San José Central Market, Indoor retail market in downtown San José, Costa Rica.

San José Central Market is a covered market occupying a full block on Avenida Central, 250 m northwest of Parque Central. Its narrow alleys link more than 200 shops, stalls and cheap eateries called sodas. Vendors sell meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, coffee, snakeskin boots, cowboy saddles, herbal remedies, flowers, cooked meals, souvenirs and local crafts.

The market opened in 1880 as San José grew from a small settlement into Costa Rica's capital city. It was built to serve as a central trading hub for the expanding urban population.

The market's cheap eateries are called sodas, a Costa Rican term for small lunch counters. The Spanish Wikipedia notes the market was declared Cultural Heritage for its strong tradition and identity, and vendors also sell herbal remedies, flowers and local handcrafts alongside the food.

The market is open Monday through Saturday with main entrances on Avenida Central and nearby streets. It gets crowded during the day, so keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora, a small shop inside the market, has made ice cream using the same century-old recipe and techniques since it was founded. This shop is known for its singular flavor that comes from following the original formula exactly.