Argentina is a shopper’s paradise. Its vibrant capital, Buenos Aires, is full of places that cater for a range of tastes, selling all manner of souvenirs that will evoke special memories of this incredible country. Not shopping in the city? Don’t worry, authentic keepsakes can be found all over Argentina. Read on to discover seven products the country is famous for, and where to get them.
Shopping Etiquette and Advice
In Buenos Aires and other large towns and cities, most retailers, including malls, chain stores and specialist shops, tend to be open daily from 10am to 8pm. Supermarkets are usually open from 8.30am to 9 or 10pm at night; usually closing only on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Labour Day (May 1st). Some shops in the capital close on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, except in Palermo Viejo, where Monday is the preferred day off. Generally speaking, you can't really barter when shopping in Argentina apart from at markets or street stalls. However, it’s possible to negotiate lower prices on leather goods in Buenos Aires because there's lots of competition.
Clothing
If you fancy updating your holiday wardrobe, Buenos Aires has you covered, with designer labels, vintage boutiques and edgier spots for those seeking something different. Palermo is one of the trendiest districts, with boutique shops slotted between hip restaurants and nightclubs. Recoleta has stunning French-inspired architecture that helped give Buenos Aires its reputation as the Paris of the South. The prestigious Avenida Alvear is where you’ll find the latest collections by Argentinian and international designers. Located in the chilled neighbourhood of Caballito, Parque Centenario is popular on Saturdays and Sundays for its extensive flea market. While mostly filled with bargain hunting locals, it’s an off-the-beaten track alternative for travellers. For outlet stores and last season’s clothes, Avenida Córdoba is the area with all the deals.
Leather
Argentina is a great place to shop for leather goods; items made from various types of hides can be purchased in all commercial areas. Buenos Aires even has a street dedicated exclusively to leather in Murillo, while a brand called Prüne has outlets across the country. A particular type of leather to look out for when shopping in Argentina is carpincho, which comes from a large rodent native to South America. It’s prized for its softness, attractive reddish colour and irregular grain. In addition to conventional items like bags and belts, Argentina also produces traditional gaucho sheaths, boots and saddles, as well as the best tango shoes in the world.
Argentine Silver
A registered trademark, Argentine silver has a long Creole tradition. Silverware is available all over the country, whether you’re in the market for religious artifacts, cutlery or jewellery. With regards the latter, many of the most coveted pieces have rhodochrosite – a reddish pink stone typical of Argentina – embedded in the silver. If you're willing to combine shopping with an interesting day trip, the silversmiths of San Antonio de Areco are renowned throughout the country. The town is less than two hours from Buenos Aires and around 20 artisans work there, handcrafting precious heirlooms for their customers to pass on to their descendants. There are several estancias in the immediate area, so you could combine shopping with an asado at one of them.
Antiques
At the start of the 20th century, Argentina was one of the world’s richest countries. This makes it a mecca for collectors of antiques. Known for its bohemian charm, San Telmo is the capital’s neighbourhood of arts, tango and antiquities. It’s home to a plethora of antique shops, each one specialising in something different and happy to help ship your purchases home. San Telmo is a nice area to wander around any day of the week, but on Sundays, throngs of tourists and locals flock to Plaza Dorrego for the weekly antiques fair, Feria de San Telmo. If you’re hunting for bargains and you know what you’re looking for, try venturing away from the plaza itself.
Wine
Mendoza is Argentina's largest wine region and home to around 75% of its vineyards. It’s an excellent place to taste and buy wines – either at the vineyards themselves or at Mendoza’s many boutique wine bars. If you can’t get to Mendoza, don’t worry, there are bodegas as far north as Salta and as far south as Patagonia. You can also find excellent wines at accessible prices in most markets and in specialist shops across the country. Here are some varietals to look out for:
- Malbec: Argentina’s most famous red is full-bodied with smooth tannins and fruity aromas
- Bonarda: With an intense red colour, it’s fresh with low tannin content (and goes very well with empanadas)
- Torrontes: Salta has become the ‘go to’ producer of this fresh and fruity white
Crafts
Craft shops can be found in every corner of Argentina and the country has a long tradition of artisanship. Shoppers can find a variety of pieces made with luxuriously soft alpaca wool, as well as ceramics and wooden objects, especially in gaucho villages. Musical instruments also make fantastic souvenirs. The capital’s best place for crafts is La Feria de Artesanos in Recoleta’s Plaza Francia. The fair sells only original work, usually by the stallholders themselves, and is held on Saturdays, Sundays and some public holidays from 11am-8pm. Grab a scoop of helado (ice cream) from Freddo opposite Recoleta Cemetery – dulce de leche granizado comes highly recommended – and wander around enjoying the beautiful crafts.
Mate Sets
Argentinians drink mate like the British drink tea. The country’s favourite infusion is made with mate grass and hot water, often sweetened with sugar. Spend a few days in Argentina and you’ll see countless locals carrying mate cups and sipping the drink through a metal straw known as a bombilla (pronounced bomb-bee-ya). These sets are the most authentic way to drink mate, and many are handcrafted by local artisans, making them excellent mementos. They can be found in shops and markets everywhere, from the capital to the countryside.
Interested in next level experiences when shopping in Argentina? Contact our expert team to arrange tailored tours and exceptional excursions.
