Shopping.
Palermo. This is the best shopping area in Buenos Aires, it's full of small, fashionable boutiques selling clothing, shoes, bags, gifts, perfume and many other items. There are some really trendy cafes / bars / restaurants too, you can watch the young and fashionable Portenos hanging out.
Rapsodia, El Salvador 4757, Palermo Viejo, Buenos Aires.
This is my favourite Argentinean fashion label, it's a cross between Anthropologie and Jigsaw. Hippy vibe inspired collections in beautiful jewel colours and inspiring shapes. The accessories are equally gorgeous, chunky beaded neck charms and bright feather earrings. Very much a wardrobe for the (rich) hippy chick in all of us.
Rapsodia campaign.
Rapsodia Green jacket with embroidery detail.
Mandarine shoes, Palermo, Buenos Aires.Beautiful handmade shoes crafted at the back of the shop. Very reasonable prices and fashionable styles. The Silver shoes and the Black studded sandals both cost £30 each and are entirely handmade in the shop. Roll on summer is all I can say.
Mandarine, Black studded sandals.
Mandarine, Silver shoes with Green trim.
Armenia, from Gorriti to Costa Rica. Loads of fantastic shops on Armenia.
Kiehls is located on Armenia, near the corner of Gorriti.
Funky, quirky shops in Palermo, just window shop for inspiration...
Polar bear in a string vest somewhere in Palermo.
Sprayed stencil flyer on a lamp post.
Sticker on a lamp post.
28 Sport, Gurruchaga 1481, Palermo, Buenos Aires. www.28sport.com
28 Sport manufacture sporty shoes in old school baseball style designs inspired by the 1950's. The shoes are beautifully made in leather / suede using old methods. Check out the website.
Juana de Arco, Viste tu interior indumentaria, El Salvador 4762, Palermo.
A colourful, bonkers boutique selling knickers, bra's and cami's of all shapes and sizes in mad, clashing colours and patterns. Thongs, briefs, boy shorts, granny pants, any shape you like is available. This is a really fun and unique place to visit.
Penguin, Gurruchaga 1650, Palermo, Buenos Aires.
Penguin is an old American sportswear clothing company that has been rebranded and relaunched with a brilliant new collection. The men's wear collection is simple but cool. Good quality, pigment washed tee shirts with fun slogans such as 'Oui, Oui, Oui'. There is a small women's wear collection too.
Sopa de Principe, Thames 1719, Palermo, Buenos Aires. www.sopadeprincipe.com.ar
Adorable handmade toys in simple, modern shapes, bold colours and patterns. Rag dolls, dogs, monsters, penguins and many others. The prices are good too.
Sopa de Principe doll.
Epoca Bella, Gorriti 5037, Palermo, Buenos Aires.
Shop selling handmade soaps, bath salts, creams, room scents and many other smellies. I bought some gorgeous bath salts in a handmade and hand painted pot. Perfect for gifts.
Gift set containing embroidered handkerchief and mini bottles of bath salts and oils. Beautiful!
San Telmo.
The antique area of Buenos Aires. I specifically went here to check out the vintage clothing. The prices are not as cheap as I had hoped but the quality and selection is impressive.
Map of San Telmo.
Plaza Dorrego, San Telmo. The famous flea market is held every Sunday. Watch your wallet / bags though.
Tango in Plaza Dorrego.
Adorable Andean ceramic nativity set, bought from the street market in Plaza Dorrego.
Vintage stores galore in San Telmo.
The best way to see all the antique shops and arcades is to walk from 'Plaza de Mayo' up 'Defenser', all the way to 'Plaza Dorrego'. This way you will see the best selection.
Gil Antiguedades. Humberto 1, 412 entre Defensa y Bolivia, San Telmo, BA.
My all time favourite vintage clothing shop in Buenos Aires. 3 floors of beautiful clothes, accessories, home ware, paintings, books.
The owner is extremely friendly and helpful. He recommended some very good local places to visit. Apparently, John Galliano has visited this shop for inspiration.
Places to Eat.
Don't bother thinking about eating dinner anytime before 10pm, it just doesn't happen in Buenos Aires! Well, you can eat earlier but you will miss all the action and atmosphere. Most Portenos eat at 11pm onwards.
La Cabrera, Grillado & bar, Cabrera 5099, Palermo Viejo.
La Cabrera is by far the best steak restaurant in Buenos Aires, actually it's the best steak that I have ever had anywhere! It's advisable to book in advance otherwise you will have to queue outside for an hour at peak times. Don't be put off by queuing though, they are well prepared for this and hand out free glasses of champagne and Chorizo nibbles.
The portions are so huge that one portion is shared between two people. There are many different types of steak to choose from but they all more or less come with the infamous Cabrera selection of mini dishes. These include apple sauce, potato salad, roasted garlic, cauliflower, lentils, poached pears and many other yummy dishes that really compliment the steak.
It's most likely that you won't have room for a dessert but if you do, most people share these too. I had much enjoyment watching a couple struggle to eat a giant dish of Eaton mess!
Witty cow dishes.
A trio of waiters wearing the Cabrera caps and White shirt uniform.
Look at the size of it! You can see why it's big enough for two.
the little dishes that accompany the steak. Apple sauce, lentils, poached pears etc etc.
Patiently waiting outside and staring in, sipping a glass of champagne.
Lots of quirky objects trouve on the walls.
Bar 6, Armenia 1676, Palermo Viejo.
Cosy, modern boho restaurant / bar. Great for a quick lunch and there is a good value, 3 course menu. The penguin jugs full of wine are the best. Watch out though, the waitress was really miserable!
Penguin jug of wine at Bar 6.
Places to visit.
Cementerio de La Recoleta, Buenos Aires.
This labyrinthe necropolis is one of the most interesting places to visit in Buenos Aires. Most tourists arrive to view the tomb of Eva Peron, but you will find many more elaborate and beautiful tombs of presidents, politicians and even a famous boxer. The angelic statues are simply breathtaking. Watch out for the stray cats roaming freely in the cemetery.
Simply the most beautiful angel.
Hot Pink bougainvillea adding colour.
Eva Peron's tomb.
I can imagine Tim Burton getting inspired by these characters.
Places to stay.
Mine Hotel, Gorriti 4770, Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires.
www.minehotel.com
The best hotel that I have stayed in for a long time. Modern, cosy, luxurious, colourful, helpful staff, perfect location, comfy beds, jacuzzi, good breakfast, swimming pool, Wi-fi. What more can I say? Highly recommended, can't wait to go back.
Seating area near the bar.
Beautiful ceramic dish with floating flower heads.
Reception.
'Mine hotel' swimming pool.
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