Belgrano

p{font-size: 16px !important;line-height:26px !important;} A lively, atmospheric option to hunker down in all night, Casa Babel Bistró occupies a refurbished home dating back to 1927 and is one of the city's most loved hidden gems. The multi-disciplinary space houses a production company, recording studio, and of course the bistro. In keeping with the culturally rich vibe that pervades the space, the menu reads much like a book, chapter by chapter with each dish inspired by a piece of writing, and accompanied by a stellar playlist. Following dinner, get comfortable on the couches for live music that continues into the early hours.

Universities are the often-overlooked, yet most ideal locations to really feel out the cultural and political pulse of a city. Buenos Aires’s Ciudad Universitaria is a sprawling campus based on an urban plan drafted by seminal French architect Le Corbusier in 1938. The buildings are fairly Brutalist is style (a change from the typically ornate structures that dominate the city landscape), and the campus is covered in graffiti, political banners, and cultural references—an unusual but authentic spot to walk around and really take in the civic undertones of the city.

If there's one sweat-inducing, invigorating, authentic experience to be had in BA, it's this: A group of talented percussionists perform a mix of improvised drumming every Monday at Konex, the city's cutting edge, slightly gritty, cultural center. The music is loud and totally infectious–you'll find everyone dancing in the audience, which is an eclectic crowd—everything from local die-hard fans of all ages to tourists. The set runs for about three hours, but it literally flies by, leaving you wanting more. Head there early to get a spot near the crowd exterior (the middle can get rowdy) and wear sneakers and comfortable clothing–you'll be on your feet for hours.