San José, Costa Rica
Best places to shop in San José
4 markets, malls and shopping districts in San José — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.
Last updated 2026-08-11
1. Mercado Central
Photo: Eric T Gunther · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
The 1880 covered market at the heart of the city — coffee, spices, leather, saddlery, sodas serving casado, and craft.
- Where: Market
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Monday to Saturday 06:30–18:00
- Cost: Budget
- Tip: Costa Rican coffee is best bought whole bean and marked with the estate and altitude. The market roasters will grind for you.
2. Mercado Artesanal La Casona and Plaza de la Democracia
Photo: Diego Lopez · Pexels License · source
The craft markets — hammocks, wood, ceramics, leather and Guatemalan textiles, in a covered market and an open-air row of stalls.
- Where: Market
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Daily 09:00–18:00
- Cost: Budget
3. Sarchí oxcart workshops
Photo: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz · Pexels License · source
The craft town north-west of the city — the painted oxcarts that are Costa Rica's national symbol, made and decorated in family workshops.
- Where: Street Shopping
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Daily 08:00–17:00
- Cost: Mid-range
- Tip: Miniature painted carts pack flat and are the country's signature souvenir. The workshops will show you the painting.
4. Multiplaza Escazú and Barrio Escalante
Photo: Mario Spencer · Pexels License · source
The upmarket mall in Escazú, and Barrio Escalante's independent shops, coffee roasters and restaurants.
- Where: Mall
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Daily 10:00–20:00
- Cost: Mid-range
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