Trip Planner:   Central America  /  Costa Rica  /  Province of San Jose  /  San Jose Metro  /  San Jose  /  Central Market (Mercado Central)

Central Market (Mercado Central), San Jose

3.8
#1 of 22 in Shopping in San Jose
Flea Market · Shopping
Filling up an entire city block, Central Market (Mercado Central) has become the largest market in the city--it sees tens of thousands of visitors every day. The circular shape of the market contains more than 200 shops and stalls of butchers, fish merchants, farmers, and more. After over 130 years, the market still offers locally grown and locally made products such as coffee and snakeskin goods. Tourists and locals both use the market; merchants do not pressure customers to buy as much as in similar markets. Arrange to visit Central Market (Mercado Central) and other attractions in San Jose using our San Jose road trip planning tool.
Create an itinerary including Central Market (Mercado Central)
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Tours to Central Market (Mercado Central)

FROM $38 BOOK WITH VIATOR San Jose Walking Tour: Food, History and Architecture
4.6
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $38 »
FROM $74 BOOK WITH VIATOR San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Small Group Tour
4.3
Duration: 4 hours
Tours from $74 »
FROM $69 BOOK WITH VIATOR VIP City Bus Tour From San Jose
4.0
Duration: 5 hours
Tours from $69 »

Central Market (Mercado Central) reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.0
648 reviews
Google
4.3
TripAdvisor
  • By JamesFFC
    Definitely worth a visit. There is some excellent value fruit and veg. If the rambuten is in season, get it! It's soooo good. The indoor section of the market has some good quality fish/meat/spices....  more »
  • By Shubh K
    This was one of the stops during a guided tour of the city. We walked through the market, sampled some ice cream, and bought some souvenirs. I've been to many different types of markets in other.....  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By D Abra
    One of those don't miss places. Crowded, colorful, fun spot. Eat lunch like a local at a small sit down restaurant but make sure it specializes in seafood.
  • By Roy Marin A
    Yes handicapped access. Yes restrooms. Places for food are good and sheap. Customer service good. Among other things you can find vegetables, fruits, traditional clothes, leather products as backpacks and sandals. Plastic products and even products for cooking. I saw one pet store and a couple of watch stores so. If you're around don't miss the chance to pay a visit.
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to San Jose

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in San Jose

Museo Nacional De Costa Rica ©
History Museum
Museo Nacional De Costa Rica
4.4
Duration: 2 hours
Jade Museum ©
History Museum
Jade Museum
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min
©
Photography Tour
Photography Tours
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
River Rafting / Tubing
River Rafting & Tubing
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min

Side trips from San Jose

Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz ©
Waterfall
Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz
Vara Blanca
4.6
Duration: 4 hours
©
Canyoning / Rapelling Tour
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours
Jaco
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
Poas Volcano
Volcano
Poas Volcano
Poas Volcano National Park
4.1
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Off-Road Tour
Off-Road Tours
Jaco
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min

Hidden gems in San Jose

Carpe Chepe ©
Beer Tasting / Tour
Carpe Chepe
4.8
Duration: 4 hours
Top Travel Costa Rica ©
Scenic Drive
Top Travel Costa Rica
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
Galeria Namu ©
Art Gallery
Galeria Namu
4.9
Duration: 1 hour
Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo ©
Hiking Trail
Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min

Parks in San Jose

Parque La Sabana ©
Park
Parque La Sabana
4.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Parque Nacional Park ©
Park
Parque Nacional Park
4.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Parque Central de San Jose ©
Park
Parque Central de San Jose
2.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
Spirogyra Butterfly Garden ©
Nature / Park
Spirogyra Butterfly Garden
4.1
Duration: 2h 30 min

Shopping in San Jose

Mercado Municipal De Artesanias ©
Factory Outlet
Mercado Municipal De Artesanias
3.7
Duration: 1h 30 min
Lincoln Plaza
Shopping Mall
Lincoln Plaza
5.0
Duration: 4 hours
El Sotano ©
Civic Center
El Sotano
4.8
Duration: 4 hours
Chieton Moren ©
Gift & Specialty Shop
Chieton Moren
4.7
Duration: 1 hour

Nearby attractions in San Jose

Costa Rica Expeditions ©
Photography Tour
Costa Rica Expeditions
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
Rios Tropicales ©
River Rafting / Tubing
Rios Tropicales
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min
Costa Rican Vacations ©
Bike Tour
Costa Rican Vacations
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
Teatro Nacional Costa Rica ©
Theater
Teatro Nacional Costa Rica
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min

Featured attractions

Syltravel Day Tours ©
Sightseeing Tour
Syltravel Day Tours
5.0
Duration: 6 hours
Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle ©
Science Museum
Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum ©
Specialty Museum
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
4.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Horseback Riding Tour
Horseback Riding Tours
Jaco
4.8
Duration: 4 hours

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Central Market (Mercado Central) by other users

18 days in San Jose BY A USER FROM POLAND Museo de Arte Costarricense Parque La Sabana Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Merced 16 days in San Jose BY A USER FROM SPAIN Feria Verde de Aranjuez Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz Mirador de Jaco 17 days in Jaco & San Jose BY A USER FROM ICELAND Jaco San Jose 33 days in San Jose & Escazu BY A USER FROM COSTA RICA San Jose Escazu 52 days in Costa Rica & Mexico BY A USER FROM GERMANY Mexico City Cancun Merida 60 days in San Jose BY A USER FROM ISRAEL The Ark Herb Farm Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz Plaza de la Democracia y de la Abolición del Ejército