Argentina Shopping and nightlife
Shopping in Argentina
Argentina offers various souvenirs and gifts, from fine wines and leather products to regional handicrafts and soft alpaca wool clothing. Leather goods are particularly popular, with high-quality jackets, bags, and shoes available at good value. Native arts, handicrafts, locally made chocolates from Bariloche, and Malbec wines from Mendoza, make for welcoming gifts or personal treats.
For a more authentic shopping experience, visit one of the country's local ferias (fairs). One of the largest is La Rural in Buenos Aires, held annually in July, showcasing the best of Argentine agriculture, livestock, and crafts from all over the country.
Buenos Aires boasts several vibrant markets, including:
• Feria de San Pedro Telmo: Held every Sunday at Plaza Dorrego, this flea market is the go-to spot for antiques and vintage treasures.
• Hippie Fair in Recoleta: Located in front of the Centro Cultural Recoleta, this colourful weekend market offers handicrafts, jewellery, and artwork.
• Palermo Boutiques: The trendy Palermo district is filled with boutiques offering unique pieces by up-and-coming local designers.
• Florida Street: A pedestrianised strip in the city centre, perfect for budget-friendly clothing and souvenirs.
• Tigre Market: Just 40 minutes by train from Buenos Aires, this riverside market is known for its handmade goods and artisanal crafts, especially on weekends.
Bargaining is not widely practised in Argentina, but it may be acceptable in flea markets and street fairs, especially if purchasing multiple items.
Nightlife in Argentina
Argentina's nightlife is as vibrant and diverse as its culture, with options ranging from tango shows and live music venues to stylish bars and buzzy nightclubs.
Buenos Aires is at the heart of the action, with neighbourhoods like Palermo, San Telmo, and Recoleta offering a mix of trendy bars, speakeasies, and clubs that often stay open until dawn. The city's famed milongas (tango clubs) provide a chance to experience the passion of tango, whether watching professionals or joining in a dance.
Beyond the capital, cities like Córdoba and Rosario also boast lively nightlife scenes, particularly with their student populations adding to the energy. In Mendoza, evenings are often spent in wine bars, sampling local Malbecs and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. For a more traditional experience, peñas in Salta offer folk music, dancing, and regional cuisine.
Across Argentina, nightlife typically starts late, with dinner often served around 9 pm, and clubs not getting busy until 2 am.
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