Central Market (Mercado Central)
Central Market (Mercado Central)
Central Market (Mercado Central)
4
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This collection of stalls and restaurants contains the country's first ice cream vendor.
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- angiejean01Circle Pines, Minnesota126 contributionsA true experience.With not too many options of things to do in San Jose, we opted to check out the market and city center. Things to keep in mind if you are considering it. 1. Traffic is pretty crazy, we drove and finally parked in a lot we found. Street parking is basically impossible. 2. Some describe the area as unsafe, I would disagree. Would I be there after dark? No. During the day? It’s fine. 3. My family loves to experience culture and explore. This area is full of locals and not many tourists. 4. The market is full of little shops and restaurants. 5. My family enjoyed being in the city center but it may not be for everyone.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 March 2023
- betteskidBoston, Massachusetts1,356 contributionsNice market that is worth a stopWe wandered around here during our recent stay in San Jose and enjoyed the market. There are lots of places to eat here (we had some nice ceviche) and many shops with souvenirs if you are looking for that sort of thing. There is also a nice range of produce and vegetables although Mercado Borbon (not far away) is better for this sort of thing. It is definitely worth coming here though if you like the market scene and are looking for something to do in San Jose.Visited March 2023Written 8 April 2023
- mvanroyMerelbeke, Belgium730 contributionsWander and experience local colors and smellsYou can stroll for a long time in this completely covered central market. Wander through the small alleys and enjoy the diverse smells and colors of the different fish, meat, flower, animal, souvenir and other shops! In-between the shops you will find local food restaurants with good and cheap food, including the special ice cream shop Lola Mora.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 June 2023
- The Wandering ReviewerMelbourne, Australia9,808 contributionsCome and discover the heart of a cityMarket. One of my favourite words. It’s a place where you uncover the life blood of a community. And this one in San Jose rose to the challenge. The smell is what hits you first - fish! Then as you move further into the bowels of this what seems endless building, you come across meats, herbs, flowers (Australian gum tree leaves), fruit, vegetables, flowers, touristy trinkets, sweets, candles, ice cream and so much more. I encourage you to engage with the smallholders who are as curious about you, as much as you are about them. This is not a market where they will badger you to buy something. This is a “people’s market” where everyday San Jose residents purchase their food and other goods. With all due respect, once you’ve finished walking around, I recommend you sanitise your hands. So many touch points here for a westerner without a strong constitution could pick up.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 30 June 2023
- Thomas GAmsterdam, The Netherlands1,688 contributionsGreat marketFor me this market was one of the best places to visit in San Jose. There are any shops and great local places to eat. It is nice to walk around for an hour, but it is not so big, so then an hour is sufficient. Do not forget to grab a bite.Visited February 2023Written 5 July 2023
- Doug DSwindon, United Kingdom83 contributionsFind the Sorbet Bar - its magicBusy indoor market. Lots of herbs and food. Nice vibe in there. Find La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora - magic sorbet bar. Great, busy staff in uniform and a popular venue. Try the original sorbet its yummy.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 October 2023
- GreenlakereenerVancouver, Canada647 contributionsCrowded, Lots of Smells and Easy to Get Lost…This market is huge with lots of stalls selling everything from produce, groceries, fish, meat, clothes, souvenirs, and more. There are lots of little food stalls where you can get a meal. We found that in some areas the smells were a bit overwhelming and the walkways throughout are very narrow and it’s easy to juts keep going around in circles. There are several entrances and exits, so make sure you enter and leave at the same place or it’s easy to get disoriented once outside the market. It was okay for a quick visit but we didn’t buy anything, just wandered around and looked at the stalls. I don’t know that I would recommend it. It’s okay but not outstanding or that interesting, in my opinion.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
703 reviews
Excellent
219
Very good
302
Average
128
Poor
30
Terrible
24
Greenlakereener
Vancouver, Canada647 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This market is huge with lots of stalls selling everything from produce, groceries, fish, meat, clothes, souvenirs, and more. There are lots of little food stalls where you can get a meal.
