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Discovering the farmers market is always a fun adventure and a delightful experience. One of the first things we did when we arrived in Argentina’s capital city was to visit the local Buenos Aires markets.
From talking to locals and doing our own research, we got several addresses to check out for the best Buenos Aires food markets.
To our surprise, unlike farmers markets we’re familiar with, not all the farmers markets in Buenos Aires offer the same products.
Instead we found out that there are varieties of farmers markets to check out. We organized them into traditional markets, organic markets, weekly “feria” that combine food and flea markets and mobile & pop-up markets.
When it comes to Buenos Aires, it is striking to see the many markets offered throughout the city.
If you are a vegan or a meat lover, be reassured, there is something for everyone. So let’s dig further into Buenos Aires Markets and savor the ride.
Traditional Buenos Aires Farmers Markets
This group of farmers markets are permanent and covered as opposed to the pop-up and open-air market found throughout the city.
While there are several permanent and covered markets, we highlight two of the most popular and historic markets you should visit.
1- Mercado de San Telmo
The Mercado de San Telmo is located in the bohemian neighborhood of San Telmo. It is one of the oldests markets of the city.
It was built in 1897 to serve as a central location to buy fruits and vegetables for the ever growing immigrant population arriving in Buenos Aires.
The building remains and nowadays, it is a mix of antiques stands, food and coffee stands as well as fruits and vegetables.
You will find the vegetable and fruit stands open all day long. While the butchers tend to open only in the morning or after 5pm.
It is a wonderful market to stop for lunch and immerse yourself in the local community.
Address: Defensa y Calvo, Bolívar 970, San Telmo, Buenos Aires
Hours: Open Monday to Friday 10:30 am – 9:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Pro Tip: Take the time to stop at the coffee kiosk and take a break from your shopping spree
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Tour the San Telmo market and shop your own produce at this entertaining cooking class. You will learn to make empanadas and other unique Argentine dishes.
2- Mercado del Progreso
Located in the Caballito neighborhood, Mercado del Progreso is a farmers market predominantly represented with butchers.
You will see several butcher stands with vendors preparing the famous Argentine Milanesa in addition to other cuts of meats.
Vegetables and fruit stands as well as the more occasional fish stands complete the landscape of this mercado.
This market is vibrant, energetic with many animated food vendors. It is easy to approach vendors and talk about their products.
We met a potato producer from the North of Argentina that was selling different types of local potatoes. We were struck by the diversity of colors and shape from these potatoes from the Andes.
One thing to note is that this was the first market where we encountered fish stands. Surprisingly, given the proximity of the Atlantic, Argentinians are not big fish eaters.
But if you have a craving for fish this is the place to go to.
Address: Av. Rivadavia 5430, Caballito, Buenos Aires
Hours: Open Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm; Saturday 7:30 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Pro Tip: While this old market is yet to be considered a historic site, it has many cultural and historical aspect worth a visit.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: To taste and learn about Argentine meat, check out this Argentine BBQ experience in Palermo Soho. Learn to make the famous chimichurri sauce and enjoy Argentine classic cuts of meat in a fireside dining.
The “Ferias” and Local Buenos Aires Fairs
There are a few popular Ferias across Buenos Aires that are renowned worldwide. We spotlight here two of the most popular for their offer of traditional local foods.
You can also find other Ferias where crafts and antiques are predominant. Such ferias are known as Feria de Plaza Serrano, Feria de Recoleta, and Feria de Artesanos de Plaza Francia or Plaza Alvear.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: A visit to Buenos Aires would not be complete without seeing a Tango show. Experience live music and a classical tango performance in the beautiful classical theater of Galería Güemes.
3- Feria de Mataderos
The quiet neighbourhood of Mataderos is home to the world famous Feria de Mataderos. This weekly craft fair offers a glimpse of the country’s history and traditions.
During the weekends up to 700 stands sell gaucho crafts like mates, ponchos, blankets and leather goods.
The best part for food lovers is that several stalls offer traditional regional cuisine like locro from Salta, a corn-based stew, empanadas and Argentine tamales.
The Feria de Mataderos consists of traditional crafts, exhibiting artists, folk music, and gaucho skills.
A large part of the fun and atmosphere of this fair comes from the music and folk dance performances as well as gauchos horse riding competitions.
You can also witness the games of pato, Argentina’s national sport, which is something like a mix between polo and basketball.
What makes this fair special, beside the lively atmosphere, is that it represents the culture of each region of Argentina.
Address: Lisandro De La Torre, Lisandro Av. y Los Corrales Av., Mataderos, Buenos Aires
Hours: Open Sundays and public holidays 11:00 am – 7:00 pm.
Pro Tip: This is a great place to try lesser found dishes in the capital like locro or tamales
4- Feria de San Telmo
Not to be confused with the Mercado de San Telmo, the Feria San Telmo takes place weekly every Sunday.
