Buenos Aires is a city that tourists and travelers fall in love with. Its landscapes, its streets, its people and its culture captivate foreigners who, in many cases, end up living permanently in the city.
Do you also love handmade products? Do you want to purchase a mate or some type of item to take with you as a souvenir of your time in Buenos Aires? In this article, at ExpatPathways we suggest a series of areas and places where you can buy everything from mates to clothing, alfajores and other typical products.
Join us on this trip and get ready to take those typical items that you love so much!
Typical products from Buenos Aires to buy and give as a gift
Dulce de Leche
A spoonful of this creamy, caramel-like spread is quintessentially Argentine and notoriously moreish. Praised for its rich and velvety texture, dulce de leche is a favorite amongst both locals and visitors, making it an ideal gift for anyone looking to savor an authentic taste of Argentina.
Mate
Essential to the Argentine identity, mate is not just a drink but a cultural phenomenon. Complete with a mate cup and a stash of yerba mate for brewing, this gift is perfect for those who want to bring a piece of Argentine tradition into their daily routine.
Alfajores
These delectable pastries are a staple of Argentine confectionery. Choosing from the vast array of brands and flavors may be a challenge, but each alfajor promises a delightful experience, layering flavors of chocolate, dulce de leche, and more into a perfect treat.
Books
Argentina’s rich history of art, academia, and intellectual pursuits is captured within its literature. A book from one of Buenos Aires’s iconic bookstores offers a profound insight into the nation’s culture and history, making it a thoughtful gift for any bibliophile.
Football Jerseys
From Boca Juniors to River Plate to the national team, football runs deep in the Argentine soul. A jersey represents more than just a team; it’s a piece of the fervent passion that defines Argentine football.
Gaucho Clothing
Traditional gaucho attire, including ponchos, shirts, and berets, embodies the rustic elegance of the Argentine countryside. These garments are not only stylish but are imbued with the spirit of Argentina’s rural heritage.
Field Knife
Argentine field knives are as much a tool as they are a piece of art, ideal for barbecue enthusiasts or collectors. Crafted with exquisite detail from blade to handle, these knives are a testament to Argentine craftsmanship.
Music Albums
As the birthplace of icons like Carlos Gardel and a hub for Latin American rock and pop, Argentina’s music scene is vibrant. A collection of music albums is a perfect way to bring the sounds of Argentina back home.
Leather Goods
Recognized globally for its high quality, Argentine leather is used to craft everything from traditional mates to stylish bags, wallets, and belts. These items are not only functional but also stylish and durable.
Artwork
Whether original pieces or prints, the art found in Buenos Aires varies widely, offering something for every taste. Art pieces from local artisans make for a unique and heartfelt gift that captures the essence of the city’s artistic expression.
Handicrafts
From ceramics to decorative items, Buenos Aires’s artisanal crafts are made with care using traditional methods. These crafts not only decorate a home but also bring a story of Argentine culture and craftsmanship.
Preserves
Beyond dulce de leche, Buenos Aires offers an array of preserved goods such as jams, jellies, and other sweet treats. These delights provide a taste of Argentine flavors that are both unique and nostalgic.
The Best Places to Buy Native and Artisanal Products in Buenos Aires
1. Commercial centers
For expatriates and tourists looking for a convenient shopping experience in Buenos Aires that offers a wide array of items, commercial centers are the top recommendation.
These sprawling malls, including prominent ones like Abasto Shopping, Alto Palermo, Recoleta Mall, Dot Baires Shopping, and Alcorta Mall, are treasure troves not just for everyday items such as clothing, technology, and sports gear, but also for specialized stores offering native products.
While these centers provide the comfort of finding everything under one roof, the convenience comes at a price; the items here are generally more expensive compared to those found outside of these venues.
2. Galleries
For a more localized and perhaps a less overwhelming shopping experience, the city’s commercial galleries offer a charming alternative.
Located mainly in the city center, notable galleries such as Galerías Pacífico, Galerías Jardín, and Galería Guemes cater well to both tourists and expatriates residing nearby.
These galleries boast a range of stores from high-end brands to local artisan shops, providing a mix of commercial and native products.
Similar to the commercial centers, however, one must be mindful of the high prices, which can reflect the prime locations of these establishments.
3. Fairs
In Buenos Aires, artisanal fairs are a cultural staple, particularly vibrant during the weekends in scenic locales such as San Telmo, Palermo, and Recoleta parks and plazas.
These fairs are not just shopping venues but cultural experiences, where you can meet the artisans and producers directly.
This direct interaction not only enriches the shopping experience but also ensures that you are buying authentic artisanal goods.
Some of the key fairs to visit for native products include the Feria de Parque Centenario, Feria de San Telmo, Feria de Plaza Francia, Feria de Parque Rivadavia, and Feria de Plaza Serrano, each offering a unique glimpse into the local craft and culture.
4. Street shops
Street shops scattered across Buenos Aires’ bustling avenues and tourist-frequented areas like Avenida Corrientes, peatonal Florida, and the neighborhoods of San Telmo and Palermo also offer a plethora of native products.
These shops present a more accessible price point compared to the high-end commercial centers and galleries, though they are generally not as budget-friendly as the artisanal fairs.
These street stores allow for a more spontaneous shopping experience, where discovery is as much a part of the adventure as the purchase itself, providing visitors with both convenience and a touch of local flavor.
5. Airports
Buenos Aires airports also serve as unconventional yet practical venues for picking up native products. Whether it’s a last-minute purchase of a leather mate cup or some dulce de leche to savor the sweet taste of Argentina back home, airport shops can provide that final opportunity to grab these items.
Buenos Aires is served by two main airports: Aeropuerto Jorge Newbery, primarily hosting domestic and regional flights, and Aeropuerto de Ezeiza, which is a bit farther from downtown but has a more balanced mix of international and domestic flights.
Both airports feature shops that specialize in Argentine products, making them convenient spots to acquire local goods right before departure.
Last Considerations
Are you truly experiencing everything Buenos Aires has to offer? Whether you’re a digital nomad seeking inspiration, a traveler on the hunt for authentic treasures, or an expat looking to bring a piece of Argentina back home, exploring the places where you can buy native and artisanal products is a must.
Dive into the bustling markets at Feria de San Telmo, browse the exclusive collections in the luxurious Galerías Pacífico, or make a last-minute stop at Ezeiza Airport to pick up that unique Argentine souvenir.
Remember, every item has a story—make it part of yours. Discover more guides and tips on finding the best local products on ExpatPathways, your ultimate guide to thriving in Buenos Aires.
(Featured Image Source: my_cottage/flickr.com)
