The Best Things To Buy When Visiting Argentina

As someone who absolutely adores visiting Argentina, I love bringing home things that remind me of my visits to this wonderful country. So, with great excitement, I’ve compiled an extensive list of the best things to buy when visiting Argentina. This list is to ensure that you return home with some of the best things that this country has to offer, encapsulating its spirit and charm.

I should also note that although this blog is designed to offer advice on the top items to purchase across the country, my recommendations for shopping locations are specifically concentrated on stores and markets in Buenos Aires.

Leather Goods

Argentina has a long-standing tradition and expertise in leather craftsmanship making it one of the top things you can buy here.

This expertise stems from the country’s rich history of cattle ranching, which provides an abundant supply of high-grade leather. Therefore, leather goods such as belts, wallets, handbags and jackets are great buys as they are made to exceptional quality standards and are very durable, making them last for years.

Moreover, the variety of leather products available in Argentina is impressive. Here you can choose from a wide range of leather items in styles that reflect both traditional Argentine styles to more contemporary fashion trends, so there is something to suit your taste. Finally, the price point of leather goods in Argentina is often significantly lower than what you’d find at home for comparable quality, making it a really attractive purchase.

if you are considering buying leather goods, here are two of the most popular places to purchase leather goods in Buenos Aires:

Weekend Markets: For affordable leather purchases such as belts and wallets, the city’s weekend markets are a great place to shop for leather goods.

Murillo Street – Known as the leather district, and specifically the blocks between Scalabrini Ortiz and Serrano are filled with shops offering a wide range of leather goods. Also, Murillo 666 is a stored located here and has a great variety of quality leather goods.

Malbec Wine

Next I have to mention the Malbec wine. The Malbec wine from Argentina has gained international acclaim and is celebrated for its distinctive qualities, making it a standout choice among wine connoisseurs and those that just love to enjoy a glass a two. Bringing home Malbec wine from Argentina is a great souvenir to enjoy and reminisce of your trip. Even more so if you had the chance to visit the region of Mendoza; where this grape variety is grown. So make sure you pick up a bottle, wrap it up carefully in your luggage and enjoy it when you get home.

Dulce de Leche

When you visit Argentina, you will find that dulce de leche is not just a sweet treat, it’s a national obsession, and it is enjoyed everywhere. Bringing home a jar of this caramel-like delight is a great buy and makes great gifts.

A jar of dulce de leche can be easily purchased, from supermarkets to speciality shops and market stalls. One of the best places to purchase dulce de leche is at the Dulce de Leche & Co. This speciality shop is located in district of Palermo (Buenos Aires) and has carved a niche for itself by dedicating its entire product line to dulce de leche.

Alfajores

Alfajores are delicious filled sandwich cookies, often filled with dulce de leche and then dusted with chocolate, coconut or powered sugar. Alfajores are great to bring home and enjoy with friends or give has presents. Easy to transport, found in a variety of flavours and packaging and really good value.

Here are my recommendations on where to pick up a box or two!

Havanna: As one of the most country’s most famous coffee chain, Havanna offers a wide variety of alfajores. You can find their coffee shops all over the country and they are known for their great quality products.

Cachafaz: Another great alfajores brand. Cachafaz is renowned for its rich flavours and high-quality ingredients. A local favourite, this brand of alfajores can be found in supermarkets, kiosks, and dedicated stores throughout the country. They come in great presentation boxes so ideal for presents.

If you are buying from a supermarket or at a kiosk, look out for brands like Guaymallen, Capitan del Espacio, and Terrabusi; all great alfajores options.

Wool & Knitwear

Another great things to buy when in Argentina is products made from wool and especially if you are visiting the Patagonia region. Patagonia is renowned for its high-quality wool, thanks to the vast expanses of land where sheep are reared in optimal conditions, resulting in some of the best woollen products you can buy.

The tradition of wool production in Argentina goes back centuries and you can buy unique, woollen items that are both beautiful and durable. From luxurious soft sweaters and scarves to artisanal blankets and socks, Argentine wool products stand out for their quality, warmth, and style.

Woollen items are so easy to bring back and enjoy at home, especially if you live in colder climates. Furthermore, I find they make great presents especially at Christmas. Who wouldn’t want to receive a cozy pair of wool socks or a scarf from Patagonia.

Fileteado Artwork

Fileteado artwork is a vibrant and ornamental art form that comes from Buenos Aires. It’s characterised by its intricate designs, featuring stylised lines, flower motifs, and climbing plants. Initially used to adorn horse carts in the early 20th century, today this artwork is seen all over the city from shop signs and public transport to street art and on everyday objects.

Bringing home an item adorned with Fileteado art from Buenos Aires make a great souvenir or gift. This art form can be found on a wide number of objects such as kitchenware (mugs, plates) to notebooks and leather goods. Great places to shop for Fielteado Artwork are the city’s weekend markets such as San Telmo market and the Feria de Mataderos.

Calle Florida in central Buenos Aires is home to several shops and galleries where tourists can find Fileteado art pieces and objects.

