CityBuddy
Marka Fish Market
Best time to visit
Early morning at 6-8 is the best time, then lively auctions take place and boats bring in the freshest catch. I recommend coming already at dawn to see all the activity in full swing.
Budget tips
The market is free to visit and you can buy fresh fish directly from fishermen, which is a third cheaper than store prices. Haggling is allowed and expected, but keep a polite tone.
Recommended for
Fish food gourmets, Photography enthusiasts, Explorers of local culture, Morning people
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: Every day over 40 fishing boats arrive at the harbor to sell the morning catch at an auction that lasts only a few hours. Here, local women process over 10 tons of fish by hand every day, using methods passed down from generation to generation.
Highlights: When the morning boats reach the shore, a lively auction begins where prices rise and fall within minutes like on a stock exchange. Experienced fishermen haul nets full of giant tuna by hand, while pelicans circle overhead waiting for their share of the catch.
Insider tips
- Wear sunscreen and bring a hat, because the midday sun beats down strongly and there is little shade.
- Take photos of the fishermen free of charge without asking permission, but do not photograph them too closely while they are working without a smile and a greeting.
- Walk along the sandy beach south from the market to see how the boats mend their nets and prepare for the next trip.
- Bring cash in small denominations, because vendors cannot change large bills.
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