San Telmo Market (Mercado de San Telmo)
The Basics
What started as a small gathering of about 30 antiques vendors in 1970, when the fair was inaugurated, has expanded to a crowd of nearly 300. Tango dancers, buskers, and other entertainers vie for the attention of the thousands of shoppers who flood the San Telmo neighborhood on Sundays. During the rest of the week, locals buy fresh produce and meat at the indoor market, which is said to have some of the best coffee in town.
Visit the San Telmo Market (Mercado de San Telmo)independently or as part of a Buenos Aires sightseeing tour—on foot or by bike. Start your market exploration at Plaza Dorrego, where most of the real antiques are located, before taking a stroll down Defensa Street.
Things to Know Before You Go
San Telmo Market (Mercado de San Telmo)and Sunday street fair are a must-see for shoppers and first-time visitors to Buenos Aires.
There is no fee to enter the market.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Bring plenty of cash, as many of the vendors do not accept credit card payments.
Take normal precautions to avoid pickpockets.
How to Get There
San Telmo Market (Mercado de San Telmo)is located at Plaza Dorrego, south of Buenos Aires’ central Plaza de Mayo and a few blocks west of Avenida 9 de Julio. Most visitors arrive via public transport—the closest metro stations are Independencia and San Juan (Line C).
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The market is open from 10:30am to 7:30pm Tuesday to Friday and from 9am to 8pm on weekends and holidays; some stalls may be closed during the week. The best time to visit is on Sunday, when all of the stalls are open and the street fair is in full swing.
Tango in San Telmo
San Telmo is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires and one of the best places in the city to experience the passion of the Argentine tango. Nightly dinner tango shows, now mostly for the benefit of tourists, are held at several historical venues in San Telmo and typically include a 3-course gourmet dinner and Argentine wines. Visitors are also likely to see an impromptu tango performance right out on the street during the weekly Feria de San Telmo.
- La Ventana Tango Show
- El Querandi
- Plaza Dorrego
- San Ignacio de Loyola Church (St. Ignatius Church)
- Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires)
- Cabildo de Buenos Aires
- Cafe Tortoni
- Casa Rosada
- Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
- Puerto Madero
- Guemes Gallery (Galeria Güemes)
- Rojo Tango
- Parque Lezama
- Plaza de Mayo
- Madero Tango