15 Best Markets in Mexico City: Food, Art, and Antiques

Mexico City markets are an experience you don’t want to miss. They are some of the most vibrant places in the city, offering everything from incredible food to antiques and unique artisan crafts. 

As someone who has lived and traveled in Mexico for the last five years, I’ve visited the city numerous times. And I love exploring the markets of Mexico City to buy fresh produce and taste different foods.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best markets in Mexico City, including food markets, artisan markets, and flea markets where you can find antiques and quirky collectibles.

In the meat section at the Medellin Market in CDMX, neon signs advertise carnitas tacos, and other cuts of meat. Also hanging are large pieces of chicharron and a Mexican flag.

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Tips for Exploring the Markets of Mexico City

There are hundreds of markets in Mexico City and many many more flea markets, often called a tianguis.

Each one has its own vibe and some are known for a particular specialty – there’s the Jamaica flower market, San Juan specialty food market, and the famous, always fun Lagunilla Sunday market for antiques. 

I’ve organized this list by type (food, artisan, etc. as well as a couple of Saturday markets). Feel free to skip ahead to a particular section.

Here are a few tips for navigating the markets of Mexico City.

  • It’s best to visit in the mornings or midday when the produce and prepared foods are freshest.
  • Watch your belongings and don’t carry valuables, especially in the crowded local markets.
  • You can find some of the best street food in Mexico City on the streets surrounding the mercados. And the fondas inside, you’ll find some of the freshest homemade food in the city at a really reasonable price (look for the menu del día or comida corrida).
  • You can also find awesome street art on the outside of the market buildings.

Food Markets Mexico City

The food markets in Mexico City give travelers the chance to get to know local flavors and ingredients.

A lot of the food markets look alike, featuring stacks of fresh produce. Others are known for a specialty, which I’ve detailed below.

And for those with a sweet tooth, I’ve included a bonus market that specializes in traditional Mexican sweets.

1. San Juan Market

📍 Centro Map 
📆 Every day 7 am-6 pm
➡️ Favorite among chefs for its unique ingredients and quality seafood

Mercado de San Juan is a specialty food market in Mexico City known for its variety of rare meats and other ingredients. It’s well loved by high-end restaurant chefs who come here to source gourmet products to use in their kitchens.

Fish stalls at Mercado San Juan, a food market in Mexico City. At the end, customers talk with one of the fish vendors in the market.

In addition to hard to find meats like lamb and deer, this Mexico City food market specializes in high-quality cured meats and fresh seafood.

From tasting local insects to eating some of the best seafood in Mexico City, Mercado de San Juan is the spot if you’re looking to explore more exotic Mexican flavors.

Where to eat at San Juan Market:

  • Marisquería San Juan (map) and El Saladito Marisquería (map) are practically across the aisle from each other. And both delicious.
  • El Mercadito Peruano (map) serves some of the best ceviche in Mexico City.
  • Gastronómica San Juan (map) stands out among several wine and tapas stands.
  • And if you want quality coffee, go to Triana Café Gourmet (map)

Prefer to explore this mercado with a local guide? Book this San Juan market tour which includes visiting other lesser known landmarks in downtown Mexico City.

2. Mercado Medellín

📍 Location: Roma Sur Map
📆 Hours: Every day 8 am – 6 pm
➡️ Known For: Food and Ingredients from throughout Latin America

Mercado Medellín is the market for food and ingredients from countries across Latin America, including Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and, of course, Mexico. 

At the Medellin Market in Mexico City, customers shop for fruit. Above them are flags from different Latin countries hanging from the ceiling.

The market’s diversity is reflected in its vibrant mix of fresh produce and prepared foods, giving you a chance to taste authentic dishes and flavors beyond Mexico.

Where to eat:

  • For Peruvian ceviche and lomo saltado, Sabor Inka is the spot.
  • If you crave the Yucatan flavors of sopa de lima or cochinita pibil, try Moloch.
  • Or for the hearty Colombia breakfast of bandeja paisa, eat at Macondo.
Fruit vendors with colorful pinata decorations at Medellin Market in Mexico City. A customer shops at one of the stands while holding a bag full of products and her bicycle.

In addition to the variety of foods, I found the flower arrangements here to be particularly beautiful. Their simplicity and modern design really stood out to me.

Are you a foodie? You don’t want to miss my guide to where I ate the best tacos in Mexico City.

3. Coyoacán Market

📍 Coyoacán Map
📆 Every day, 8 am – 6 pm
➡️ Known for Tostadas

Located in the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán, this market is famous for its tostadas. The first time I visited, I went with a friend who’s a Mexico City native, and he insisted we eat at Tostadas Coyoacán (map) inside the market.

I linked to the map location, but you really can’t miss it. This sprawling food stand has an insanely diverse menu of tostadas posted on the walls of their food stand (which takes up several puestos).

