10 Best Flea Markets in Venezuela

Updated On October 8, 2023
Venezuela

Venezuela is a country located in the northern part of South America.

The country is seeing a surge of pop-up flea markets where customers come to haggle with vendors for bargain prices on the pre-loved items being sold.

Many Venezuelans are leaving the country and coming to these markets to sell what they cannot take with them.

The markets organize themselves on social media and usually pop up on Sundays.

At many of these pop-up flea markets, loud music, picturesque ambiance, and food stalls welcome customers all throughout the afternoon. 

Bargaining is commonplace here as vendors try to sell their merchandise. 

10 Best Flea Markets in Venezuela

There are a few flea markets in this country. 

1. Mercado de la Alternativa Popular

Address:La Candelaria (Av. Fuerzas Armadas con Av. Universidad), Caracas 1050, Federal, Venezuela

Mercado de la Alternativa Popular is a flea market located in Carcas, Venezuela.

This is a large flea market that mostly sells clothing, accessories, and footwear.

The flea market is made up of several stalls that sit almost on top of each other and are selling a wide range of new and pre-loved merchandise.

The corridors between each vendor and stall are clearly marked out, making it fairly easy to move from one vendor to another.

The problem is that the corridors are very narrow, making it difficult for two-way traffic.

One of the best features of this flea market is the very low prices and the fact that you can easily haggle with vendors for even better prices. 

There is a bus stop right in front of the market, so whenever you make use of public transport, you can take a bus directly to the market.

Whenever you decide to visit the capital city, this flea market is a must-visit.

A security tip when visiting this market; do not be flashy.

Dress simply and keep all valuables out of sight. 

2. The Beach Market

The Beach Market is located in the city of Carabobo, Venezuela, and is open on Saturdays.

The outdoor market is situated opposite Spa Playa Blanca.

This market predominantly sells fresh produce, meat, flowers, and seafood.

The prices are very reasonable and the products are very fresh, which makes this market quite popular amongst the locals.

In addition to the local fresh produce and seafood, you will also find food vendors that sell dishes from the region, such as empenadas, cachapas, manducas, sesame juice, etc.

The vendors are always friendly and welcoming.

There is one thing that you should keep in mind when visiting this market: it is better to visit on sunny days and not rainy days. 

The ground becomes very muddy and difficult to walk through. 

But, apart from that, it is a great little market with the most delicious food and freshest produce. 

3. Local 548 Mercado Municipal de Rubio

Local 548 Mercado Municipal de Rubio is located in the city of Rubio, state of Táchira.

This is a very small indoor flea market that is known for selling crafts and souvenirs.

If it is something you are looking for to remember your trip to the Andes, then this quaint little market is the ideal place to find it.

Vendors sell all kinds of souvenirs, such as keyrings, cups, plates, games, coffee, and much more.

In addition, there is a plethora of beautiful and artistic ceramics to remind you of this beautiful place. 

If you have a sweet tooth, then you are in for a treat.

Here you will find a rich, authentically Venezuelan treat at one of the food vendors.

These treats are traditionally fruit-based, such as guava or banana.

Remember to take cash with you when you visit this market. 

4. Club social chino de Caracas

Club social chino de Caracas is located in Caracas, Venezuela.

This is more of a Chinese flea market where you can find all sorts of weird and wonderful things.

You will only be able to visit this market on a Sunday morning from 5:30 am until noon. 

The market takes place at the Social Club Chino, which is located in El Bosque.

Although this market is primarily geared towards the Chinese residents in the area, locals and tourists frequent the market as well.

Here you’ll find anything from Chinese pop music, fresh produce, different cuts of meat, seafood, and even live eels.

Here you’ll find an array of vegetables that aren’t native to the area but are commonly found in China.

These include a Flower of garlic, Chinese cucumber, Chinese cabbage, soybeans, mushrooms, and much more!

There are little toys, Chinese ornaments, stickers, fans, and so much more.

5. Arepa Pelá

Arepa Pelá is a flea market situated in Los Palos Grandes Sky, in the city of Caracas, Venezuela.

