Mercado Municipal de Artesania (Municipal Market of Handcrafts), San Jose (must see)
The Municipal Craft Market in San José is a lively open-air hub where the city’s rich artisan traditions come to life. Colorful stalls brim with handcrafted jewelry, wood carvings, baskets, pottery, t-shirts, and decorative art, many of which can be admired while watching skilled artisans at work.
Unlike other markets in the city, the focus here leans strongly toward authentic handcrafts rather than mass-produced souvenirs, offering a more genuine glimpse into Costa Rican creativity. With room for 88 vendors and plenty of space to stroll, the market invites leisurely exploration amid its vibrant displays and tempting wares.
Beyond shopping, the atmosphere is part of the charm: the bustling stalls, the scent of local foods, and the occasional performance or demonstration create a dynamic, sensory experience that captures the essence of San José’s cultural heart.
Unlike other markets in the city, the focus here leans strongly toward authentic handcrafts rather than mass-produced souvenirs, offering a more genuine glimpse into Costa Rican creativity. With room for 88 vendors and plenty of space to stroll, the market invites leisurely exploration amid its vibrant displays and tempting wares.
Beyond shopping, the atmosphere is part of the charm: the bustling stalls, the scent of local foods, and the occasional performance or demonstration create a dynamic, sensory experience that captures the essence of San José’s cultural heart.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Jose. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Mercado Municipal de Artesania (Municipal Market of Handcrafts) on Map
Sight Name: Mercado Municipal de Artesania (Municipal Market of Handcrafts)
Sight Location: San Jose, Costa Rica (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Jose, Costa Rica (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Jose, Costa Rica
Create Your Own Walk in San Jose
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Jose is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Shopping and Food Walking Tour
Walking the pedestrian-friendly promenades of Costa Rica's capital – San Jose – is a great way to experience the local culture. Despite an occasional rainstorm, the country's tropical weather makes outdoor shopping an undeniably fun experience. The downtown part of San Jose has no shortage of department stores, traditional marketplaces and souvenir shops selling handcrafts.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Historical Buildings Tour
What's known today as San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, came into being as a small settlement during the Spanish invasion, circa the mid-16th century. From a town of little importance, San Jose eventually evolved into a densely-populated cosmopolitan city, built mostly with proceeds from coffee trade.
The historic architecture of San Jose is a mix of European and Latin American styles... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The historic architecture of San Jose is a mix of European and Latin American styles... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
San Jose Introduction Walking Tour
Ricardo Jimenez Oreamuno, former president of Costa Rica, once said: “San Jose is the heart of Costa Rica, where the pulse of the nation beats.”
San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The city's origins are tied to the country’s shift toward independence and urban development. Before becoming the capital, Costa Rica’s main... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The city's origins are tied to the country’s shift toward independence and urban development. Before becoming the capital, Costa Rica’s main... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
17 Uniquely Costa Rican Things to Buy in San Jose
Not to be confused with San Jose, the sunny California, San Jose, Costa Rica is the capital city of a wet (250 centimeters of rainfall per year) and colorful Latin American country renowned for its diverse craftsmanship (courtesy of the numerous indigenous tribes), splendid coffee and rich cultural...




