Instead of paying close to $100 USD each for an over-the-top "Tango for Export" show, visit the Academy for an all-comers class taught by wonderful & patient English-speaking instructors. Only 15 Pesos (~$5 USD) per person got us a 90-minute lesson followed by a "Free Tango" session where experienced locals really strutted their stuff. The quality of their dancing was amazing, and taking a lesson in the National Academy of Tango in Buenos freakin' Aires was something very special in itself. My husband and I have at least 4 left feet between the two of us, and we did just fine in the lesson.

The archives and museum are worth a visit on their own, and the ramshackle yet grand building is right on Avenida de Mayo, next door to Gran Cafe Tortoni.

For a perfect evening, go to the 6 PM class and follow it up with an ice cream sundae at Tortoni next door.

Classes every M-F at 6:00 PM.