Flea markets all around the world provide a unique place for second-hand shoppers to find one-of-a-kind items that can fill their homes, offices, workspaces, and more.
These trinkets, furniture items, dishes, books, and art can make an ordinary space extraordinary and unique in its own way.
Flea markets are also an incredible way to get some souvenirs from places you have visited around the world.
Anyone can get a souvenir or a trinket from a roadside stand, a kiosk at the airport or shopping mall, or a booth downtown.
Shopping at a flea market overseas is the best way to ensure that your souvenirs from your trip are truly one of a kind and that no one else will have one like yours.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a lot of vibrant colors and a vivacious culture.
Tourists come from all over the world to enjoy what it has to offer.
If you are traveling to Costa Rica, the best place to find that perfect souvenir is to shop at one of the ten best flea markets.
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The Ten Best Flea Markets in Costa Rica
1. Antigüedades Imperio
Near Guadalupe, Costa Rica is one of only five flea and antique stores that are open daily in the country of Costa Rica.
Antigüedades Imperio is open daily and sells both flea markets and antique items.
It is very rare to find a store that sells old and antique items in Costa Rica because the culture in the country is much different than in other parts of the world.
Many Costa Ricans do not ascribe value to old things.
Parts of Costa Rica are more impoverished, and old things do not necessarily gain more value.
However, some people do dedicate their time to antiquing and finding rare and one-of-a-kind items for souvenirs at flea markets.
Antigüedades Imperio is a great flea market that provides things as small as trinkets and collectibles to larger things like furniture, dishware, and more.
2. Tamarindo Night Market
The Tamarindo Night Market is a full-fledged experience located in the town of Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Every Thursday night from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, the market opens and welcomes people from all over the world into its charming atmosphere.
This market is a picture of Costa Rican culture, with live music and entertainment, fire dancers, a DJ with dancing, family activities, a clown for the kids in your family, food, and so much more.
Food trucks come to serve everyone some delicious food and souvenir vendors from all around Costa Rica sell their wares at this night market.
You can find so many things here, from food and grocery market items to souvenirs, trinkets, artwork, books, and so much more.
3. Farmers Fair (Ferias del Agricultor)
The Farmers Fair, or Ferias del Agricultor, is located in Quepos, Costa Rica, and specializes in fruits, vegetables, meats, and other food items.
However, it is not just a food market.
Many people rave about the freshness and deliciousness of the product that you can find at Ferias del Agricultor, but you can also find household goods, books, art, and souvenir items at some of the booths at this Farmers’ Fair.
Any item that you would like to find, you can get at this simple and traditional market.
4. Central Market (Mercado Central)
Located in the capital of Costa Rica, the Central Market (Mercado Central) gives the streets of San Jose a very cultural and vivacious feeling.
On the market’s surface, it may seem like any other Central American market with produce, fish, meats, household goods, clothing, and souvenirs.
However, Mercado Central is one of the largest and most popular markets in Costa Rica and boasts some great finds for those who want to find some gently used items, household necessities, and souvenirs.
In addition, Mercado Central is home to Costa Rica’s first ice cream parlor.
El Sorbetero de Lolo Morao offers traditional Costa Rican ice cream, and you can sit for a small break from shopping at their ice cream counter while you enjoy a scoop.
5. Feria Del Agricultor
Located in Grecia, Feria Del Agricultor is an agricultural market that takes place once a week.
There are many agricultural items that are for sale here, which is why it is named Feria Del Agricultor.
However, there are many other items that are for sale here, such as cultural items, souvenirs, clothing, household items, and more.
Many shoppers have described this market as abundant and, at times, overwhelming because of all of the beautiful options.
The market is abundant and very popular amongst the locals and tourists in Grecia, Costa Rica.
6. Old Harbor Art & Craft Market
The Old Harbor Art and Craft Market is by far one of the most popular things to do in the city of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Costa Rica.
Many vendors occupy the endless booths that make up this arts and crafts market, and they sell all kinds of unique and fun things for you to take home with you as a souvenir.
