- Plaza del Mercado de Río Piedras

I have been to the Mercado years ago but it just continues to get better and better. The Mercado is full of local vendors selling a variety of different items. All of which were warm and welcoming. The cafeteria has gotten a full facelift with new art work and design. I plan to return to the Mercado again on my next visit. It is definitely worth the trip.

Parking lot right across from entrance. If you want to see the varieties of produce frown on Puerto Rico this is the place. They also have a lovely food court with fresh made food for sale at lunch time. Come and see then eat the lovely food of Puerto Rico. You could take bus here and then walk 2 blocks but I drive.

Old time Farmer’s Market. Lots of aisles, many booths. It’s the way hard working people make money to put food in their table in Puerto Rico. And everyone goes out of their way to help you find what you’re looking for.

So cool to experience new culture. My friend got a coffee and pecan croissant, I had hot and sweet grilled cheese. Service was amazing

I went to the plaza looking to buy souvenirs and also found a nice little shop that sold various juices as well. Unfortunately I didn't write down the names of either of those places, but there's only 1 souvenir shop there and the juice place is right next door to it. The juice shop had very delicious options for fair prices. The souvenir shop had a variety of gifts at good prices, we found a bunch of great items. The plaza it self has clearly been around for a long time and it shows it's age. It hasn't been very well kept. There is a small food court and various stalls, overall as a tourist I don't think you'll find much of interest. Parking was a bit of a hassle as I had to find a spot on the street. The neighborhood is a bit run down, but it seemed fairly safe during the day time. My only concern was that we had a bunch things in the car because we came directly from the beach, still in bathing suits and it was obvious we were tourists, so I was a little concerned someone might break into our rental car. I didn't feel like my personal was an issue though. Luckily all went well, we didnt have any issues.

Great market for fresh veggies and fruits, there aren't many options for groceries. It looks clean and organized during a weekday visit, maybe there are more vendors during busier times. Prices are very low and the vendors are very nice and friendly.

Wonderful place for nicely priced fruits and vegetables of PR. Some clothing stores along the same block. Been to it a couple times and never changes. A couple blocks away from it is a beautiful block of murals and sculptures.

I haven't been here in 20yrs. Great feeling to see a place that I went as a kid still around. The people are friendly and food amazing!

An amazing Farmer's Market with all types of produce made directly from people on the Island. This place is full of local vendors who know plenty about the products they sell. What a better place to support local people selling their goods.

This has the best chicken Espadas hands down. Tried many places while visiting Puerto Rico at least seventeen. Good service , good price, and larger size than other places. This place has fresh squeeze juices also.

Super great place and ( i have international hidden beachfront resort casinos all around the world with swim up suits hotel rooms)

The fruit was amazing at Titos. He cut fruit for us - guava, passionfruit. All amazing. Everyone here is so friendly and kind. So far one of the to experiences of our vacation. An authentic local Puerto Rican experience. Great ambiance.

This farmer's market is the granddaddy of farmer's markets. It is full of fruits, vegetables, pastries, breads and everything in between. You could spend days enjoying what this market has to offer.

what a cool little market! it predominantly had produce and tons of it! there were other little shops inside... -my friend got a pair of flip flops for $2 (we were leaving for a cruise the next day and he forgot flip flops) they had a hot food "kiosk" -we bought empanadas...they were yummy (not as good as the one's from Vagon)... -they sold clothing -they sold cigars -they had a window that sold adult beverages -they had a band playing out front... totally loved this place! i wish i had bought a giant papaya

I am going today!! This is exactly what I am looking for!! Does anyone know where I can get fish fresh right from the boat? I am thinking if the fishermen have a great day they might sell me a fresh fish for my son & I to cook for dinner?? I just got on the Isle Verde so have to find my local spots!! Thanks for all the intel....

Best local fruit and vegetables. Open air market in the heart of Santurce. Local crafts, food and great people. The market has many choices of restaurants to choose from. Fresh local fish, smokehouse and authentic Puerto Rican food.

Thank you Yelp for putting the Plaza del Mercado de Rio Piedras on our list! It was quite by accident actually--we were going to go to the Plaza in the Santurce district and this one popped up when I Yelped "Plaza del Mercado". After reading the reviews, we knew we had to come here instead. Finding the Plaza was half the fun. We didn't use the Yelp directions so I don't know if those are accurate--although following the map should get you close enough to where you can ask locals for directions. I enjoyed brushing off my high school Spanish skills to get us there. We had to ask three different people but each time we knew we were getting closer. We parked near the Burger King by the University of PR (metered street parking), and headed away and to the left of the main street. Once you see the pedestrian shopping area, keep walking and asking for directions--you're almost there. And once inside, you definitely know you're amongst the locals. As two Asians, we stuck out like sore thumbs, but everyone was friendly and curious. We bought some cute little pineapples and giant avocados to take back home. The food court area was a nice change after all the lechon we'd had on the trip. I eventually got beef stew over white rice and chased it down with a chicken pastelilo and fresh coconut drink. The beef stew was bought at one of the corner stalls that took credit cards. It was cooked very tender, and the potatoes and olives were great additions to the stew. I really enjoyed it (more than the chicken stew that my friend got--that was a little dry). The chicken in the pastelilo was very flavorful and moist. Would I come here again? Yes, the prices were great, and we didn't have enough time to explore the shops around the Plaza. Next time I'm in PR, I'll be back!

