Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On Sunday merchants set up stalls and peddle
their wares, which range from antique watches
on chains (they work),to rare and used topics,
religious articles, copper pots and pans,
gaucho
gear, glassware and clothing. Bargaining is
intense and, even if you don't understand the
words, watch the body language. All the while,
street musicians (called buskers) perform.
Some are paid by the market organizers and,
while they are dressed to the nines and beauti-
ful to watch as they glide across the cement
dance floor, it's a job. Head instead to the street
performers who work different points of Calle
Defensa. An older duo, the singer coiffed and
dressed to look like Carlos Gardel, is really
intense, as are the dance teams on Humberto I.
Just a few centavos keep them going.
The market is not the only place to shop near
Plaza Dorrego. There are several mini-arcades
in and near the plaza to explore.
Galería El
Solar de French
on Calle Defensa overlooking
Plaza Dorrego has over 30 shops. Although a
few sell antiques, others sell contemporary
clothing and gifts. It's in a lovely historic build-
ing as well. Just south of Humberto I, you'll find
Galería Ponte Vecchio
at Defensa 1135 and
nearby
Pasaje de la Defensa
at 1179. The lat-
ter is more attractive and is ensconced in a
multi-level historic building.
La Botica de
Vichy
, shop #3, has terrific antique clothing
(hats especially) that is all the rage with US
teens.
See more
on antique
shops in the
Shopping
section.
