Plaza de Mercado Bazurto — Attraction in Cartagena

A Thrilling Visit to Mercado de Bazurto in Cartagena

My Rating: 5/5

If you're looking for an unforgettable experience that will entertain and leave a lasting impression, for years to come, then definitely visit the Mercado de Basurto in Cartagena, which is a must. This expansive market, teeming with a vibrant mix of food, fish, vegetables, hardware items, and cleaning products, has thrilled visitors since its inception.

Upon entering Mercado de Bazurto, you'll find yourself immersed in a bustling atmosphere where the sights, sounds, and smells come together in a captivating symphony of life. The inner sanctum of the market is home to a kitchen area filled with numerous food vendors, each preparing freshly caught fish or meat over gas or wood fires. These cocinas have not only served locals but have also inspired world-class chefs who come to experience the authentic flavors and techniques.

While navigating the market, be prepared for a sensory adventure. The hygiene standards and potent aromas in some hallways may require a bit of courage, and it's wise to avoid wearing fine shoes or high heels you wouldn't want to clean. However, this is all part of the market's charm and authenticity.

Mercado de Bazurto is a fascinating blend of a major flea market, food hall, and a collection of kitchens catering inexpensively to locals and culinary professionals alike. One of the market's most thrilling aspects is watching fishermen bring in their fresh catches directly from the boats. Here, bargains are abundant, and haggling is not just encouraged but expected. Vendors prefer cash, so be sure to have plenty on hand.

For the best experience, plan to visit in the morning. This is the ideal time to buy the freshest fish and produce, and then savor a home-cooked lunch prepared right at the market. The food vendors are sure to whip up amazing fish dishes accompanied by delectable side dishes like patacones, arroz de coco, stews, and maduros. You can also find a variety of local Cartagena cuisine, including:

Arepas de Huevo: Fried corn cakes stuffed with egg. Mojarra Frita**: Fried fish, typically served with coconut rice and patacones. Cazuela de Mariscos: A rich seafood stew made with coconut milk. Posta Negra Cartagenera: Slow-cooked beef in a dark, sweet sauce. Sancocho: it is A hearty soup made with meat, plantains, yuca, and corn. Empanadas: Fried or baked pastries filled with meat, potatoes, or cheese.

While the market's chaotic energy is part of its allure, don’t be put off by the characters you’ll meet - be kind, be friendly! it's important to exercise some caution when taking photographs. Previous visitors have sometimes depicted the market as dirty and cheap, but this couldn't be further from the truth. The real essence of Mercado de Basurto lies in the friendliness of its vendors and the bustling community that thrives within its walls. Each day, significant business transactions occur, reflecting the market's vital role in Cartagena's daily life.

To make the most of your visit, consider coming with friends or hiring a local guide. Spanish is a must! I found myself learning a few helpful phrases and learning the names of some of Colombias tropical fruit!! Locals will correct you and be receptive to this gift! Locals can help you navigate the labyrinthine hallways and small vendors, ensuring you don't miss any of the market's hidden gems. Additionally, it's highly advisable not to bring any flashy jewelry or items of value, as they might tempt those less fortunate. Not to scare you off at all, rather be pragmatic.

Whether you're a food enthusiast, a chef, a bargain hunter, or simply looking for an authentic cultural experience, Mercado de Bazurto offers a thrilling adventure that will stay with you long after you've left its...

If you’re really interested in local culture. And how a lot of Colombian people live. This is a great place to go. However, your think at heart or stomach you shouldn’t go there at all. It does show the culture which means the high and lows of everything. And if you are from the United States, don’t go there if you’re looking for everything to be perfect because no, they don’t wear gloves when they serve your food. You don’t know how they cook their food, but you do see it being cooked. You don’t know how to prepare their food because you don’t see it being prepared. But this is how they live and they are happy the way they are doing it. This place and think you’re going to change the way it is. This is their country and they are happy with it. I had a lot of fun while I was there. Walked around the stores there itty-bitty stores and it’s like a maze that you’re going into. And if you don’t pay attention where you’re at you can get really lost.and of course it’s an open market so like any other country not like the US laying out on counters or...

Bogota had replicas were better and higher end, but for Cartagena, this market is very vast. Also surprisingly safe for foreigners. We took a tour with a guide first, but came back to shop more later in the afternoon, never felt unsafe. They also have a lot of local goods here. However, sanitization and fire hazards are not up to any standards. So try the foods/fruit at your own risk. One of us got sick the next day and the other was fine. So depending on your risk tolerance and how strong your stomach is, YMMV. Still a very fun location to visit and shop, vendors are not too aggressive, the tour guides actually said the reason this market has become so popular is because foreigners started visiting. And any sort of petty theft were shunned by the business vendors, therefore they will even protect you. Because any bad stories coming out of the market location will hurt their future foreigner business. Overall we didn’t feel unsafe...