The stylish city of Buenos Aires is divided into barrios, or districts, each offering a unique style statement. La Recoleta is one such elegant barrio, and its name has been based on the Convento de los Recoletos Descalzos, or the "Monastery of Barefoot Franciscan Recoleto Monks." Located in the northern region of the city, Recoleta is filled with parks, fine museums, galleries, elegant sidewalk cafes, and bars as well as many trendy shops and upscale residences. However, one of the most popular destinations in Recoleta is the Recoleta market, which draws in tourists and locals who come to buy souvenirs and artefacts at the best prices possible.
In general, Recoleta is Buenos Aires's most expensive neighbourhood and the shopping offered here is very expensive. On the other hand, the weekend Recoleta Market is where one can buy things reasonably cheap. This is one of the reasons why the market is so popular with the local people. Also, most of the merchandise in this outdoor market carries a local flavour and is the perfect destination for those tourists who want to get an idea of the region's essence.
If you are shopping for souvenirs, you are sure to find plenty of items and handicrafts to choose from. Some of the products sold at the Recoleta Market are creatively made works of glass and wood, jewellery items, incense, casual clothes, hand-made toys, house wares, leather goods as well as other traditional crafts can be bought from artisans at reasonable rates. The music and street art shows by jugglers and hippies along the border of the market, looking for tips from tourists, add to the sensational atmosphere and is guaranteed to make a visit to the Recoleta Market even more memorable.
Another popular tourist attraction in this neighbourhood is the Recoleta Cemetery, which is considered to be a very important one in the country. Recoleta Cemetery's tourist appeal stems from the presence of the tombs of Evita (Eva Peron), the wife of past President Juan Peron, as well as other famous Argentines.
On weekends, the park surrounding the cemetery gets transformed into the huge handicrafts shopping area which is the Recoleta Market. Tourists will bedazzled by the hundreds of shops selling an assortment of goods ranging from junk items to expensive antiques.
Recoleta Cemetery is open 7 am to 6 pm daily, while Recoleta Market is open from 11 am to 6 pm on weekends. So, if one happens to visit Recoleta on a weekend, the cemetery tour can be finished first before venturing to explore the vast and vibrant market.