4 Best Shopping in Buenos Aires, 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 Bafici festival films are shown here; you can pick up tickets for entertainment elsewhere in town at the Ticketek booth near the food court, too.

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.

The official light-blue-and-white shirts worn by the Argentine soccer team, the Pumas (the national rugby team), and the Leonas (the women's field hockey team) are bestsellers and make excellent souvenirs. You can also pick up Converse, Nike, Adidas, and Puma clothing and footwear as well as uber-trendy Gola sneakers at this sporting megastore.

The cuts of their tank tops and sweatpants aren't quite as spacey as Nike or Reebok, but then this classic Argentine brand's prices are more down-to-earth, too. Tennis wear is a strong player, not surprising given that Topper sponsors '70s legend Guillermo Vilas as well as younger superstars such as Facundo Arguello and David Nalbandian. There's also off-court action: the black Converse-lookalike sneakers have been a fashion staple for teenage gig-goers for decades.