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Mercado de Santa Florentina

4.2
·3k reviews·Cartagena, Spain

A vibrant local market in Cartagena offering fresh produce, delicious seafood, and authentic flavors at unbeatable prices.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late March onwards

Cruise ships boost activity

CrowdMedium
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Santa Cruz

Mercado de Santa Florentina

Best Time

Late March onwards

Cruise ships boost activity

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant local market in Cartagena offering fresh produce, delicious seafood, and authentic flavors at unbeatable prices.

4.2
(3k reviews)

"Excellent quality, very friendly vendors. Highly recommended to anyone who is on the area and wants to either stock up on fresh produce, meats, cheeses and everything in between."

Vertical photo
TIP

Taste Before You Buy 🫒

Don't miss the olive specialist near the entrance; they offer samples of their extraordinary quality olives.

Budget-Friendly Bites 💰

You can get a tremendous plate of food for around 18,000 pesos.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gastronomic Paradise

Gastronomic Paradise

Food section

Savor authentic local flavors with incredibly fresh seafood and traditional dishes at budget-friendly prices.

Olive Specialist

Olive Specialist

Near the entrance

Discover extraordinary quality olives from a third-generation vendor who offers generous samples.

Fresh Produce & Meats

Fresh Produce & Meats

Main market area

Stock up on high-quality fresh produce, meats, and a delightful array of cold cuts.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While some TikToks highlight the vibrant food scene, others point out that many stalls can be closed outside peak season or cruise ship arrivals. Check local schedules before you go to ensure a lively experience.

Beyond the Stalls

While the market is known for fresh produce and local delicacies, some creators mention nearby areas for handicrafts. Plan your visit to include both the market's culinary delights and potential souvenir shopping.

Best Times

When
Late March onwards
Why
Cruise ships boost activity
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Esta es la parte de #cartagena que poco se muestra, el segundo piso del mercado Bazurto lugar de indigentes y dos cocineras que se niegan a rendirse qué opinas ? #turismo
@conectadosconross
33.4K likes • 678.8K views

Taste Before You Buy 🫒

Don't miss the olive specialist near the entrance; they offer samples of their extraordinary quality olives. Reddit

Budget-Friendly Bites 💰

You can get a tremendous plate of food for around 18,000 pesos. TikTok

#mercado #comida #mercadosebazurto #cartagena
@eddcabarcas
28K likes • 648.4K views
📍Entre procesiones y playa, esta #SemanaSanta quise visitar el mercado Santa Florentina de #Cartagena donde nos pusimos las botas a base de gambas, almejas, albariño y pescado a la plancha. 👉Una pena que el caso viejo de #Pozuelodealarcón no cuente con un amplio espacio o nave capaz de aglomerar algunas carnicerías o pescaderías del pueblo y puestos del Mercado de las Flores y la Galería de Nues...
pozueloenmarcha
97 likes • 5.1K views

Seek Out Local Gems 💎

Explore beyond the main stalls for unique finds, including handicrafts in nearby areas. TikTok+1

Check Opening Times ⏰

Some visitors noted very few booths were open outside of peak season or cruise ship arrivals. Reddit

VERGÜENZA Desde Contigo Cartagena solo podemos decir que sentimos vergüenza del estado en el que se encuentra el Mercado de Santa Florentina. Este mercado que tendría que ser un lugar exquisito como ocurre en otras ciudades, refleja la incompetencia y la desidia de un Ayuntamiento del PP&Ciudadanos y ExSocialistas. Que su única preocupación es gastar dinero público en campañas para justificar sus...
contigo_cartagena
34 likes • 882 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Taste Before You Buy 🫒

Don't miss the olive specialist near the entrance; they offer samples of their extraordinary quality olives. Reddit

Budget-Friendly Bites 💰

You can get a tremendous plate of food for around 18,000 pesos. TikTok

Seek Out Local Gems 💎

Explore beyond the main stalls for unique finds, including handicrafts in nearby areas. TikTok+1

Check Opening Times ⏰

Some visitors noted very few booths were open outside of peak season or cruise ship arrivals. Reddit

Embrace the Chaos 🌊

The market can be chaotic, but it's part of the authentic local experience. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.2
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the market for its excellent quality produce, friendly vendors, and delicious, affordable food, especially the olives. However, some note that the market can be quiet with few stalls open outside of peak tourist seasons or cruise ship arrivals, and some find the overall experience less impressive compared to larger European markets.

"A lovely place with great people. We enjoyed every single one of the vendors that we interacted with and the food we bought is fantastic. We will visit again."

Marius van Emmenes

"Well, maybe it picks up once the cruise ships start showing up at the end of March, but right now, it literally was two or three little booths open.

After going to the great markets in Barcelona, Valencia and Malaga, this is not good at all."

Sherree Vickers

"Excellent quality, very friendly vendors.
The olive specialist is 3rd generation vendor, extraordinary quality and service! He lets one sample everything before buying. Highest quality prices and service, right at the entrance.

Highly recommended to anyone who is on the area and wants to either stock up on fresh produce, meats, cheeses and everything in between. Or to just buy lunch!"

