Things to Do at Mercado Central

Mercado Central is one of those places that actually feels like the beating heart of San José - a sprawling indoor market that's been feeding and supplying the city since 1880. You'll find yourself navigating narrow aisles packed with everything from fresh tropical fruits and traditional Costa Rican coffee to leather goods and handmade crafts. It's genuinely chaotic in the best possible way, with vendors calling out prices, the smell of fresh herbs mixing with roasting coffee, and locals doing their daily shopping alongside curious tourists. What makes this market special is that it's remained authentically Costa Rican despite being in every guidebook. Sure, you'll spot other travelers, but the majority of people here are locals picking up ingredients for dinner or grabbing a quick bite at one of the small sodas (local eateries) tucked between the stalls. The building itself is a bit worn around the edges, which honestly adds to its charm - this isn't a polished tourist attraction, it's a real working market that happens to be fascinating to explore.

The massive building between Avenidas Central and 1, and Calles 6 and 8 can't be missed. Most central San José hotels put you within walking distance of this downtown market. Taxis and Uber work fine, but rush hour traffic turns the short ride into a crawl-public transport or walking beats sitting in gridlock. Parking is scarce. The crowds get thick, so watch your belongings like you would in any packed urban market.