When packing for a trip to Buenos Aires, I always leave plenty of room for treasures to take home. I bring back gifts for others, of course, but an honest assessment of my haul this time revealed a much larger amount of space devoted to gifts for me. I came away with stylish shoes, belts, a leather jacket and capybara gloves, among other items. Whoever you’re shopping for, the high quality and reasonable prices in Buenos Aires make the hunt great fun. We made purchases at both street fairs and fashionable boutiques.

When planning your shopping forays, add the following suggestions to the list of recommended shops we published in June 2024. 

Street Fairs

Feria de San Telmo

The famous San Telmo Market takes place every Sunday, sprawling out from Plaza Dorrego, where the antiques dealers set up. This section is picturesque, but I’m more likely to buy something along Defensa heading north from the square, where the craft stalls line the street. Also be sure to head west from Plaza Dorrego along Humberto 1º, to see the artists’ tables. The sophistication of the works far surpasses most street-fair fare. I particularly liked the abstract-cubist paintings of Pastor Berrios Herrera.