To enjoy tropical bounty in a not-so tropical climate, do as the locals do and head to the Mercado de Río Piedras. San Juan’s premier produce market is under cover and air-conditioned. While your pores recover, your eyes will be drinking in the amazing variety of colors. Naturally you can get bananas, pineapples, mangoes, coconuts and limes, but take the opportunity to try out more exotic fruits such as the citrus chironja, dark green soursops or star apples.
Vegetables, meat and fish are also on offer in the market, and the streets in the surrounding area are buzzing with sidewalk stalls.
The market is in the heart of the fascinating Río Piedras district, the home of the University of Puerto Rico. Take the Tren Urbano rapid transit system to Río Piedras station.
