Mercado Bazurto Cartagena
Cartagena's bustling heart, Mercado Bazurto offers an authentic taste of Caribbean culture with vibrant food stalls and local life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, more authentic vibe
Mercado Bazurto Cartagena
Best Time
Less crowded, more authentic vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cartagena's bustling heart, Mercado Bazurto offers an authentic taste of Caribbean culture with vibrant food stalls and local life.
"It's a working market, embrace the chaos and you'll find delicious, affordable food!"
Ask Prices First! 💰
Crucial for avoiding scams. Always confirm prices before ordering food or buying goods.
Go with an Open Mind 🤔
It's chaotic, noisy, and can be dirty. Embrace the authentic experience!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Caribbean Flavors
Food Stalls
Savor fresh seafood, traditional stews, and local specialties like coconut rice. A true taste of Cartagena.

Vibrant Local Life
Market Aisles
Immerse yourself in the daily hustle and bustle, from produce vendors to lively music. Experience the real Cartagena.

Exotic Fruits and Juices
Produce Section
Discover a rainbow of tropical fruits and refreshing, freshly squeezed juices. A healthy and delicious treat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Chaos
Price Check is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ask Prices First! 💰
Crucial for avoiding scams. Always confirm prices before ordering food or buying goods.
Go with an Open Mind 🤔
It's chaotic, noisy, and can be dirty. Embrace the authentic experience!
Watch Your Belongings 👀
Like any busy market, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
Try the Local Dishes 🍲
From fried fish to seafood rice, the food is a highlight. Don't miss out!
Tips
from all over the internet
Ask Prices First! 💰
Crucial for avoiding scams. Always confirm prices before ordering food or buying goods.
Go with an Open Mind 🤔
It's chaotic, noisy, and can be dirty. Embrace the authentic experience!
Watch Your Belongings 👀
Like any busy market, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
Try the Local Dishes 🍲
From fried fish to seafood rice, the food is a highlight. Don't miss out!
No Guide Needed 🚶♀️
Many Redditors suggest you don't need a guide; just explore and enjoy.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking on potentially wet and uneven surfaces.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mercado Bazurto offers an authentic, albeit chaotic, slice of Cartagena life with incredibly affordable and delicious food, especially seafood. While some visitors find it dirty and noisy, others appreciate its vibrant atmosphere and local charm. The main caution is to always confirm prices before purchasing to avoid potential scams.
"We had a great experience at this market. Yes it’s dirty, yes you have to be careful with your property, yes it smells, but hey, it’s a market. We had food at Restaurante Dona Ceci, it was delicious. We also had the aphrodisiac shake, and bought a few other things. Good experience."
Yudelka Rodriguez
"Lots of cheaper-prices foods, fruits, veggies, and nicknacks. The cleanliness could've been a lot better. There was a lot of gross, dirty water on the floor and flies everywhere. It's also very crowded and really loud."
Rovi Bartolo
"Horrible experience. We were recommended by our taxi driver that this was the best place to eat. When we got there we went to this place with seafood and forgot to ask for the prices first hand. Bad mistake. When we finished eating the girl in the picture ( who is a scammer and a liar) tried to charge
us 200 000 pesos which is the equivalent of a very fancy dinner in a very fancy restaurant. We told them no way and we had to discuss back and forth to get them to lower the price to what it really was worth.
All in all, I would not recommend coming here unless you remember to ask for prices before hand, plus the place is so dirty, smelly and the food was mediocre."
Cathy Pereira
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi or a local bus. Taxis are readily available and will take you directly there. Local buses are a more budget-friendly option and are a great way to experience local transport.
Yes, taxis are generally safe. However, it's always a good idea to agree on the fare before starting your journey or ensure the meter is used.
While possible, it's not recommended due to the distance and the busy, potentially chaotic environment outside the market itself. Taxis or buses are more practical.
The market is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be navigating crowded aisles and potentially wet floors.
Look for the large, bustling market complex. If arriving by taxi, you can ask to be dropped off at the main entrance or near the food sections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mercado Bazurto is a public market and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely explore its various sections.
The market is generally open daily, from Monday to Monday, though specific stall hours can vary. It's busiest in the mornings and around lunchtime.
There is no admission fee for any part of the market. You are free to wander through the produce, seafood, food stalls, and even the small indoor mall sections.
While some private guides offer tours, many visitors, including Redditors, suggest it's not necessary and you can explore independently.
There are no specific entry restrictions, but it's a very active market, so be prepared for crowds and a lively atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Seafood is a major highlight, including fried fish (mojarra, bocachico), fish in coconut sauce, and seafood rice. Also, try the local juices and exotic fruits.
Food is generally very affordable, especially compared to tourist areas. You can get a substantial plate of food for around 18,000 pesos.
Restaurante Dona Ceci is mentioned positively for delicious food. Many stalls offer similar dishes, so exploring and finding one that appeals to you is part of the experience.
Always ask for prices before ordering. Some visitors have reported being overcharged, so confirming the cost upfront is crucial.
While the market is heavily focused on seafood and meat, you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, and potentially some rice or bean dishes. It might require more specific searching.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, generally it's fine to take photos and videos, especially of the food and general market scenes. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
Capture the vibrant colors of the produce, the bustling activity of the vendors, the preparation of fresh seafood, and the diverse array of local dishes.
The seafood section, the fruit stalls, and the areas where food is being cooked offer great visual appeal due to their colors and textures.
Yes, as with any crowded public space, be mindful of your belongings. Keep your camera and phone secure and out of sight when not in use.
Mornings can offer softer light, while midday provides the most activity. Consider the trade-off between light and crowd levels.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for sensory overload and keep a close eye on children in crowded areas. While the food is a highlight, ensure you confirm prices beforehand to avoid any unexpected costs. The market's authenticity is its draw, but it requires a certain level of adaptability from families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Avoid paying for guides; exploring independently is free and recommended by many. Be mindful of your spending on souvenirs, and always negotiate or confirm prices to ensure you're getting the best deal. This market is the perfect place to experience local life and cuisine without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Heart of Cartagena
When exploring the food stalls, it's essential to embrace the lively and sometimes chaotic atmosphere. The sounds of vendors calling out, the aromas of cooking food, and the sheer volume of people create a unique sensory experience. While some reviews mention cleanliness concerns, many visitors find the experience rewarding and the food delicious, provided they are cautious. The market also hosts cultural events and music, particularly champeta, adding another layer to its vibrant identity.
For those seeking a truly local culinary adventure, Mercado Bazurto is unparalleled. It's a place where you can witness the daily life of Cartagena unfold while indulging in some of the freshest and most flavorful dishes the region has to offer. Remember to always confirm prices before ordering to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
Navigating the Bustle: Tips for First-Timers
Price transparency is crucial. While some Redditors note that prices are often displayed or more straightforward than expected, others warn of potential scams, especially with food. Always ask for the price before you order anything, whether it's a meal or a souvenir. This simple step can save you from an unpleasant surprise. Watch your belongings as you would in any busy public place. Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in densely packed areas.
Comfortable footwear is a must. You'll be doing a lot of walking, and the market floors can be uneven and wet. Finally, don't feel pressured to hire a guide. Many travelers find that exploring independently allows for a more authentic experience and saves money. Just dive in, be curious, and enjoy the vibrant local culture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit