10 Best Flea Markets in Uruguay

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Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, is a treasure trove for antique collectors.

In the early 1900s, wealthy citizens traveled the world and brought back what is now considered valuable antiques.

A lot of what is in various flea markets comes from two auction houses that have been in business for 101 and 187 years respectively.

Flea markets tend to be very big, especially in Montevideo.

They go on for many blocks in some cases.

Half the country’s population lives in Montevideo, so it is no surprise most of the markets are there.

1. Tristan Narvaja Market

Tristan Narvaja Market is the largest and most famous flea market in Montevideo.

It goes on for many blocks in the city’s center and is open on Sundays.

There is about everything you could imagine here, both old and new.

There are antiques, clothing, music, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

Artisans sell their art, and you can even buy animals at times.

There is plenty of music and food around for you to enjoy.

It is only open on Sunday, and you probably will not be able to get through it all in a single day.

It is a great place to shop, meet local people, and experience the culture.

2. Feria Artesanan de La Paloma

Feria Artesanan de La Paloma is a unique flea market focused on art.

Paloma is a small seaside town east of Montevideo.

At night the market opens, which is also a bit unique for a flea market.

There are handmade crafts and trinkets of many kinds, as well as paintings and art of many kinds.

There are musician instruments made in Latin America and small handmade toys for kids.

Wooden board games are also featured. 

There is an amusement park next door, and with the beach nearby, you will not have any trouble finding ways to stay busy.

These types of art markets are common in seaside towns up and down the coast.

3. Feria Artesanal de Pu ta del Este

Feria Artesanal de Pu ta del Este, in Maldonado, is another seaside town with an art market, about halfway between Poloma and Montevideo.

This one is much larger than the one in Poloma and lights up the city at night.

There is music playing outside, and there are plenty of restaurants in the area.

There are homemade crafts of many kinds, and artisans sell their wares, which may be paintings or sculptures.

There are a lot of handcrafted pencils and various wooden toys.

It is a good place to meet local people, as families like to come out and socialize at the market.

There is a strong festival atmosphere that permeates this market.

4. Mercado de Los Artesanos

Mercado de Los Artesanos in Montevideo is another artsy flea market where not just anyone can sell their art.

Artists have to apply through the city’s artisans guild, which controls what is sold at this market.

As a result, you will find the best quality art that is available in Montevideo.

There are other artists who perhaps did not qualify, selling their work on the street outside the building.

The artwork involves cane, ceramics, leather, wood, matte, resin, glass, and many other art forms.

You will not find low prices here, but you will find outstanding quality that is hard to find anywhere.

5. Paseo de los Artesanos

Paseo de los Artesanos in Cabo Polonio, Rocha is another arts flea market on the coast.

What makes this one interesting is that there are no roads to this town.

You have to traverse across protected sand dunes in a government vehicle or you can walk from another town.

It is a very small hamlet of artists and hippies in a coastal town. 

There is handcrafted art of all kinds.

There is clothing, jewelry, and things like wind chimes made from seashells.

It may be remote, but it has a lot going on.

There is live music on the edges, and there is plenty of local homemade food available. 

6. The Fair in Colonia del Sacramento

The Fair in Colonia del Sacramento is a more traditional flea market in a traditional setting.

The city is on the other side of the bay from Montevideo and retains much of its historical charm as a Portuguese settlement.

There are still cobblestone streets and buildings from a bygone era.

It is open in the city center almost every day.

There are new and used items such as clothing, hats, decorations, and souvenirs. 

You can also get some cheese that is made in the region, which is very good. 

It could be a good afternoon escape from the upscale busy city of Montevideo.

The historical vibe is a sharp contrast to Montevideo.

Exploring this town is worth the side trip, and the flea market is a nice bonus.

7. Feria del Parque Rodo

Feria del Parque Rodo is one of the most famous flea markets in Montevideo and has a little of everything.

It is located beside Franzini Stadium, and nearby streets are marked off for vendors. it is open most days and is mostly an outdoor market.

There are hundreds of stalls throughout the park and it goes on for several kilometers.

There are the usual new and used items, as well as handmade crafts.

There is fresh fruit and vegetables, and homemade food.

You may find decorations of all kinds for all seasons as well.

At the edge of the park is a long row of bars and restaurants.

You may barter here, and trade items as well. 

8. Mercado del Puerto

Mercado del Puerto is a port market in the old town by the waterfront in Montevideo.

It is near where the cruise ships dock, and caters to tourists to a large degree.

s a result, prices are higher, but you can still find some interesting treasures.

There is live music and street performers.

You can also get the famous Uruguayan steak, called Parilla, here.

Fresh seafood is offered as well as many homemade food items.

It is in a unique location filled with character and is very much a traditional flea market.

It is also a good jumping-off point to explore the oldest part of the city.

9. Mercado Ferrando

Mercado Ferrando is also near the older port area of Montevideo.

It is an expansive market that takes up a couple of old buildings that were once warehouses.

It is trendy and highlights food from around the world, as well as beer and wines, both domestic and imported.

There are sections with Mexican food, Peruvian food, and many other countries.

You may experience a poke bowl, a cheese counter, a curro shop, and more. 

Imagine a lunch of tacos with hibiscus juice and peanut oil.

This market caters to an upscale market and can be a little pricey, but you can experience food you probably have not experienced before.

10. Mercado Agricola de Montevideo

Mercado Agricola de Montevideo is one of the oldest flea markets in the city, having been in business since 1913.

It closed for a major renovation and reopened as a much more modern facility in 2013.

There are local fruit and vegetables, groceries, gift shops, specialty stores, and food courts.

There are flowers and plants available, as well as fresh seafood and meat.

Cold cuts, cheese, and wine are also available.

It started as a farmer’s market and retains much of that vibe.

It is climate controlled and indoors, so it is comfortable year-round.

The 10 Best Flea Markets in Uruguay – Summary Table

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