Must-Visit Open-Air Markets in Medellin!

The best way to have the most authentic cultural experience when visiting a new city is to visit its marketplaces. As stated by renowned chef and professional traveler Anthony Bourdain, when you visit a city’s markets, “you really get a sense of what a culture loves most dear.” So, not only will you discover new palettes of flavors and aromas, but you will also get to know the place and the people who bring it to life on a deeper, more personal level. And we have great news for you: Medellín is full of open-air markets! Want to try local food? Discover exotic fruits? Buy gifts for your family? Talk to local farmers? Markets are the perfect place to find everything you need: art, local vegetables and fruits, medicinal herbs, flowers, and even international cuisine. We’ll show you some of the biggest, oldest, and busiest markets in the city.

Placita de Flórez

La Placita de Flórez is one of the oldest market squares in Medellín. It was founded in 1891 in what is now Comuna 10. Apart from being one of the main squares in the history of Medellín, it also served as a police barracks, a circus, and even as a religious convent and school. Today, it is one of the biggest marketplaces in Medellín. Besides typical local fruits and vegetables, you will also find flowers, all kinds of meat and fish, delicatessens, esoteric products, restaurants, and even beauty products. As in all traditional marketplaces in Colombia, its merchants start working very early in the morning. Generally, they arrive at 4 am to set up their stall and prepare for the day’s work. You will notice that the merchants love to talk about their work, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and ask for recommendations. What is the most delicious fish in Colombia? What is the most exotic fruit in Medellín? What typical dish should I try? The paisas are known for being very friendly and kind people, so they will gladly help you. La Placita de Flórez is open every day of the week, including Sundays and holidays. Getting there is very easy, just take the metro and go to the Bicentenario station.  

Vía Primavera

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the art and creativity of Medellín, you have to go to Vía Primavera: an open-air shopping mall in the heart of El Poblado. Vía Primavera was born thanks to the initiative of several artists who came to the area to work and be inspired by the beauty of the neighborhood. In Vía Primavera, you will find the best fashion, art, design, and gastronomy in the city. Along the streets of this open-air market, you can buy souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones at home. Medellin’s independent designers stand out for their vibrant and unique creations that reflect the charm of the city. Vía Primavera is made up of many establishments, so there are no set hours for the entire mall. However, you can be sure to find many of the businesses open if you stop by any day of the week between 11 am and 7 pm.

Sanalejo Artisan Market

Antioquia has a long tradition of craftsmanship. Here, traditional art has made a name for itself thanks to the perfect combination of ancestral techniques and the innovation of younger generations. The Sanalejo Artisan Market is the ideal place to meet and support the artisans of Antioquia. It is held on the first and third Saturday of every month in Bolivar Park and aims to improve the quality of life of artisans and strengthen creative tourism in Medellin. Thanks to its success, the number of participating artisans doubled between 2022 and 2023, going from 600 to 1,200. Also, artistic and cultural initiatives have joined over time, including troubadours, batucadas, and tango shows. You can visit this market between 8 am and 6 pm and take home a unique piece of Colombian craft.

Mercado Del Río

If you’re looking for an out-of-this-world gastronomic experience, you have to visit Mercado Del Rio. This is a nearly 54,000 square feet place with dozens of restaurants, cafes, bars, and co-working spaces. It’s perfect to experience cuisines from all over the world; you’ll find Thai, Spanish, Japanese, Italian, Peruvian, and many more, not to mention the best bandeja paisa (the most iconic dish of Antioquia) in town. It is located near the Museum of Modern Art, and besides the delicious food, there is also live music, cultural shows, and occasional craft fairs. It is open every day of the week. The co-working cafés open at 8 am, and the restaurants open at 11 am. They usually close between 10 pm and 11 pm.

Mercados Campesinos

If you are staying in a place with a kitchen, you will want to experience cooking with local ingredients. Medellin has a big rural area where farmers grow fresh food and create their own healthy and nutritious products. Every Saturday and Sunday, the Mercados Campesinos (farmers’ markets) come to the main squares and parks of each neighborhood, where you will find not only freshly picked fruits and vegetables, but also flowers, coffee, honey, jams, and many other products made by the farmers themselves. By shopping at the Mercados Campesinos, you will support the rural economy and build great friendships with the farmers. They are extremely friendly and are sure to give you a freebie and tell you a story about their farm. Medellin has an option for every type of traveler. Whether you want to try new food, work remotely, buy gifts for loved ones, or meet locals, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in the many open-air markets that bring commerce to every corner of the city. To learn more about the city and the origin of the products you find, we have two incredible plans for you. On the City Tour, you will get to know some of the main squares and parks of the city, and on the Coffee Tour, you will learn firsthand the process of growing and harvesting coffee. Don’t wait any longer to get into the paisa culture; book your tour now!