Buenos Aires and Argentina have some distinctive souvenirs that go beyond typical tourist trinkets. Here’s a list broken down by category:
🐄 Leather & Fashion #
-
Leather goods: Jackets, belts, wallets, handbags, shoes. Argentina is famous for high-quality leather. Palermo and Recoleta have many boutique shops.
-
Alpaca / llama wool items: Scarves, ponchos, gloves — soft, warm, and locally made (though sourced from northern Patagonia).
-
Gaucho-style hats & boots: Iconic Argentine cowboy style, often handcrafted.
🥩 Food & Drink #
-
Dulce de leche: Sweet caramel spread; available in artisanal jars or gift boxes.
-
Mate sets: Traditional mate gourd + bombilla (metal straw), often sold with decorative designs.
-
Argentine wine: Malbec from Mendoza is the classic choice; packaged in gift boxes or specialty bottles.
-
Chimichurri & spice blends: Locally made sauces and spice mixes for grilling.
-
Alfajores: Sweet cookies filled with dulce de leche, coated in chocolate or meringue. Popular brands: Havanna, Cachafaz.
🎨 Art & Handicrafts #
-
Tango-themed items: Figurines, posters, or jewelry depicting dancers, tango shoes, or musical instruments.
-
Local crafts & artisan markets: San Telmo is famous for weekly markets with handmade jewelry, paintings, and décor.
-
Gaucho knives / facón: Traditional, often decorative knives — authentic craftsmanship from rural Argentina.
⚽ Sports Memorabilia #
-
Soccer jerseys / scarves: Argentina is obsessed with football; Boca Juniors and River Plate merchandise is iconic.
🎁 Tips for buying souvenirs #
-
Markets vs shops: San Telmo and Feria de Mataderos are great for authentic artisanal products. Shopping malls often have higher prices and more mass-produced items.
-
Shipping & luggage: Leather and wine can be bulky; consider what will fit in your suitcase. Some stores offer international shipping.
-
Authenticity check: Look for artisan labels or ask about origin to avoid cheap imitations.
Here’s a curated guide to the most authentic and unique souvenirs you can find in Buenos Aires, along with the best places to shop for them:
🐄 Leather Goods #
Argentina is renowned for its high-quality leather products. Whether you’re looking for a classic jacket, stylish boots, or a handcrafted belt, Buenos Aires offers a plethora of options.
Top Spots:
-
Murillo Street (Villa Crespo): This street is lined with numerous leather shops offering a wide range of products at competitive prices.
-
Silvia y Mario (Palermo): Known for their stylish leather jackets and accessories, this boutique is a favorite among locals.
-
El Nochero (Recoleta): Located inside the Patio Bullrich Mall, El Nochero offers high-quality leather goods, including shoes, boots, and decorative silverware.
🍵 Mate Sets #
Mate is more than just a drink in Argentina; it’s a cultural ritual. A traditional mate set includes a gourd (mate), a metal straw (bombilla), and yerba mate. These sets make for meaningful and authentic souvenirs.
Top Spots:
-
San Telmo Market: Every Sunday, this historic market transforms into a vibrant fair where artisans sell handcrafted mate gourds and other traditional items.
-
Feria de Mataderos: This market offers a deep dive into gaucho culture, with vendors selling intricately carved mate gourds and other handcrafted items.
🎨 Tango Memorabilia #
Tango is the soul of Buenos Aires. Bring home a piece of this passion with tango-themed souvenirs.
Top Spots:
-
San Telmo Market: Beyond mate sets, you’ll find tango-themed art, music CDs, and even vintage tango records.
-
La Boca Neighborhood: Known for its vibrant colors and tango culture, this area offers a range of tango-related souvenirs.
🍬 Dulce de Leche & Alfajores #
Dulce de leche is a sweet caramel spread that’s a staple in Argentine desserts. Alfajores are cookies filled with dulce de leche and often coated in chocolate or powdered sugar.
Top Spots:
-
Havanna: A renowned brand offering a variety of alfajores and other dulce de leche-based treats.
-
Local Supermarkets: You’ll find a wide range of dulce de leche brands, perfect for gifting or personal indulgence.
🧶 Wool & Alpaca Products #
Patagonia is famous for its soft and warm wool products, including scarves, ponchos, and gloves.
Top Spots:
-
Feria de San Telmo: This market offers a variety of handmade wool and alpaca items, perfect for colder climates.
-
Pieces of Argentina (Online): Offers a curated selection of alpaca shawls and wraps, showcasing the finest craftsmanship.
🥩 Argentine Wine #
Argentina is famous for its Malbec wines. Bringing back a bottle (or two) is a great way to share a taste of Argentina.
Top Spots:
-
Bodegas (Wineries): If you have time, visiting a winery in Mendoza offers a firsthand experience and the opportunity to purchase directly.
-
Wine Shops in Buenos Aires: Look for specialized wine shops offering a curated selection of Argentine wines.
🧵 Artisan Markets #
For a broader selection of handcrafted goods, Buenos Aires boasts several artisan markets.
Top Spots:
-
Feria de Mataderos: This market offers a deep dive into gaucho culture, with vendors selling intricately carved mate gourds and other handcrafted items.
-
Plaza Francia (Recoleta): Known for its artisan’s fair, this plaza hosts vendors offering a variety of handcrafted goods, including leather items, jewelry, and textiles.
