The Best Thrift and Flea Markets in Puerto Rico

Rose Bowl Flea Market
Rose Bowl Flea Market | Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
Kris Pethick

If you like pulgueros, or flea markets (pulguero is Spanish for flea), plan your next vacation for Puerto Rico. Pack lightly but bring a big suitcase so you have plenty of room to take home all of your treasure. Most flea markets are only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so spend your weekend shopping and then hit the beaches during the week (when they are less crowded anyway).

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Arecibo Flea Market

The pulguero in Arecibo claims to be the biggest flea market in Puerto Rico. It used to be a really good place to buy souvenirs, but in the last few years it has gotten more kitschy, with a lot of kiosks selling the same jewelry they buy in bulk, very little handmade stuff, lots of auto parts places, and vendors selling DVDs and music. They have great pinchos at the Arecibo Flea Market, and you can find some nice inexpensive clothing. Their hours are Friday–Sunday, 2 p.m.–10:30 p.m., but things really do not get started until about 5 p.m.

Pulguero de Las Piedras

Many flea markets in Puerto Rico are set up on what are empty lots during the week. Vendors get there early to get a good spot and also to beat the heat. Pulguero de Las Piedras is for the early morning crowd, open Saturday and Sunday from 4 a.m.–3 p.m., but most vendors start packing up by noon.

Pulguero de Bayamon

If you have recently moved to the island or are setting up a vacation home, Pulguero de Bayamon is a great place to look for furnishings, dishes and decorations. They also have fresh plants like orchids and hibiscus. They are open Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article