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The Ultimate Buenos Aires Shopping Guide

Madalyn Roberg

By | October 25, 2020

Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, the latest fashion trends or a bit of retail therapy, we break down the what and where of shopping in Buenos Aires.

Sometimes one of the best parts of traveling is getting a chance to buy different and exciting products, trends or brands. Shopping in Buenos Aires is an especially fun activity when the exchange rate is favorable, and converting the prices make you feel like you’re getting an absolute steal.

That being said, when shopping in Argentina, you’ll get much better deals if you stick to Argentine made products and Argentine brands. Thanks to the 50% tariff, anything imported will be considerably more expensive here than almost anywhere else. But, it’s not like you came all the way to Argentina to shop at Zara anyway, right?

What should I buy in Buenos Aires

On the hunt for a gift or souvenir? Here are a few suggestions for our favorite products most closely tied with the Argentine culture and way of life.

Sweets:

You can’t go wrong with the local sugary delicacy, especially for those with a sweet tooth. A jar of dulce de leche, a caramel like sauce that Argentines are known for putting on almost anything, is a great way to bring one of Argentina’s most popular flavors home. Or for something that’s sweet, but not quite as rich, try a box of 70% cocoa chocolate alfajores from Cafe Havana.

Alcohol

Almost always a fan favorite, bringing alcohol back as a gift is a great way to bring back the unique flavors of Argentina, while also getting the party started. The obvious choice here is a bottle of Argentina’s famed Malbec. Or for something more unexpected, consider a bottle of Apsotles gin. Created by the same person behind The Florería Atlantico, one of the coolest hidden bars in in Bueno Aires, Apsotles gin has a distinctly Argentine flavor thanks to the subtle mate infusion.

Souvenirs

For something that will last longer than a bottle of wine or a jar of dulce de leche, head to one of the many outdoor markets and see what you can find. A few of our favorite souvenirs that will bring back memories of Argentina for years to come include leather products, gaucho knives, soccer apparel, and tango art.

For more ideas for the best Argentine souvenir and gifts and where to buy them check out Buenos Aires Souvenir and Gift Guide

Where are the best places to go shopping in Buenos Aires?

Outdoor markets:

For artisanal goods, antiques and unique products head to one of Buenos Aires many weekend ferias. There are small scale outdoor markets in most Buenos Aires neighborhoods every weekend, but the two most impressive are the famous Feria San Telmo and the Feria Recoleta. Both of which are a great place to find gifts and souvenirs, or to just spend an afternoon wandering around and checking out the antiques and handmade goods on display. Or, if you’re specifically looking for leather, hand crafted knives, or gaucho accessories head to the Feria de Mataderos for the biggest selection.

Mid-range shopping:

For a range of mid to higher-end shops head to Santa Fe and Avenida 9 de Julio and make your way west on Santa Fe. The best section of this shopping avenue will be the first seven or eight blocks until about Callao, but if you want to continue, there are a few more good options until Puerredon. Along this stretch you’ll find popular Argentine chains along with hole in the wall boutiques. Make sure to make a stop at El Gran Ateno, an opulent theater-turned bookstore that National Geographic recently named “the world’s most beautiful bookstore.”

The stretch of Florida street between Bartolomé Mitre until Plaza San Martin is a pedestrian street filled with shops and cafes. Also, the most popular place to exchange money and located smack dab in the middle of downtown, Florida street is almost always buzzing. If you make it all the way to Plaza San Martin, make sure to reward yourself with an ice cream from Rappa Nui, one of the best specialty ice cream and chocolate shops in Buenos Aires.

Located in Belgrano, Cabildo street is Santa Fe’s Northern cousin. There you’ll find a popular shopping street with similar mix of popular Argentine brands and small independent shops. This area does appeal to a slightly younger crowd than Santa Fe, and is a great place for teens and young adults to find on trend pieces.

High-end shopping:

Many of the malls in Buenos Aires will have higher end offerings, especially Centro Commercial Alto Palermo. But, for those who prefer not to spend their vacation time in a mall, head to Palermo Soho. One of the trendiest neighborhoods in all of Buenos Aires, this subsection of Palermo is chock full of cool designer shops and chic eateries. You’ll find the highest concentration of shops to be situated in the cobblestoned streets between Gorritti and Plaza Armenia.

Thrift Shopping:

When it comes to fashion, Argentines love to throw it back. From platforms, and rhinestone accessories, to printed button downs and pleated skirts, 80s, 90s and early 2000s fashion is alive and well in Buenos Aires. The simplest and most economical way to achieve this aesthetic is hitting one of the many thrift shops in Buenos Aires. Here are a few of our favorites:

Recoleta:

Galería 5ta Avenida
Location:  Av. Santa Fe 1270 

Palermo:

Look in Garage
Location: Gascón 1326

The Vintage Hole
Location: Humboldt 1665

Leather:

Buenos Aires is a great city to go leather shopping thanks to the high quality and sheer abundance of leather. While the incredible bargains of the early 2000s have long gone, leather in Buenos Aires is still more reasonably priced than other top leather producing cities, and there are good deals to be found. Just make sure to do some research and shop around before taking the plunge. For every honest leather craftsman hand making high quality pieces at a good price, there’s at least one who may try and rip you off.

Here are the main leather shopping districts in Buenos Aires:

Monserrat (San Jose and Belgrano)
Villa Crespo (Murillo and Scalabrini Ortiz)
Downtown (Florida and correientes)

For more leather shopping tips and specific shop recommendations check out Where to buy leather in Buenos Aires

What are the most fashionable brands in Argentina?

When traveling in a new country, one of the most exciting parts of shopping is discovering the coolest local brands. In Buenos Aires, you’ll find a wide range of quality and taste. So, we’ve done the leg work of compiling a few of the most fashionable Argentine designers and boutiques in Buenos Aires.

Women’s:

Combining stylish denim, leather pieces, and other wardrobe staples, Desiderta is the perfect place to put together a classic yet fashion forward look for Fall or Winter.

Using menswear as one of their main inspirations, Vernna specializes in chunky knits, oversized jackets, androgynous fits, and handmade statement jewelry.

Anonimas Argentina creates elevated and fashionable looks by combining unexpected fabrications and bold design. Think high-waisted velvet bell bottoms, leather jumpsuits with plunging necklines, and metallic pull overs.

Proud producers of “slow fashion,” Oldi sells high-quality garments that are meant to last a life-time. Their collection of beachy summer dresses and printed flowy pants make this the perfect stop before a getaway to Uruguay.

For sleek and fashion-forward accessories check out Prune. One of the most prominent leather brands in Argentina, their high-quality purses make make the perfect final touch to any look.

Men’s:

From laid back sweats and t-shirts to summery linen suites, The clothes at Burgués are timeless yet fashion forward.

For a more laid back esthetic, Henky Penky is a premier street wear brand out of Buenos Aires. A great place to stop for puffer jackets, fashion forward sweats, and t-shirts.

For top of the line leather shoes that will rival the quality of designer shoes out of Europe, for a fraction of the price, head to Teran or Correa. Teran is creating some of the coolest and most cutting-edge designs in men’s dress shoes. Meanwhile, Correa is a generations-old family business hand making old-school bespoke leather shoes.

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