This market is only open on the weekends, so you can visit it on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday from 3:00 pm-8:00 pm.
Everything is handmade, guaranteeing that you will have a piece that no one else has.
They sell everything from jewelry to clothing to pottery.
7. Samara Farmers Market
The Samara Farmers Market is located in Playa del Samara in Costa Rica.
It takes place once a week every Friday, from 3:00 pm-6:00 pm.
The market takes over the downtown area of The Natural Center every Friday afternoon.
This market does have an abundance of produce, groceries, meat, cheeses, and more, but it also has much more than that. You can buy unique souvenirs, trinkets, and household goods, and even enjoy a nice meal with live music.
The Samara Farmers Market is a great way to kick off your weekend.
8. Cartago Central Market
The Cartago Central Market is located in Cartago.
Vendors are located all over the middle of Cartago in this market, and there are various kinds of booths that you can choose to shop at.
Here, you can buy local goods, household items, grocery and produce items, and much more.
Anything that you need for your home, you can find it here.
Shoppers have said that this market is always bustling and busy and that it is always well kept and clean.
9. Eco Market El Coco
In Playas del Coco, Eco Market El Coco is a great market that will meet all of your flea market needs.
This market is both a farmer’s market and an artisan market.
Your whole family can spend the afternoon at Eco Market El Coco, and it is a true picture of the culture and life in Costa Rica.
This market focuses on earth-friendly items and sells jewelry, souvenirs, food, and much more.
10. Feria de Sámara
In Playa Samara, the Feria de Samara is an authentic market that is truly one of the most cultural markets in all of Costa Rica.
Here you can buy second-hand items, household items, and much more, such as furniture, pottery, jewelry, and more.
Many of these items are handmade by Costa Ricans who live in Playa Samara and who make their living on making these beautiful things for tourists just like you.
The 10 Best Flea Markets in Costa Rica – Summary Table
| Flea Market | Address |
|---|---|
| 1. Antigüedades Imperio | 200 Oeste tribunales Goicoechea Guadalupe, San José, 10803, Costa Rica |
| 2. Tamarindo Night Market | Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica |
| 3. Farmers Fair (Ferias del Agricultor) | 199, Av. 1 101, San José Province, Santa Ana, Costa Rica |
| 4. Central Market (Mercado Central) | WWM9+V5H, Calle 8, Paso De La Vaca, San José, Costa Rica |
| 5. Feria Del Agricultor | 3MHP+J75, 711, Provincia de Alajuela, Grecia, 20301, Costa Rica |
| 6. Old Harbor Art & Craft Market | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca 70403 Costa Rica |
| 7. Samara Farmers Market | VFJF+H6G Natural Center. In front of Gusto Beach Restaurant, Provincia de Guanacaste, Sámara, 50205, Costa Rica |
| 8. Cartago Central Market | 100m Norte de la Plaza Mayor, Av. 1 del Comercio, Provincia di Cartago, Cantone di Cartago, Costa Rica |
| 9. Eco Market El Coco | La Chorrera, 200 N 75 E de Zi Lounge Guanacaste Playas Del Coco, 50503, Costa Rica |
| 10. Feria de Sámara | 150m east of police station, C. de la Playa, Provincia de Guanacaste, Sámara, 50205, Costa Rica |
Costa Rica Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Costa Rica Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
How many total flea markets are there in Costa Rica?
There are about 10 flea markets, street markets, and antique stores in the country of Costa Rica.
What city in Costa Rica has the most flea markets?
San Jose and Tamarindo have the most popular flea markets.
The flea markets in the country of Costa Rica are scattered all across the country, but they are most highly concentrated in these two cities.
What is the most popular flea market in Costa Rica?
The Central Market, or Mercado Central, is the most popular and well-liked market in Costa Rica.
The Tamarindo Night Market is a must-visit for its lively atmosphere, unique trinkets and delicious food trucks; it’s an authentic Costa Rican experience that shouldn’t be missed.