Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shopping is practically a sport for many Buenos Aires' citizens, who despite steeply
rising inflation continue to shop as if there's no tomorrow. As the saying goes, 'An Ar-
gentine will make one peso and spend two.'
In the Microcentro, Florida is a multipurpose pedestrian strip that buzzes with shop-
pers, while Av Santa Fe is a bit less pedestrian-friendly but equally prominent as the
city's main shopping artery. San Telmo is ground zero for antiques, and Av Pueyrredón
near Once train station is
the
place for cheap (and lower-quality) clothing. Jewelry shops
are found on Libertad south of Av Corrientes. Leather jackets and bags are cheapest on
Calle Murillo (500-600 block), in Villa Crespo.
For both brand-name and avant-garde fashions, Palermo Viejo is the place to be. This
neighborhood, split by railroad tracks into Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, has
the most concentrated number of clothing boutiques between Plaza Serrano and Plaza
Palermo Viejo. You'll find housewares and plenty of knickknack shops here, too.
As in other Western countries, bargaining is not acceptable in most stores. High-price
items such as jewelry and leather jackets can be exceptions, especially if you buy several.
At street markets you can try negotiating for better prices - just keep in mind you may be
talking to the artists themselves, who generally don't make much money. San Telmo's
antiques fair, the Feria de San Telmo, is an exception: prices here are often inflated for
tourists.
BUENOS AIRES STREET MARKETS
Some of BA's best crafts and souvenirs are sold at its many street markets, often
by the artists themselves. You may have to sort through some tacky kitsch, but
you'll also find creative and original art. Often there is also 'free' (ie donation) en-
tertainment from casual performers.
Tourists and locals alike flock to the famous Sunday
Feria de San Telmo
brings together hundreds of street vendors, buskers and shoppers. You'll find jew-
elry, souvenirs, knickknacks, artwork, clothing, old collectibles, hand-made crafts
and much more. It's a tight and crowded scene, so be prepared to bump into
people - and watch your bag carefully.
Intendente Alvear; 10am-7pm)
has dozens of booths and a range of creative goods.
Hippies, mimes and tourists mingle; nearby restaurants provide refreshment. It
runs on weekends and is located just outside the cemetery.
