11 Best Places to Shop in Centro, Buenos Aires

As its name suggests, this spot specializes in supersoft, stippled carpincho leather from the capybara—the world's largest rodent, native to Argentina. Gloves (which also come in more conventional kidskin) are the main attraction, and there’s a wide variety of lengths and colors to choose from.

Don't let the drab storefront put you off: you're as likely to find a trouser suit in floral-print suede as a staid handbag for grandma at this two-part shopping spot. The right-hand store (No. 658) has totes in chestnut- and chocolate-colored leather, as well as classic jackets. More unusual fare—including fur sacks with wool fringe, black cowhide baguettes, and tangerine purses—are sold next door at No. 640.

Veined pinky-red rhodochrosite (Argentina's national stone) comes both in classic settings and as diminutive sculptures at this second-generation goldsmith's shop. Cousiño's sculptures of birds in flight are also exhibited in the National Museum of Decorative Arts.

There's no love lost between Argentina and its neighbors, but when this Chilean department store opened, the affordable prices soon had locals swallowing their pride. The busy corner store's ground floor contains accessories, perfumes, and cosmetics such as MAC and Lancôme. Falabella also has three clothing lines: Sybila does low-cost (and low-quality) street wear; University Club is preppier and harder-wearing; Basement includes better-quality casual and work clothes. The overworked staff at both Falabella and its nearby home-wares branch, Falabella Hogar, don't give much guidance, but the prices make up for it. Avoid lunchtime, when it is packed with office workers looking for retail diversion.

A block away from Falabella (the excellent Chilean department store) is its home-ware branch, Falabella Hogar. It does a roaring trade in cheap 'n stylish crockery, kitchenware, and textiles, mostly imported from China and India. The store is crowded with office workers from noon to 2:30.

Some of the finest tango shoes in town—including classic spats, 1920s T-bar designs, and glitzier numbers for men and women—are all handmade and custom fitted at Flabella.

Upscale shops line the three levels of this beautiful building, designed during the city's turn-of-the-20th-century golden age. Stores are organized along four glass-roofed passages, which branch out in a cross from the central stairwell; the cupola above it is decorated by five Argentine greats, including muralist Antonio Berni. Top local, polo-inspired, menswear brands Etiqueta Negra and La Martina have large stores, while Jazmín Chebar, Ona Saez, and Vitamina's collections are aimed at younger women. Check out Janet Wise and Las Oreiro for more sophisticated looks among international brands such as Chanel and Christian Lacroix. For a respite from the retail, head down to the basement’s bustling food court or up to the second floor, where the Centro Cultural Borges stages tango shows and hosts small art exhibitions that feature international stars like Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí.

You won't see any billboards around town for Mickey: reputation is a far better way of advertising. Generations of porteños have been coming here for top-quality shirts, suits, and footwear at reasonable prices. Young, energetic assistants are as happy to show you wide-collar shirts in splendidly patterned Italian cotton as well as classic button-downs.

"Listen, mortals": so begins Argentina's national anthem, which this ultrahip music store has taken as its name. You may be mortal, but the staff aren't. They subscribe to the High Fidelity school of service—unless you're Bob Dylan, expect to be abused. Avoid their sneers and turn to the unrivaled selection of local folk, rock nacional, and indie, bursting with Argentine artists no one back home has even heard of, let alone heard.

Tucked into an arcade, this tiny shop is filled with delights for both boho chicks and collectors of singular ethnic jewelry. Complex, chunky necklaces with turquoise, amber, and malachite—all based on original Araucanian (ethnic Argentine) pieces—and Mapuche-style silver earrings and brooches are some of the offerings. Happy customers include Sharon Stone, Pedro Almodóvar, and the Textile Museum in Washington, D.C.

For custom-made, haute-couture tango wear and accessories (including fabulous feather hairpieces), visit the family-run Segunda Generación.