It is set in the San Telmo neighborhood, surrounding the Mercado de San Telmo. You can start your journey at the Plaza de Mayo near the Casa Rosada in the city center.
Make your way to the Plaza Dorrego, which is the heart of the Feria San Telmo.
At the difference of the mercado, the Feria de San Telmo is a flea market where the main interest lies in the antiques and tango shows.
You can witness various tango shows on Plaza Dorrego where most of the activities are happening.
Rather crowded at the time of our visit, we were told that more than 10,000 visitors can visit the fair in a single day.
The Feria de San Telmo is to be experienced leisurely walking slowly through the main drag while tasting Argentina street food.
This is a great Feria to buy some handicrafts, art or souvenir.
Address: Defensa and Humberto I, San Telmo, Buenos Aires
Hours: Open Sundays and public holidays 10 am – 6 pm.
Pro Tip: Watch out for your belongings while you walk around this busy fair.
The “Mobile” Farmers Markets
While the Buenos Aires Market is the most famous mobile market, there are many farmers markets in Buenos Aires spread out throughout the city.
There are more than 27 mercados or markets known as the Buenos Aires city markets. Mostly pop-ups, you will find them close to wherever you are staying.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: To get a good grasp of Buenos Aires neighborhoods, consider taking a small group tour of the city. You get to visit the main sites of Buenos Aires with a local guide and learn some cultural insights.
5- Buenos Aires Market
The most popular and trendy mobile market is the Buenos Aires Market. This market takes place two weekends a month at two different locations in Buenos Aires.
At the time of our visit, we had the opportunity to go to the Hipodromo de Palermo. This is a spectacular location and is also one of the most prominent venues for horse racing in Argentina. If you’re lucky enough, you might even see the horses in action.
Going to the Buenos Aires Market is an experience and one that should be savored. However, don’t expect a traditional farmers market experience with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
What we found instead at The Buenos Aires Market were healthy cooked meals, breads, pastries, beverages, sweets and very few fresh fruits and vegetable stands.
You can spend all day there, eat prepared meals from different food vendors, sample a variety of sweets and shop for a few products.
Dedicated to healthy food, you will find organic, natural and healthy food from all over Argentina. Whether you’re vegetarian or seeking gluten-free products, you will have several options to choose from.
When it comes to drinks and beverages, you have the choice of all types of juices, to delicious coffees and even artisanal beer.
No market experience would be complete without postres or Argentine desserts, and they came in various shapes and sizes.
In addition to artisanal ice-cream, most stands had their own unique interpretation of the sinfully delicious cookies called alfajores.
Add this market to your must-do list for Buenos Aires. Spend the day enjoying a delicious meal and beverage in a beautiful setting.
Address: Hipódromo de Palermo, Av. del Libertador 4101, Buenos Aires
Or, Parque Chacabuco, Buenos Aires.
Hours: Open Friday and Saturday; hours vary.
Pro Tip: Check regularly the Buenos Aires Market Facebook page for hours and special events
RELATED: Argentina Food Guide -Top 15 Authentic Food You Must Try
6- Buenos Aires Neighborhood Markets
These farmers markets in Buenos Aires are spread out throughout the city. There are more than 27 markets known as the Buenos Aires city markets.
This is where you will find your typical fresh fruits and vegetables stands as well as all other produce for your weekly grocery shopping.
They are typically pop up markets operating on regular days and hours. While most of the markets are available in the morning, a few markets are offered in the afternoon.
Best is to check the location and hours of operation directly on the Buenos Aires city website.
Buenos Aires Organic Farmers Markets
With a growing trend in Argentina for healthier foods and organic products, you will find several organic farmers markets.
These niche markets sell only organic foods in several parts of the capital city. However, don’t expect to fill your shopping cart with all your vegetables and fruits for the week.
Local and seasonal fruits, vegetables and specialties made from organic farmers are available.
Here are the main organic farmers markets you can find in Buenos Aires.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Consider a wine tasting of Malbec and local Argentine wines paired with a typical Argentinian appetizer. You get to learn about Argentina’s best wines from an expert sommelier.
7- Feria Orgánica San Telmo Verde
This organic market is a covered market located in the bohemian San Telmo neighborhood. Not to be confused with the traditional San Telmo market, this organic market is rather small.
Open from Tuesday to Friday, it features about 20 stands showcasing organic products.
Here you will find bread, tartas or savory pies, budin or sweet cakes, chocolate, eggs, cheese, dry cured sausages, grains, dried fruits, organic drinks and more.
We’ve sampled several delicious homemade pies. This is a great option to stop there when you need a quick lunch or if you don’t know what to make for dinner.
Because of the limited selection, this stop is certainly not enough to get all your fruits and vegetables for a week.
Rather it is an excellent place to buy natural and organic products while supporting the local community.
