In search of the perfect soundtrack to complement your expat lifestyle in Buenos Aires? Look no further than “The 10 Best Record Stores in Buenos Aires,” brought to you by ExpatPathways.
This guide is your ticket to the city’s most iconic and under-the-radar vinyl shops, where music transcends boundaries, connecting digital nomads, travelers, and expats with the soul of Buenos Aires.
From hidden gems in Villa Crespo to buzzing spots in Palermo and San Telmo, get ready to discover a haven of musical delights that promises to transform your Argentine experience.
Join us as we navigate through the alleys of vinyl paradise, curated just for you by ExpatPathways.
The Best Record Stores in Buenos Aires
1. Disquería RGS
Location: Galería Galecor, Av. Corrientes 5233 Local 2, Villa Crespo.
Disquería RGS in Villa Crespo is not just a record store but also a label with over 50 years of history in the neighborhood. This store is a treasure trove of CDs, vinyl records, cassettes, and DVDs, offering a wide range of music genres.
What sets RGS apart is its exceptional customer service, where staff not only display friendliness but also deep knowledge about music.
They often stock rare and hard-to-find items at reasonable prices and take pride in their own label that reissues discontinued national treasures.
The store has recently embarked on an ambitious project to rescue and republish long-lost Argentine records, earning high praise from customers for their dedication to preserving musical heritage.
2. La Cueva Musical
Location: Esmeralda 494, San Nicolas.
La Cueva Musical (The Musical Cave), located a stone’s throw away from the iconic Obelisco in the Microcentro area, has over 40 years of specialization in CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, and cassettes. The store is renowned for its excellent customer service and willingness to search for specific discs upon request.
With an extensive collection that includes over 5,000 records covering a vast array of genres—from classical music treasures, especially box sets and operas, to a broad selection of genres including heavy metal and pop—Musical Cave offers both new and used editions in pristine condition.
Customers are particularly impressed by the store’s diverse inventory, competitive pricing, and the friendly demeanor of its staff, making it a highly recommended spot for music lovers exploring Buenos Aires.
3. Brujas
Location: Rodríguez Peña 419, Centro.
Brujas beckons with its eclectic mix of classic rock and progressive genres, offering a warm welcome and expert guidance on a vast selection of CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays.
It stands out as one of the few remaining neighborhood record shops in the city, known for its vast array of both new and used items.
The slightly chaotic organization of the store invites visitors to spend time digging through its collections to find special editions and classic albums at reasonable prices.
4. Cactus Discos
Location: Uruguay 290, San Nicolas.
Cactus Discos is celebrated as possibly the best record store in Buenos Aires, boasting an impressive inventory of new and used vinyl and CDs.
Knowledgeable staff and a wide genre variety, from local Argentine music to Jazz and other South American sounds, make it a must-visit.
The store’s commitment to finding any record you’re searching for, combined with their friendly service, has garnered acclaim from locals and international visitors.
5. Eureka Records
Location: Defensa 1281, San Telmo.
Eureka Records, a quaint shop in San Telmo, offers a cozy atmosphere that draws passersby inside. Known for its meticulously maintained vinyl collection, the store also sells band merchandise like t-shirts and pins.
While the staff allows customers the space to explore at their own pace, the diverse stock ensures that everyone from vinyl collectors to casual music fans can discover something unique.
Eureka’s reasonable pricing and stylish décor add to its appeal, making it a cherished spot among Buenos Aires’ record stores.
6. Zivals
Location: Av. Corrientes & Av. Callao, San Nicolas.
Zivals, perched on the iconic intersection of Av. Callao and Av. Corrientes, merges the world of music with literature, creating a haven for those who seek to immerse themselves in Buenos Aires’ rich cultural tapestry.
It is not merely a record store but a cultural landmark, attended by specialists who embody the best traditions of Buenos Aires’ booksellers, offering warmth and profound knowledge.
Zivals caters to the most discerning customers, whether they are on a quest for musical guidance or know precisely what they seek. The store is celebrated for its diverse collection of books and records, exceptional customer service, and an atmosphere enriched with background music, making every visit a delightful experience.
With a vast inventory that spans various genres, including an extensive Jazz section, and competitive prices, Zivals invites visitors to lose themselves in its aisles, exploring European editions, box sets, and much more.
7. Jarana Records
Location: Soria 5125, Palermo.
Jarana Records, nestled in the lively Palermo area surrounded by bars, nightclubs, and a vibrant gastronomic scene, is an independent vinyl-specialized store that has carved out its niche in Buenos Aires’ music scene.
The store shines with its excellent customer service, where knowledgeable staff share their passion for music, guiding customers through an expansive collection of vinyl records.
Organized by genre and price, Jarana Records ensures a unique shopping experience, allowing customers to preview used records and offering discounts on cash payments.
The shop stands out for its cleanliness, aesthetic appeal, and a diverse and specialized selection of impeccably maintained records, including hard-to-find items, making it a must-visit for vinyl lovers and collectors alike.
8. Record Shop
Location: Padilla 645, Villa Crespo.
Record Shop presents itself as a haven for vinyl lovers, with a commendable customer service experience where patrons can reserve their finds and enjoy the convenience of bulk shipping.
Praised for its rough diamond quality among record stores, it’s highly regarded for its competitive prices, quality vinyl selection, and the professionalism and willingness of the staff to go above and beyond.
This shop is a goldmine for those looking for new, original CDs, DVDs, and especially LPs, offering the best market prices for hard-to-find editions, particularly in Argentine music.
9. Velazco Disquería & Bar
Location: Juan Ramírez de Velasco 492, Villa Crespo.
Velazco Disquería & Bar redefines the record store experience by combining it with a thematic bar setting, creating a lively atmosphere in Villa Crespo.
It’s not just about shopping for vinyl; it’s about immersing in music over craft beers and delicious food, with the option to play your chosen records. The ambiance is rich with the sounds of funk, blues, jazz, and more, offering a well-curated selection of vinyl for sale.
The live music, coupled with an inviting decoration, excellent drink options, and the chance to discover musical gems in vinyl form, makes it a favorite spot for a comprehensive cultural experience.
10. Blade Hunter Decal
Location: Avenida Independencia 657, San Telmo.
Blade Hunter Decal, nestled in the historic neighborhood of San Telmo, is celebrated for its exceptional customer service and an impressive array of vinyl records.
It stands out for its comprehensive music setup offerings, including amplifiers and turntables, at reasonable prices. With a catalog boasting vintage albums and excellent Argentine first editions, it’s hailed as potentially the best record store in Buenos Aires.
Exclusive products, like a special vinyl cleaning solution, and the staff’s generosity with information, enrich the shopping experience, making it a pivotal learning center for vinyl enthusiasts.
(Featured Image Source: Gonzalo Ortigosa/flickr.com)
