Buenos Aires The Center

Though there is certainly no lack of stores in Microcentro or Monserrat, few travelers will find either location to be an interesting shopping destination. The types of stores you’ll find here are exemplified by those along Calle Florida, Microcentro’s main north-south artery. Florida has long been one of the city’s prime shopping destinations, and every day, thousands of people elbow their way through the crowds and into the shops that line both sides of the street, making a trip down Florida an experience in itself. Many of the buildings still sport the charming, intricate stone facades they’ve had since the beginning of the twentieth century, but visitors will find that the street’s heyday is, unfortunately, over. Nowadays, the shoe, clothing, music, and bookshops that line the street are generic and touristy. This is especially true of Florida’s northern end, where the crowds thin out and a huge mess of shops press foreigners to purchase their pricey, often beautiful, leather goods. It is possible to find excellent deals on Florida, but the likelihood of finding something unique here is slim. The same is true of Avenida Corrientes and Avenida Córdoba; though less touristy, you’ll usually run into chains or generic shops. On the other hand, if you have a favorite brand you’re looking for (like Puma or Zara), they’ll have a store here. And there are exceptions; we’ve listed some of them below.

Libreria Hernandez, Av. Corrientes 1436 (☎4372 7845; www.libreriahernandez.com.ar). A Corrientes bookstore with a slightly more imaginative selection of novels than usual (read: including titles other than the classics). Open M-Sa 9am-11pm. AmEx/MC/V.

Crafts And Souvenirs

Arte Indígena, Balcarce 234 (☎4343 1455). S Plaza de Mayo. Considering its location in tourist territory, the wares at this small, non-profit store, including arts and crafts and jewelry, are surprisingly affordable (AR$20-50). Open M-F 9am-7pm. AmEx/MC/V.

Music

Zival’s, Callao 395 (☎4371 7500). S Callao. Zival’s has the best selection of the many music stores in the area. Every genre is represented here, from classical and tango to metal and jazz. The store also stocks local bands as well as a variety of books, setting itself apart from other generic music emporiums. Open M-Sa 10am-9pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Musimundo, Florida 267, Microcentro (☎4322 9298; www.musimundo.com). S Florida. The city’s largest chain of music stores, Musimundo stocks a variety of books, CDs, and DVDs, as well as an excellent selection of music-related equipment (new headphones, iPod gadgets, etc.) Check the website for other branches throughout the city. Open M-Sa 9:30am-9:30pm, Su 11am-9:30pm. AmEx/M-C/V.

Shopping Centers

Galerías Pacífico, Florida 750, Microcentro (☎5555 5110; www.galeriaspacifico.com.ar). S Florida. The shops in this large, flashy mall may not be unique, but the building itself is certainly one of the city’s most beautiful. Painted murals and intricate facades front clothing and shoe stores, small boutiques, and book shops. The mall also has the added benefit of being exceptionally central. Open M-Sa 10am-9pm, Su noon-9pm.

Sports And Outdoors

Wildlife, Hipólito Yrigoyen 1133, Monserrat (☎4381 1040). S Lima. Sells everything you need for that next climbing/camping/trekking/skiing trip or military excursion you’ve always wanted to do. The variety and volume of gadgets and gear is impressive, and they also sell some cheaper secondhand items. Ideal for anyone planning to visit the Andes or Patagonia. Open M-F 10am-8pm, Sa 10am-1pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Canaglia Bicicletas, Suipacha 625, Microcentro (☎4322 3426; www.canaglia.com). This shop sells everything for the cyclist crazy enough to bike around BA. Air pump outside. Open M-F 9:30am-6:30pm. Additional location at Salguero 3066 (☎4803 9477). Open M-F 9:30am-1pm and 3-7:30pm, Sa 9:30am-2pm and 3-5pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Buenos Aires Sport, Av. Corrientes 301 (☎4508 6740). This Microcentro shop is the place to go for everything from quick dry clothing to tennis racquets and backpacks. Open M-F 9am-8pm. Additional locations throughout the city.

Tango

Flabella, Suipacha 263, Microcentro (☎4322 6036). S Carlos Pellegrini. One of six or seven tango supply stores in this half-block of Suipacha, Flabella sells a range of glittering, sexy tango shoes and outfits for both women and men at some of the lowest prices in the area (AR$200). Open M-Sa 10am-10pm. AmEx/MC/V. For a wider variety of (slightly more expensive) shoes, head across the street to Suipacha 256 Tango, and for a wider variety of tango costumes, to La Tienda de Tango, next door at 259.