We found that in some areas the smells were a bit overwhelming and the walkways throughout are very narrow and it’s easy to juts keep going around in circles. There are several entrances and exits, so make sure you enter and leave at the same place or it’s easy to get disoriented once outside the market.
It was okay for a quick visit but we didn’t buy anything, just wandered around and looked at the stalls. I don’t know that I would recommend it. It’s okay but not outstanding or that interesting, in my opinion.
We found that in some areas the smells were a bit overwhelming and the walkways throughout are very narrow and it’s easy to juts keep going around in circles. There are several entrances and exits, so make sure you enter and leave at the same place or it’s easy to get disoriented once outside the market.
It was okay for a quick visit but we didn’t buy anything, just wandered around and looked at the stalls. I don’t know that I would recommend it. It’s okay but not outstanding or that interesting, in my opinion.
Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abigail A
18 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Souvenirs are cheaper here, and there are unique finds. The food is to die for! Make sure to try the oldest ice cream in Costa Rica as well!
Written 27 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quinten Jiskoot
Amsterdam, The Netherlands530 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Colourful place, ideal for people watching, grabbing some snack, have lunch, or just enjoying this busy highlight in the center of San José.
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug D
Swindon, UK83 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Busy indoor market. Lots of herbs and food. Nice vibe in there.
Find La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora - magic sorbet bar. Great, busy staff in uniform and a popular venue. Try the original sorbet its yummy.
Find La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora - magic sorbet bar. Great, busy staff in uniform and a popular venue. Try the original sorbet its yummy.
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dana P
Lynnwood, WA5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
This place was not for the faint at heart and definitely not for tourist. My friend booked a walking tour and dinner excursion for someplace in the market, they were no clear identification for the location, the market was seedy to put it lightly. Some boys were following us around, uncertain what their aim was.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anja D
36 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Nice authentic market, definitely worth a visit while being in San Jose
Nice and good priced lunches
Nice and good priced lunches
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil V
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
Beware!
This store charged my credit card twice! Obviously, I didn’t notice until I was out of San Jose!
Shame!
This store charged my credit card twice! Obviously, I didn’t notice until I was out of San Jose!
Shame!
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas G
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1,688 contributions
Feb 2023
For me this market was one of the best places to visit in San Jose. There are any shops and great local places to eat. It is nice to walk around for an hour, but it is not so big, so then an hour is sufficient. Do not forget to grab a bite.
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wandering Reviewer
Melbourne, Australia9,808 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Market. One of my favourite words. It’s a place where you uncover the life blood of a community. And this one in San Jose rose to the challenge.
The smell is what hits you first - fish! Then as you move further into the bowels of this what seems endless building, you come across meats, herbs, flowers (Australian gum tree leaves), fruit, vegetables, flowers, touristy trinkets, sweets, candles, ice cream and so much more.
I encourage you to engage with the smallholders who are as curious about you, as much as you are about them. This is not a market where they will badger you to buy something. This is a “people’s market” where everyday San Jose residents purchase their food and other goods.
With all due respect, once you’ve finished walking around, I recommend you sanitise your hands. So many touch points here for a westerner without a strong constitution could pick up.
The smell is what hits you first - fish! Then as you move further into the bowels of this what seems endless building, you come across meats, herbs, flowers (Australian gum tree leaves), fruit, vegetables, flowers, touristy trinkets, sweets, candles, ice cream and so much more.
I encourage you to engage with the smallholders who are as curious about you, as much as you are about them. This is not a market where they will badger you to buy something. This is a “people’s market” where everyday San Jose residents purchase their food and other goods.
With all due respect, once you’ve finished walking around, I recommend you sanitise your hands. So many touch points here for a westerner without a strong constitution could pick up.
