The San Telmo market is a sprawling expanse, with some sections open daily and others exclusively on Sundays. It’s a paradise for market aficionados, offering a vast array of experiences to discover. On weekends, the area comes alive with a vibrant mix of street performers and vendors. ❗️Don’t forget to bring plenty of cash! Most vendors only accept cash, though a few card-accepting stores may offer discounts for cash payments.
[黄金薯R] The market can be divided into two main areas: the indoor Mercado de San Telmo and Defensa Street, which are open every day, and the bustling outdoor stalls that spring up on several streets only on Sundays. Starting from the Casa Rosada, you can follow the streets and explore to your heart’s content. For the best experience, arrive around 1 PM on Sunday, as you can easily spend an entire afternoon here.
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Begin your journey at Plaza de Mayo/Casa Rosada, where the market officially kicks off. As you stroll along the numerous streets, you’ll find a high concentration of various handicrafts and industrial products. Unlike the Recoleta market, which is known for its abundance of artists, this market boasts a larger number of stalls, but the quality can vary, so it’s wise to be selective.
[星R] Indoor Mercado de San Telmo: This enclosed market is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day.
With multiple entrances, the main entry point is shown in Figure 2⬆️. Step inside and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Be sure to come with an empty stomach [吧唧R], as there are countless food stalls offering delicious treats at reasonable prices [大笑R]. Several shops come highly recommended.
In addition to the mouthwatering food, the market is filled with antique, gift, vintage, stone, jewelry, mate cups, and other unique shops and stalls. Fridge magnets here are quite pricey, but mate cups are still a good buy [斜眼R].
Note: ❗️Unless you’re an expert in antiques, it’s best to just browse and not make any major purchases. ❇️Fridge magnets are available in many places, typically priced between 4,000 to 5,000 pesos each.
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[星R] Defensa Street Area: Once you step out, simply follow the bustling streets, which are easy to navigate and lined with a variety of small shops.
[大笑R] Don’t miss out on local delicacies like alfajores and Dulce de Leche caramel sauce, which make for delightful and unique souvenirs ❤️. Along the way, you’ll often encounter captivating street performances, such as tango and live band shows, at the corners of the streets.
You can also visit the charming Mafalda statues, located in four spots as shown in Figure 5⬆️. Mafalda is a beloved character from an Argentine comic, and you’ll see her depicted in various gift shops, street corners, and indoors.
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[星R] Further in, you’ll find the outdoor antique market, where the items are a bit of a mixed bag. Avoid buying cutlery without clear silver or sterling silver markings; it’s better to just admire them. If you spot a building with Roman columns across the street, it’s the Engineering School of the University of Buenos Aires, as shown in Figure 9⬆️.
I love how the market has such a lively atmosphere on weekends with all the street performances! It sounds like bringing cash is really important, I’d hate to miss out on anything because of that.
I love how the market has something for everyone, from antiques to handmade crafts. The atmosphere on Sundays is electric with all the performers and food stalls. Just be sure to keep some pesos handy for those impromptu purchases!