6 Flea Markets and Thrift Stores in Córdoba, Spain

The grand 17th century square on which this morning food market unfolds has been used at various times for circuses, bullfights and inquisition burnings. If you visit on a weekday morning, though, you won’t have much opportunity to contemplate the events that have been witnessed on Plaza Corredera: nowadays, it’s the home of Córdoba’s liveliest market, where you can buy everything from fresh fish and flowers to bargain antiques, clothing and household goods. A morning spent wandering around Corredera or watching the market play out from one of the bars that line the square is a great way to take the pulse of Córdoba’s street life, as this is where many locals head to buy their daily essentials and enjoy a gossip.

With large stores all over Andalusia, Barganero is one of the region’s leading names for second hand and consignment goods. Its Córdoba store is about a 15-minute walk from the city’s historical centre and key attractions, and offers the bargain hunter all manner of bargains, from smartphones and electronics to vintage clothing and furniture. If you prefer to shop online, Barganero has a comprehensive website with over 200 subcategories of both new and used goods, so chances are if you can’t find what you’re looking for here then it doesn’t exist.

For a no-frills flea market in one of Córdoba’s tourist-free residential quarters, head to to the Mercadillo Arroyo del Moro (sometimes referred to as the ‘Setas’ market). Every Tuesday and Friday morning, around 175 stall owners set out their wares on a central thoroughfare just north of Córdoba’s train and bus stations, noisily haggling and trading until they crowd into the nearest tapas bars at about 2pm. If you’re prepared to practice your bargaining skills in Spanish (you won’t hear any English here), then Arroyo is a great place to pick up everything from antiques to clothing.

For second-hand and vintage clothing and accessories, the Hippie House has no rivals in Córdoba. This colourful and friendly little shop is located on the outskirts of the old town and sells second-hand attire for every kind of occasion – whether you’re off to the beach, a party or just want something a bit different for a night in the trendy bars of Córdoba. At the Hippie House you’ll also find funky jewellery – that’s definitely not for those with a classical taste – and various other vintage style trinkets and knick-nacks. Bargain prices and helpful service complete the offering.

If you’re going to be in Córdoba on a Sunday, the El Arenal crafts market is a must-visit for authentic Córdoban fare. Set up along the Calle de El Infierno, noisy vendors sell locally-made jewellery, pottery and leather goods from some of the market’s 240 plus stalls, while at other spots you can buy famous Andalusian foodstuffs such as olives, high-quality olive oils, wines, and of course the delicious cured hams. Andalusians being the inveterate socialisers they are, many of the locals use a trip here to catch up on the week’s gossip, crowding into the nearest tapas bars when the market closes at about 2pm.

Situated in the heart of Córdoba’s charming former Jewish quarter, El Zoco(‘The Souk’) is the city’s poshest crafts fair. This has been a market in various forms for centuries and was originally part of Córdoba’s expansive souk, at which expensive perfumes were sold alongside the finest fabrics and spices from north Africa. Nowadays, handmade ceramics and leather goods as well as jewellery, glassware and ornaments are on sale daily in one of this old neighbourhood’s most attractive courtyards. Best of all, you can watch the artisans practising their craft – and perhaps pick up some of their generations-old secrets.