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Central Market (Mercado Central), San Jose

3.8
#1 of 22 in Shopping in San Jose
Flea Market · Hidden Gem · 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.
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Tours to Central Market (Mercado Central)

FROM $38 BOOK WITH VIATOR San Jose Walking Tour: Food, History and Architecture
5.0
Duration: 3 hours
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FROM $65 BOOK WITH VIATOR Lonely Planet Experiences: San Jose Tapas, Traditional Masks and Escazu Visit
4.4
Duration: 4 hours
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FROM $66 BOOK WITH VIATOR San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour
4.1
Duration: 5 hours
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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 »
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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.
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