Usaquén Flea Market

About

The Usaquén Flea Market transforms the charming colonial plaza of one of Bogotá's most picturesque neighborhoods into a vibrant Sunday market bursting with color, culture, and family-friendly energy. Kids will love wandering through rows of artisan stalls filled with handmade toys, colorful textiles, and street performers while sampling delicious Colombian treats. This authentic local experience offers families a perfect blend of cultural immersion, outdoor exploration, and treasure hunting in a safe, pedestrian-friendly setting.

What to Expect

Expect a lively outdoor market atmosphere with dozens of vendor stalls lining the historic streets around the colonial plaza, featuring handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, traditional Colombian clothing, wooden toys, and vibrant artwork. The market buzzes with local families, live music from Andean musicians and street performers, and the enticing aromas of Colombian street food. The cobblestone streets are closed to traffic, creating a safe, walkable environment where kids can explore freely while parents browse the carefully curated artisan goods and enjoy the festive ambiance.

Highlights for Kids

• Watching skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like weaving, leatherwork, and jewelry-making at their stalls
• Enjoying live street performances including Andean musicians playing traditional instruments, magicians, and occasional dancers
• Discovering unique handmade toys like wooden animals, traditional trompos (spinning tops), and colorful woven dolls
• Tasting Colombian treats like obleas (wafer cookies with caramel), fresh tropical fruit salads, and arepas from street vendors
• Exploring the beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets of historic Usaquén neighborhood surrounding the market

Pro Tips for Families

1. Arrive early (around 9-10am) to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed browsing experience, as the market gets very busy between 11am-2pm
2. Bring small bills and coins in Colombian pesos—many vendors don't accept cards, and having exact change makes transactions smoother (ATMs are available nearby on Carrera 7)
3. Let kids pick out one special handmade item as a souvenir—wooden toys, colorful mochilas (woven bags), or handcrafted instruments make meaningful keepsakes and support local artisans
4. After the market, explore the beautiful Plaza de Usaquén and the surrounding colonial streets, where you'll find excellent restaurants for a family lunch and the charming Parque de Usaquén playground just one block away

Best Time to Visit

Visit between 9am-11am for the best experience with families—you'll beat the peak crowds, have cooler morning temperatures (important at Bogotá's 8,600-foot altitude), and vendors are freshly stocked with their full selection. The market runs until about 5pm, but early afternoon (12pm-2pm) is the busiest and most crowded time, making it harder to navigate with children.

Food & Drinks

The market offers abundant Colombian street food perfect for adventurous young eaters—try arepas (corn cakes with various toppings), empanadas, fresh fruit cups with lime and salt, and obleas (sweet wafer sandwiches). You'll find vendors selling fresh-squeezed juices, Colombian coffee, and hot chocolate with cheese (a local specialty kids find fascinating). For pickier eaters, simple cheese arepas or pandebonos (cheese bread) are safe, mild options. The surrounding Usaquén neighborhood also has many sit-down restaurants and cafes if you prefer a more substantial family meal after browsing.

Parking & Access

The market area is closed to vehicle traffic on Sundays, so plan to park in nearby paid lots on Carrera 7 or side streets (around 5,000-10,000 COP for a few hours). Alternatively, take a taxi or Uber directly to 'Plaza de Usaquén' which is safer and easier than navigating parking with kids. The TransMilenio bus system's nearest station is several blocks away, making taxis the most practical option for families. Cobblestone streets make stroller navigation challenging—a baby carrier is strongly recommended for infants and toddlers, though determined parents do manage with sturdy all-terrain strollers during less crowded morning hours.