Silver P40

What People Like

Excellent quality produce
Friendly vendors
Affordable, delicious food

What People Dislike

Quiet outside peak season
Fewer open stalls

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The market is located in Cartagena. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's accessible by local transport. Some visitors mention it's a place to 'stock up on fresh produce, meats, cheeses and everything in between' or 'just buy lunch,' suggesting it's a central spot. Reddit

It's a well-known market in Cartagena. One Instagram reel mentions its location next to the Santa Clara Hotel, though this might refer to a different market. For Mercado de Santa Florentina, it's often associated with the general area of fresh food markets in Cartagena. TikTok

Taxis or ride-sharing services are generally reliable options for reaching markets in Cartagena. Local buses might also be available, but research routes beforehand. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, typically markets like Mercado de Santa Florentina are free to enter. You only pay for the goods you purchase. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and some reviews suggest it can be quiet outside of peak season or when cruise ships are in port. It's best to check locally or aim for morning hours. Reddit

Entry to the market itself is generally free. You'll pay for any food, produce, or goods you decide to buy from the vendors. Reddit

To experience the market at its liveliest, aim for times when cruise ships are docked, typically from late March onwards, or on weekends. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Expect a gastronomic paradise with incredibly fresh seafood, traditional dishes, and a wide variety of olives. You can also find fresh produce, meats, and cold cuts. TikTokReddit+1

No, the food is known for being very inexpensive. You can get a substantial plate of food for around 18,000 pesos. TikTok+1

Yes, particularly at the olive specialist stall, where you can sample everything before purchasing. Reddit

The fresh seafood, local olives, and traditional Colombian dishes are highly recommended. TikTokReddit+1

Absolutely! Many vendors offer full meals, making it a great spot for lunch. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

While the market focuses on fresh goods, nearby areas offer handicrafts and souvenirs at economical prices. Look for places like Mercado Macaito or specific souvenir shops in the city center. TikTok+2

You can find a variety of local crafts, including embroidered bags (mochilas), and other unique souvenirs to remember your trip. TikTok+1

Yes, many sources indicate that you can find handicrafts and souvenirs at economical prices in the vicinity of the market. TikTok+1

The market itself is primarily for fresh produce and food. However, the surrounding areas, like Mercado Macaito, are excellent for shopping for local crafts and souvenirs. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

The vibrant atmosphere, colorful produce, and bustling vendors can make for great photographic opportunities, capturing the authentic local life. TikTok

Focus on the fresh seafood displays, the variety of fruits and vegetables, local vendors interacting with customers, and the general lively ambiance. TikTok+1

Generally, casual photography is accepted, but it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of them or their stalls. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mercado de Santa Florentina can be an exciting, albeit potentially chaotic, experience for families. The vibrant sights and sounds of a local market can be engaging for children. Focus on the food stalls where kids can see a variety of fresh produce and perhaps try some local fruits or simple dishes. TikTok The olive specialist might also be interesting for a sensory experience with different tastes. Reddit Keep a close eye on children due to the bustling crowds. Consider visiting during less crowded times if possible, though weekends offer the most lively atmosphere. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This market is a dream for budget travelers! You can find incredibly affordable and delicious meals, with large plates of food costing around 18,000 pesos. TikTok+1 It's the perfect place to experience authentic local cuisine without overspending. Beyond food, you can also find economical souvenirs and handicrafts in the surrounding areas, making it a one-stop shop for both taste and trinkets. TikTok+1

foodie Travelers

For food lovers, Mercado de Santa Florentina is a culinary adventure. Dive into the freshest seafood, sample a wide array of local olives from a renowned vendor, and savor traditional Colombian dishes at unbeatable prices. TikTokReddit+1 The market offers an authentic taste of Cartagena's gastronomy, allowing you to experience the heart of its food culture. Don't miss the opportunity to try a full meal here for an immersive dining experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Culinary Heart of Cartagena

Mercado de Santa Florentina is celebrated as a gastronomic paradise in Cartagena, offering an authentic taste of local life. Visitors rave about the exceptional quality and freshness of the seafood, meats, and produce available. The market is particularly renowned for its olive selection, with a third-generation vendor providing extraordinary quality and allowing customers to sample before buying. Reddit It's a place where you can enjoy a delicious and inexpensive meal, with substantial plates of food available for around 18,000 pesos. TikTok+1 The vibrant atmosphere, though sometimes chaotic, is a key part of the experience, offering a true glimpse into the local culture. TikTok

Beyond the immediate food stalls, the market serves as a hub for local commerce. While the primary focus is on fresh ingredients, the surrounding areas are also known for handicrafts and souvenirs. TikTok+1 This makes Mercado de Santa Florentina a multifaceted destination, appealing to both food enthusiasts and those looking for unique local crafts. However, it's important to note that the market's vibrancy can be seasonal, with some visitors observing fewer open stalls outside of peak tourist times or cruise ship arrivals. Reddit

For travelers seeking an authentic Colombian experience, Mercado de Santa Florentina is a must-visit. It offers a chance to interact with friendly vendors, savor incredible flavors, and immerse yourself in the daily rhythm of Cartagena. Whether you're looking to buy fresh ingredients for a meal or simply want to soak in the local atmosphere, the market provides a rich and rewarding experience. TikTokReddit

Navigating the Market Experience

Visiting Mercado de Santa Florentina offers a chance to engage with the local community, but it's helpful to be prepared. The market's bustling nature can be overwhelming for some, described as 'absolutely chaos' by one visitor, but this is often seen as part of its charm and authenticity. TikTok The friendliness of the vendors is frequently highlighted, making interactions pleasant and memorable. Reddit

When it comes to food, the affordability is a major draw. You can enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank, making it an ideal spot for budget-conscious travelers. TikTok+1 The olive specialist is a standout, offering a chance to taste a variety of high-quality olives before making a purchase. Reddit This emphasis on sampling and quality is a recurring theme in positive reviews.

It's worth noting that the market's activity level can fluctuate. Some visitors have found it to be quite quiet with only a few stalls open, particularly outside of the main tourist season or when cruise ships are not present. Reddit Therefore, checking local schedules or visiting during peak times like weekends or after late March when cruise ships begin to arrive can enhance the experience. Reddit

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