See the city of the tango

Buenos Aires is one of the Argentina's must-sees, a cosmopolitan city bursting with culture and style, famous for inventing the tango.

Originating in the suburbs of Argentina's capital, tango music and dancing was first invented in the poorer areas of Buenos Aires, however when the dance became a hit in Paris in the 1920s its popularity took off.

Dedicated orchestras pushed the popularity of the music genre further, with singers such as Carlos Gardel and Edmundo Rivero making the sound popular the world over.

More recently, tango has been enjoying a renaissance thanks to Astor Piazolla's tango nuevo style, and groups such as the Gotan Project.

However, holidaymakers can see the origins of the tango for themselves by visiting the hotspots dotted across the city.

The artists that started the tango were known to frequent a bar called La Giralda, on Avenue Corrientes.

As well as seeing one of the places that inspired the movement, holidaymakers can sample the bar's famous chocolate con churros - hot chocolate accompanied by a doughnut-like long, thin pastry.

To see some tango in action, the streets the La Boca neighbourhood are the place to go. On Caminito you can find dancers and singers performing many different tango styles.

If you want to take in the tango in the evening then there are shows available in the San Telmo and Abasto areas.

And if the urge to join in is too much, then there are lessons available. One place specialising intensive courses for tourists is the Confiteria Ideal bar, on Suipacha, located near Avenue Corrientes.

Shoes and other accessories are available in the area, if you plan to head to one of the many bars where you can dance with the locals.

Look for one of the milongas, which have orchestras playing the classic Rio de La Plata tune through the night, some of which also provide dining.

If you are planning a visit to enjoy the sunshine of Buenos Aires' summer, then you can also take advantage of the city's annual Tango Day, held on December 11th.

Otherwise, if you stroll the San Telmo on a Sunday then you are likely to see more people tango in the streets, especially around the antiques market in Dorrego Square.

Among the tour operators with packages for Buenos Aires are www.audleytravel.com, Sunvil and Quest Travel

For more information on Buenos Aires see www.bue.gov.ar