Thing to do
Getsemaní
The historic barrio just outside the walls where Cartagena's independence movement began, now known for murals, the Plaza de la Trinidad and lively evenings.
Mercado de Bazurto
Cartagena's sprawling central market between the Ciénaga de Las Quintas and La Popa, where some 35,000 traders sell fish, meat, fruit and fried food daily.
At a glance
- Type
- Wholesale food market
- Area
- Martínez Martelo, Cartagena, Colombia
Good to know
- Fresh fish and produce
- Fried fish stalls
- Local food
Why we recommend it
Mercado de Bazurto is Cartagena's working market and a complete contrast to the restored streets of the old town. It is the main supply market for the city and for the department of Bolívar, and El Universal reports that about 35,000 traders work there every day, divided across 18 named sectors. It moved to its current site in 1978 from Getsemaní, where the old market used to be, and now sits between the Ciénaga de Las Quintas and the foothills of the Cerro de La Popa, in the Martínez Martelo neighbourhood.
The sector names give a good idea of what you will find: fresh meat and fish, oranges, plantains and a sector called Pescado Frito, devoted to fried fish. Chefs at some of the city's best restaurants buy here too: a 2026 Blu Radio report describes chef Alejandro Ramírez sourcing species such as medregal, sierra, wahoo and berrugate from Bazurto fishermen, and La Cevichería links on its website to a story about Anthony Bourdain's visit to the market with its owner.
The market's culture spills into the rest of the city: it even inspired the name of a long-running Getsemaní bar and restaurant. Colombia's tourism board features a guided Bazurto adventure among its Cartagena experiences, and going with a guide is the easiest way to make sense of the maze and to try food safely.
Security has improved considerably. In 2024 the anti-extortion police unit, the Gaula, described Bazurto as the only wholesale market in Colombia free of extortion, thanks to cooperation between police, traders and residents, with officers patrolling daily. The usual precautions for busy markets still apply: carry little and keep your phone out of sight.
The market's future is under discussion. A court ordered its relocation in 2010 for environmental reasons, and in 2025 the mayor named possible new sites outside the city, but no timeline has been set and the market continues to operate at its current location. The market works every day and is a short taxi ride from the walled city. Allow one to two hours, more if you stop for lunch at one of the fried-fish stalls.
Mercado de Bazurto FAQs
Where is Mercado de Bazurto?
In the Martínez Martelo neighbourhood, between the Ciénaga de Las Quintas and the foothills of the Cerro de La Popa, a short taxi ride from the old town.
How big is the market?
El Universal reports around 35,000 traders working daily across 18 sectors.
What can I eat there?
There is a sector called Pescado Frito, devoted to fried fish, as well as stalls selling fruit and other local produce.
Is it safe to visit?
In 2024 the anti-extortion police unit described it as free of extortion, with daily patrols. Take normal precautions in crowds and carry few valuables.
Should I go with a guide?
A guided visit is the easiest way to navigate the market and try food, and Colombia's tourism board features guided Bazurto experiences.
Is the market moving?
A relocation was ordered in 2010 and new sites were discussed in 2025, but no timeline has been set and it still operates at its current site.
Does the market open every day?
Yes. El Universal reports that traders work there every day.