Mercado 70 (Market 70)

About

Mercado 70 is a vibrant Saturday farmers market in Bogotá's charming Parque Bolívar area where families can explore Colombian culture through local artisan crafts, fresh produce, and authentic street food. Kids will love the lively atmosphere filled with colorful stalls, friendly vendors, and the chance to taste exotic tropical fruits they've never seen before. It's an excellent opportunity for children to practice Spanish, interact with local families, and experience everyday Colombian life in a safe, welcoming environment.

What to Expect

Expect a bustling outdoor market with dozens of vendor stalls selling everything from organic vegetables and tropical fruits to handmade jewelry, leather goods, and traditional Colombian crafts. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with live music often providing entertainment, and vendors who are usually patient and welcoming to curious children. Kids can watch artisans at work, sample fresh juices and local snacks, and browse colorful displays of flowers, textiles, and handicrafts while parents shop for unique souvenirs and ingredients.

Highlights for Kids

• Sampling exotic tropical fruits and fresh-squeezed juices like maracuyá, mora, and lulo
• Watching artisans create leather goods, jewelry, and crafts right at their stalls
• Colorful displays of fresh flowers that make perfect photo opportunities
• Live music and street performers that often appear throughout the morning
• Interacting with friendly local vendors who enjoy sharing Colombian culture with international visitors

Pro Tips for Families

1. Bring small bills in Colombian pesos as most vendors are cash-only and may not have change for large notes (ATMs are available nearby but exchange currency before arriving)
2. Arrive early around 9-10 AM for cooler temperatures, better selection, and smaller crowds before peak midday hours
3. Pack hand sanitizer and wet wipes since handwashing facilities may be limited, especially important before kids sample foods from different stalls
4. Let kids pick one or two exotic fruits to try—vendors are often happy to explain how to eat unfamiliar items like lulo, guanabana, or granadilla, creating a fun educational moment

Best Time to Visit

Early morning between 9:00-11:00 AM offers the best experience with cooler weather (Bogotá sits at high altitude), freshest produce, and a more relaxed pace before the market gets crowded. The market typically runs from 8 AM to 2 PM, but arriving mid-morning strikes the perfect balance between selection and atmosphere while avoiding both the early setup period and the busiest lunch rush.

Food & Drinks

The market offers abundant Colombian street food including arepas (corn cakes), empanadas, tamales, fresh fruit salads, and various baked goods perfect for kids to try. Fresh juice stands serve natural tropical fruit juices that children typically love, and many vendors offer samples before purchase. Look for stands selling almojábanas (cheese bread) or pandebonos for kid-friendly snacks, and consider bringing reusable water bottles to refill as Bogotá's tap water is safe to drink after filtering, though bottled water is widely available.

Parking & Access

The market is located in the Chapinero neighborhood on Calle 70 between Carreras 4 and 5, easily accessible by taxi or Uber which are affordable and recommended for international visitors. Street parking is available but limited and challenging on Saturday mornings, so rideshare is your best option. The market area is relatively stroller-friendly on the main pathways, though cobblestones and crowded aisles may require baby-wearing for easier navigation. TransMilenio (Bogotá's bus rapid transit) stops nearby, but taxis are more convenient with young children.