Mercado Modelo
A long-established market built in 1942, selling larimar, amber, cigars, coffee, rum and handicrafts. It's the place to pick up souvenirs.
The Mercado Modelo is located on Avenida Mella, north of the Colonial Zone. Its Art Deco building is packed with stalls selling everything from spices, herbs and voodoo items to larimar jewelry, amber, wood carvings, painted pictures and cigars. Bargaining is expected, and you can often get the price down to about half of the initial asking price. Amber and larimar are sold alongside fakes, so for valuable jewelry it's better to visit a specialty shop that provides certificates. The surrounding streets can be rough, so keep an eye on your belongings, and it's best to visit during the day.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–17:00 (half day on Sundays)
Nearby sights
- Calle El Conde
- Independence Park & Altar de la Patria
- Ruins of the Monastery of San Francisco
- Ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari
- Ciudad Colonial
- Convento de los Dominicos
- Parque Colón
- National Palace