Whether you’re new to salsa dancing, or have taken lessons for years, you know there’s nothing quite like practicing your moves outside of a classroom and inside a buzzing venue.

Shaking your hips with music pounding, drinks flowing and an endless array of new partners to choose (and learn) from – it’s how salsa was meant to be done. And, fortunately, Sydney’s got no shortage of places to experience that. Here, we’ve rounded up five of our favourites.

Establishment

One of the best-known salsa nights in Sydney is Salsa Tuesdays at Establishment Main Bar on George Street. Work up a sweat stepping, spinning and dipping to the sounds of a live band or DJ before cooling down with an icy $10 cocktail (or three). Need a salsa dancing refresher? Join a free lesson from 8pm.

The Argyle

The Argyle’s dark and moody, exposed stone wall interiors, not to mention its crowds, help to make you feel like you’re in an underground club in Mexico when Latin dancing takes it over on Wednesday nights. In addition to salsa, look out for bachata, reggaeton and urban moves, as well as free lessons and, if you’re lucky, a live band.

The Port

Every Wednesday from 7pm until 1am, Darling Harbour’s foreshore comes alive with salsa night at The Port. For a $10 cover, you can enjoy free salsa lessons from 7pm-8pm, as well as social dancing across two rooms.

12 Taps

Every Thursday at 12 Taps in Kings Cross, you’ll find a dedicated hour to learn salsa (7-8pm) and bachata (8-9pm), both at rates of $15. Then, from 9pm onwards, the floor opens up to a free social dance when merengue and reggaeton join the music line-up.

The Collaroy

Fridays are Salsa nights at The Collaroy on the Northern Beaches. The waterfront venue holds free salsa classes from 7-8pm and then offers $12 cocktail specials from 8-10pm. Expect live percussion and DJs playing reggaeton and Bossa Nova.