Balvanera (Once), Buenos Aires - A city street lined with tall buildings and trees
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Balvanera Once Buenos Aires

4.1
·3k reviews·Buenos Aires, Argentina

Balvanera Once: Buenos Aires' bustling commercial heart, famous for wholesale markets offering unbeatable deals on fashion, toys, and more.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the peak crowds

CrowdMedium
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Balvanera (Once), Buenos Aires - A city street lined with tall buildings and trees

Balvanera Once Buenos Aires

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the peak crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Balvanera Once: Buenos Aires' bustling commercial heart, famous for wholesale markets offering unbeatable deals on fashion, toys, and more.

4.1
(3k reviews)

"The place for the best prices, the Parnasa prices!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🛍️ Haggle for Deals

Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially when buying multiple items in wholesale stores.

👓 Affordable Glasses

Get your prescription glasses made for a fraction of the cost in Once, including blue light and anti-reflex lenses.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wholesale Shopping Extravaganza

Wholesale Shopping Extravaganza

Once neighborhood

Dive into a shopper's paradise with endless wholesale stores offering clothing, toys, and more at unbeatable prices.

Budget-Friendly Eyewear

Budget-Friendly Eyewear

Larrea street, Once

Find incredibly affordable eyeglasses, including frames and lenses with special coatings, in the heart of Once.

Diverse Market Finds

Diverse Market Finds

Centenario Park Fair

Discover unique handicrafts, vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, and more at this eclectic community market.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Balvanera's Bustle

Balvanera, especially the Once area, is a vibrant commercial hub. Expect crowds during the day as shoppers flock to wholesale stores. While generally safe, be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night, as it can become quieter and less populated. Consider staying in more residential parts of Balvanera or nearby Almagro for a more relaxed evening atmosphere.

Shopping Savvy in Once

Once is renowned for its wholesale markets, particularly for clothing, toys, and electronics. Many shops cater to businesses, but individuals can also find great deals. Be prepared for a lively, sometimes chaotic, shopping experience. It's a prime spot for finding budget-friendly items, from fashion to optical frames.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the peak crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Saturday afternoons
Why
Lively market atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ojala le llegue a gente que quiere venir a tursitear a Buenos Aires #buenosaires #turismobuenosaires #obelisco #caminito #bsas #santelmo #teatrocolon
@laprovendelapipol
154.8K likes • 2.1M views

🛍️ Haggle for Deals

Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially when buying multiple items in wholesale stores. Instagram

👓 Affordable Glasses

Get your prescription glasses made for a fraction of the cost in Once, including blue light and anti-reflex lenses. Instagram

tu guía a tres de mis ferias americanas favoritas de buenos aires!!! mi mamá odia que compre la mayoría de mis cosas en tiendas y ferias de segunda mano porque le da verguenza, o sea, porque antes de que thrifting se volviera “cool,” la gente se burlaban de vos por ser “pobre,” y una de las maneras que mi mamá trata de afirmar su dignidad es tratando de vestir decentemente. pero, para mi comprar c...
@argentinaperochina
80.8K likes • 661.5K views
El hogar de los mejores precios, de los PRECIOS PARNASSA 🤑 📍¡Venite a Sarmiento 2449 para conocerlos! #Mayorista #CompraYventa #Proveedores #Depósito #Stock #Once #Importador #Ofertas #Descuentos
parnassaimportadora
41 likes • 5.7K views

🚶‍♀️ Day vs. Night Safety

Balvanera is busier and generally safer during the day. Be more cautious at night, especially in less populated areas. Reddit

🗺️ Explore Beyond Once

Consider areas like Congreso for better transport links or Almagro for a more residential feel if Balvanera feels too intense. Reddit

Desde 1990, Parnassa está ahí para que vendas, vendas y vendas. 🤑 Tenemos los mejores productos, precios imposibles, todo el stock que necesitás y entregas en las que podés confiar. ¡Hacenos tu pedido en nuestra web o vení a conocer a tu nuevo importador de confianza a nuestro local en Once! #Mayoristas #ComprayVenta #Proveedores #Importador #Depósitos #once
parnassaimportadora
38 likes • 4.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🛍️ Haggle for Deals

Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially when buying multiple items in wholesale stores. Instagram

👓 Affordable Glasses

Get your prescription glasses made for a fraction of the cost in Once, including blue light and anti-reflex lenses. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Day vs. Night Safety

Balvanera is busier and generally safer during the day. Be more cautious at night, especially in less populated areas. Reddit

🗺️ Explore Beyond Once

Consider areas like Congreso for better transport links or Almagro for a more residential feel if Balvanera feels too intense. Reddit

💰 Wholesale Wonders

Stock up on toys, clothing, and more at wholesale prices, perfect for resellers or bulk buyers. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.1
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Balvanera Once is a vibrant commercial hub, particularly known for its wholesale markets offering great deals on clothing, toys, and eyeglasses. Visitors appreciate the affordability and the sheer variety of products available. However, some find the crowds overwhelming, and caution is advised regarding safety, especially at night.

"No have public restrooms"

Alex Prokofev

"Very good experience, I feel that it is an experience that I will never forget"

Jazmin Ochoa

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hernan favero

What People Like

Incredible wholesale prices
Wide product selection
Affordable eyeglasses

What People Dislike

Overwhelming crowds
Can be sketchy at night

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can easily reach Balvanera Once from downtown Buenos Aires using the Subte (subway) lines A, B, or H, which have stations within the neighborhood. Buses are also a very common and affordable way to get around. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available as well. TikTok

Yes, Balvanera Once is a major transportation hub. Several Subte lines and numerous bus routes converge here, making it very accessible from all parts of the city. Reddit

Walking is a great way to explore the bustling streets of Once, especially for shopping. For longer distances within the neighborhood or to other areas, the Subte and buses are efficient and cost-effective options. TikTok

Numerous bus lines serve Balvanera Once, connecting it to various parts of Buenos Aires. It's best to use a navigation app like Google Maps or Moovit to find the most direct routes from your starting point. Reddit

Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify are widely available in Balvanera Once, offering a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're carrying purchases. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Balvanera Once is a neighborhood, not a specific attraction, so no tickets are required to enter or explore the area. You'll only need to pay for any purchases you make. Instagram

No, the wholesale markets in Once are open to the public, and there are no entrance fees. You can browse freely, but be aware that some vendors may prioritize bulk sales. Instagram

Most shops in Balvanera Once operate during standard business hours, typically from around 9 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. Some may have shorter hours on Sundays. Instagram

While many shops in Once are wholesale, a significant number also cater to individual shoppers, especially for items like clothing and eyewear. You can usually browse and purchase items individually. Instagram

Occasionally, community events or special fairs might take place in or around Balvanera Once. It's advisable to check local event listings for any specific ticket requirements if you plan to attend one. TikTok

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Deals

Balvanera Once is famous for its wholesale markets offering a vast array of products, including clothing, toys, electronics, home goods, and especially affordable eyeglasses and optical frames. Instagram+2

Absolutely! Once is a prime destination for budget-friendly clothing, with numerous wholesale stores offering competitive prices. You can find everything from trendy fashion to basics. Instagram+1

Several optical shops in Once specialize in affordable eyeglasses. You can find frames and lenses, often with added features like blue light filters, at significantly lower prices than elsewhere. Instagram

While many stores are wholesale, they often sell to individual customers as well, offering very competitive prices. It's a great place to find deals even if you're not buying in bulk. Instagram+1

Be prepared to browse and compare prices, as different stores will have varying deals. Don't hesitate to ask for discounts, especially if buying multiple items. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. TikTok

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Safety & Neighborhood

Balvanera Once is generally safe during the day, especially in its commercial areas, due to high foot traffic. However, it's advisable to be more cautious at night as some areas can become less populated and potentially sketchier. Reddit

