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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cruise ships boost activity

Mercado de Santa Florentina
Best Time
Cruise ships boost activity

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant local market in Cartagena offering fresh produce, delicious seafood, and authentic flavors at unbeatable prices.
"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."

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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Olive Specialist
Near the entrance
Discover extraordinary quality olives from a third-generation vendor who offers generous samples.

Fresh Produce & Meats
Main market area
Stock up on high-quality fresh produce, meats, and a delightful array of cold cuts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Stalls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Seek Out Local Gems 💎
Explore beyond the main stalls for unique finds, including handicrafts in nearby areas.
Check Opening Times ⏰
Some visitors noted very few booths were open outside of peak season or cruise ship arrivals.
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.
Budget-Friendly Bites 💰
You can get a tremendous plate of food for around 18,000 pesos.
Seek Out Local Gems 💎
Explore beyond the main stalls for unique finds, including handicrafts in nearby areas.
Check Opening Times ⏰
Some visitors noted very few booths were open outside of peak season or cruise ship arrivals.
Embrace the Chaos 🌊
The market can be chaotic, but it's part of the authentic local experience.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Taxis or ride-sharing services are generally reliable options for reaching markets in Cartagena. Local buses might also be available, but research routes beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, typically markets like Mercado de Santa Florentina are free to enter. You only pay for the goods you purchase.
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.
Entry to the market itself is generally free. You'll pay for any food, produce, or goods you decide to buy from the vendors.
To experience the market at its liveliest, aim for times when cruise ships are docked, typically from late March onwards, or on weekends.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
No, the food is known for being very inexpensive. You can get a substantial plate of food for around 18,000 pesos.
Yes, particularly at the olive specialist stall, where you can sample everything before purchasing.
The fresh seafood, local olives, and traditional Colombian dishes are highly recommended.
Absolutely! Many vendors offer full meals, making it a great spot for lunch.
🎫 🛍️ 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.
You can find a variety of local crafts, including embroidered bags (mochilas), and other unique souvenirs to remember your trip.
Yes, many sources indicate that you can find handicrafts and souvenirs at economical prices in the vicinity of the market.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant atmosphere, colorful produce, and bustling vendors can make for great photographic opportunities, capturing the authentic local life.
Focus on the fresh seafood displays, the variety of fruits and vegetables, local vendors interacting with customers, and the general lively ambiance.
Generally, casual photography is accepted, but it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of them or their stalls.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
foodie Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Heart of Cartagena
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. 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.
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.
Navigating the Market Experience
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. The olive specialist is a standout, offering a chance to taste a variety of high-quality olives before making a purchase. 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. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit