Mercado Central de Lima
A vibrant, chaotic heart of Lima, offering everything from fresh produce to trendy fashion and delicious street food at unbeatable prices.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh goods
Mercado Central de Lima
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh goods
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, chaotic heart of Lima, offering everything from fresh produce to trendy fashion and delicious street food at unbeatable prices.
"An authentic South American covered market, with all the positives and cons of traditional covered markets."
🎯 Go Early for Best Buys
Arrive before 10 AM to beat the biggest crowds and find the freshest produce and best selection.
💰 Haggle for Deals
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially for non-food items. It's part of the experience!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Culinary Delights
Food stalls throughout the market
Savor authentic Peruvian flavors, from fresh ceviche to hearty anticuchos. A true taste of local life.
Bargain Hunter's Paradise
Various sections, especially jewelry and accessories
Discover incredible deals on silver jewelry, leather goods, and trendy accessories. Perfect for unique souvenirs.
Chinatown Exploration
Capon Street (Jirón Paruro)
Explore the vibrant streets of Lima's Chinatown, adjacent to the market, for imported goods and a different cultural flavor.
Home Goods & More
Kitchenware and home decor sections
Find everything for your kitchen and home, from utensils to decorative items, often at wholesale prices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hustle
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early for Best Buys
Arrive before 10 AM to beat the biggest crowds and find the freshest produce and best selection.
💰 Haggle for Deals
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially for non-food items. It's part of the experience!
🎒 Secure Your Belongings
Keep valuables close and be aware of your surroundings in this busy environment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Best Buys
Arrive before 10 AM to beat the biggest crowds and find the freshest produce and best selection.
💰 Haggle for Deals
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially for non-food items. It's part of the experience!
🎒 Secure Your Belongings
Keep valuables close and be aware of your surroundings in this busy environment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must.
📱 Use Maps for Navigation
The market can be a maze; having a map app can help you find specific sections.
🍽️ Try Local Eateries
Sample delicious and affordable meals at the market's many food stalls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mercado Central de Lima offers an authentic, bustling South American market experience with an incredible variety of products and food at honest prices. While it can be crowded, loud, and sometimes overwhelming, its vibrant atmosphere and great bargains make it a worthwhile destination for locals and adventurous tourists alike. It's best visited during the day for shopping and meals.
"An authentic South American covered market, with all the positives (great variety of products, especially food, but also house items, at very honest prices) and cons (crowded, loud, hectic and in some places with a strong smell) of South American traditional covered markets. During the day you can also find a good number of tourists, especially attracted by the many traditional restaurants in and near the market, but it is mostly a place where local residents come for their every day shopping. It opens very early in the morning and it closes early in the evening, so it is a great place to visit and wander around making a stop for breakfast or lunch, but not for dinner."
Niccolo' Bertoldi
"While the Mercado Central may not have the European charm of a central market, it's a worthwhile destination for those familiar with the city. Offering a wide variety of groceries, meat, fruits, and vegetables, this modernist building provides a unique and authentic experience for travelers."
Andres Vargas Higuera
"You can get all you need but it's a little crowded and crazy. I recommend you focus in your shopping because you can find good deals. Dont distract with anything. Personally, I started looking cotton shirts, some souvenirs and Chinese products around Central Market."
Jacqueline Vilela
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mercado Central is located in the heart of downtown Lima. You can easily reach it by taxi or ride-sharing app. Public buses also frequent the area, but be mindful of traffic. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from historical sites like Plaza Mayor.
Parking in downtown Lima can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services rather than driving your own vehicle.
Downtown Lima can be chaotic. Using a GPS app on your phone is highly recommended. If taking a taxi, confirm the destination clearly as 'Mercado Central de Lima'.
While possible, walking from Miraflores to Mercado Central is a significant distance (several miles) and not recommended due to traffic and urban sprawl. It's best to use a taxi or public transport.
Mercado Central has multiple entrances, with main ones accessible from Jirón Paruro and Jirón Puno. The surrounding streets also offer access points into the market's various sections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Mercado Central is free. It's a public market, and you can wander through its aisles without purchasing a ticket.
Mercado Central typically opens very early in the morning, around 6 or 7 AM, and closes in the early evening, usually between 5 PM and 7 PM. It's best to visit during daylight hours.
