Buenos Aires Local Services

There are pharmacies nearly everywhere in the city center—simply look for a green cross.

Farmacity, Florida 474, Microcentro (☎4322 6559; www.farmacity.com.ar). One of BA’s main chains, Farmacity stocks a large variety of foreign and domestic brands. Expect to pay a hefty price for imported products, though not too much more than you’d pay at home. The listed branch on Florida is open 24hr. and will deliver M-Sa 9am-9pm.

Libraries

In addition to the Biblioteca Nacional , Buenos Aires runs 26 smaller branches throughout the city. Most are open M-F 10am-5pm. For a list with more specific locations and hours, visit www.bibliotecas.gov.ar.

Microcentro, Córdoba 1558 (☎4812 4723). Open M-F 8am-midnight, Sa 10am-2pm.
Monserrat, Venezuela 1538 (☎4381 1271). Open M-F 8am-8pm.
Palermo, Honduras 3784 (☎4963 2194). Open M-F 11am-6pm.
Retiro, Talcahuano 1261 (☎4812 1840). Open M-F 9am-8pm.

Supermarkets

Supermarkets and grocery stores are not hard to find in Buenos Aires. In residential areas, it seems that there’s at least one every three blocks or so. Branches of the following major chains usually have great selections. For each chain, we have listed one of the more central locations.

Coto, Viamonte 1571, Microcentro (www.coto.com.ar). Check online for additional locations. Open daily 9am-9:30pm.
Carrefour, Santa Fe 1680, Recoleta (www.carrefour.com.ar). Check online for additional locations. Open M-Sa 9am-9:30pm, Su 3-9pm.

Gyms

The website www.adondevamos.com has extensive listings of athletic centers throughout Buenos Aires. Most barrios have one or several clubs, which offer classes and facilities for minimal fees.

Suterh, Venezuela 330, San Telmo (☎5354 660; www.suterh.org.ar or www.faterhy.com.ar), at the intersection with Balcarse. A large complex with 3 swimming pools and a fully equipped gym. Also offers classes in everything from soccer to belly dancing. Open M-Sa 8am-8pm. Membership fee AR$70 per month.
Megatlon (www.megatlon.com). An American-style gym with similar services to Suterh and locations across town. Check the website for addresses.