Written 1 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mvanroy
Merelbeke, Belgium730 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
You can stroll for a long time in this completely covered central market. Wander through the small alleys and enjoy the diverse smells and colors of the different fish, meat, flower, animal, souvenir and other shops! In-between the shops you will find local food restaurants with good and cheap food, including the special ice cream shop Lola Mora.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James G
Westerville2 contributions
how to get to central market from double tree cariari? we have no car.
drumprofessor
Starkville, MS21 contributions
James G,
Basically, you have two main choices: taxi or Uber. After reading several reviews and learning about the headaches associated with taxis, we chose the latter. This was our first experience using the company; however, the process was easy. Uber drivers are professional and able to navigate the crazy traffic of the capital. Best of all, Ubers are dirt cheap (around $7-10 or so per trip depending on the time of day). Once we got downtown, we had a little trouble finding a free WI-FI signal for our phone to contact Uber for the trip back to the hotel; however, we stood on the steps outside the Gold Museum (up the street a few blocks from the Central Market) and got a signal. The downtown strip was safe with lots of families and a great learning experience. Go for it!
Hope this helps!
Dp
Alexandre J
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg14 contributions
Are dollars accepted?
Juan Carlos R
Tibas, Costa Rica35 contributions
Yes, but they don’t accepted $100 or $50 bills only $20 or less
Jessica F
New York City, NY
I will have a rental car. Is there parking available? Is it better to take a cab?
Elizabeth D
Sioux Falls, United States38 contributions
Get uber.
soups3
17 contributions
We would like to visit the market but only have Sunday to do so, I see one answer says yes open on Sunday and another that says no. From reading the reviews it appears the Mercado is closed on Sundays, is this correct?
tripandtravel
Georgetown, TX236 contributions
As I remember, the market is closed on Sunday and there is not much to do as not much is open on Sunday.
jpc6789 john atla nta
Atlanta, GA10 contributions
Do they have CR souvenirs. John
bob l
Ottawa, Canada291 contributions
Yes lots of souvenirs
travelcrazy1976
Bear, DE19 contributions
How far is central market from San Jose airport?
Sandy K
Toronto, Canada100 contributions
We didn’t go directly from the airport but I’m guessing about 15-20 min taxi ride. Take the RED taxis in San Jose and agree on an amount before you get in the cab. We did this and always got a good deal. Met others who didn’t and they ended up paying exorbitant amounts!!
travelcrazy1976
Bear, DE19 contributions
How far is central market from San Jose airport?
Sofija Lippmann
Columbia, MO11 contributions
Not far, but traffic is crazy lol. Maybe 45 min.
Is it open on Christmas?
DragonLady90292
Marina del Rey, CA97 contributions
Most of the stalls are open
AlbertaboundEdmonton
Edmonton, Canada23 contributions
I am getting different answers to the question: Is this market open Sunday? Does anyone know for sure? Thank you.
chilis_cr
COSTA RICA190 contributions
Hi. Just called the main office. Sunday is closed. Officially
Rest of the days is open from 6:30am to 6pm
cosettechi
Mexico City, Mexico26 contributions
¿Cuál es el costo promedio de una comida típica en este mercado?
MaloCostaRica
Alajuela, Costa Rica283 contributions
Aproximadamente unos USD 7 u 8, dependiendo del plato. Los desayunos son más baratos. El Mercado Central como tal está abierto desde las 7 am hasta las 5:30 am, pero desde las 6 am abren ciertas puertas para que entren los empleados y ciertas "soditas" (pequeños restaurantes) empiezan a funcionar a esa hora, como por ejemplo la Soda Tala.
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Claim your listingCENTRAL MARKET (MERCADO CENTRAL): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Central Market (Mercado Central)
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Central Market (Mercado Central):
- Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Tour (From £30.83)
- San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour (From £59.92)
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup (From £59.92)
- San Jose City Half Day Tour from San Jose (From £64.57)
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose (From £26.81)
- Hotels near Central Market (Mercado Central):
- (0.02 mi) Hotel 710
- (0.10 mi) Hotel Talamanca SJ
- (0.11 mi) Hostel Sol y Luna
- (0.12 mi) Hotel Catalunia
- (0.13 mi) Hotel Anexo Colon
- Restaurants near Central Market (Mercado Central):
- (0.01 mi) Soda Puntarenas
- (0.01 mi) Soda Tala
- (0.01 mi) La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora
- (0.02 mi) Pescaderia Isla del Coco
- (0.03 mi) El Tostador