Mercado Central is generally open on Sundays, though hours might be slightly reduced. It's always a good idea to check for any specific holiday closures.
Yes, you can bring bags, but be mindful of the crowded spaces. It's advisable to keep your belongings secure and close to you.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their products.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Products
You can find an incredible variety: fresh produce, meats, seafood, spices, household items, clothing, electronics, souvenirs, jewelry, leather goods, and much more. +2
Look for souvenir stalls scattered throughout the market, particularly in sections selling Chinese products or general merchandise. Haggling is key!
Absolutely! Many vendors specialize in silver jewelry, offering trendy designs at competitive prices. Look in galleries like Guizado Hermanos. +2
Yes, there are dedicated shops selling high-quality leather bags, wallets, and belts, often made in Peru. Bellucci Cueros is a popular spot.
For most non-food items like clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, prices are negotiable. Be polite and offer a reasonable counter-price.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market is a foodie's dream, offering everything from fresh juices and ceviche to hearty stews and anticuchos. Many small restaurants and food stalls serve local specialties.
Generally, yes. The market has many established eateries. However, as with any busy market, use your judgment, choose busy stalls with good turnover, and ensure food is cooked thoroughly.
Don't miss anticuchos (grilled skewers), ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime), lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), and fresh fruit juices.
While meat and seafood are prevalent, you can often find fresh fruit stalls, vegetable dishes, and some grain-based options. It might require asking vendors specifically.
Yes, Mercado Central is an excellent place for both breakfast and lunch, with many vendors opening early to serve local workers and visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The vibrant colors, bustling activity, and diverse products make it a photographer's delight. Capture the essence of local life.
Focus on the colorful produce displays, the vendors at work, the intricate details of crafts, and the lively interactions between people.
The fruit and vegetable sections, the spice stalls, and the areas with artisanal crafts often offer the most visually appealing scenes.
Always be respectful. Ask for permission before taking close-up shots of individuals, especially vendors.
Morning light can be beautiful, and the market is less crowded. However, the midday bustle also offers dynamic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Keep a close eye on children in the crowded aisles to prevent them from getting separated. Bring snacks and water, as navigating to specific food vendors might take time. While the market is generally safe, be extra vigilant with belongings. The vibrant atmosphere can be a lot, so consider a shorter visit if your children are easily overstimulated.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of buying expensive souvenirs, look for unique, locally made items at a fraction of the price. For example, silver jewelry and leather goods are often significantly cheaper here than in tourist-oriented shops.
🛍️ Shoppers & Bargain Hunters
+4 Galleries like Guizado Hermanos are frequently mentioned for jewelry, while Bellucci Cueros is a go-to for leather products. Pro-tip: Go with a list of what you're looking for to navigate efficiently. Be prepared to haggle politely to secure the best deals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Market Maze
+1 It's helpful to have a general idea of what you're looking for before you go, or be prepared to explore and discover.To make your navigation easier, consider using a map app on your phone. Some creators even point out 'secret passages' or shortcuts that connect different parts of the market, which can be a fun way to discover hidden gems.
For those interested in specific types of shopping, like wholesale imports, exploring the streets surrounding the market, such as Jirón Puno or Jirón Paruro, can lead to specialized importadoras.
This area is where many businesses in Peru source their merchandise, offering a glimpse into the country's commercial heart.The Thrill of the Bargain Hunt
+4 Many creators emphasize that haggling is expected and part of the shopping culture here. Don't be shy to negotiate, but always do so respectfully. Start with a lower offer and work your way up to a price you're both comfortable with. When shopping for items like fresh produce or food, prices are generally more fixed, but you might still find slight variations. For electronics or more specialized goods, research prices beforehand if possible. Redditors advise focusing on your shopping list to avoid getting distracted by impulse buys in the overwhelming environment.
A Culinary Adventure
Visitors rave about the freshness and flavor of the food, making it a must-visit for any foodie. You can find everything from breakfast staples like tamales and empanadas to more adventurous options like anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers) and pancita (tripe). Popular choices include ceviche, lomo saltado, and an array of fresh fruit juices made from exotic Peruvian fruits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit