The best record stores in Buenos Aires

Zivals is one of the most important record stores in Buenos Aires, both for its size and its location on the iconic corner of Corrientes and Callao. The downtown area kicks off with this huge store, which has an impressive selection of Argentine music, as well as international jazz and rock.

While it has a large collection of vinyl, what’s surprising is its extensive CD stock, which is constantly updated with new releases and imported albums. Additionally, Zivals has its own record label, Acqua Records, which specializes in popular music, especially tango. For those who want to experience the latest trends in the city’s signature sound, Zivals is a must-visit.

The store also functions as a bookstore, so it’s worth taking time to browse everything. Be sure to check out the music book section, one of the most comprehensive around.

Tip: For K-Pop fans, there’s a section in the back with display cases full of special editions and rare items from top artists in the genre.

Where: Av. Callao 395.

In the heart of San Telmo, just two blocks from the famous neighborhood antique market, stands Eureka Records, specializing in used records. With 24 years in the business, it’s the go-to place for music lovers seeking rare finds, first editions, and out-of-print records.

Many customers also bring in titles from their own collections to trade, so the stock changes daily. The owners are always on the lookout for people looking to part with their records to add to their bins. This is why you’ll find music of all genres and from all eras.

Tip: Thanks to its location, the store often draws international visitors who value Argentine editions of international titles, often humorously mistranslated, like The Beatles' debut album, which was named Por Favor Yo instead of Please, Please Me.

Where: Defensa 1281.

RGS Music is a historic record store in Villa Crespo. Founded in 1966, it has withstood the arrival of big chains by building a strong connection with the locals. How? By always finding what customers are looking for. In 1994, they launched their own record label and, in addition to promoting new artists, they became specialists in reissuing rare Argentine albums. Some of these records are only available in-store, at least during the initial release days. There’s even a documentary about the store on YouTube called Jai-Fi.

Tip: Following the spirit of independent record stores in the United States, RGS Music aims to be a gathering place for musicians and fans. Check their social media regularly as they often host record signings and mini concerts, especially during the Night of Record Stores.

Where: Av. Corrientes 5233 Loc. 2.

While classical music is often ignored—or at least given limited space—in most record stores, there’s a place in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires that specializes in it, giving it the attention it deserves.

Founded in 1939, Casa Piscitelli is possibly the oldest record store in Buenos Aires, run by the third generation of its founders. It has served many famous clients, including Pope Francis, and was the first to sell CDs in Argentina, in 1983.

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Tip: Although it specializes in classical music, it also has a refined selection of jazz and some rock classics, always in high-quality editions.

Where: San Martín 450.

Nestled inside the 5th Avenue Gallery, Abraxas is a favorite among musicians, so it’s not unusual to spot a rock star browsing here. With over forty years in business, the store hasn’t changed much over time and remains one of the mainstays of rock. Don’t expect to find pop music here; the selection is curated by its founder, Fernando Pau.

Most of the titles are from bands from the 70s and 80s, but there’s also a good selection of indie and alternative rock, often in editions that are out of print even overseas. Don’t be misled by the store’s size—it’s small but packed with hidden treasures.

Tip: The Beatles collection is notable, from 7-inch singles to so-called bootlegs, which are pirate recordings produced by independent labels of questionable origin but contain invaluable unreleased material.

Where: Av. Santa Fé 1270 loc. 74-76.

Downtown Buenos Aires must be one of the places in the world with the highest concentration of record stores per square meter. And there’s also Brujas, a place worth spending an entire day exploring, as even that might not be enough time.

The strength of this store is its used stock, with records, movies, and books. The amount of material can be overwhelming at first, but with patience and an open eye, you’re bound to find some rare gems. Some notable visitors, like David Byrne and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, have come to browse its endless bins.

Tip: In the storefront, you’ll often find new releases, often imports, as well as special and limited editions that are hard to come by.

Where: Rodríguez Peña 419.

Insomnio Discos started in 2001 as an online project, selling records through social media, first local and then imported ones. Musicono, meanwhile, was one of many record stores in the downtown area. In 2023, they joined forces and opened Musicomio, their own showroom in Colegiales, aiming to create a gathering space for music fans with DJ sets, listening parties, and intimate shows. All stock is new, and if they don’t have something, they promise to get it within a week.

