Plaza Francia Weekend Market 2025: Complete Artisan Shopping Guide
Discover Buenos Aires' premier weekend artisan market in the heart of Recoleta, where over 100 talented local artists showcase handcrafted treasures every Saturday and Sunday. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from unique finds to cultural experiences that make Plaza Francia a must-visit Buenos Aires destination.
Market Overview & Schedule
Location & Hours
Address: Plaza Francia (Plaza Intendente Alvear), Av. del Libertador & Av. Pueyrredón, Recoleta Operating Days: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (weather permitting) Peak Times: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM for maximum vendor selection Off-Season: May operate reduced hours during winter (June-August)
Getting There:
- Metro: Line D to Callao or Agüero stations (5-minute walk)
- Bus: Lines 67, 92, 110, 124 stop nearby
- Walking: 2 minutes from Recoleta Cemetery, 5 minutes from Buenos Aires Design Mall
Market Layout & Organization
Total Vendors: 100-150 artisans depending on season and weather Market Sections:
Jewelry & Accessories: Northern section along Av. del Libertador
Leather Goods: Central plaza area with established stalls
Art & Paintings: Southern section near Cultural Center
Textiles & Clothing: Eastern side toward cemetery entrance
Home Décor: Scattered throughout with larger display pieces
Artisan Categories & Unique Finds
Traditional Argentine Crafts
Leather Goods & Accessories
Handcrafted Leather Products:
Gaucho Belts: Traditional wide belts with silver buckles ($45-85)
Leather Handbags: Buenos Aires-style purses in vibrant colors ($35-120)
Polo Accessories: Authentic equipment and lifestyle items ($25-200)
Custom Wallets: Personalized with initials or Argentine designs ($20-45)
Quality Indicators:
Full-grain leather: Look for natural texture and flexibility
Hand-stitching: Superior to machine stitching for durability
Local tanneries: Vendors often specify Argentine leather sources
Artisan signatures: Many pieces signed by individual craftspeople
Traditional Textiles
Alpaca & Wool Products:
Ponchos: Traditional designs from northern Argentina ($65-150)
Scarves: Alpaca wool in various colors and patterns ($25-55)
Sweaters: Hand-knitted with Andean motifs ($45-95)
Blankets: Large decorative pieces for home use ($85-200)
Authentication Tips:
Feel the texture: Real alpaca wool is incredibly soft
Check labels: Look for "100% alpaca" or regional origin
Ask about source: Reputable vendors know their suppliers
Price correlation: Extremely low prices often indicate synthetic materials
Contemporary Argentine Art
Paintings & Visual Art
Local Artist Specialties:
Tango Themes: Musicians, dancers, and milonga scenes ($40-300)
Buenos Aires Landscapes: Colorful neighborhood portraits ($50-250)
Political Art: Subtle commentary on Argentine history ($35-180)
Nature Scenes: Pampas, gauchos, and rural life ($30-200)
Artist Interaction:
Meet the Artists: Many creators personally sell their work on weekends
Custom Commissions: Discuss personalized pieces for future delivery
Technique Explanations: Artists often demonstrate methods
Studio Visits: Some offer private studio tours by appointment
Market information subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations. Check current status before visiting during uncertain weather.
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sway them up now."
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yet. Quick, and see to it.—By masts and keels! he takes
me for the hunch-backed skipper of some coasting smack.
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time. What a hooroosh aloft there! I would e'en take it
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Oh, take medicine, take medicine!"
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LASHINGS OVER THE ANCHORS THERE HANGING.
