Buenos Aires Palermo

Expensive shops line the streets in Palermo, especially around Plaza Serrano, but the quiet streets and occasional cafe make ducking in and out of stores here one of the more pleasant shopping experiences around. Those in search of bargains will want to head a bit further afield. A list of some of the more interesting—but by no means cheap—stores follows.

Eterna Cadencia, Honduras 5574 (☎4774 4100; www.eternacadencia.com), between Humboldt and Fitzroy. This bookstore and cafe, set beneath sunny skylights, is the Palermo retreat for BA intellectuals. Though most of the selection is in Spanish, there’s a small, varied collection of English-language books next to the cash register. Also offers monthly courses on authors like Borges and Jung (AR$100). Cafe menú AR$20-30. Open M-F 10am-9pm, Sa-Su and holidays 11:30am-8pm.
Boutique del Libro, Thames 1762 (☎4717 4873; www.boutiquedellibro.com.ar). Loaded bookshelves line the walls of this cushy Palermo shop, whose motto is “libros pase lo que pase” (books are with you no matter what). Small selection of music and English-language books. Free Wi-Fi. Cafe with menú del día AR$22. Open M-Th 10am-10pm, F 10am-11pm, Sa 11am-11pm, Su and holidays 2-10pm.

Clothes And Accessories

Amor Latino, El Salvador 4813 (☎4813 6787; www.amor-latino.com.ar). Looking to get decked out for amor Latino (Latin love) in Amor Latino? This is your place. Funky lingerie available at a range of prices, along with a Kama Sutra kit to get things going. Red leather handcuffs AR$160. See-through black bra AR$20. Chocolate-scented body candle AR$120. Open M-Sa 10:30am-8pm, Su 2-7pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Verbo, Serrano 1545 (☎4831 2634). Verbo carries everything from punk to prep at prices that are surprisingly affordable, given the neighborhood. Hawks wearable clothes by local designers. Accessories also available. Open Tu-Su 1-9pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Diseño Argentino, Honduras 5033 (☎4832 2006; www.mujermilenio.com.ar). A collection of clothes from several up-and-coming designers who will probably be in the shop when you visit. Reasonable prices. Open Tu-Su 2-8pm. V.
Salsipuedes, Honduras 4814 (☎4831 8467). This shop’s perfect concoctions of satin, lace, and sequins come at a steep price (AR$750). Additional location in Recoleta. Open M-F 10:30am-9pm, Sa 10:30am-8pm. Accepts US$. AmEx/MC/V.
Hoy Como Ayer, Thames 1925 (☎4771 1986; www.hoycomoayervintage.com). This glittery secondhand shop offers some vintage steals mixed in with pricier duds—be prepared to hunt for a bargain. Open M-Sa 1-8pm. Cash only.
Condimentos, Honduras 4874 (☎4833 9403). Literally means “condiments,” but don’t expect to find ketchup—this is a place for the accessories of the fashion world. Open M-Sa 10:30am-8pm, Su 3-7pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Rapsodía, El Salvador 4757 (☎4832 5363; www.rapsodia.com.ar), at the intersection with Arce. Launched in 1999, this clothing store sells supremely soft sweaters and other trendy clothes (AR$100 and up). Open M-Sa 10am-10pm, Su 10am-9pm. AmEx/V.
Maria Allô, Armenia 1647 (☎4831 3773). The pricey clothes at this shop take their inspiration from 1980s glam—think big shoulder pads and ruffles. Open M-Sa 10am-8:30pm, Su 4-8:30pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Seco, Armenia 1646 (☎4833 1166). An entire store devoted to rain gear is just about as cutesy as it sounds. The selection includes red and white polka dot trench coats and floral rainboots. Open M-Sa 10:30am-8pm, Su 2-7pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Keak, Costa Rica 5758 (☎4772 2189), one block north from Bonpland. A vintage clothing store with tweed jackets and Jackie O. glasses. Open M-Sa noon-8:30pm.

Housewares

Calma Chicha, Honduras 4909 (☎4831 1818; www.calmachicha.com). Cowhide totes, cowhide rugs, cowhide butterfly chairs—you get the point. Open M-Sa 10am-8pm, Su 2-8pm. Additional location in San Telmo at Defensa 856 (☎4361 0489). AmEx/MC/V.
Papelera Palermo, Honduras 4945 (☎4833 3081/3672; www.papelerapalermo.com.ar). This store sells handmade journals, boxes, and fancy cards. They also offer courses and workshops M-F 1-7pm. Open M-Sa 10am-8pm, Su 2-8pm. AmEx/MC/V.

Markets

Las Pulgas Antiguedades, at the corner of Dorrego and Cabrera. Most of the stalls at this flea market buy and sell furniture. It’s technically in Colegiales, but the official border with Palermo is across the street. Open Tu-Su 10am-5pm. Cash only.

Music

Miles Discos, Honduras 4912 (☎4832 0466; www.milesdiscos.com.ar). A stock of CDs that runs the full gamut of musical tastes, from classical to classic rock, and of course Argentine tango. AR$10 and up. Open M-Sa 10am-10pm, Su 1-9pm. AmEx/MC/V.

Shopping Centers

Alto Palermo, Sante Fe 3253 (☎5777 8000; www.altopalermo.com.ar). S Bulnes. In a barrio filled with pricey boutiques, this large shopping center is surprisingly low key. Families, youngsters, and other regular ol’ people actually come to the stores here. Contains many of the major Argentine and a number of foreign brands, including North Face, Sony, and Ayres, among others. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Paseo Alcorta, Salguero 3172 (☎5777 6500; www.paseoalcorta.com.ar). S Scalabrini Ortiz. Though located a bit far north of the center, this shopping mall is the place to go for those sleek, modern Argentine designs. Stores range from mid-priced to very expensive, and include Ayres and Rapsodia. Open daily 10am-10pm.

Sports And Outdoors

Depor Camping, Sante Fe 4830 (☎4772 0534/0674; www.deporcamping.com.ar), between Humboldt and Fitzroy. Fleeces aplenty in classic brands like Columbia and Northland. Stocks other outdoor gear as well for those wilderness excursions you’re planning. Open M-Sa 9:30am-8:30pm. Additional location in Microcentro at Carlos Pellegrini 737 (☎4328 6100). AmEx/MC/V.