The toppings are on display in glass cases, making it easy to see exactly what you’re about to order.

If you’re visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum or exploring one of these other Coyoacán museums, this market is a great stop for a quick bite.

Want to join a community of travelers in Mexico?

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4. Mercado de La Merced

📍 Centro Map
📆 Everyday 5:30 am – 6 pm
➡️ One of the biggest Mexico City markets

As one of the biggest markets in Mexico City, Mercado de La Merced opens early—5 am every day except Christmas and New Year’s.

It’s a bustling spot for a traditional breakfast in Mexico, which is the biggest meal of the day here. Vendors serve all the traditional Mexican dishes like pozole, blue corn quesadillas, birria, and huaraches. 

Stalls selling fresh produce at La Merced Market Mexico City which is bustling with people walking around.
Stacked nopal cactus with spines at a market in Mexico City.

I found the fresh vegetable displays at Mercado de La Merced to be impressive. I especially loved the towering piles of nopal cactus, whose vendors sit and expertly remove the spines as they wait for customers.

Because this is one of the largest markets in the city, my mom and I decided to book this market tour of Merced Market and the “witch market” next door. It made navigating it so much easier. Our bilingual guide, Gabriel grew up in the market and knew it like the back of his hand, showing us where to go and what to eat.

Mole paste and ground mole for sale at a Mexico City market stall. Bright yellow signs mark the type of mole but omit the price.

Tip: This area is known for being a little dangerous (another reason I recommend the market tour). The northern edge of Mercado de La Merced blends with one of the city’s red light districts. When we went on this Mexico City market tour, our guide explained that the market stretches further north but that we would avoid that area due to safety concerns.

Bonus: Mercado de Dulces

📍 Centro Map
📆 Every day 8:30 am – 6 pm
➡️ Place to buy candy, sweets, and piñatas

Located within La Merced Market in Mexico City, Mercado de Dulces is a haven for anyone with a sweet tooth.

This area is packed with stands selling traditional Mexican sweets, ranging from freshly made candies to large bags of candy that are perfect for filling a piñata. 

A quick note. One Mexico City food market that I did not include is the sprawling Central de Abastos located in Iztapalapa, one of the neighborhoods connected by the cable car in CDMX. 

On the outskirts of most medium to large cities in Mexico you’ll find a sprawling mercado called Central de Abastos, which literally translates to Supply Center. 

You can find incredibly cheap produce here if you’re willing to buy a kilo or more at a time, but most travelers to Mexico City won’t want to go out of their way to visit so I decided not to include it. They can also be really chaotic, with some safety issues.

5. Mercado Sonora

📍 Centro Map
📆 Everyday 7 am – 6 pm
➡️ Known for herbs and other ritualistic items used in ceremonies

Connected to Mercado de La Merced by a walking bridge, Mercado Sonora, aka the Witch Market, is unlike any other market in Mexico City. 

Panoramic view of the outside of Mercado Sonora, also referred to as the Witch Market in Mexico City. Yellow tents and colorful umbrellas help to shade the outside vendors.

Vendors at Mercado Sonora sell everything needed to perform ceremonies, from black magic to indigenous healing rituals. There are also products dedicated to Santa Muerte, the saint of death, who is especially popular in CDMX.

It’s also traditional market to find items related to Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. Which makes sense because when you first enter there is a section dedicated to holiday items for sale that change throughout the year. 

Tip: According to our guide, it’s frowned upon to take photos inside this market (especially of the ritualistic items).

This area is also where Pedro Linares created the original alebrijes out of papier-mâché. The Linares family workshop is still located nearby (map). A newer version of these mythical animal figures are carved from wood and more commonly associated with Oaxaca.

This Mexico City market has a unique, sometimes unsettling, atmosphere. When my mom and I visited as part of our market tour, we wandered through the aisles packed with candles, incense, pentagrams, voodoo dolls, magical stones, and other ritualistic items. 

But then we also walked through a section selling live animals. I feel it’s important to mention it in case you want to steer clear of this part of the market. Cages were filled with baby chicks, parrots, puppies, frogs, and other animals, many of which are likely sacrificed during ceremonies.

Mexico City Market Tours

Mexico City markets can be overwhelming. Many are large and busy with vendors calling out in Spanish, which can make navigating on your own a challenge. 

Taking a Mexico City market tour gives you access to a knowledgeable local guide who will show you the best spots to eat and shop so that you don’t miss out on hidden gems.

Here are a few of my top picks, starting with the tour my mom and I booked.

6. Mercado Jamaica Flower Market

📍 Venustiano Carranza Map
📆 Every day, open 24 hours
➡️ Flowers, Party Decor, Piñatas, Esquites

The Mercado Jamaica Flower Market features seemingly endless rows of beautiful flowers for sale. Open 24 hours, this massive Mexico City market offers more than just flowers—vendors also sell party decorations, piñatas, fresh produce, and prepared foods. 

