Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén

Usaquén was a separate town until it was annexed by Bogotá in 1954, and its small colonial core in the north of the city still has the feel of a village square. Spain abandoned the settlement by decree in 1777, it was re-founded as a municipality in 1846, and under the 1991 constitution Usaquén became the first of the city's twenty localities. On weekends the streets around it fill with the Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén, a craft and flea market that has become one of the most popular outings in northern Bogotá for both locals and visitors.

The market began in 1990 as the Asociación de expositores Toldos de San Pelayo, a name that refers to the young Spanish martyr San Pelayo, associated with the origins of the antiques trade. Today the focus is on handmade goods: ceramics, textiles, artwork, and items made from recycled glass and plastic. It operates under the city's public space rules and a local agreement that governs how stalls are set up.

According to the official tourism board, the market runs every Saturday, Sunday and holiday Monday from 9:00 to 17:30, and Sunday is the day most people know it for. Arrive in the late morning to browse before the biggest crowds, and allow two to three hours to walk the stalls and stop for food. There are food stands throughout, and live music adds to the atmosphere. Bring small notes in pesos for purchases. The city government's guide to Bogotá's flea markets also lists the San Alejo antiques market on Carrera 7, open on Sundays and holidays, if you want a second market with a different character.

The market suits families, couples and anyone looking for souvenirs that are made in Colombia rather than imported. It is worth asking stallholders about the maker and materials, since the market's focus is on artisan work rather than mass-produced goods.

Usaquén lies in the north of the city, in the locality of the same name, with the Eastern Hills as its eastern border. The market is centred on Calle 119 at Carrera 6A. Usaquén sits at about 2,650 metres, so take the walking gently if you have just arrived in Bogotá. Keep an eye on bags in the busiest lanes.