Leaving the Rio Piedras train station, go straight one block to De Diego street, turn left, and go about 10 blocks. Mercado del Rio Piedras will be in your left. Occupying a full block, the market has fruit, vegetables, food stalls, clothing and sundry shops. Mostly locals, it's a good place to escape tourists and get a cheap lunch! Strictly locals, this market has a little of everything either inside the large mercado or in the surrounding shopping zone. Inexpensive food stalls, fruit and vegetables, clothing, toys, souvenirs, and a friendly, vibrant vibe await you in Mercado del Rio Piedras! If you want to escape tourists and find some great bargains, THIS IS A MUST SEE in San Juan! CombatCritic Gives Mercado del Rio Piedras 9 Bombs Out of 10 ... BOMBAS ARE BUENAS!

Lots to see and choose from. Only been there during the day so my experience includes fresh produce, cheap souvenirs (The same stuff you see in Old San Juan and Isla Verde for tons less!), religious items, herbs and candles, local candies, cigar shop (the guy hand rolls them right there!), local music CD's and instruments, clothing and hats (guayaberas and pavas!). Awesome comfort food (must have rice, beans and tostones). You can get a whole meal for $5. It's up to you if you want to share - so good you wanna keep eating, but portions are big enough for two. Outside the main building you'll see plenty of discount shops offering clothes, jewelry, optical services, hardware stores, food stands (must try the tropical flavored sorbets from carts!)... If you like public transportation, take the "tren urbano" to the Rio Piedras station and take the exit labeled "Salida a la Plaza". Upon emerging you'll see a small park/square with a pretty church. Walk one small block to your left and you'll be right smack on the Paseo de Diego. Follow that up a few blocks through a swarm of shops and a pink church to the main market building which will be on your left. Train fare is $0.75 per ride and you can transfer onto bus lines that can take you all over the city. Fare cards just like the Metro cards in NYC.

Really great little plaza literally in the middle of nowhere. We came here on recommendation for El Pescador restaurant, but loved all the sights, sounds, and smells of the Plaza. During the day time (and closing at 6 pm) is a market where you can buy all sorts of great locally grown produce. (Apparently this is where all the non-fried food is in San Juan...) Only wish it would be open later! At dusk, the plaza is home to hopping restaurants and bars. It is a good looking and wealthy crowd that comes out to play in the evenings - valet parking services for the well-to-dos driving their Lexus and Mercedes. Live music in the evenings - although, there doesn't seem to be a very good understanding of band distribution. (Meaning, during our dinner we had the pleasure of hearing two competing sets of musicians - one was more rock, the other traditional salsa...sadly, the combination of the two incongruous sets became more cacophony than symphony.) In all, a neat place to check out whilst in SJ.

Came here during the day to shop around and relax. The people here were pretty upbeat and friendly. We saw a lot of old Puerto Rican men just sitting around and talking in groups. However, we came back at night (9pm) and the plaza was filled with people drinking in the streets and partying. There were numerous bars and lounges that people were pouring out of with drinks in hand (note: outdoor drinking is only allowed until 11pm. after, the bars close the doors and encourage people to stay indoors to drink). This is definitely a great place to come for Puerto Rican nightlife.

Just wanted to make a clrification. This is the Plaza del Mercado in RIO PIEDRAS. This is a VERY DIFFERENT locale from the Plaza del Mercado in SAN JUAN. Unlike the Plaza del Mercado in San Juan, this venue is not aimed at tourists; it caters to the locals. That is precisely what makes it so much better... and a true adventure. The reviews from Sue, Jenny and Darcy are correct and describe this place very well. However, please be aware of the difference in locations. Unlike the Plaza del Mercado in San Juan, which caters to the tourist traffic, the Plaza del Mercado in Rio Piedras DOES NOT have a nightlife, and safety in the area after dark could become a serious issue. For a true local experience of some of the best that the Puertorican culture has to offer in terms of food and local customs, along with some really affordable shopping options, go to RIO PIEDRAS. If what you want instead is to enjoy the caribbean, relaxed social nightlife of the island from a touristic standpoint, you may want to go to SAN JUAN. Rio Piedras at night is probably not the best proposition, especially if you don't know your way around, plus there is no real nightlife there, other than what the resdients of that area do at night.

