained in Casino, most local dancers just do it socially. Included in our experience was an outing that night to Hotel Florida which continues to be one of Havana’s go-to spot for Casino dancing. You can find Casino at most Havana clubs, but I have heard La Gruta and Hotel Ingleterra have great live music as well. The circle and group aspects of the dance make Casino particularly fun, and the Cubano Libres didn’t hurt!

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Argentine Tango in Buenos Aires by Erin from Sol Salute

>>book accommodation in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires and Tango, the two go hand in hand. It’s a passionate dance, but there’s so much more to Tango than what’s parodied in cartoons and movies worldwide (no rose in mouth, marching from one end to the dance floor to the next). Tango is a product of the diverse immigration to Buenos Aires at the turn of the century. European dances, like the Waltz, met African rhythms like Candombe. In this sense, the tango is a true representation of the city’s history.

If you came to Buenos Aires to dance tango, you have a lot of options to choose from. If you want to dance like a local, find a Milonga (tango party). Catedral, La Virtua and Maldita are three classics on the tango scene. Tango nights are late nights, with “milongueros” (tango dancers) often dancing until the wee hours of the morning. Here to learn? Most milongas have evening classes for beginners. This is a much more relaxed way to learn and often have more relaxed dress codes and more forgiving partners.

My favorite dance venues are free and outdoors. Every Sunday evening, as the sun begins to set and vendors pack up their stalls in Plaza Dorrego at the San Telmo weekly market, a dance floor is set up at the back of the square. La Glorieta de Belgrano in the Barrancas del Belgrano park is another Milonga under the stars (nightly at around 7pm). Both are fantastic options to watch the locals in their element.

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Salsa in Puerto Rico by Jen from Jen on a Jet Plane

>>book accommodation in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an island pulsing with an infectious rhythm. Music is a way of life for locals so the sounds you hear on your visit could range from reggeaton to plena. There’s something fundamental about salsa, however. At its core, it’s a dance meant to celebrate the spirit of the Puerto Rican people. After all, it’s hard not to feel elated when you’re twirling and being dipped so low your hair grazes the floor.

Those looking to practice their best moves should start at the Nuyorican Cafe. The famous bar/dance club is tucked away in an alley in Old San Juan, easily accessible to cruise ships or anyone strolling the area. While the dance floor is tiny, they boast live music and a lively crowd. The party doesn’t start until at least 11pm, so if you’re an early sleeper this one is not for you!

Another option is to head outdoors during the weekends to Plaza Colon or Placita de Santurce. You’ll also find live music, along with people dancing in the street and various street vendors.

If you have a car and are looking to venture out, check out El Boricua in Rio Piedras. Located near a college campus, there’s a younger crowd and live music even on weekdays.

Despite its popularity and reputation, I would not recommend Club Brava for salsa dancing. This is more of a nightclub setting, similar to what you might find in LA or Miami, and plays mostly Billboard charts and radio hits.

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Salsa in Zagreb by Julianna from Letters from a Traveling Girl

>>book accommodation in Zagreb, Croatia

If you are part of your salsa scene in Europe, you have heard about Croatia in the context of summer festivals.
While that is for sure part of the experience, Zagreb, the capital, has a slowly growing Latin dance scene. They started out with salsa more than ten years ago, and now salsa, bachata and kizomba are all available and danced. There are many schools now, but some that have been around a while are Salsoteca, and Fever. Suavecita is never but owned by one of the oldest teachers around. Many people decide to go with Fever, since it is taught by one of the celebrities of that world in Croatia, Hrvoje Krasevac. It is worth mentioning that all the above are schools teaching salsa line. For Cuban, check out PC Salsa. Most classes will be taught in Croatian. If you are looking for English classes make sure to go with Salsoteca or Suavecita, with whom I’ve had a great experience with. You will generally pay around 200-300 Kunas per month, with for me is reasonable.

There are also many parties happening throughout the week. The bar, Ritam Grada, has one almost every day. Every Weekend there is a party at Buena Vista, although this club tends to shut down at times. Each school also has their own small party, which you can attend if you find out when and where they are. There is monthly parties every first Saturday at Metropolis. The school are pretty good at having all the events on Facebook, so make sure you check on there under the dance schools’ pages.

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Salsa in Trinidad by Holly from Globelogging

>>book accommodation in Trinidad, Cuba

If there is anywhere that is truly the land of dance it is Cuba. Everywhere you go the streets are filled with music and the Cubans seem to be born with rhythm. They learn to dance as part of their schooling, so if you’re looking to Salsa, it’s not too hard to find somewhere to burn up the floor with a local. For the ladies, if you aren’t used to the Cuban lead, they can be a little difficult to follow. For the men, there are be plenty of ladies in bright splashes of color and twirling fabrics happy to be put into a spin or two! Don’t expect the smoothly polished dancefloors you might be used to, however.

Trinidad, in Central Cuba, is a prime example. The hub of activity is the colorful Plaza Mayor, the historic center of town. A large set of steps reminiscent of Italy’s Spanish Steps leads up to the House of Music. A small plaza midway up the stairs becomes the dance floor for the locals to the tunes of live musicians playing throughout the day and into the night. For a small cover charge, there is dancing to be found in the House of Music itself, where you can also arrange to take Salsa lessons.

El Rincon de la Salsa is a great venue to practice your newly learned steps. The music is live, the drinks are cheap and the split levels means you can hang back and watch the dancers on the floor, or get in on the action yourself. The band plays into the early hours of the morning and it’s a great night out a short stroll from the Plaza Mayor.
For those who like something a little different, Disco Ayala is a club in a cave located approximately ten minutes walk from Plaza Mayor. A mix of Salsa and Techno music is played to the accompaniment of spectacular lighting bouncing off the cavern walls.

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Argentine Tango in Budapest by LooknWalk

>>book accommodation in Budapest, Hungary

You know by now that we adore Budapest. And we were super delighted to discover that Hungary’s capital has a very active Argentine tango scene. We’ve been lucky to attend workshops held by incredible Hungarian instructors and also go to milongas while we visited the city. There are a lot of Tango Schools in Budapest and they often organize workshops and practicas. The best thing to do is to follow them on social media to keep up to date with the events.

Prices vary but 1500 huf / 5.45 USD would get you access to a milonga (with live music!) or an assisted practica. You need to ask the instructors in private if you are interested in taking private lessons.

If you happen to be in Budapest (or any other place) and want to see other tangueros / tangueras who are in town, use the Tango Partner app. You can not only see users that are in that location but also events (festivals, marathons, events, practicas, or classes).

Do you like to look up places to dance when you travel? If so, share some ideas with us in the comments section below!