5 Best Places to Shop in Argentina

The soaring art deco architecture of what was once the city's central market is as much a reason to come here as the 250 shops spread over its three levels. Abasto has many top local chains, so it isn’t as exclusive as other malls, so bargains await at retailers like Ver, Yagmour, and Markova. Women can dress up at Paula Cahen d'Anvers, Akiabara, and Rapsodia, while men can hit trendy shops such as Bensimon, Prototype, and Old Bridge, or go for the estanciero look with smart La Martina polo wear. There’s a food court on the top floor. The mall is also home to Museo de los Niños (a hands-on children's museum) and a 12-screen movie theater, and many Buenos Aires International Independent Film Festival (BAFICI) films are shown here. You can pick up tickets for entertainment elsewhere in town at the Ticketek booth near the food court, too.

Each weekend, artisans sell handmade clothes, jewelry, and housewares as well as traditional crafts at this sprawling open-air market that winds through several linked squares outside the Recoleta Cemetery.

This non-profit organization sells work from Bariloche's local artisans, including jewelry, ornaments, and ceramics.

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.

A Willy Wonkaland overflowing with chocolate, sweets, and ice cream, Rapanui has treats to delight adults and children alike. Established in 1939, it's one of Bariloche's preeminent chocolaterías.