160 Best Places to Shop in Argentina

Mendocinos shop at La Matera for boots, vests, belts, scarves, and riding gear.

This sumptuous haberdashery is a shrine to texture. Piles of floaty Indian scarves, ostrich-feather fans, and fur-lined leather gloves beg to be stroked, then purchased. Even more hands-on are the reels of lace trims and sequined edging that line the walls.

All the mouthwatering chocolates and alfajores (dulce de leche sandwich cookies) at La Olla de Cobre are handmade on the premises, even the dulce de leche. Best of all, you can sample before you buy.

For a time-warp trip, just step into this authentic food store. La Última Pulpería, which has changed little since opening in 1923, is an Aladdin's Cave selling loose herbs and spices, animal hides, and fresh produce. If you can pry owner Miguel Dioli away from his regular Salta-brand beer-drinking customers at the makeshift bar, he's good for a chat in Spanish.

If you can't get to South America's chocolate capital Bariloche, pop into this chocolate boutique for planks of homemade chocolate and a selection of artisanal beers, chutneys, and spices. In the small coffee shop at the back, drop a glorious slab of dark chocolate into a mug of piping hot milk—one of the best submarinos in town.

The brainchild of Uruguayan actress Natalia Oreiro and her sister, Las Oreiro focuses on casual glam. Feminine yet sexy, their garments can do double duty as daywear and early-evening cocktail attire.

Some are classic, others are ultrahip, but all Lázaro handbags and purses are notable for their simple lines, minimal adornment, and high-quality workmanship. Check out specific collections which include fabulous futuristic totes, document holders, and bandolier bags; plenty of inner divisions make them truly travel-worthy.

This is Argentina's budget answer to Polo by Ralph Lauren: the logo is two crossed polo sticks, and yes, polo shirts are the best seller. But there are also well-made khakis, Argyle sweaters, jackets, and shirts in preppy cuts and plain colors. Pink, light-blue, and sandy yellow are favorite tones.

If you don't feel inspired to put pen to paper for your epic novel after visiting this well-stuffed book boutique, it simply isn't meant to be. Wander through to the café at the back to peruse your purchase or attend one of the regular literary workshops hosted here.

Ligier has a string of wine stores across the city and lots of experience guiding bewildered drinkers through their impressive selection. Although they stock some boutique-vineyard wines, they mostly carry big names such as Rutini, Catena Zapata, and Luigi Bosca; ask about tastings. 

Housed in a beautiful old Italianate building, this shop carries all you need for country life, from clothing and hand-loomed ponchos to cutlery sets and home decorations. The products aren't just lovely to look at, they're meant to be used. It's great for souvenirs beyond fridge magnets and alfajores.

The ’80s are alive and well at Lupe, where the bright T-shirt dresses are all about draping and plunging necklines, with plenty of animal prints. Also check out the fitted shirts and effective use of color blocks.

This store hails from posh Uruguayan beach resort Punta del Este, so it's no surprise that bikinis (picture floral appliqués, glitter, and ruffles) are the main attraction. A comfortable selection of tunics, tank tops, and trousers complete the collection.

Crowned by giant Russian tea dolls, this Bariloche fixture is famous for its range of high-quality—if slightly expensive—chocolate and pastry products. Ask for the house specialty, which is a chocolate mousse "Timbal," or simply admire the beautifully decorated bombones (chocolate balls). The chain has a factory at Cl. Mitre 216, as well as branches at Cerro Catedral and in San Martín de los Andes and Buenos Aires.

Forget diamonds. In Manu Lizarralde's hands it's uncut emeralds, topaz, and rough tourmaline that are a girl's best friend. His trademark chunky rings and heavy necklaces combine irregular semiprecious stones in geometric silver settings.

Irregular natural linen, hand-knit sweaters, cow-hair boots—it's all about texture at Marcelo Senra, a long-established local designer. Loose, flowing evening dresses come in raw silk or satin, offset by belts or chunky wooden jewelry. Handwoven accessories that complement the clothes' earthy palette are reason enough to visit Senra's Almagro showroom. Make a reservation first.

Let the yards of racks draw you into this lanky shop, where simple cuts and swaths of natural fabrics make urban working clothes feel a touch Jedi-like. The earthy, deconstructed look is heightened by details such as unfinished hems or exposed seams. This is one of the most popular women's brands around.

A rising star on the style scene, Maria Lizaso's Palermo showroom is definitely worth a visit (reservations are recommended). Go nautical with stripy Brit-inspired seaside apparel, or opt for an uptown look with one of her sassy LBDs. Brides-to-be will also want to ogle the young designer's gorgeous wedding gowns.

Industrial-looking brushed silver rings and necklaces knit from fine stainless-steel cables are some of the attractions at this tiny shop. Architect and sculpturist María Medici also combines silver with primary-color resin to make unusual-looking rings.

The quirky, postmodern souvenirs this store specializes in are a welcome variation from classic mate gourds or gaucho knives. Take the ubiquitous cow, which has been reformed into a leather vampire-bat key holder, or the piglet change purse. Beautiful bags, silver and steel bijouterie as well as tango-themed soaps are cute gift options. Head upstairs to browse clothes by a variety of designers.

This mall in Guaymallén, 10 minutes from Mendoza, has more than 160 stores, including an American-style department store, cafés and restaurants, a movie theater, bowling, and an indoor amusement park.

Although Salta has all the usual high-street shops where you can stock up on sundries, provincial villages are a better bet for souvenirs and regional products. There are, however, a few proud exceptions to that rule—including the huge 1882 Jesuit monastery that holds the Mercado Artesanal and the open stalls across the street. Look for emblematic red-and-black salteño ponchos, alpaca knitwear and weavings, leather goods, wooden masks, carved animals, and fine silver from around the province. Everything is open daily 10–8:30.

For more than 120 years, the Mercado Central has been selling local foods from stalls including butchers, cheese shops, grocers, and a couple of restaurants for a quick bite on the go.

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.

Everything a gentleman needs to accessorize like a lord is arrayed in the minimalist storefront. Vintage timepieces are the specialty, from turn-of-the-20th-century pocket watches to a 14k gold 1950s Longines wristwatch with a snakeskin strap. Jeweled tiepins, cuff links, cigarette cases, and even an evil dog-headed walking cane round out the stock.

Acres of skirts, structured wraps with oversize funnel necks, and loads of layers: yes, it's all very Yamamoto. These party clothes maxing out on volume are the result of architect-turned-designer Jazmín Agostini's "building" her garments on mannequins, rather than using patterns (her cutting table is the centerpiece of the Palermo shop).

The recycled rooms of an old town house are the unlikely backdrop for this brand's more exclusive lines. Ultratech women's tees and flexible yoga shoes contrast with riotous floral wallpaper and mauve lace curtains. Paint-striped walls and chicken wire offset swoosh wear for the guys.

Intrigued by the sounds you've heard on your trip? Take some home with you from Notorious, which has a strong selection of local rock, folk, jazz, and tango. Friendly staff will happily make suggestions. The shop is small, but there are plenty of listening stations, so you can try before you buy.