San Telmo is the oldest barrio (neighborhood) in Buenos Aires, full of colonial brick buildings, tango halls, cafés, old churches, and a gritty, authentic feel that all reflect the area’s past as the most multicultural and bohemian neighborhood in the city. So it’s no wonder that you can find tons of small shops selling antiques here (San Telmo is also the host of a weekly Sunday antique market). It’s an antique hunter’s dream, not to mention a great place for taking photos.
San Telmo - Graffiti art on a brick wall
Among shop after shop selling old sofas, cupboards, and dining sets, one place that really stood out to me was El Buen Orden, which literally means “the good order.” They must have been going for an ironic title because this place is a mess…in a good way! You can see from the shop window the utter chaos of the random objects cluttered inside. Apparently, the shop owners scour the country for unique finds every few weeks, so you will always be sure to find something special here.
El Buen Orden - Store front
They carry clothes, unique jewelry, (creepy) old dolls, vintage purses, strange hats, and even some antique furniture and household objects. The hats in the window were what drew me in – vintage, hand-made traditional wood hats worn by locals of the Andes mountains, and their modern-day knockoffs. The colors were so bold and modern and the pointed tip of the hats seemed so strange. I went inside to see how much one cost. The old ones were very expensive (I don’t remember exactly how much, but I remember being outraged, so let’s say something like $20 – $50!) but the new versions were a lot more affordable (in the single digits) and make great souvenirs or presents for your funky friends back home!
El Buen Orden - Store front with mannequins in antique hat (left) & modern version (right)
This is a place that requires some patience to really explore because, although its a very small place, there are thousands of tiny objects packed inside – blink and you really might miss something great! Go if you have some time to spare for shopping, or just drop by for a bit if you are around that area. It’s definitely worth a peek in.
Check out their website and blog (in Spanish) for some of their stock of merchandise and for more information (or just for some nice music).
Happy shopping!
Defensa 894 (between Av. Independencia & Estado Unidos)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
