Must-see shopping in Argentina

  • El Ateneo Grand Splendid

    Recoleta & Barrio Norte

    This glorious bookstore in a converted theater continues to flourish in the age of the Kindle. The Grand Splendid theater opened in 1919 and was converted…

  • Autoría

    Buenos Aires

    This gallery-like store, stocked with edgy art books, fashion, accessories, whimsical leather desk sculptures, original artworks and unique handmade…

  • Elementos Argentinos

    Palermo

    The high-quality carpets, rugs and blankets sold here are hand-dyed, hand-woven on a loom and fair trade; the owners work with cooperatives and NGOs to…

  • Paul French Gallery

    Palermo

    A destination in itself. This drop-dead gorgeous shop specializes in homewares – you can find small gifts and souvenirs here, like handcrafted soaps and…

  • Facón

    Palermo

    'Unique pieces by local artists' – that's the name of the game at Facón, a beautiful shop located in a charming old casona (house) with a lovely courtyard…

  • Ruta del Artesano

    Salta & the Andean Northwest

    Tafi's main diversion, aside from walks in the countryside, is this driving route to the home studios of area artisans, whose work includes ceramics,…

  • Quorum

    San Telmo

    This colorful art shop sells prints and originals by emerging artists. Perfect stop for unique souvenir shopping – and supporting the local art scene…

  • Mamuschka

    Bariloche

    Quite simply, the best chocolate in Bariloche. Don’t skip it. Seriously.

  • Regionales Catalina

    San Telmo

    This tiny shop doesn't look like much from the outside – or the inside, come to think of it. Who cares: you're here for the small and well-priced…

  • Bosque

    Palermo

    A charming range of arts and crafts with a botanical bent are sold in this tiny boutique. The woodland theme is evident in the forest scenes of the…

  • Casa El Gaucho

    Mar del Plata

    A gaucho-themed shop stocking leather goods galore, as well as ponchos, scarves, handbags, some nice shoes and berets – not to mention some lovely artisan…

  • Syquet

    The Pampas & the Atlantic Coast

    This charming corner emporium sells a tantalizing array of local cheeses, salamis and hams, along with other gourmet regional products. You'll spot…

  • Libros del Pasaje

    Palermo

    This literary sanctuary offers history, culture and art books in a picturesque antique house. There's a cute restaurant and coffee shop inside – seating…

  • Casa Garzon

    Jujuy

    A leather workshop that also sells saddles, traditional cow-skin drums, boots, belts, wallets, bags and some cool hats. It can customize anything you like…

  • Chalteños

    El Chaltén

    Bring home Chalteños' handmade alfajores filled with dulce de leche or homemade jams and your loved ones will forgive all your wanderings.

  • Mercado Artesanal

    Salta

    Good for souvenirs, this provincially sponsored market is set in a centuries-old complex that was once Salta's main flour mill. Within it are a collection…

  • Galeria Patio del Liceo

    Palermo

    Eclectic little shopping mall with a bohemian vibe. In the past few years, young independent artisans have taken over and created an artistic hub here,…

  • Moebius

    San Telmo

    This little shop’s racks are crowded with owner-designer Lilliana Zauberman’s kaleidoscopic products: 1970s-style jersey dresses, whimsical ruffled…

  • Feria Artesanal Plaza Francia

    Recoleta & Barrio Norte

    Recoleta’s popular artisan fair has dozens of booths and a range of creative, homemade goods from leather wallets and silver jewelry to mate gourds and…

  • Lo de Joaquín Alberdi

    Palermo

    Nationally produced wines for every taste and budget line the racks and cellar of this attractive wine shop; ask the friendly owner for his…

  • Mercado de las Pulgas

    Palermo

    This large covered warehouse is full of caged booths selling antiques, vintage objects and some modern items – precious things such as wooden furniture,…

  • Comme Il Faut

    Recoleta & Barrio Norte

    If you're looking for quality tango shoes, this is the place to come. Not only are these shoes designed to withstand hours of dancing at the milonga, they…

  • Cafayate Artesenal

    Cafayate

    This is a mall of brick stalls piled with goods made from llama wool, leather and cactus wood. Here, handicrafts include artisanal journals, mate (a tea…

  • Memorabilia

    Recoleta & Barrio Norte

    For unique, fun and handmade Argentine items, explore the corners of this tiny boutique. The stock is ever-changing, but can include such things as…

  • Paseo Alcorta

    Palermo

    At this large, upscale shopping mall all the popular Argentine women’s clothing shops are represented, as are international brands such as Adidas, Nike…

  • 28 Sport

    Palermo

    For the retro-sports fanatic, there’s nothing better than this unique shop, with its sense of humor and vintage twist. Focusing on only one product and…

  • Panorama

    Palermo

    About 20 emerging young designers are showcased at this small, upscale store in Palermo Chico. Peruse the clothing racks for one-of-a-kind, eclectic tops,…

  • Quelhue Wine Shop

    Ushuaia

    They don't seem to sell a bad bottle of wine in the whole place. This is a wine-lover's paradise, with floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked to the brim with…

  • Mercado Artesanal y Fábrica de Alfombras

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    For Catamarca’s characteristic hand-tied rugs, visit this artisans market, which also sells ponchos, blankets, jewelry, red onyx sculptures, musical…

  • Paseo de los Artesanos

    Ushuaia

    This indoor artists market sells handmade jewelry, wool crafts, traditional mates and other household items. The majority of vendors only accept Argentine…

  • Walrus Books

    San Telmo

    Run by a photographer from the US, this tiny shop is probably the city's best English-language bookstore. Thousands of new and used literature and…

  • Imhotep

    San Telmo

    Come find old knickknacks at this eccentric shop. Small oddities such as Indian statuettes, Chinese snuff boxes, precious stone figurines and gargoyles…

  • Espacio Originario

    The Gran Chaco

    Sells an interesting selection of indigenous crafts including woven baskets, necklaces featuring local seeds, rugs, bags, dolls, hats and cute armadillo…

  • Fundación Artesanías Misioneras

    Misiones

    Guaraní culture is strong in this part of Argentina, and particularly fine indigenous crafts are displayed and sold here. There's another branch on the…

  • Mishka

    Palermo

    Wonderfully unique footwear with a retro-hip, feminine and slightly conservative vibe. Try on a pair of patent leather sandals for size, or go for more…

  • Rapsodia

    Palermo

    With gorgeous printed fabrics and details such as fringes and sequins, this large and popular boutique is a hit with local fashionistas. Old and new are…

  • Juana de Arco

    Palermo

    Mariana Cortés designs adorable printed fabrics sewn into brightly colored T-shirts, flowery dresses, leggings and underthings. Descend the staircase to…

  • Galería Bond Street

    Recoleta & Barrio Norte

    For the edgiest tattoos and piercings in town, you can’t beat this grungy mall. BA's skateboarder-wannabes, along with their punk-rock counterparts, also…

  • Calma Chicha

    Palermo

    Calma Chicha specializes in creative housewares and accessories that are locally produced from leather, faux leather, sheepskin, cowhide and brightly hued…

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