Plaza Dorrego is the historic square in the heart of the San Telmo neighbourhood, surrounded by bars and cafes. Every Sunday, the square is the focal point for a bustling arts and antiques fair that has something of a carnival atmosphere. Almost 300 antiques sellers set up shop in the square and along Calle Defensa, offering a mix of old furnishings and ornaments - some that belonged to the historic mansions in the area - plus old advertising signs, vinyl records, soda siphons, musical instruments, clocks and more.
The fair has become such a success that stalls now extend around the surrounding streets, in Calle Defensa, Humberto Primo and part of Pasaje Giuffra. Most of the stalls in Plaza Dorrego itself sell antiques, while those in Calle Defensa sell more contemporary crafts and oddities and in Pasaje Giuffra you can also find clothing.
Several restaurants in the area have tables on the street, while historic bars sometimes offer shows, artists open their ateliers and the streets have a lively atmosphere, with tango, organ players, mime artists, clowns, and more.
The Feria de San Telmo is an open-air crafts and antiques market held in Plaza Dorrego and Calle Defensa on Sundays, and the ideal place to find an original souvenir from the city.
More than 250 stalls offer everything from antique furniture and accessories to paintings, collectable toys, books and magazine, signs, clothes, coins, photos, and even traditional old coloured glass soda siphons.
There are several traditional bars nearby where you can stop for a coffee or beer and something to eat while you take a break from the stalls.