Tip: They often have the best prices on the market, and their social media is regularly updated with special offers.

Where: Av. Álvarez Thomas 540, 1st floor.

This small record store near Plaza Serrano in Palermo is a paradise for those seeking new sounds. The soul, funk, and Brazilian music bins are exceptional. But the most attractive one is undoubtedly the African music section, with titles you can't find anywhere else.

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There’s also a good selection of new releases from international artists and vinyl that rarely make it to Argentina. Paco and Nacho, the store owners, carefully select each title they sell and have encyclopedic knowledge of music. Anyone who chats with them is likely to leave with an album they never imagined listening to.

They named the store Exiles after the classic Rolling Stones album Exile On Main St., as both owners are huge fans of the band, so you'll find plenty of Stones material here.

Insider tip: The store dedicates significant space to Argentine indie music. In fact, the owners opened the nearby Centro Cultural Richards (yes, named after Keith), where emerging artists perform weekly.

Where: Honduras 5270.

Discos Opus is Buenos Aires’ best-kept secret. Located in the Flores neighborhood, it's a place where DJs and producers go to find forgotten music to use in their recordings.

More than a record store, it’s like a vinyl museum, with a vast collection of music in every imaginable style—from French chanson to spoken word—spread over two rooms. Don’t be fooled by first impressions: there's much more to see in the back.

With over 70 years of history, it would take weeks to go through everything they have. Most of it is unknown music that never made it to CD, let alone streaming platforms.

Insider tip: Discos Opus displays some vintage audio equipment, and one of the employees repairs turntables, so if your record player breaks down, you know where to go.

Where: Bolivia 47.

Cactus is a family-owned business run by three siblings who opened it in 2003. Initially located in the Galería del Óptico, a gallery mostly occupied by optical stores but also, oddly enough, a few record stores, the business moved to its current location nearby. Cactus is known for imported vinyl reissues, with a lot of new material and rare gems among the deals.

It’s worth checking out the CDs, as they have an intriguing variety of hard-to-find discontinued albums, many of them new and sealed. No wonder it’s a popular spot for professional musicians, whose signatures can be found on their shelves.

Insider tip: Occasionally on Saturdays, they set up some bins outside and host a mini record fair. Keep an eye on their Instagram account to know when it’s happening.

Where: Uruguay 290.

Jarana Records is located on a small street near Plaza Serrano. It opened its doors eight years ago and has fully embraced vinyl as the only format they sell. The majority of their titles are new—featuring many box sets and limited editions—and the used records they sell are rare and in excellent condition.

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The store has two floors: the upper level is exclusively dedicated to Argentine music and includes a listening station, making it easier to decide which records to take home.

Insider tip: They have a lounge area where customers can browse albums at leisure, even with their pets, as they’re proudly pet-friendly.

Where: Soria 5125.

Unlike in many big cities worldwide, Buenos Aires is a city where nearly every neighborhood has at least one record store.

In La Paternal, Samy Records has been around since 1981. Starting in a narrow store, it moved to a large space on San Martín Avenue in 1997, in the neighborhood's commercial center.

Samy is one of those classic record stores that builds up stock over time, so there’s always some hard-to-find, discontinued album for music lovers to discover. If you’re on the hunt for a rare title, Samy might just have it hidden away.

Over time, the store diversified and now sells music-related books—check out the independent publishers they carry—music accessories, and rock-themed shirts.

Insider tip: Their specialty is heavy metal and Argentine rock, making Samy Records unbeatable in these genres.

Where: Av. San Martin 2450.

Maniac Records is the dream come true of a music enthusiast who dared to open their own store in 2004, aiming at a knowledgeable and discerning audience. The Belgrano galleries are full of record stores, but Maniac stands out for its warmth.

The store is small but inviting, like a collector's living room.

Insider tip: For those with a higher budget, check out the limited-edition Japanese releases they have in stock. Japanese discs, both CDs and vinyl, are known for their superior quality and often include exclusive bonus tracks.

Where: Av. Cabildo 2040, Local 90.