Mercado Central San Jose
Get ready to spend some time exploring the San Jose Central Market, the absolute largest (and perhaps most intriguing) market in the entire city. Established in 1880, this large, festival style open-air market takes up an entire block of Avenida Central, just about 250 meters northwest of Parque Central, an easily accessed city area. The market consists of a complex of narrow alleys with a total of over 200 shops, stalls, and eateries referred to as "sodas" (meaning cheap, casual restaurant). As mentioned before, most of the market es aire libre, or open air, so you will get that crisp and refreshing Costa Rica air while shopping for the largest range of fresh local meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, and coffees (now that's what I call retail therapy)!
While walking around the market take notice of local specialties, such as snakeskin boots, herbal remedies, local fresh cut flowers, and local handicrafts ranging from jewelry to woodwork. It is quite easy to see why tens of thousands of guests visit this market per day. Be sure to check out all the unique local spices while here as well, the options and variety seem endless! Mercado Central San Jose is the perfect way to sample Costa Rican culture and food, and the best way to immerse yourself into the city and live and shop as the locals do. Also, if you’re looking for a completely authentic dinner later, buy all your fresh meats, cheeses, and spices to cook while here, it will be the cheapest and most local way to eat!
