Philip Capper

Among the many allures of Argentina´s capital is a vigorous shopping scene, with thousands of options from huge malls like Galerías Pacífico to funky local street markets and international brands to quirky indie offerings. Top shopping areas include the Palermo Soho neighborhood and Avenida Santa Fe, running through Palermo and Recoleta. Visitors especially interested in leather products, jewelry, and of course Malbec and the other superb wines for which the country is famous. And here´s a sampling of some of the best indie shops (for more, check out this link).

El Ateneo Grand Splendid

The palatial Grand Splendid theatre was opened in the tony Recoleta neighborhood in 1919, and in 2000 was converted into South America´s largest bookstore, and widely considered one of the world´s most inspiring and beautiful. Seats were replaced by bookshelves but many original features, such as the balconies, stage and painted cupola, are preserved. Patrons can browse potential purchases (and yes, there´s an English-language section) in the theater boxes, or grab a coffee and a bite at the on-stage café.

Autoria Bs As

Located amid the chic galleries and cafés of the northeastern Retiro neighborhood next to Recoleta, this sophisticated, gallery-like store is filled with high-quality yet affordable original artworks, fashion accessories, unique jewelry, contemporary clothing, and cool home goods (check out the and quirky leather desk sculptures). Recycled materials are particularly interesting - take a look at the bags made from Tyvek, inner tubes and fire hoses, or old sails.

Bosque Arte y Botánica

A Palermo neighborhood boutique selling a wide range of arts and crafts with a botanical twist, its products include limited-edition illustrations with woodland scenes, hand-painted ceramic plates, ceramics, cushions, and geometric wooden lamps, all made by independent local designers.

Galeria Patio del Liceo

Elementos Argentinos

A pair of locations (Recoleta and Palermo) with high-quality blankets, rugs, and carpets hand-dyed and hand-woven on a loom. The owners also work with cooperatives and non-governmental organizations to support the communities where the textiles are made in northwestern Argentina. You can also pick up larger items that can be shipped back home or a super-soft blanket made of llama wool to fit in your suitcase.

Galería Patio del Liceo

Young indie artisans have created an eclectic, 30-shop co-op of 30 boutiques, workshops, and exhibition spaces (above) - all with a bohemian feel - on Recoleta´s Avenida Santa Fe, with examples including Los Hermanos Ukulele Store and design shops like Greens and Tienda Raiz, specializing in sustainable items.

Libros del Pasaje

Another notable bookshop with an English-language section, this Palermo Viejo literary sanctuary features history, culture, and art books, along with a charming restaurant and coffee shop. The sunny outdoor patio is perfect for lunch or a cuppa.

Lo de Joaquin Alberdi

Behind a bright yellow facade in trendy Palermo Soho, the "embassy of Argentine wine" offers a wide range of distinguished vintages from all over the country. Besides asking the friendly (and fluent in English) owner Joaquín for his suggestions, every day there´s a great hour-and-a-half tasting with cheeses.

Moebius

Lilliana Zauberman´s little shop in an old house in the funky, charming, historic neighborhood of San Telmo (known for among other things its flea market) offers a kaleidoscopic range of products for both women and men, including 1970s-style jersey dresses, whimsical ruffled bikinis, skirts with koi fish or frog patterns, cherry-red trench coats, and handbags made from recycled materials, from around 60 designers, You'll always find something new, exciting, and fun!

Regionales Catalina

Another modest but great little shop for wine, located in San Telmo on the same street as Moebius just ten minutes south, plus a nice selection of gourmet condiments.

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