It is only a block away from the Miranda Metro Station and a few steps away from the Parque Cristal. 

This quaint little flea market is open every Saturday and features an array of interesting food.

The market is primarily focused on food.

The various stalls each sell a different kind of delicacy that draws inspiration from the eastern shores of Carupano.

The main component here is the corn arepa. 

It is a savory corn cake that has been made with pre-cooked corn flour.

These treats come with a variety of delicious fillings.

In addition,Juguito is also a popular treat here.

It is a type of juice.

There’s live entertainment to keep the visitors entertained and a variety of other stalls selling different kinds of merchandise, from clothing and shoes to homemade goodies. 

6. Market of Mérida

Address: HQCX+GH4, Mérida 5115, Mérida, Venezuela

The market operates six days a week from Tuesday through Sunday, 7:30 am to 5 pm. 

The market of Mérida is located in Mérida, Venezuela.

If there is a market in the city of Mérida that you have to see, it is this one.

Whether you go there to buy or simply to browse around, there are few things as authentically Mérida as this market. 

This indoor market is spread out over three levels.

You can expect the market to be busy for most of the day.

The market is organized exceptionally well by product, vendor, and region.

All fresh produce is located in one area, all clothing and footwear are located in another area, all types are located in their own area, and so forth. 

You can expect to find a section for wines, a section for bread, a section for jams and spread, and sections where ceramics and other household items are located.

On the top level, there are approximately five restaurants where visitors can sit down and unwind from a busy day of shopping. 

This is a very family-friendly venue where you can bring the whole family and have something to do.

7. Mercado Municipal de Mérida

Address: HRVR+3MV, Av. Las Américas con Viaducto Miranda, pasos arriba del CICPC., Mérida 5101, Mérida, Venezuela

Mercado Municipal de Mérida is another market located in the city of Mérida.

This is the municipal market of this city and seems to be very popular.

The market has a very rich history, having been in existence for over three decades, and still seems to be going strong.

The market is open seven days a week from 7 am to 6 pm. 

Many tourists who visit the city of Mérida make a point of coming to this market and with good reason.

The variety at this market is impressive in relation to other markets in the city and country.

This is yet another three-story building that is home to some interesting vendors that sell a huge variety of merchandise.

You will find anything from fresh fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts, vases, pottery, stoneware, hats, scarves, fashionable clothing, footwear, ornaments, and so much more.

And for those who are only here to visit the city, this market has a huge variety of souvenirs that you can take home to remind you of your trip here. 

You can purchase freshly made smoothies.

Probably the best in the city.

Or, if you prefer, there are a variety of vendors that sell freshly made food for you to enjoy.

There are fresh and artificial flowers, hand-made baskets, woodwork, and much more.

When you visit the city you should make sure to stop at this market to pick up a souvenir before you leave.

You could absolutely lose yourself in this market admiring all that is on offer.

There are so many pieces of truly authentic Venezuelan items up for sale at this market you simply have to stroll from one vendor to the next. 

8. Conejeros Market

Address: X46M+V39, Porlamar 6308, Nueva Esparta, Venezuela

Conejeros Market is a flea market located in Nueva Esparta, Venezuela.

The market is open seven days a week from 5 am to 5 pm, except on a Sunday when the market closes early at 1 pm. 

This exceptionally well-organized indoor/outdoor flea market features a plethora of vendors who sell a wide range of merchandise.

Much of the merchandise is new while some of it is pre-loved.

You will find shoe vendors, clothing vendors, vendors who sell fresh fish and meat, produce vendors, and vendors that make food to order while you wait.

There are jewelry stalls, arts and crafts, ceramics, fresh flowers and plants, and so much more.

The market features a food court where you can sit down to enjoy your meal.

There are kids’ toys, cosmetics, glasses, bags, and so much more.

You will find a few truly authentic Venezuelan merchandise at this market. 

In addition, you will find electronics, perfumes, watches, and more.

This is considered to be one of the more inexpensive markets on the Island.

It is recommended that you first walk through all the stalls and vendors to get a feel for the pricing before you purchase anything.

The level of English of the vendors isn’t fluent, but they can speak basic English which should suffice for the tourists. 

