Shopping - now why else would you be in Buenos Aires?  Top of everyone's list should be shoes! A main destination is "The" shopping street in BA - Florida.  However this pedestrian mall does get packed. 

 

  calle Florida

 

You will mostly likely be approached by touts trying to lure you into their lairs of bargin suits, leather products or whatever. Don't let this put you off this grand street though, it's all part of what makes BA the magical city that it is.  Tango dancers will entertain you for a very small compensation, during the holidays children will play on their musical instruments in the hope of bringing home some pocket-money.  There even used to be the only other "Harrods" in the world here but unfortunately with the down turn of their economy Harrods retreated to being only a London icon.  Now, don't miss the Galerías Pacífico which is located in Florida 787.  This place is just majestic!  It is a complex composed of designer labels and other shops located in an old building that was originally the former Railroad Company - it is magnificent.  Other areas to visit for great shopping are:

Abasto de Buenos Aires - the biggest shopping mall in the Capital.  Located at Avenida Corrientes 3247, Abasto.  This was originally a fruit and vegetable market and even Albert Einstein was overwhelmed by its design and engineering attributes.  It was transformed into a shopping mall in 1998.

Alto Palermo Shopping - the most important in the country.  Another great shopping centre which will be found at Avenida Santa Fe 3251 (At Avenida Colonel Díaz).

Patio Bullrich Shopping Center - the first one of its kind in Argentina. Just another georgous shopping centre which was opened in 1988. 

For the real shopping enthusiast, if the above is only just getting you started take a taxi out to the Unicenter.  

Now for those who love the markets there is a good one in Recoleta near to the "must-see" cemetary.  But you'll really love a visit to the market at San Telmo.  It is full of everything plus fabulous street entertainers.  Tucked inside one of the grand, but slowly decaying buildings is a small shop that fascinated us called " El Gatto" filled with all kinds of gift wear embellished with a cat of some kind or another. Along the street other than the real market section there are some great antique shops where you are bound to find a bargin - go prepared!

  Sunday in San Telmo

For leather, try the two blocks around number 600 on Murillo street, out in the west of the city, where you may find a bargain as you will be dealing directly with the leather wholesalers. It is probably best to get a taxi out there and back. The last few blocks of Florida street before Plaza San Martin (and within Galerias Pacifico, which is situated in these blocks) is also a well known leather shopping area, although you are unlikely to find such a great bargain there.

Women's clothes shopping is great on Avenue Santa Fe, mainly around the cross section with Callao.