Bright and cheery calligraphic signs, old wooden walled cafes- I found the Sunday flea market at San Telmo is a must-do experience for any trip to Buenos Aires. This 16-block walk of shops and outdoor stands has everything: street art, antique shops, musical instruments and more. It’s the oldest part of the city, with gorgeous cobblestone streets, and also the birthplace of the tango. Little wonder the atmosphere is so festive, but go just as the market gets started, around 11 a.m. to navigate comfortably.
That way, you can end up at Cafe San Juan for a late lunch. It’s a long wait with no reservations, but it’s worth it to experience the artistry of tattooed Argentinean chef Leandro Cristobal, a celebrity of the Buenos Aires food channel. His reputation has grown dramatically in the last few years, in direct proportion to the variety of his amazing food.
If you are into tango, our Time & Place Concierges can help you find a milonga, a tango dance for locals. Rather than a show, you’ll see amateurs dancing beautifully. It’s an opportunity to live boldly like a local – but beware: you have to know your tango or sit out!