We did not hesitate to shop on the street. I bought a scarf from a stall on the Plaza del Congresso. The seller showed me photos of his brother working a manual loom and I recognized one of his scaves in progress.

We also shopped the flea market and street stalls in San Telmo on Sunday. Mrs BamaVol bought a beautiful hand carved wooden nativity set and BamaVol Jr #3 bought a unique wallet. In all 3 cases, this was merchandise we did not see elsewhere and felt we were buying directly from the artists/crafters. Also bought a one of a kind cd from a band performing on the street for AR$20.

There was also a bunch of hippies selling crafts from blankets. I think maybe on Florida, but away from the crowds (next to a church possibly). BV Jr #3 bought some leather armbands and bracelets at ridiculous prices - like AR$5 each.

HIDDY, you're correct about Santa Fe. We found this to be our favorite window shopping district. Also lots of demonstration activity there during our stay - flag waving and pot beating for the most part.

We were disappointed with the Abasto. We didn't know it was a holiday and it was packed to the rafters. Also too much like a mall at home. However, it's worth the visit just to take a picture of the kosher McDonalds.

Gaucho100K, thanks for the thread.

Anybody looking for a cheap snack while shopping will find huge sandwiches in bakeries (why do they cut off the crusts?) for less than AR$4 and empanadas in shops that sell nothing but (is it an empenadaria?) for next to nothing. They'll even heat them for you.