If you’re wondering what to do in San Telmo, one of the most essential stops is the iconic San Telmo Market (Mercado de San Telmo). Located in the heart of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhood, this lively indoor market has been a cultural and culinary hub since 1897. With its wrought-iron architecture, maze of stalls, and buzzing atmosphere, the market is a feast for the senses. Whether you’re here for antiques, gourmet food, or simply to soak in the atmosphere of this bohemian barrio, the San Telmo Market is a must-visit.

What to do in San Telmo- Glimpse into history

The market was originally built to serve the influx of European immigrants who settled in Buenos Aires at the end of the 19th century. Its iron-and-glass structure was designed by architect Juan Antonio Buschiazzo, giving it an old-world charm that still stands today. Over the decades, it has evolved from a neighborhood grocery hub into a vibrant mix of antique shops, artisan stalls, specialty food vendors, and international eateries. Visiting the market isn’t just about shopping, it’s about stepping into a piece of Buenos Aires’ living history.

a treasure hunt flea market in san telmo

The top things to do in San Telmo is strolling its flea market. Do you like old items, unique furniture, jewellery and antiques? Or maybe just an exciting atmosphere of flea markets? If so, this place is a must during your visit to Buenos Aires. This place has a classic, old-school vibe with a modern, young twist in some parts.

It took me two visits to Buenos Aires to finally explore a colorful San Telmo, one of the most exciting flea markets in the world, in my modest opinion. Every Sunday, from Plaza Dorrego spreads the market full of small and big treasures. Make sure to reserve the whole day as you will lose sense of time there. I’ve tried to show you the variety of things you can find there, but it is impossible! As in all markets of this kind, you can find some good stuff and some rubbish. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything or simply don’t like those kind of things, it is still fun to walk around.

I particularly like the collection of Coca Cola. The only thing I wondered about is whether the bottles contain the original coca cola or have been filled later.

Have lunch in San Telmo

Wandering around the cobblestone streets, watching the tango and enjoying street food is something I enjoy very much. Side street vendors sale freshly squeezed orange juice, toasted nuts, empanadas and choripan.

No visit to the market is complete without indulging in its culinary offerings. Traditionalists will enjoy empanadas, choripán (chorizo sandwich), and parrilla-style grilled meats, while those looking for something modern can sample artisan pizzas, vegan dishes, and fusion cuisine. Cafés tucked into the corners serve strong Argentine coffee, while wine stalls invite visitors to taste local Malbecs. The diversity of flavors makes the market a great place for group visits, as everyone can choose their favorite dish and gather at communal tables. There are little wine stalls and you can enjoy a glass of wine on the street while walking.

Recently, I discovered a real gem of a choripan. Inside the market, there is a Coripanería that serves some of the best choripan sandwiches in Buenos Aires.

See also: 15 best restaurants to eat in Buenos Aires according to locals

San Telmo street performances

What makes cities extra special is the street music and performers. Along the market you can find many places to enjoy some great bands, anything from quirky to classical. Orchestra man was a total hit!

San Telmo is synonymous with tango, and you’ll often see couples dancing on street corners, especially near Plaza Dorrego, the neighborhood’s main square. These spontaneous performances, accompanied by live music, give visitors a taste of Argentina’s most iconic cultural expression. Beyond tango, you’ll find jugglers, puppeteers, and musicians adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the fair.

Shopping beyond antiques

If you get bored of old goods and antiques, head towards Defensa, where you can find leather creations, masks and dolls and young artisans producing modern jewellery and design one of a kind pieces of clothing.

While antiques are the star attraction, San Telmo Market also offers a variety of artisanal goods perfect for souvenirs. Think hand-crafted jewelry, leather goods, mate gourds, and colorful textiles. Unlike the polished malls of Buenos Aires, shopping here feels authentic, personal, and full of character. Bargaining isn’t common practice, but chatting with stallholders often leads to discovering the stories behind their crafts.

Fancy a hat? This is the only one of many hangers with hats. Anything for everyone. I didn’t treat myself with a hat, I found a pair of beautiful silver hand-made earrings I cannot stop wearing.

Buy yourself a mate

When you arrive to Argentina, you will quickly realize that Argentineans love mate! San Telmo market is  a great place to buy the mate set, the vendors offer them in all shapes and colours.

No visit to San Telmo is complete without experiencing Argentina’s national drink, mate. This traditional herbal infusion, made from dried yerba mate leaves, is a symbol of Argentine social life and hospitality.

At San Telmo Market, you’ll find numerous stalls selling mate gourds (cups) and bombillas (metal straws), often handcrafted from wood, metal, or ceramic, alongside a wide variety of yerba mate brands. Purchasing mate here is not only a souvenir but also a chance to learn about its preparation and the cultural rituals that accompany it. Many vendors are happy to demonstrate how to prepare it the traditional way, giving visitors an authentic taste of Argentine life.

See also:

• Visiting Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.
• 7 short excursions from Buenos Aires
• Top 10 traditional coffee shops in Buenos Aires according to the locals
• Buenos Aires for foodies- a little guide to eating in Buenos Aires
• Best tango shows in Buenos Aires: My Favorite experiences
• How to Spend 3 Days in Buenos Aires: Food, Culture & Hidden Gems
• First Time in Buenos Aires? Avoid These 12 Common Mistakes

notice the architecture in san telmo

One of the highlights of visiting San Telmo is its well-preserved colonial architecture, which gives the neighborhood its unique charm. Walk there from Plaza de Mayo and you will notice the beautiful buildings. This is probably another reason to reserve the whole day for this part of the city.

Walking through its cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter colorful 19th-century buildings with wrought-iron balconies, ornate wooden doors, and intricate facades that reflect Buenos Aires’ European influences. The San Telmo Market itself is an architectural gem, with a wrought-iron and glass structure dating back to 1897, designed to let in natural light while maintaining an airy, open feel ( I didn’t manage to take any good photos though). Many cafés, shops, and galleries are inside restored historic buildings, where you enjoy a sense of the past while experiencing the vibrant, contemporary life of the area.

Practical Tips for Visiting san telmo

• Opening hours: The indoor San Telmo Market is open daily, typically from morning until evening (10 am–8 pm). The Sunday Fair runs from around 10 am until 5–6 pm.

• Best time to visit: For the full experience, visit on a Sunday to combine the market with the fair. For a quieter, less crowded visit, weekdays are ideal.

• Getting there: San Telmo is centrally located in Buenos Aires and easy to reach by taxi, bus, or subway (Line C to Independencia station).

• Safety: As with any busy tourist spot, keep an eye on your belongings, especially during the crowded Sunday fair.

• The price grows with age: From hand-made jewellery pieces, art and commercial items, the most interesting are probably the ones that are old. Collectors browse through the stuff lying on the bending tables in search for a priceless piece of history. The older a thing is,  most probably the price with get higher.

---

Disclosure: Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

---

Did you like the post? Pin it for later?