Alvarez Thomas and Dorrego

If you like the idea of searching for hidden treasure, the Mercado de las Pulgas (flea market) is the place to go. The market’s six aisles, labeled with the six letters of the word “pulgas,” are stuffed with cheap antiques, knickknacks, oddities, collectables and second-hand goods, at prices that are tough to beat. The oldest items are European pieces, mainly furniture, from the immigration boom of the 1920s, but you’ll find trinkets from a range of decades (the 70s seem particularly prevalent). This market, which has been around since 1988, is a nice alternative to some of the more touristy markets and artisan fairs. You can find some truly unique items here, and the value is virtually unrivaled anywhere in the city. This is also one of the few indoor markets, so it’s perfect for a rainy afternoon. It can feel more like going to a museum after a hurricane, but don't forget that you can buy the things you see. Bargaining is expected, so don't accept the first figure. The export boom after the 2001 crisis has cleared out many of the choice items, and most valuable treasures are either gone or priced accordingly, but it's still worth it to poke around. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash only.

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