Puerto Rico‘s capital San Juan is something of a hidden gem when it comes to second-hand shopping options. Browse the city’s flea markets and thrift stores, and you’ll find all manner of furniture, books, music, and clothing. Check out our on guide on where to bag a bargain when in town.
Highly thought of by those in the know, De Vuelta Thrift Shop offers mainly womenswear and menswear. This thrift and consignment store’s name, De Vuelta, roughly means ‘in return’ in Spanish. The store is located within driving distance from one of the notable green spaces in San Juan, the Luis Muñoz Marín Park.
1221 Ave. Central, San Juan, Puerto Rico, +1 787 431 3079
Browsing the rails | © David Sorich/Flickr
Finders Keepers is home to current and vintage products, including furniture, fashion, and vintage cameras. In addition to the store, there is also a coffee shop on site. Check them out on Facebook, where visitors can find regular updates and postings about new arrivals in store.
1906 Calle Loiza, San Juan, Puerto Rico, +1 939 337 6234
The store’s name, which means ‘things of yesterday and today’ in Spanish, gives shoppers a good idea of what they can find here in the La Riviera neighborhood. If you’re shopping for the home, Cosas de Ayer y Hoy has a great range of antiques and vintage homeware, including furniture and lighting fixtures.
1777 Ave. F. Paz Granela, San Juan, Puerto Rico, +1 787 782 4566
Cameras at a thrift store | © Phillip Pessar/Flickr
The many and varied pieces available for purchase at Embeleco include vinyl records, furniture, kitchen appliances, and purses among other gems. This thrift and consignment store carries vintage pieces and items that can be upcycled, and is located near De Vuelta Thrift Shop – if you have the time, stop by both stores and shop to your heart’s content.
555 Ave. Jose de Diego, Puerto Nuevo, San Juan, Puerto Rico, +1 787 946 5553
A thrift and consignment store in the artsy Santurce area of San Juan, Electroshock sells vintage pieces including clothing, vinyl records, and womenswear accessories. The store also has a second location in Rio Piedras, San Juan.
1904 Calle Loiza, San Juan, Puerto Rico, +1 787 727 5428
Vinyl records in boxes | © Orin Zebest/Flickr
This Salvation Army store in Old San Juan, near the Bahia Urbana area, also accepts donations from those interested in giving back. Factor in time to browse the items here, as the San Juan location is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, Salvation Army store on the island.
Calle Valdes, San Juan, Puerto Rico, +1 787 989 0835
Located in Bayamon, a northern town close to San Juan, this weekend flea market (pulguero comes from pulga – ‘flea’ in Spanish) offers everything from potted plants, cell phone cases, toys and fashion accessories, to name a few. To see videos and pictures of some of the products available, check out the market’s Facebook page. The market is within half an hour’s drive of San Juan.