san-jose.cr

Located between Central and 1^st Avenues and 6^th-8^th streets is one of San Jose’s most purely cultural landmarks. The “Mercado Central” showcases all that is intrinsically TICO as well as the more modern endeavors of trade.

Open since the 1880’s, the commencement of San Jose as the key place of national economic life can be easily related to it; from the traditional and vast crops to the folkloric national crafts, all that is natural and man-made find common ground in what is known by experienced tourists as one of the finest bargain locations in town.

The market houses a large compound of souvenir shops as well as quasi-infinite number of tiny “Sodas”(tiny diners) and regular commodity sales.

While located within the premises of the commonly known “Zona Roja”, the great touristic value of the venue has guaranteed a safer environment for the visitor during regular day hours.  It is advised nonetheless that a good watch be kept on personal belongings as pick-pocketing is still common practice by amateur burglars.

Altogether, the lively nature of the Mercado Central makes for unforgettable experience and one that can more precisely be linked to the true nature of Costa Rica as a nation with its humble and down to earth approach.