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Mexico City is a sprawling mega-city that is full of markets where you can buy anything you can imagine. It can be intimidating to head into the crowds not knowing the language. But visiting markets in Mexico City is an experience you really don’t want to miss out on.
Plus, you will get the widest range of produce, much better than in supermarkets. You can also find markets that specialize in all types of other interesting products. In this blog post, I will take you through the best markets in Mexico City telling you all you need to know, so come along!
1. Mercado Medellin – Shop Fresh Produce (Roma)
Mercado Medellin is located in Roma and is a great place to grab fresh produce. Roma is a really nice area to stay in Mexico City and it is much wealthier than other parts of the city.
Because of this, the prices at Mercado Medellin are often a bit higher than in other parts of the city. But it still has a great range of products and is a great choice if you are staying in the Roma neighborhood.
2. Mercado de San Juan – Traditional Market (Centro Historico)
Mercado de San Juan is a traditional market located in the historical center that has been open since 1955. It is one of the best markets in Mexico City that sells all the traditional meats and produce plus some more exotic foods.
Some stalls here will sell insects and scorpions to eat. So if you are feeling adventurous you can sample some. They are not just for sale to tourists as fried crickets are a traditional snack in Mexico. You can see them for sale in many towns around Mexico City.
But there are also many stalls selling traditional Mexican food that is very good. So overall it is one of the best food markets in Mexico City you should not miss out on visiting.
3. Mercado Sonora – Witch Craft Market Mexico City (Centro Historico)
Mercado Sonora is one of the most famous markets in Mexico City. Open since 1957 it is known as the witchcraft market due to sections dedicated to medicinal plants, magic, and the occult. There are also large sections dedicated to interesting soaps, oils, and candles.
So there are always a lot of interesting things to see and smell as you walk around the market. There is no food for sale here but it is a good place to find a unique souvenir.
Just be careful as there is a section that sells live animals and apparently, they are not kept in the best conditions. So make sure to stay away from this section if you love animals as much as we do.
4. Mercado El 100 – Farmer’s Sunday Market Mexico City (Roma)
Mercado El 100 is a farmer’s market held every Sunday in Roma and is one of the best markets in Mexico City for organic products. You can find lots of fresh produce such as eggs, fruits, veggies, and honey. As well as bread, tamales, vegan tacos, and more.
Just be aware that the products here are not cheap by Mexican standards. But if you want some locally grown and made products that are also organic this is the market for you!
5. La Merced Market – The Biggest Market in Mexico City (Centro Historico)
La Merced market is the biggest market in Mexico City. It is a chaotic place where you can find super cheap prices on fresh produce. The lowest prices I have seen for fresh produce in Mexico City have been in La Merced.
But it is an extremely chaotic and busy market that you may not want to visit regularly. It can almost be a little overwhelming as thousands of people swarm the streets all around the market.
But if you feel like an adventure go for a stroll around and you will see a different side of Mexico City. Just be warned that there are some doggier areas around La Merced Market so don’t expect a relaxing experience.
6. Huerto Verde Roma – Shop Sustainable Products (Roma)
Huerto Verde Roma is a really interesting community garden in the middle of Roma. The community center has a garden, cafe, shops, and workshops. You can visit any time of the week but on the weekend they have one of the best markets in Mexico City for sustainable products.
Vendors sell a wide range of snacks, soaps, kombucha, bracelets, and more. Even if you don’t feel like buying something Huerto Verde is a really nice area to walk around.
7. Mercado Roma – Food Court with Live Music (Roma)
Mercado Roma is not a traditional market that sells fresh produce but is more of a food court. There are a range of vendors here selling a variety of different cuisines.
It is a cool place to come for something to eat and drink in the evening when there is often a DJ or live music playing. So get your friends and check it out!
8. Mercado de Artesanías la Ciudadela – Best Artisans Market Mexico City (Centro Historico)
Mercado de Artesanias is one of the best artisan markets in Mexico City if you are looking for a souvenir. It is full of vendors selling traditional handicrafts and folk art. The market is also located close to Centro Historico so is worth stopping in while you are sightseeing in the city center.
9. Plaza de Rio de Janeiro Weekend Market – Flea market (Roma)
Plaza de Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful green square in the middle of Roma. It has a really nice fountain in the middle and is a nice place to relax on a bench.
But on the weekends there are also stands set up selling second-hand clothes. It is a very hipster type of market and a great place to look for a unique piece and get to know expats or locals living in the area.
10. Tepito Market – Mexico City’s most Dangerous Market (Tepito)
Tepito is a sprawling market that is easy to get lost in and in one of the most traditionally dangerous parts of the city. The streets of Tepito are a maze of markets selling everything you could possibly imagine. The whole area is like one giant open-air market.
It is also well known that you can get black market items such as drugs and weapons in the back streets here. But the majority of the market is selling clothing, food, and other normal products.
It is an interesting place to wander around and experience, but you need to remember that this is not the safest part of the city. So only come here in a group during the day and keep your wits about you.
What is the Most Famous Market in Mexico City?
Very well-known markets in Mexico City are Mercado de San Juan, Sonora, La Merced, and Tepito. Mercado de San Juan because of its historical roots, Sonora for witchcraft, La Merced for its cheap fresh produce and size, and Tepito because of its maze, black market items and dangerous reputation.
How Many Markets are there in Mexico City?
According to the Government of Mexico City, there are more than 400 markets in Mexico City. You can check out their website here to see a map with all of them!
What are Markets called in Mexico City?
Markets in Mexico can have different names depending on their size, location, and what is for sale. The most popular ones are:
- Mercado: An indoor market often with fresh produce and food stands (open daily)
- Tianguis: An outdoor flea market with many goods such as electronics, clothing, and furniture (open infrequently)
- Bazare: A bazaar, a mix of Mercado and Tianguis (open infrequently)
In Mexico City, you will find all of them, most commonly Mercados and Tianguis. Tianguis is very popular in Condesa and Roma as these neighborhoods are full of tourists, hipsters, and ex-pats looking for second-hand souvenirs and furniture.
Mexico City Market Tour
If you would like to go on a tour of markets in Mexico City, Viator has a highly-rated one. For 70 USD you can go on a tour with a local guide who will take you to 3 different markets.
At the markets, you will sample many different local foods and be able to ask the guide about Mexican traditions and history. The tour is not cheap but if you can’t speak Spanish it will make exploring the markets much easier.
Book here: 🍍 Eat and Explore Local Markets in Mexico City
Now You Know All The Best Markets In Mexico City
In Mexico, markets are central to the daily life of most Mexican people. So visiting a market is one of the best ways to see how the local people do groceries and find products and souvenirs you would otherwise miss out on.
The markets on this list vary dramatically from chaotic noisy places to peaceful farmer or second-hand clothing markets. So if you visit all of them you will have a wide range of experiences.
Which market is your favorite or are you excited to visit? Let me know in the comments below!
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