Markets

In Cordoba, there are "mercadillos" which are outdoor market stands, where all kinds of products are sold, except food, although they may have pickled foods (olives, cucumber, and such). These markets sell clothing, shoes, accessories, makeup, herbs, blankets, sheets, fabrics, music, pots... But in Córdoba they are not usually 2nd hand, as in many other flea markets in other countries, since in Spain 2nd hand items are not in vogue. Lately, fortunately, 2nd hand markets are starting to emerge. In major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, there are many 2nd hand shops... In Cordoba, there is only a 2nd hand store, and only occasionally a market.

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What do they sell?

These markets sell cheap things, rather than the usual stores, as the items are not name brand. There’s much to be said about the quality of the clothes, shoes and accessories; the style and elegance is also missing. However, most people simply browse these markets. As far as blankets, quilts, fabrics, etc, general house items can be good purchases. For those who have just moved to the city it is not a bad option considering in Cordoba there is no Ikea, which is where you buy household items made in China haha (but the Nordic store sells items better in quality and more durable).

The largest market in Córdoba

The largest market in Córdoba is held on Sunday mornings at the fairgrounds at Archangel. This market is huge, you can spend the entire morning browsing all the stands, so I recommend comfortable shoes and a bottle of water (although they are both sold there haha).

Another market is the old Garden City, which has been in 3 different places and finally remains in Arroyo del Moro, just across the bridge from Garden City until the area under a "mushroom". It is smaller than the market above but it also has many things, and is held Tuesday mornings and Friday, like other markets in Cordoba (unless you're interested in something very specific, go to your neighborhood market or a closer one, because the items are usually almost the same).

There is another flea market on Saturday near the Carrefour La Sierra, it is located in the neighborhood of Las Margaritas. This market is smaller and a bit shabby and I do not recommend it because, being in a slum, selling clothes is quite common and very "tacky" and it’s also easier to get ripped off or robbed, or even accused of stealing then forcing you to pay.

Other markets

There are other markets scattered throughout the city in the neighborhood of Fuensanta, Villarrubia, Alcolea and Cerro Muriano (which are neighborhoods on the outskirts), Norena, etc. but I am not familiar with them. They are always open in the mornings. It is best to ask any shop in the neighborhood which day and where the market is located, because they will know the area. In Cordoba there is also a trail located in the historic center. Here is a link where you can see all the markets there and which days they are open, including a map: Córdoba Markets

Market for collectors

On the other hand, we also have a market for collectors, which takes place every Sunday morning in the city center, on the Boulevard of the Great Captain. Here they sell or swap stamps, coins, antique books, you can also find silverware, porcelain, a camera... This depends on the day you go, because there may be a day where they only have coins and one day they may have more things...

Flower Market

There is also the flower market on Sundays in the Botanic Garden of Cordoba (a must visit), it could not be located in a better place.

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La carpa

During Christmas time there is a temporary market, known as “The Tent" in which jewelry, hats, scarves, pajamas, colognes, bag, books, leather goods, jackets, incense, etc. are sold. It is perfect for holiday shopping, (original gifts and cheap) or to buy something for yourself. Inside they also sell candy, jelly beans, and there is a stand with donuts and churros and a children's attraction to entertain the kids. This market is covered and heated, and there is always music. In addition, when you buy something you can order a ticket and go to a stand located in the center of the market where there is free gift wrapping, with much love and care. This market is located in Paseo de la Victoria.

At the time of the fair there is also an area of stands on the bridge, where many different artisans sell handmade things, but there are also things not so artisan and more unique; they are stands with Native Americans selling very very cool craftsmanship.

Medieval Market

And finally there is the medieval market, but I will speak about this in a separate post because it is a special, very nice market, one of the finest medieval markets of Spain, and worth a visit in its own post.

I hope you enjoy and talk a walk through any of these markets to shop. It is is a good way to discover the culture, to meet people in a casual way and speak Andalusian dialect more informally, which will make you even more difficult to understand.

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