Buenos Aires Travel Guide: Shopping

A fashion capital of Latin America, Buenos Aires is home to two high-end shopping centers in its chic Recoleta neighborhood: the Patio Bullrich and Buenos Aires Designs. The former sits across from the sophisticated Caesar Park Hotel and houses boutiques featuring designer brands such as Christian Dior and Armani Exchange at prices that may not be as outrageous for patrons purchasing with different currency. The latter is a stylish shopping mall that is solely devoted to beautiful interior design pieces for the home, at sensible prices.

However, travelers looking for more unique and less expensive Buenos Aires souvenirs are advised to seek out the city’s many street and artisan fairs and markets. The Weekend Recoleta Fair in Francia Park, as well as Sunday’s San Telmo Market, are particularly noted for the handicrafts such as handmade jewelry, colorful shawls and other nick-knacks. Most markets come alive on Sundays, such as the Defensa Street Marketin the antique-shop friendly district of San Telmo that features street performers and vendors selling anything and everything. Feria de Matadores is a bit far out of the main city center but is well-worth the trip with authentic Argentine handicrafts on sale, regional music and dances on display and even a guacho horsemanship show for visitors to see.

Argentina is the number one beef consumer in the world and does not let any of the cows go to waste. Expectedly so, the country produces some of the finest leather goods in the world, available to visitors for more than reasonable prices. Stores specializing in this market are concentrated near the Plaza San Martin, along Florida.Aida at Galeria de la Flor can make you a customized leather jacket in one day, while Galeria del Caminantehas an excellent variety of shops that sell wallets, belts, handbags and more, all made of quality Argentine leather.

Casa Lopez, Marcelo T. de Alvear 640/658, – Tel: +54 (11) 4312-8911
Probably the most traditional marroquinería (leather goods shop) in all of Buenos Aires, travelers should definitely make the stop here for a vast array of leather goods to choose from, made from the finest cowhide in Argentina.

Patio Bullrich, Avenida Del Libertador 750 and Posadas 1245, Tel: +54 (11) 4814 7400
One of the more sophisticated shopping centers in Buenos Aires, this mall is situated in a historic building and features prominent national and international brand names that cater to the upper-middle class of the city but foreign visitors will find sells well-known merchandise at reasonable prices.

Puna, Arte Indígena, Galeria Promenade Alvear, Avenida Alvear 1883, local 41, Tel: +54 (11) 4801 6589

Visitors looking for quality handicrafts and art should look no further than this beautiful indigenous art shop located in the Recoleta shopping district. Here shoppers can find handmade silver jewelry, hand-woven llama wool rugs and pottery, some from the Argentina Puna region, as well as Bolivia.