Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
CALLE 33 Mercadito
★4.3(376 reviews)Restaurant
🕑 1.5 to 2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children enjoy spotting colorful murals and street art, while older kids and teens appreciate the creative atmosphere, local crafts, and variety of food options. Toddlers can come along but may need strollers for navigating the area.🧡 Saved by 70+ families
About
CALLE 33 Mercadito in trendy Barrio Escalante offers families a colorful outdoor marketplace experience where kids can admire vibrant street art and murals while parents browse local food vendors and artisan stalls. This pedestrian-friendly spot combines cultural exploration with casual dining, making it an easy introduction to Costa Rica's creative side for families with children of all ages.
Highlights
- ✓Vibrant street art and colorful murals throughout the neighborhood perfect for family photos
- ✓Diverse local food vendors offering Costa Rican specialties and international cuisine
- ✓Pedestrian-friendly streets where kids can safely explore
- ✓Artisan stalls with local crafts and souvenirs
- ✓Relaxed outdoor atmosphere that captures local Costa Rican culture
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit earlier in the day (lunch hours) for a more relaxed atmosphere and easier navigation with strollers before evening crowds arrive.
- 2.Bring small bills in Costa Rican colones for easier transactions at smaller food vendors, though most vendors accept cards.
- 3.Download a translation app or learn basic Spanish food words, as not all vendors speak fluent English.
- 4.Parking can be challenging in Barrio Escalante, so consider using Uber or taxi services which are reliable and affordable in San Jose.
- 5.Combine your visit with a walking tour of the neighborhood's street art, turning it into a scavenger hunt for kids to find different murals.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday lunchtimes (Tuesday or Wednesday 12:00 to 2:00 PM) offer a quieter experience with shorter lines at food stalls. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when the venue stays open until midnight and attracts a more adult, nightlife crowd.
What to Know
This is an open-air market setting with casual seating. Bathrooms may be limited, so plan accordingly. Food prices are reasonable by international standards, with most items costing between $3 to $10 USD per person.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Costa Rica's dry season (December through April) offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor exploring. During rainy season (May through November), afternoon showers are common, so plan morning visits or bring rain jackets.
Nearby Eats
CALLE 33 Mercadito itself offers numerous food vendors, but nearby in Barrio Escalante you'll find Franco, a family-friendly cafe with pasta and pizza options, and Pops ice cream shops where kids can enjoy Costa Rican helados (ice cream).
More Activities Near Barrio Escalante
Activity
Barrio Escalante Street Murals & Art District
❤️15
Barrio Escalante is a colorful outdoor art gallery perfect for families who love exploring vibrant neighborhoods on foot. Kids become art detectives as they discover giant murals, street art, and creative installations while learning about Costa Rican culture. The walkable streets offer a free, interactive experience that combines art appreciation with outdoor adventure in San Jose's coolest creative district.
Restaurant
Stiefel Pub
$$❤️6
Stiefel Pub is a welcoming neighborhood gathering spot in the trendy Barrio Escalante district where local families come together for hearty comfort food in a relaxed setting. This casual eatery offers a friendly, community-focused atmosphere that makes international families feel right at home while experiencing authentic Costa Rican neighborhood culture.
Restaurant
Murciélago Loco
$$
Murciélago Loco is a beloved neighborhood restaurant in the trendy Barrio Escalante district where local families gather for generous portions and authentic Costa Rican cuisine. The welcoming, casual atmosphere makes it easy for parents to relax while kids enjoy familiar favorites alongside traditional dishes, giving your family a genuine taste of Tico life outside the typical tourist zones.
Park
Church of Barrio Escalante Plaza
Free
This charming neighborhood plaza in San Jose's trendy Barrio Escalante offers families an authentic Costa Rican cultural experience with plenty of open space for kids to explore. The plaza regularly hosts local markets and family-friendly cultural events, providing a wonderful opportunity to experience everyday Tico life while kids burn off energy in a safe, community-centered environment.