Visit Castries Central Market to experience an authentic and colorful side of St. Lucian life. Find row upon row of fruit and vegetable stalls as well as delectable homemade products straight from the island’s farms. The market is a wonderful place to meet the locals, barter good-naturedly and learn about traditional handicrafts.
Housed under a bright orange-roofed building, the Castries Central Market is the island’s main market and is situated in the heart of the capital. Having been in operation for over a century, the market is a city landmark and institution.
Amble slowly among the Craft Market to find painted pottery and wood carvings, handwoven straw baskets and hats, and a plethora of fascinating trinkets and handicrafts.
The Produce Market next door is home to shiny plump fruits and vegetables, with giant bunches of bananas and garlics decorating the stalls. Inhale and savour the scents of aromatic spices. Fresh fish and meat are also sold here.
Visit on a Saturday morning to experience the market at its most lively and entertaining. Throngs of locals and tourists peruse the stalls where vendors, many dressed in colorful traditional St. Lucian headdresses, hawk their wares and haggle over their produce. Get their early to grab the very best ingredients.
Be sure to pick up some souvenirs and gifts to take home with you. Buy some world-famous St. Lucian coffee or some cocoa sticks farmed from the rich soils of the island. Combined with nutmeg, cinnamon and bay leaves, it creates a delectable hot cocoa tea that is a St. Lucian specialty. Try a ready-made cup from one of the food and drink stalls. The food stalls are the highlight of a trip to the market and one of the best places in the city to try local cuisine.
The Castries Central Market is open from Monday to Saturday during the morning. The market is located on Jeremie and Peynier streets. Head to the center of the city and you can’t miss it.
