Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 4862-9298; Defensa 916; 11am-6pm Sun-Fri)
Come find the funkiest old knickknacks at
this eccentric shop. Small oddities such as Indian statuettes, Chinese snuff boxes, precious
stone figurines and gargoyles make up some of the bizarre trinkets here. Also look for
fantastical and mythological creatures; there are also plenty of skulls.
GIL ANTIGUEDADES
(Humberto Primo 412; 11am-1pm & 3-7pm Tue-Sun)
A window display of Great Gatsby-style
flapper dresses and vintage nightgowns pulls the passerby into San Telmo's finest an-
tiques emporium. Decorative objects like china teapots and leather hatboxes are overshad-
owed by the stunning array of silk slips and lacy Victorian gowns - John Galliano, Cath-
erine Deneuve and Salvatore Ferragamo are among the famous people who've stopped by
for inspiration on visits to Buenos Aires.
ANTIQUES
MERCADO DE SAN TELMO
(Defensa, Bolívar, Carlos Calvo & Estados Unidos block; 9am-8pm)
This market was built in
1897 by Juan Antonio Buschiazzo, the same Italian-born Argentine architect who de-
signed Recoleta Cemetery. It occupies the inside of an entire city block, though you
wouldn't be able to tell just by looking at the modest sidewalk entrances. The wrought-
iron interior (note the amazing original ceiling) makes it one of BA's most atmospheric
markets; locals shop here for fresh produce and meat. Peripheral antique stalls offer lug-
gage, wine decanters and other treasures. More stalls are open on weekends.
MARKET
WALRUS BOOKS
( 4300-7135; Estados Unidos 617; noon-8pm Tue-Sun)
Run by an American photographer,
this tiny shop is probably the best English-language bookstore in BA. Thousands of new
and used literature and nonfiction books line the shelves here, and there's a selection of
Latin American classics translated into English. Bring your quality books (including
Lonely Planet guides!) to trade; literary workshops offered too.
BOOKS
CUALQUIER VERDURA
( 4300-2474; Humberto Primo 517; noon-8pm Thu-Sun)
Located in a lovely, refurbished old
house, this fun store sells eclectic items from vintage clothing to funny soaps (look for
these in the 'bathroom') to recycled floppy-disc lamps to contemporary knickknacks and
CLOTHING HOUSEWARES