Feria Organica San Telmo Verde
Address: Peru 677, San Telmo, Buenos Aires
Hours: Open Tuesday to Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pro Tip: Bring cash as not many vendor accept other means of payment
8- Mercado Solidaria BonPland
This covered market is located in Palermo, the largest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Inside you find several small shops and vendors offering different organic products.
Food products like vegetables, cheeses, pastas, olive oil, vegetables, or craft beers are offered. Beyond organic food, you can also choose from sustainable clothing, handicrafts as well as natural cosmetics.
We strolled through this market earlier in the afternoon, the atmosphere was convivial and welcoming.
A nice place to leisurely browse and search for local products.
Mercado de Economía Solidaria Bonpland
Address: Bonpland 1660, Palermo, Buenos Aires
Hours: Open Tuesday & Wednesday: 10 am – 5 pm; Friday & Saturday 10 am – 8 pm
Pro Tip: Go when it is livelier to find more vendors open before 12pm or after 4pm
9- Sabe de La Tierra
This organic market takes place at several locations in and around Buenos Aires. Recommended by locals, we went to the Saturday market located in San Fernando on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.
This food market is an open air market that takes place in a working train station called San Fernando del Tren de la Costa.
An unusual location for a farmers market, the vendors are located on both sides of the track. You use the bridge going above the tracks to go from one side of the market to the other.
On one side of the tracks, you will find mostly prepared organic foods. Here we sampled organic Mediterranean hummus, cheese, fresh juices, lentil soups, artisanal beers and much more.
On the other side of the tracks, you find a small selection of local and seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables.
The atmosphere was very convivial, with music playing and tables set up to enjoy the hot dishes. After shopping at the market, we took the time to enjoy our lunch there before retiring back to our apartment.
Sabe la Tierra is not only offered in this location but all over Buenos Aires. Markets are happening during the weekdays, the weekends and even at night.
To learn more about their locations and hours of operation, check the Facebook page for all the details.
Address: San Fernando Train Stations, Buenos Aires
Hours: Every saturdays from 9am to 4pm
Pro Tip: Find the markets by Sabe de La Tierra closest to your location and enjoy a lunch there
10- El Galpon
This market in Buenos Aires is one of the most popular and talked about organic markets. It is located in a warehouse-like building where several producers showcase their products.
Located on the west side of Buenos Aires in the diverse Chacarita neighborhood, El Galpon takes place every Wednesday and Saturday.
You will find everything from your typical fruits and vegetables to cheeses, eggs and more. Also available are olive oil, natural and organic wines, probiotics, pasta and more.
Small food preparations are also sold at the markets such as empanadas, pizzas and freshly made savory pies.
The market emphasis on small producers and sustainable production. If there is one organic market to visit during your stay in Buenos Aires, choose this one.
Address: Av. Federico Lacroze 4171, Buenos Aires
Hours: Open Wednesday and Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Pro Tip: El Galpon also offers grocery delivery from the market
Tips To Make the Most of The Buenos Aires Markets
Cash is king. Make sure to have your pesos on hand to pay for your goods as credit cards are not often accepted.
In crowded areas, keep a close eye on your belongings. Pickpocketing is common and tourists are often targeted.
Bring your own bags so that you can load up your groceries without having to handle multiple plastic bags when available.
Prices are not always marked so feel free to ask for the price before buying. For groceries, most prices are in pesos per the kilo (which is about 2.2 pounds).
Although haggling is not common, you can always ask for a better price or a discount if you buy several items.
These markets are a great opportunity to try the local street food and other Argentine specialties. So go with an appetite!
Maps of The Best Markets In Buenos Aires
In Summary
There are several types of markets to discover in Buenos Aires, with each one fulfilling a specific role.
The permanent farmers markets are great for getting your weekly supply of vegetables and meat.
The “Ferias” are unique events to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying the shows.
Mobile farmers markets are an experience and awesome way to spend the day.
While at the organic farmers markets you can get exclusive and delicious products to try at home or on the road.
One thing is for sure, you will not be disappointed with the selection and you will be cooking like a porteno in no time!
So, let yourself be tempted and go experience the farmers markets while you are visiting Buenos Aires.
Savor the Adventure!
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Claire is co-founder of Authentic Food Quest and a lover of simple and exquisite cuisine. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, she has been traveling the world as a digital nomad, creating content about local food experiences.
Her advice from visiting 45 countries and more than 240 food cities has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post. She has also co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
An ex-mechanical engineer, Claire is responsible for SEO, keeping the website running, and the fun food & travel videos on YouTube.
When Claire is not eating, she can be found running or cycling. Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
In Argentina there is a place that can buy organic products from storage and fresh, it is in Buenos Aires, acassuso, the address is mayor alfaro 186. You get organic and storage products. It is a site that you cannot go to Argentina and not visit! thank you very much.