San José Central Market, Indoor retail market in downtown San José, Costa Rica.
San José Central Market is a large covered shopping space occupying an entire city block with over 200 shops and stalls connected by passages and corridors. The stalls sell fresh produce, meat, fish, vegetables, herbs, and local goods that fill the space with daily movement and commerce.
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.
Small food stalls inside serve authentic Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto and casado that reflect generations of local cooking traditions. You can watch and taste how everyday meals are prepared and eaten by people from the neighborhood.
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.
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