Musical Instruments & Tango Music

Argentina offers a vibrant marketplace for musicians across all skill levels looking to acquire musical instruments. The country boasts an extensive selection of shops to suit every musical need.

Specifically in Buenos Aires, Talcahuano Street is full of musical stores. Also stores such as Casa del Audio and La Giralda are great places to check out as they offer a great at selection of instruments. Finally, the city weekend markets are a great spot to buy more native instruments such as quenachos.

Also, if you enjoy the Tango, then of course Argentina is synonymous with this music form.

If you are shopping for tango music in Buenos Aires then Zival’s located at Corrientes and Callao is known for its extensive selection. For vinyl enthusiasts, Eureka in San Telmo (on Defensa) offers a great range of tango music.

Jewellery

Argentina is a great place to pick up some really great jewellery. One of the most popular items to buy are pieces made from Rhodochrosite, a pink stone that is Argentina’s national gem.

Silver jewellery is another great thing to buy especially as the country’s name is derived from the latin word “argentum” meaning silver.

Both jewellery types can be easily purchased at markets and boutique stores around the country. A popular place is San Telmo Market in Buenos Aires. If you prefer pieces that are more up market, then Piedras Argentinas stores are a great place to shop. The stores specialises in both Rhodochrosite pieces and Argentine silver. There are several shops located in Buenos Aires (including the international airport) as well as around the county.

Alpargatas

Alpargatas are shoes characterised by their canvas upper and espadrille sole and originate from the rural areas of Argentina. These traditional slip-on shoes come in many colours and designs and are found in shoe stores and markets. Artisans and local manufacturers often incorporate indigenous patterns and eco-friendly materials, making each pair unique. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, alpargatas are celebrated for their comfort and durability, making them a favoured choice for everyday casual wear.

In Buenos Aires, Cardón (located on Santa Fe) and El Shant (Arenales) are popular places to buy alpargatas, providing both quality and a great variety of colours and designs.

Additionally, the weekly San Telmo Street Fair and Plaza Francia are also popular places to buy alpargatas.

Football & Polo Gear

If you are a football (soccer fan) then football related merchandise are great things to buy in Argentina. The country’s love of the game is huge, with clubs like Boca Juniors and River Plate at the heart of intense local and national identities.

In Buenos Aires, La Boca is a popular area to buy football merchandise as it where the Boca Juniors stadium is located, one of Argentina’s most iconic football clubs.

If you enjoy the sport polo, then Argentina boasts and unparalleled heritage in this sport and produces some of the world’s finest polo equipment. So if you are after some polo gear you are in the right place.

Buenos Aires is home to many specialised stores offering a wide range of polo equipment. For instance, the Abrojales Polo Store offers everything from saddles and helmets to boots and mallets. Casablanca Polo, with a store located in Palermo is another example, providing luxury clothing and polo equipment, emphasising the city’s status as a hub for high-end polo gear.

In stores like La Martina you can get some great polo clothing, including a great range of polo shirts which of course can be used for many other sports or for casual wear. Finally, another great spot for all things polo is Arandu and is known for its its artisanal approach to crafting polo equipment and leather goods.

Gaucho Knives & Steak Boards

Gaucho knives and steak boards are great things to bring home when visiting Argentina. Gaucho knives, known locally as “facones” or “cuchillos,” are handcrafted by skilled artisans, often featuring ornate designs on both the blade and handle, making them exquisite collectibles or gifts. Similarly, steak boards are an essential part of Argentina’s famed barbecue, or “asado,” culture. They are designed to enhance the experience of enjoying Argentina’s world-renowned beef, offering both functionality and a touch of Argentine craftsmanship at your dining table. Together, gaucho knives and steak boards capture the essence of Argentina’s equestrian and culinary traditions, making them practical items for use back home.

Mate Set & Yerba

Yerba, a type of tea, is a popular drink in Argentina and is celebrated for its health benefits, including enhancing metabolism, boosting mental functions, and being rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. But in Argentina, it is more than just a beverage, it’s a symbol of unity and friendship. The ritual of sharing a yerba in a mate (gourd shaped vessel) using a bombilla (metal straw) among friends or family is a deeply ingrained social practice. So if you enjoy drinking mate, then bring back a mate set mate set (gourd and straw) and some Yerba tea; and it will probably be the biggest reminder of your visit. Mate sets and yerba tea can be found so easily in markets and stores and supermarkets.

So To Wrap Up On The Best Souvenirs To Buy When Visiting Argentina…

There are so many great things to buy and bring home with you when visiting Argentina to remind you of your trip. From the luxurious leather and woollen items to mate sets and gaucho knives; all All practical and durable items that last after many uses. Then of course there is the delicious comforting taste of dulce de leche, sweet alfajores and Malbec, all wonderful to enjoy at home or gift to friends.

For more great information on Argentina, read my blog on the Best Things To Do In Buenos Aires. Plus if you are planning to visit the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, read this informative blog on the Best Ways To Visit Perito Moreno Glacier.