9. Distribuidora y variedades Ana carrero jk

Address: C. 99 ¨Comercio¨, Maracaibo 4001, Zulia, Venezuela

Distribuidora y variedades Ana Carrero jk is located in Zulia, Venezuela.

The market operates seven days a week from 5 am to 9 am.

This is your typical flea market that sells all the traditional things from clothing and shoes, to produce, toys, bags, sunglasses, and just about anything in between.

However, the main focus of this market is focused around the clothing it sells.

Many of the vendors that come here to sell offer the same type of clothing. 

But, having said that, you can find a lot of merchandise at really great prices here.

This is, however, one of the less organized markets you will find in Venezuela. 

10. Mega Feria de Oriente

Address: 58WR+X9P, Calle Rivera, Lechería 6023, Anzoátegui, Venezuela

Mega Feria de Oriente is located in Anzoátegui, Venezuela and operates over the weekend on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 4pm.

This market features several hundred stalls that sell top-of-the-range merchandise.

You can expect to find a wide selection of clothing, shoes, jewelry, sunglasses, hardware, ceramics, and so much more.

This flea market is reminiscent of a true garage sale.

You will find great bargains and some high-quality pre-loved items.

You are advised to take cash with you as not all vendors have card facilities. 

The 10 Best Flea Markets in Venezuela – Summary Table

Flea MarketAddress
1. Mercado de la Alternativa PopularLa Candelaria (Av. Fuerzas Armadas con Av. Universidad), Caracas 1050, Federal, Venezuela
2. The Beach MarketAv. Álamo, Macuto 1163, Vargas, Venezuela.
3. Local 548 Mercado Municipal de RubioPJ4R+H9G, Rubio 5030, Táchira, Venezuela
4. Club social chino de CaracasF4XJ+3VW, Av Principal del Bosque, Caracas 1060, Distrito Capital, Venezuela
5. Arepa PeláCristal Palace Trans. 2, Caracas 1060, Distrito Capital, Venezuela
6. Market of MéridaHVW5+M5J, Centro de, Mérida, Venezuela
7. Mercado Municipal de MéridaHRVR+3MV, Av. Las Américas con Viaducto Miranda, pasos arriba del CICPC., Mérida 5101, Mérida, Venezuela
8. Conejeros MarketX46M+V39, Porlamar 6308, Nueva Esparta, Venezuela
9. Distribuidora y variedades Ana carrero jkC. 99 ¨Comercio¨, Maracaibo 4001, Zulia, Venezuela
10. Mega Feria de Oriente58WR+X9P, Calle Rivera, Lechería 6023, Anzoátegui, Venezuela

Venezuela Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Venezuela Safety Review

Safety Index:
33
  • OVERALL RISK: HIGH
  • TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
  • PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
  • NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
  • MUGGING RISK: HIGH
  • TERRORISM RISK: LOW
  • SCAMS RISK: HIGH
  • WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to always take cash with you or do some vendors only accept cash?

Not all vendors sell professionally.

Many are just trying to get rid of some stuff.

Having said that, it may be best to rather carry cash with you.

What should I wear to a flea market?

Always dress as comfortably as possible.

Sneakers, hats, and sunglasses are advised when going shopping at a flea market.

Can I get a warranty on items purchased?

No.

Flea markets do not really operate like that.

All sales are final.

Always check the quality of the item you are purchasing.

1 Comment on 10 Best Flea Markets in Venezuela

  1. Venezuela is a country in South America that is currently facing economic and political challenges. Despite this, the country still has a vibrant and active flea market scene. These markets offer a wide range of merchandise, from fresh produce to souvenirs and pre-loved items. Bargaining is a common practice at these markets, and visitors can also enjoy live music and food stalls. Some of the best flea markets in Venezuela include Mercado de la Alternativa Popular, The Beach Market, Local 548 Mercado Municipal de Rubio, Club social chino de Caracas, Arepa Pelá, Market of Mérida, Mercado Municipal de Mérida, Conejeros Market, Distribuidora y variedades Ana carrero jk, and Mega Feria de Oriente.

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