Mercado Bazurto Cartagena - people walking on street during daytime
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Mercado Bazurto Cartagena

3.7
·12k reviews·, Colombia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Less crowded, more authentic vibe

CrowdLow
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Mercado Bazurto Cartagena - people walking on street during daytime

Mercado Bazurto Cartagena

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Less crowded, more authentic vibe

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

3.7
(12k reviews)

"It's a working market, embrace the chaos and you'll find delicious, affordable food!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Caribbean Flavors

Authentic Caribbean Flavors

Food Stalls

Savor fresh seafood, traditional stews, and local specialties like coconut rice. A true taste of Cartagena.

TikTok+2
Vibrant Local Life

Vibrant Local Life

Market Aisles

Immerse yourself in the daily hustle and bustle, from produce vendors to lively music. Experience the real Cartagena.

TikTok+2
Exotic Fruits and Juices

Exotic Fruits and Juices

Produce Section

Discover a rainbow of tropical fruits and refreshing, freshly squeezed juices. A healthy and delicious treat.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Chaos

Mercado Bazurto is a vibrant, bustling market. Expect crowds, noise, and a sensory overload. Go with an open mind and be prepared for a truly local experience, not a polished tourist attraction. TikTokInstagram

Price Check is Key

While some Redditors find prices transparent, others warn of scams. Always ask for prices before ordering food or making purchases to avoid overpaying. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Less crowded, more authentic vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Lunchtime
Why
Peak food experience
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

INCREIBLE QUE ME PASEN ESTAS COSAS 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 #peroquehapasaoooo #luisfperez #cartagena #Mercadobazurto #ricopollo #humor #toxica #Latoxica @Latoxi @Jaiderlin Lopez @Deiver Reyes oficial10
@luisperez.9
104.3K likes • 2.1M views

Ask Prices First! 💰

Crucial for avoiding scams. Always confirm prices before ordering food or buying goods. TikTokReddit

Go with an Open Mind 🤔

It's chaotic, noisy, and can be dirty. Embrace the authentic experience! TikTokInstagram

Gran inauguración de mis amigos de @WEST HILL en Cartangea Av pedro heredia, Mercado de Bazurto 😍😍😍
@andres__nieto
50.9K likes • 536.4K views
𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐚 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐆𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚↗️ Mercado de Bazurto en cartagena Visítalos en📍 Barrio chino entrando por la avenida del lago por la pescadería ⏰horario lunes a lunes ☝🏾Ustedes conocen mi filosofía que yo para recomendar tengo que probar ¡Ey ya tu te la sabes! #comidacallejera
eddcabarcas
45.1K likes • 1.6M views

Watch Your Belongings 👀

Like any busy market, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Reddit

Try the Local Dishes 🍲

From fried fish to seafood rice, the food is a highlight. Don't miss out! TikTok+1

El mercado de Bazurto es muy tradicional y los turistas muy poco lo visitan, por eso si estás en Cartagena, y quieres realizar un tour gastronómico no dudes en recorrer este emblemático lugar. Aquí puedes conseguir platos colombianos preparados tradicionalmente o simplemente disfrutar de la buena música local (champeta) Viajeros es fácil dejarse encantar por esta parte de Cartagena: es ideal par...
viajemosconjairo
16.8K likes • 597K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Ask Prices First! 💰

Crucial for avoiding scams. Always confirm prices before ordering food or buying goods. TikTokReddit

Go with an Open Mind 🤔

It's chaotic, noisy, and can be dirty. Embrace the authentic experience! TikTokInstagram

Watch Your Belongings 👀

Like any busy market, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Reddit

Try the Local Dishes 🍲

From fried fish to seafood rice, the food is a highlight. Don't miss out! TikTok+1

No Guide Needed 🚶‍♀️

Many Redditors suggest you don't need a guide; just explore and enjoy. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking on potentially wet and uneven surfaces. TikTok

What Travellers Say

3.7
(12k reviews)

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

Authentic local experience
Affordable and delicious food
Vibrant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Cleanliness concerns
Crowded and noisy
Potential for scams

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

The market is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be navigating crowded aisles and potentially wet floors. TikTok

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Mercado Bazurto is a public market and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely explore its various sections. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

While some private guides offer tours, many visitors, including Redditors, suggest it's not necessary and you can explore independently. Reddit

There are no specific entry restrictions, but it's a very active market, so be prepared for crowds and a lively atmosphere. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTok+3

Food is generally very affordable, especially compared to tourist areas. You can get a substantial plate of food for around 18,000 pesos. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

Always ask for prices before ordering. Some visitors have reported being overcharged, so confirming the cost upfront is crucial. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok+1

The seafood section, the fruit stalls, and the areas where food is being cooked offer great visual appeal due to their colors and textures. TikTok+1

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. Reddit

Mornings can offer softer light, while midday provides the most activity. Consider the trade-off between light and crowd levels. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mercado Bazurto can be an exciting, albeit intense, experience for families. The sheer variety of sights, sounds, and smells can be captivating for children. Focus on the fruit and juice stalls for a refreshing and less overwhelming introduction. TikTok Consider visiting during weekday mornings when it's slightly less crowded.

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. TikTokReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Mercado Bazurto is a paradise for budget travelers. You can find incredibly affordable and delicious meals here, often costing a fraction of what you'd pay in more tourist-centric areas. TikTokReddit From hearty plates of seafood to fresh juices, your money goes a long way.

Avoid paying for guides; exploring independently is free and recommended by many. Reddit 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. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Culinary Heart of Cartagena

Mercado Bazurto is renowned as Cartagena's gastronomic heart, offering an authentic taste of Caribbean cuisine. Here, you can find an incredible variety of fresh seafood, from whole fish like mojarra and bocachico to shrimp and octopus, often prepared in traditional ways such as fried or in rich coconut sauces. TikTok+1 Beyond seafood, the market is a treasure trove of local produce, exotic fruits, and freshly squeezed juices, providing a refreshing and healthy experience. TikTok Many visitors highlight the affordability of the food, noting that a substantial and delicious meal can be had for a very reasonable price, making it a stark contrast to the more expensive options in the Walled City. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok+1 While some reviews mention cleanliness concerns, many visitors find the experience rewarding and the food delicious, provided they are cautious. Reddit The market also hosts cultural events and music, particularly champeta, adding another layer to its vibrant identity. TikTok+1

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. TikTokReddit

Navigating the Bustle: Tips for First-Timers

Visiting Mercado Bazurto for the first time can be overwhelming, but with a few key tips, you can navigate it like a pro. Firstly, embrace the chaos. This is not a sanitized tourist attraction; it's a working, breathing market. Expect crowds, noise, and a sensory overload that is part of its charm. TikTokInstagram Many visitors find it to be a relatively tame market once they are inside, contrary to some initial apprehension. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit 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. Reddit

Comfortable footwear is a must. You'll be doing a lot of walking, and the market floors can be uneven and wet. TikTok Finally, don't feel pressured to hire a guide. Many travelers find that exploring independently allows for a more authentic experience and saves money. Reddit Just dive in, be curious, and enjoy the vibrant local culture. TikTok