Mercado Central
Costa Rica’s Central Market is a well-known place, where many tourists experience the real daily Costa Rican life. This important market, along with Costa Rica’s Central Plaza and National Theater, are the most representative places of old San José.
The Central Market, best known as Mercado Central, was founded in 1882. It has been remodeled several times through the years, but it still keeps its labyrinth-structure, where one may enter and loose itself inside. The market has several doors that flow out into main streets and avenues in the capital city.
Costa Rica’s Central Market is not just a commercial place; in fact, it has a life of its own. From sunup to sundown, it has a particular bustle that attracts over 20 thousand people a day. It’s a place to experience Costa Rica’s culture and history. The market is a meeting spot where people gather everyday to greet and discuss current national affairs.
Typical Costa Rican food restaurants are the Central Market’s treasures. Delicious, steaming food is served into big pots for your delight. It is absolutely delicious, and the secret lays on the fact that everything is made out of old recipes with a touch of the cooks’ creativeness and innovation.
Plan Your Trip
Hours of Operation The San Jose Central Market is open Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 5 PM, closed Sundays. However, many stalls don’t open until 7 AM so you don’t need to go right when it opens.
**Getting Here ** The best way to get to the San Jose Central Market is by taxi, Uber or walking (if your hotel is near downtown). The market is on Avenida Central, the main street through downtown San Jose so it is extremely busy and crowded.
It doesn’t have its own proper parking lot so if you drive, you will need to find a paid parking lot around. We don’t recommend to drive there at all to be honest. It is much better to taxi or walk. If you do have to park, there is a paid public parking called “Parqueo Publico Avenida” on WAZE that we recommend. It’s a 5 minute walk to the market and they have parking guards. Costs ~800 CRC per hour.
Lodging & Rest After experiencing the sights and sounds of the central market, you can unwind in one of the nearby hotels, and maybe enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool or look across your room window or balcony and bask in the vibrant hum of the city at night at the Presidente Hotel in downtown San José, with a stunning view of Central Avenue, and close to all the shops, museums, theaters, and more. Or perhaps the Crown Plaza Corobic located close to the Sabana metropolitan park and the Costa Rican Art Musuem. This hotel features a spa, casino, a Japanese restaurant and more.
Nearby The National Theater which is located near Central Avenue is an excellent choice. The theater offers world-class ballet, a symphony, and has a scrumptious café on the premises. I would also recommend the National Museum which is also centrally located in San Jose.