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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
680 reviews
Excellent
214
Very good
291
Average
126
Poor
28
Terrible
21
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN2,142 contributions
Apr. 2022
This is an authentic experience. Indoor bustling market in the center of downtown San Jose with vendors selling all sorts of items including fruits and vegetables, flowers, clothing and electronics. This place is filled with locals and tourists like me are few, but I felt comfortable here. There are several places with a counter and seats to grab some food so make sure you take advantage of trying some local fare while here.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert L
Amherst, MA1,540 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Couples
Large down and dirty market that sells everything. Lots of little eateries here and there, really where the locals go. Very authentic experience to just wander around. I enjoyed it, no one was pushy and not too crowded
Written January 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC5,801 contributions
Nov. 2022 • Solo
Getting hungry while visiting tourist attractions near by , I decided to stop here and look around. They sell lots of stuffs here such as fruits, vegetables, souvenirs, etc. It has small Eateries , Ice Cream Shop ( represented to be the oldest in SJ), etc.
I stopped at one of the Eateries here and ordered their Fish Combination Platter. Seating areas are separated by thick, clear plastic. Foods were delicious and service was fast. Credit cards are accepted at this Eatery.
After lunch, I walked around this market and noted it to be clean and organized. Highly recommended to visit.
I stopped at one of the Eateries here and ordered their Fish Combination Platter. Seating areas are separated by thick, clear plastic. Foods were delicious and service was fast. Credit cards are accepted at this Eatery.
After lunch, I walked around this market and noted it to be clean and organized. Highly recommended to visit.
Written November 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katie P
Dallas, GA177 contributions
Sep. 2022 • Couples
This market place is great for cultural exposure in CR. Parking is unavailable on the streets. The streets are very crowded. There are several shops/stands available with fresh produce/food. If you’re sensitive to smells- not a place to visit. If the smell of the raw meat didn’t make you queasy, the dodging of trash on the streets will.
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ish B
1 contribution
Sep. 2022 • Couples
This is not a market place located under one street . It’s a maze in highly congested streets with small shop where English is spoken very little. Yours cost you a hefty price and you cannot take your rental car as parking is impossible. Take an Uber there and back is the best way . Prices are far from cheap .
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve S
Frisco, TX8 contributions
May 2022
The Central Market (Mercado Central) in San Jose needs to be explored to be enjoyed. The narrow corridors, the variety of vendors and the quaint setting combine to peek the senses. You'll find great bargains by themselves, but you can negotiate a little with sellers too. This is a nice stop that's all covered under one roof. A nice break from the museums, churches and other historic landmarks.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ebony195
New York City, NY37 contributions
Sep. 2022 • Solo
The central market is a lively, bustling market . You can find everything there, fish, meat, local foods, restaurants, souvenir shops. Lots of locals shop there and it was interesting to watch them go about their day. The aisles are small, it's maze like, crowded and exactly how I pictured a south American market. The locals eat there, so I know the food was good. I had local ice cream la sorbetera de Lolo mora which was very good, try it if you go there. I also found a nice coffee store where I was able to buy fresh peaberry coffee for gifts.
A must see for local culture.
A must see for local culture.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CiscoTax
Lexington, SC15 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Family
We visited 5 towns in CR and this market was a favorite. We actually returned 3 weeks later to visit again. The only downside is there is not posted hours online or around building.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AnnaHZ
Aurora, CO40 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Couples
We didn’t find anything special there - any regular market in Mexico gives better experience I think. The goods were not nicely exposed.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emily T
Chicago, IL32 contributions
Jun. 2022 • Couples
We only had a few hours in San Jose, and the Mercado Central was the highlight. It was a pleasant and interesting mix of locals getting lunch or doing their shopping, and tourists like us soaking up the various food options, fresh meat, cheeses, spices being sold, and of course the numerous souvenir shops. Definitely plan to spend an hour here to eat and wander through the skinny aisles. Make a stop at El Sorbetero de Lolo Mora, to get the traditional ice cream. Counter seats allow a break from walking around and the ice cream is delicious!
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James G
Westerville2 contributions
how to get to central market from double tree cariari? we have no car.
drumprofessor
Starkville, MS9 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, Luxembourg10 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, TX231 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, Canada19 contributions
I am getting different answers to the question: Is this market open Sunday? Does anyone know for sure? Thank you.
chilis_cr
COSTA RICA187 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 tÃpica en este mercado?
MaloCostaRica
Alajuela, Costa Rica278 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.
CENTRAL MARKET (MERCADO CENTRAL) (San Jose) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Central Market (Mercado Central)
- We recommend booking Central Market (Mercado Central) tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 11 Central Market (Mercado Central) tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Central Market (Mercado Central):
- Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Walking Tour (From C$52.56)
- San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour (From C$96.29)
- Explore the Central Market's History and Food with a Local Expert by Carpe Chepe (From C$64.19)
- San Jose Small Group Walking Tour by Carpe Chepe (From C$53.49)
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup (From C$96.29)
- Hotels near Central Market (Mercado Central):
- (0.16 km) Hotel Talamanca SJ
- (0.18 km) Hostel Sol y Luna
- (0.19 km) Hotel Catalunia
- (0.21 km) Hotel Anexo Colon
- (0.22 km) Hotel Plaza
- Restaurants near Central Market (Mercado Central):
- (0.01 km) Soda Puntarenas
- (0.01 km) Soda Tala
- (0.02 km) La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora
- (0.04 km) El Tostador
- (0.05 km) El Unico