Microcenter--Calle Florida, the pedestrian walking street in the microcenter, is home to wall-to-wall shops from Plaza San Martín past Avenida Corrientes. The Galerías Pacífico mall is located at Calle Florida 750 and Avenida Córdoba (tel. 11/4319-5100), with a magnificent dome and stunning frescoes painted by local artists. Over 180 shops are open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9pm and Sunday from 12pm to 9pm, with tango shows held on weekends at 8pm. As you approach Plaza San Martín, you find a number of well-regarded shoe stores, jewelers, and shops selling leather goods.

Recoleta--Avenida Alvear is Argentina's response to the Champs-Elysées, and -- without taking the comparison too far -- it is indeed an elegant, Parisian-like strip of European boutiques and cafes. Start your walk from Plaza Francia and continue from Junín to Cerrito. Along Calle Quintana, French-style mansions share company with upscale shops. Nearby Patio Bullrich, Av. del Libertador 750 (tel. 11/4814-7400), is one of the city's best malls. Its 69 elegant shops are open daily from 10am to 9pm.

Avenida Santa Fe--Popular with local shoppers, Avenida Santa Fe -- which the city tourist office likens to Madrid's Gran Vía -- offers a wide selection of clothing stores and more down-to-earth prices. You will also find bookstores, ice-cream shops, and cinemas. The Alto Palermo Shopping Center, Av. Santa Fe 3253 (tel. 11/5777-8000), is another excellent shopping center, with 155 stores open daily from 10am to 10pm.

San Telmo & La Boca--These neighborhoods offer excellent antiques as well as arts and crafts celebrating tango. Street performers and artists are omnipresent. Both should be visited during the day and avoided at night.