August 7, 2019, 1:08 am
What is your favourite activity or type of place when you are exploring a city for the first time? Travellers have different ideas and expectations when visiting a foreign location. Some people judge a city by the quality of their bars, pubs and restaurants; others focus on historic places or architectural landmarks; others prefer museums, churches or other places representative of the culture; some might judge the city by the quality of its night life.
And then, there are those travellers who believe that you haven't really seen a city until you visit a local flea market. Walking around a street market means getting a snapshot of a country's history, its past and present values, even its vices and dark secrets! It is a window into the intimacy of the collective mind of a city's inhabitants. For those among our readers that belong to this category of traveller, we have prepared a few tips about where to go for a good street market deep dive while in Bogota.
In Bogota you can find many handicraft markets offering an extensive collection of original and unusual objects. These eclectic spaces where entrepreneurs, artisans and vendors exhibit their products, are great places to spend the weekend.
If you are not exactly an antiques enthusiast or a handicraft fanatic, you might still be able to have a good time in the flea markets. There is always something for everyone. For example your walk among the stalls could coincide with some street artist performance (music, acrobatics, etc) or if you are a bit peckish there is no shortage of typical snacks on offer (empanadas, pudding rice, exotic fruit juices, “herpos”, “obleas”, corn on the cob and great variety of candy).
USAQUEN - SAN PELAYO MARKET
Located in Usaquen, a small town that was subsequently engulfed by the growing city of Bogota, San Pelayo is a flea up-scale market, where many high quality handicrafts can be found for a reasonable price. You can also find a great variety of food options and prestigious restaurants in the area.
ADDRESS: Carrera 7 119b-33
SAN ALEJO
Located in downtown Bogota and at walking distance from the International Centre, the space is a big parking lot, full of tents and friendly vendors offering antiquities, handicrafts and curious objects.
ADDRESS: Carrera 7 Nº 24 70
OPENING HOURS
Sundays and Holidays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
RECOMMENDATIONS
These places can get really crowded, so the best way to get there is by walking, taxi or public transportation.
Share with your traveller friends!