Adorned with park side restaurants, cafes, and art galleries, Recoleta is one of the most fashionable and popular neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Tourists and locals alike are drawn in by the European-style architecture, outdoor street fairs on the weekends, and multitude of upscale boutiques and bars. Make sure to check out the beautiful and lavish Cementerio de la Recoleta, as well as the enormous Plaza Francia.
After an exhaustive and careful restoration of this beautiful 1919 theater, the biggest bookstore in Latin America opened in what used to be the old Grand Splendid cinema. Without altering the old structure—twinned with the Opera de Paris theatre—it still has its original features and magnificent friezes, like the one on the spectacular dome. There is now a cafeteria in place of the stage, where you can read books taken from the bookshelves. There are also reading places on the corners of the main floor and in the old balconies on the first floor, furnished with tables and comfortable armchairs, computers for searching or online purchasing and an area dedicated to children, 'El Ateneo Junior', with interactive games and storytelling. There is also a small music stage, CDs and DVDs for sale, art exhibitions on the third floor and facilities for watching DVDs.
Surrounded by traditional artifact shops, Gabriel del Campo Anticuario, is one of the most visited shops for its antique collection. The store looks like a set of a period film, showcasing vintage statues, woodwork, chandeliers, period furniture and a lot more, that will effortlessly charm any art admirer. So when you are in the city, make Gabriel del Campo Anticuario one of your ten must visit places, you won’t regret it.
A Bohemian neighborhood that dances to the tunes of tango, abuzz with street markets that provide a stark contrast to its tranquil Colonial origins, San Telmo defines flamboyance, culture and movement. While brick makers and dockworkers occupied this zone in the 17th Century, it has always been known for the markets that have been characterizing the cobblestone streets since its origins. Till date, tourists throng to the Sunday antiques' market that lights up the otherwise peaceful Plaza Dorrego, which is also one of the oldest plazas of Buenos Aires. A plethora of opulent art galleries has attracted the creme de la creme of the urban crowd, which upped the ante of this remarkable traditional area. The traditional Colonial Buildings, festooned with bougainvillea, have now been turned into swanky cafes and lofts, while still maintaining the old world charm. The quintessence of the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires comes alive with the street performers who swirl and twirl their feet to tango, making every day a grand carnival. Restaurant theaters that host tango shows on a regular basis have become one of the most sought after tourist attractions.
This complex is located in an old building that belonged to Ferrocarriles Argentinos, the former Railroad Company of the State. Fortunately, the wonderful friezes by Raúl Soldi were kept. Thus the shopping promenade is lined with artistic streaks. Its shining marble, diverse staircases and mural paintings constitute a novel and sophisticated atmosphere. The center is home to the Centro Cultural Borges and Julio Bocca's ballet school. There are also more than 200 stores, a number of movie theaters, and an elegant dining area with different options from tea rooms to romantic restaurants to fast food parlors.
A city filled with book worms, where do locals go to browse through shelves of novels, history, poetry, and art books? Unlike the massive bookstores throughout the city, Libros del Pasaje offers a more cozy, boutique feel where intellectuals spend hours perusing the vast collections and lounging on comfortable chairs. Even for those who struggle reading books in Spanish, Libros del Pasaje has a small selection of English books as well. Bring your laptop and take advantage of the free WiFi, sitting for hours in the covered patio. Order a coffee and a sandwich and you'll never want to leave.
Urban streetwear and funky art objects are the name of the game at Fabrica de Bananas. Top graffiti artists and edgy young designers based in Buenos Aires show off their latest wares. Check out the women's flashy clubbing duds by Disculpame que te diga, the slick headwear for men and women by Compañía de Sombrero and Stereo Jeans' destroyed screenprinted tees. The Fabrica's lofted Lounge Bar also functions as an art gallery and event space to showcase underground DJs.
The Feria de Palermo is a great little open air market that happens in Plaza Palermo every Saturday and Sunday. Stands fill the streets of Costa Rica, Malabia, and Armenia, which also happen to surround this plaza. The stands include a variety of hand crafted goods, such as skirts, earrings, purses, toys, barbie clothes, small instruments and plenty of other interesting artisan items. You can even find useful things, such as plug adapters, for much cheaper than at a store. The market is open all year round, so make sure you pass by every so often to see what is new. - Rease Kirchner
La Martina is known for their polo-inspired clothing line, both for men and women. Stock up on polo gear, clothing like t-shirts, pants, jackets, shoes and accessories. This department store chain has originated in Argentina, but it quickly expanded to over 15 countries worldwide. In Argentina, there are more than 25 stores, 14 in the capital of Buenos Aires. This is the ideal spot to pick out gifts for friends and family back home, or to choose to buy a present that represents the Argentina's national sport. - Alexandra Lazar
Moebius is a funky boutique that presents clothes, shoes and accessories for men and women. It showcases some of the ingenious designs of Buenos Aires' fashionistas, including clever convertible boots; chunky wraps that can be worn as tops, skirts or dresses, and unique jewelry and handbags using everything from recycled bottles, old tires, plastic labels and leather. Moebius proves that Buenos Aires wasn't named the UNESCO City of Design for nothing; local designers continue to churn out smart clothing, and it's available here.
Adorned with park side restaurants, cafes, and art galleries, Recoleta is one of the most fashionable and popular neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Tourists and locals alike are drawn in by the European-style architecture, outdoor street fairs on the weekends, and multitude of upscale boutiques and bars. Make sure to check out the beautiful and lavish Cementerio de la Recoleta, as well as the enormous Plaza Francia.
Manuela Roth is an adorable boutique located in Palermo Hollywood. This store is much larger than your average boutique, with handmade treasures from wall to wall. In the window, you will see dresses, tops and skirts, with each one unique and to die for. If you venture into the store, you will find creative little touches, such as change purses, headbands and wallets. Everything you get here is made by hand and totally unique. It is definitely a store worth checking out when you are in the neighborhood, or even making a special trip for. - Rease Kirchner