Shopping A-Z

Major Shopping Malls and Department Stores

Indoors or out, Buenos Aires has a wealth of shopping areas. Here are some of the best indoor shopping centers in the city. Some, such as Galerías Pacífico, are tourist sites in their own right because of the beauty of their architecture. Even if shopping or shopping malls are not your bag, Galerías Pacífico is not to be missed. The Abasto Shopping Center is a great place to bring the kids, with its special Museo de los Niños located in the food court. Until recently, something that made the shopping experience here very different from North America and Europe was a lack of department stores. However, Falabella, the Chilean chain, opened up in 2006 in Buenos Aires with a large store on Calle Florida. Still, most shopping centers are a collection of smaller stores and chains, some uniquely Argentine, others South American -- and some that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Antiques

Take to the streets of San Telmo, where you'll find the city's best antiques shops. Don't miss the antiques market that takes place all day Sunday at Plaza Dorrego. There are also a number of fine antiques stores along Avenida Alvear and Suipacha in Recoleta, including a collection of boutique shops at Galería Alvear, Av. Alvear 1777. Note that many of the stores listed in the art section in this chapter also sell antiques among their collections. Antiques and art stores along Calle Arroyo and its surroundings in Recoleta near the Israeli Embassy Monument participate in Gallery Night. This event is held on the last Friday of every month (though not always in Jan-Feb), and antiques and art stores stay open late and frequently offer tea and coffee for patrons. The streets are closed to traffic, creating a comfortable environment for walking and exploring. There is also usually a full moon around this time, so if you're here as a couple, it can be a romantic shopping experience. Keep in mind that most of the museums in Buenos Aires have high-quality art and replica shops, so you might find interesting art and gifts there as well.

Shopping Tip --Most antiques stores will come down 10% to 20% from the listed price if you bargain. It is almost impossible to pay for antiques with a credit card in Buenos Aires; virtually no store will accept them, largely because of Customs and tax issues. However, international checks, once verified, are usually accepted by almost all San Telmo stores. Cold cash, of course, is never an issue whether pesos, dollars, or euros.

Fashion & Apparel

Palermo is fast becoming the place for boutiques showcasing young designers who seem to have done well in spite of, or perhaps because of, the peso crisis. Argentines can no longer really afford to import their clothing, and this has been a boon to local industry, though a recent trade agreement with China may mean that cheap Chinese clothes might flood the market soon, destroying this wonderful homegrown trend. For now, get the Argentina-made goods while you can, as they are some of the country's most interesting products. Women's fashion here is, as a whole, flirty, fun, and above all, feminine. Though it is mostly made for near anorexic figures, I list a plus-size shop below as well. Keep in mind too that Buenos Aires just passed a law that stores must carry large sizes. You will find the city's top international fashion stores along Avenida Alvear and Calle Quintana in Recoleta. The larger fashion stores in Recoleta tend to take credit cards and have set hours. Many smaller Palermo boutiques may take select credit cards, but many only accept cash. You'll also find most boutiques closed on Sundays, and, in Palermo in particular, hours can sometimes be just a suggestion because of a shop's small staff. If you find a boutique you really like in Palermo, it's often possible to speak directly with the owner about her designs and products and see what new things might be coming up. For women, Palermo shopping can be a very rewarding and unique experience.

Jewelry

The city's finest jewelry stores are located in Recoleta and inside many five-star hotels. You can find bargains on gold along Calle Libertad, near Avenida Corrientes. Also, make sure to take a look at the women's fashion section. Many of the small women's boutiques detailed there also carry handmade jewelry produced locally.

Leather

With all that beef in its restaurants, Argentina could not be anything but one of the world's best leather centers. If you're looking for high-quality, interestingly designed leather goods, especially women's shoes, accessories, and handbags, few places beat Buenos Aires's selection. Many leather stores will also custom-make jackets and other items for interested customers, so do ask if you see something you like in the wrong size or want to combine ideas from pieces. While most can do this in a day or two, if you are looking to really have something from Argentina, to avoid disappointment, you should start checking out stores and prices early. If something is complicated to make, it might take more time than usual -- and some stores can take as long as a week for this.

The Murillo Street Leather District -- Looking to compare prices and selection in a hurry? Then head to the Murillo Street Leather Warehouse district in the Villa Crespo neighborhood. I've listed several places, including the large Murillo 666, one of the street's main stores. Items are often made above the storefront, or in a factory nearby. Don't be afraid to bargain, or ask if combinations of items can be made if you don't find exactly what you like. The highest density is at Murillo between Malabia and Acevedo, but you'll find about 50 stores total, with everything from leather jackets, to purses, to luggage, to furniture and more.

Wine

Argentine wineries, particularly those in Mendoza and Salta, produce excellent wines. Stores selling Argentina wines abound, and three of the best are Grand Cru, Av. Alvear 1718; Tonel Privado, in the Patio Bullrich Mall and Galerías Pacífico mall; and Winery, with branches at L. N. Alem 880 and Av. Del Libertador 500.