Santo Domingo's Best Flea Markets & Antique Stores

Located in the heart of Santo Domingo, Mercado Modelo has been one of the largest artisanal craft markets in the city since 1942. Here, you'll find a wide range of handmade souvenirs and crafts, from paintings and cigars to Mamajuana bottles and tropical fruits.

Make sure to bring cash, as not all vendors accept card payments. And don't miss the second floor, where you'll find even more shops and stalls selling a variety of handmade goods.

The best time to visit Mercado Modelo is during the day, when the market is at its busiest and you can explore the bustling stalls and shops. You can also consider hiring a guide or joining a tour to make the most of your experience.

Getting there
To find Mercado Modelo, simply head to Calle Santome, between Avenida Mella and Avenida Antônio Caba, just a ten-minute walk from the Parque Independencia in the Zona Colonial.

For a truly unique shopping experience, head to Plaza Maria de Toledo, one of the biggest open-air antique flea markets in the Zona Colonial. Located on Calle Isabel La Catolica, this market is a treasure trove of odd and unusual items, from old books and photos to collectibles and colonial-era silverware.

If you're a fan of history, you'll love browsing the stalls and vendors at Plaza Maria de Toledo, which specialize in colonial bronze, brass, and silver antiques and old paintings from the era of dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. Keep in mind that the prices here can be a bit steep, as most sellers are also collectors themselves. So come prepared with some extra cash if you're planning on taking home a piece of colonial history.

Getting there

To find Plaza Maria de Toledo, simply look for the small plaza on a side street between Calle Isabel La Catolica and Calle Las Damas, with entrances in front of Hodelpa Nicolas Ovando or in front of the Grocery Store Omar II in the Zona Colonial. This market is only open on Sundays, so be sure to add it to your itinerary for a truly memorable shopping experience.

For those looking for well-preserved antiques and unique furniture, Saundrya RD is a must-visit. Located in Plaza Carmen Polanco, this store is filled with rare and beautifully crafted items, from porcelain in excellent condition to knick knacks and ornaments with unique designs.

Here, you'll find everything from decorative plates depicting the discovery of America to Asian porcelain and living room furniture. You might even get lucky and find a Versace tea set. In addition, the store has a wide range of antique utilities, such as typewriters and drawers, as well as sofa cushions and other decorations that will give your home a vintage look.

Keep in mind that Saundrya RD is known for its high-quality antiques, so the prices here may be higher than at other stores. But with so many unique and well-preserved items to choose from, it's worth it to splurge on something special.

Getting there

To find Saundrya RD, simply head to Plaza Carmen Polanco on Calle 1ra, just a few blocks east of Mercado Las Pulgas on Avenida Independencia in Santo Domingo.

Cosas Encontradas, or "found stuff," is a hidden gem in the Zona Colonial, offering a treasure trove of old Dominican books, vinyl records, cameras, toys, phones, and more. Each item has a unique story, and what better souvenir to take home than one with a tale behind it?

Be prepared to dig through piles of items to find that one prized piece, and don't be afraid to haggle for a better price. Keep in mind that the store is a bit cramped and chaotic, and the staff may not speak English, so it's a good idea to bring a buddy who speaks Spanish.

Art directors in movies, short films, and commercials love this store, as it not only sells antiques, but also rents items for productions set in the pre-Columbian era. So come prepared to explore and discover, and leave with a piece of the Dominican Republic's history to treasure forever.

Getting there 

To find Cosas Encontradas, simply head three streets down from the Museo de las Casas Reales on Calle Mercedes #205, between Calle Duarte and Calle 19 de Marzo, in Santo Domingo.

Antiguedades is a popular antique store among locals, located just a stone's throw from the Parque Independencia in Santo Domingo. Here, you'll find a wide range of oversized items, such as 1960s wooden furniture made with tropical hardwoods like mahogany and teak, pianos, stunning chandeliers, large mirrors, and old paintings. There's also a section with smaller items, such as decorative bronze, brass, and silver figurines, books, candleholders, and watches.

Though the items in this store may not be easy to pack in your suitcase, browsing the shop is still a fun experience.

Getting there

Just a block from the Parque de Independencia in the Zona Colonial. The store is located on Avenida Simón Bolívar #22 in Santo Domingo.

Written by Diego Angeles King.

Published July 2023.