The main safety concern in Balvanera Once is petty crime like pickpocketing, especially in crowded shopping areas. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure. Reddit

While some parts of Balvanera are safe at night, it's generally recommended to be more vigilant. Stick to well-lit and populated streets, and consider using a taxi or ride-sharing service if you're out late. Reddit

Some travelers find Almagro to be a bit more residential and potentially quieter at night compared to Balvanera. Balvanera is very commercial, which means lots of people during the day but can be less active at night. Reddit

The area known as 'Once' can be very crowded and busy, requiring extra vigilance for your belongings. Some Reddit users suggest that the Congreso area within Balvanera might be safer and better connected. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Balvanera Once can be an exciting, albeit busy, destination for families. The wholesale toy stores in Once are a major draw, offering a vast selection of toys at great prices. It's a fantastic place to pick up souvenirs or gifts for children. Instagram+1 However, the crowds can be overwhelming, so keep a close eye on children, especially in the busiest market areas. Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the peak weekend rush.

For a more relaxed experience, families might enjoy exploring the Centenario Park Fair, which offers a variety of handicrafts and unique items in a more open setting. TikTok While Balvanera itself is primarily a commercial district, its central location means families can easily access other kid-friendly attractions in Buenos Aires via public transport.

💰 Budget Travelers

Balvanera Once is a budget traveler's dream, especially for shopping. The wholesale markets offer incredible deals on clothing, accessories, toys, and more. You can significantly stretch your travel budget here, whether you're looking for everyday items or unique finds. Instagram+1 Don't miss the opportunity to get affordable eyeglasses; it's a common recommendation for cost-conscious visitors.

When it comes to dining, you'll find many local eateries and street food options in Balvanera that are much cheaper than in more tourist-centric areas. Public transport, like the Subte and buses, is also very affordable, making it easy to explore the neighborhood and beyond without breaking the bank. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Wholesale Heart of Buenos Aires: Once

Balvanera's Once neighborhood is synonymous with wholesale shopping in Buenos Aires. This bustling commercial district is a go-to destination for everything from clothing and toys to electronics and home goods. Stores here often cater to businesses, but individual shoppers can snag incredible deals, especially if they're looking to buy in bulk or simply want to take advantage of lower prices. The energy is palpable, with streets often filled with shoppers and vendors. Instagram+1

When exploring Once, be prepared for a lively and sometimes chaotic atmosphere. It's a place where you can find anything from the latest fashion trends at wholesale prices to unique imported goods. Many visitors come specifically to purchase items like eyeglasses, with shops offering frames and prescription lenses at a fraction of the cost found elsewhere in the city. Instagram It's a true testament to Buenos Aires' diverse commercial landscape, offering a unique shopping experience that's hard to replicate.

Pro-tip: While bargaining is common in many markets, in Once, prices are often already very competitive. However, it never hurts to inquire about potential discounts, especially if you're making a significant purchase or buying multiple items. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking and exploring different stores.

Navigating Balvanera: Safety and Neighborhood Vibes

Balvanera is a large and diverse neighborhood in Buenos Aires, with the Once area being its most commercially active part. During the day, Once is a hive of activity, packed with shoppers and vendors, making it feel generally safe due to the constant presence of people. This is when you'll find the wholesale markets at their most vibrant. TikTokReddit

However, as evening approaches, the atmosphere in Balvanera can change. Some parts, particularly the commercial streets of Once, can become quieter and less populated, leading to a perception of being sketchier. Reddit users often advise caution at night, recommending sticking to well-lit areas and being aware of your surroundings. While not inherently dangerous, it's a neighborhood where situational awareness is key, especially after dark. Reddit

For those seeking a slightly more residential feel or different amenities, nearby neighborhoods like Almagro or Montserrat are often suggested as alternatives. Almagro is known for being more residential and closer to Palermo's nightlife, while Montserrat offers good transport links and is closer to San Telmo. Reddit Understanding these nuances can help you choose the best part of Balvanera or its surroundings for your stay.

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