Our visit to Plaza del Mercado de Rio Piedras was one of the highlights of our trip to Puerto Rico. We had a delicious lunch from the vendors in the cafeteria - both of us with beverages for $10. We weren't 100% sure what we were eating, but it sure was good! We also came home with a bag of fresh vegetables as well. My husband bought 3 different guayaberas (Cuban-style shirts) in the clothing stores outside the market for less than half of what he would have paid for them at home. Also, if you are looking for linen pants, the only place we found them was in the dress shop at the end of the pedestrianized street closest to the train station. The owner there speaks very good English and he even walked us across the street to arrange for the pants to be hemmed by the tailor in the back of the fabric store across the street. If you're an American on a visit to PR, PLEASE leave the tourist bubble of Condado at least once for a more authentic experience such as the Mercado de Rio Piedras. You won't regret it!

Meh... I guess I came with too high expectations... I saw this on Bizarre foods and thought it would be interesting... There were not many different tropical fruits that you can't find in NYC.. And every stand basically had the same stuff.. The one thing that was somewhat interesting was the good court which had premade options - its more of a run down local spot (I didn't see many tourists) This is good if you are trying to get off the tourist trail... but don't expect anything amazing, surprising, or life altering... in fact not really worth going out of your way to see...

This review is for the night life in Rio Piedras. This is a fun plaza to go bar and dance hopping all around the square! There are so many places to just walk into, get crazy for a bit and then walk out to another location with your drink on hand and fear of no cover chargers or "sorry you can't come back in"! There are locals here and tourists which makes it more fun. Drink prices here are amazing! The close really late so no worries and just have fun!

Yay! This place is so two-faced, but in a good way. In the day time, there are lots of grandpas sitting on benches, relaxing in the sun. The market is open and you can buy fresh produce and other goodies and walk around in the sunshine. However, at night time, it gets crowded with tons of young people who are socializing in the streets, in bars, on the benches, all over. Outdoor drinking is allowed (with a curfew of 11pm) which always makes for a good time as well. I definitely had lots of fun here, and there are tons of bars to choose from in both the main plaza area as well as smaller side streets.

La Plaza del Mercado. Where you can find anything and everything. If you've never been, please go for lunch and just order a little bit of everything: some pernil (roasted pork shoulder), arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas), mondongo (tripe stew), cuajitos (hog maws) with guineitos en escabeche (boiled green bananas in escabeche), batata (sweet potato, the green variety), tostones (fried plantains) and amarillos (fried sweet plantains). Wash it down with some mavi (tree bark-based drink) and fresh, cold coconut water. Heaven!

Not bad. Lots of locals here and not too many tourists. I was hoping to find local produce here and there are quite a few stands but as another reviewer pointed out there isn't much variety. You can go here to shop for everyday stuff you might need. I also saw meat markets, clothing, groceries and a hardware store.

Not much of a farmer's market during the day... probably the tiniest i have seen, but cute. At night it's completely crazy here. It's where you go to bar hop and drink in the streets with the locals.

Historical and traditional. Plenty of a variety of prepared foods stands. All types of local vegetable and fruits and stands. In addition to medicinal and memoriblia products.A real portrait of cultural puertorican ambience.

Bar hangout on weekends - really fun! Lots of locals, live bands, salsa, hip hop, karaoke, you name it. Only thing is open bars = no airconditioning.

Best experience in PR by far. you won't believe you almost didn't make it here. CHEAP delicious authentic food. Chicken, oxtail and rice n beans under 10 bucks.

Plaza del Mercado is a pretty cool place you can reach it by taking the Tren Urbano to the Rio Piedras station and walk two blocks to Paseo de Diego and walk straight for a few blocks and you'll be there. Its an open air market which is uncommon today in Puerto Rico due to the rise of cars, so you'll be able to find a wide array of choices of Puerto Rican and Dominican food for a relatively cheap price. Also you can Quenepas a fruit that looks like a cross between limes and grapes. Theres also lots of shops on the way you may want to check out on the way to the market that have everything from clothes to souvenirs. I would consider this a must for a tourist who wants to see what the real Puerto Rico looks like.

THE place to buy a variety of ripe fruit in August; I've always had good experiences here. On my last visit a week ago I chatted up the vendor (Rodolfo?) who seemed to have the most variety and better looking produce; first fruit stand as you enter from the cafeteria side. He helped me to select mangos to eat right away and to ripen over the course of the week; same for beautiful huge avocados and papayas. In addition, he had the perfect qenepas, and overall - a nice, chatty attitude. While I was picking my mangos, another man started asking questions about how I like PR, then he brought some soup from his cousins food stand for me and my girlfriends to try. Other stands had pretty decent passionfruit and starfruit. American-style veggies: i.e. tomatoes, lettuce, salad - looked sad. By the way, the old man who used to sell mavi and other odds and ends (featured on "Bizzare food with Andrew Zimmerman") is no longer there.

I have visited the Mercado many times. I have a friend who has a wonderful men's clothing shop there. His name is Susano and I would like to get in touch with him. I have lost contact.