Plaza de Mercado de Usaquén | Bogota

Information

Landmark: Plaza de Mercado de Usaquén
City: Bogota
Country: Colombia
Continent: South America

Plaza de Mercado de Usaquén, Bogota, Colombia, South America

The Plaza de Mercado de Usaquén is a public market located in the Usaquén locality of Bogotá, Colombia. It functions as a central hub for local commerce and artisanal goods.

Visual Characteristics

The plaza is an open-air space with a central cobblestone area surrounded by low-rise buildings. The architecture features red-tiled roofs and white-washed walls, characteristic of colonial-era Colombian design. Stalls are constructed from wood and metal, displaying a variety of goods.

Location & Access Logistics

The plaza is situated at Carrera 6A #119-00 in the Usaquén locality. It is approximately 10 kilometers north of Bogotá's city center. Access is via Carrera 7 or Avenida 9. Public transport options include TransMilenio bus lines that stop at the Usaquén station, a 5-minute walk from the plaza. Limited street parking is available in the surrounding blocks, often metered.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Usaquén area was originally an indigenous settlement before becoming a Spanish colonial town. The current market structure evolved from a traditional town square that served as a trading post for agricultural products from the surrounding region. The exact construction date of the current market layout is not precisely documented but reflects traditional urban planning from the early to mid-20th century.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can purchase fresh produce, local cheeses, baked goods, and artisanal crafts. Food stalls offer prepared Colombian dishes for immediate consumption. Sundays are particularly active with an added flea market component.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the market buildings. Limited shaded areas are provided by awnings over some stalls. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally consistent within the plaza. Several small restaurants and cafes are located adjacent to the market.

Best Time to Visit

For the freshest produce and widest selection, visit in the morning, ideally between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Sundays offer the most extensive selection due to the accompanying flea market, but are also the most crowded. The best months for weather are typically December to March and July to August, which are part of Bogotá's drier seasons.

Facts & Legends

The plaza is a focal point for the annual Usaquén Christmas Fair, which transforms the area with festive decorations and specialized vendors. A local anecdote suggests that the quality of the fruit sold on Sundays is a direct indicator of the week's rainfall in the surrounding agricultural zones.