At the Jamaica flower market in Mexico City, a couple holding a large bouquet of sunflowers walks past the many flowers on display.

I’ve heard that one of the market’s highlights is delicious esquites. But when I visited in the morning, they were nowhere to be seen. 

So while most markets in Mexico City are best visited early, you might want to stop by Jamaica Flower Market in the afternoon if you love esquites as much as I do.

I can only imagine how incredible this market would be when prepping for a Mexican holiday, like Christmas or Day of the Dead.

Tip: While the Jamaica Flower Market is open 24 hours, only the flower stands are open into the night. Unless you’re buying flowers at wholesale, it’s best to visit during the day.

Artisan Markets Mexico City

If you’re looking to buy Mexican crafts, the artisan markets in Mexico City are a great place to start. These markets feature a wide range of unique gifts and souvenirs, including textiles, pottery, jewelry, and more.

Two popular artisan markets are La Ciudadela and the outdoor market at the Popular Culture Museum in Coyoacán.

Colorful bags and other textiles hang at the artisan market in Coyoacán as a woman peeks inside a stand.

Tip:  In addition to the Popular Culture Museum, quite a few other museums in Mexico City have nice gift shops where you can pick up unique items. Ones that come to mind are the Anthropology Museum, Popular Art Museum, and the Rufino Tamayo Museum.

Plus you’ll want to continue reading for details about the El Bazar Saturday Market which also features artisan crafts from Mexico.

7. La Ciudadela Market

📍 Centro Map
📆 Monday-Saturday 10 am-7 pm, Sunday 10 am-6 pm
➡️ Known as the place to buy souvenirs in Mexico City

La Ciudadela is the most popular market in Mexico City to buy souvenirs. This sprawling market offers a wide variety of items, many of which you might recognize if you’ve been traveling to other popular destinations in Mexico.

Colorful textiles and other items on display at La Ciudadela artisan market in Mexico City.

Although the market is generally organized by region or type of product, it’s easy to get turned around as you wander through the countless displays of textiles, pottery, jewelry, and other goods.

There’s also a similar artisan market in Mexico City’s Zona Rosa (map) that is very similar to La Ciudadela on a smaller scale.

8. Artisan Market at the Popular Cultural Museum

📍 Coyoacán Map
📆 Tuesday-Thursday 11 am – 6 pm, Friday-Saturday 11 am – 7 pm  
➡️ High quality artisan items from other regions in Mexico

This small outdoor market at the Popular Culture Museum in Coyoacán features high-quality, handcrafted items from across Mexico. 

A few customers check out products at the artisan market in Coyoacán located at the Museum of Popular Culture.

When I visited, the museum’s exhibits were focused on Oaxaca and Michoacán, and the artisan market reflected those regions. While the selection is limited compared to larger markets, the craftsmanship here is outstanding.

Having lived in Mexico for five years, including three in Oaxaca, I’ve seen lots of artisan goods. I can confidently say this market stands out for the quality of its products. Be prepared for higher prices, but you’re paying for craftsmanship that’s truly worth it.

Tip – Coyoacán also has a general artisan market. Although it reminds me of La Ciudadela but of lesser quality. I’d skip it and shop at one of these instead.

Flea Markets Mexico City

Mexico City flea markets are where you’ll find a variety of antiques, secondhand items, and unique treasures. Sometimes referred to as a bazar or tianguis, these street markets often stretch across several blocks. 

While the La Lagunilla Sunday Market is the most popular, there are several lesser-known flea markets in Mexico City that are worth checking out.

9. La Lagunilla Sunday Market (Antiques)

📍 La Lagunilla Map
📆 Sundays 10 am – 6 pm
➡️ Known for its fun atmosphere and great selection of antiques and collectibles

Of all the flea markets in Mexico City, Lagunilla stands out for its vast selection of antiques and unique finds. Block after block is lined with items like antique Mexican crafts, mid century modern furniture, vintage clothes, boots, jewelry, books, and funky collectibles. 

A the Lagunilla flea market in Mexico City customers stop to look at stalls selling different products like antique and vintage items and collectibles.
A flea market in Mexico City with different items for sale including a large grill in the shape of a pig. In the background, a couple are admiring a candle holder.

Do you want the inside scoop on Lagunilla flea market? Book this Lagunilla market tour with fellow antique lovers, Pablo and Monse. You’ll learn the art of negotiation as they expertly guide you through the market.

There’s also an opportunity to pick up some cool (non vintage) artwork here. I found an incredible graphic artist whose images remind me of the art in Oaxaca, where I live. In fact in the image below, you can see several characters and scenes from Oaxaca.

At the Lagunilla market in Mexico City, a customer holds several pieces of graphic artwork in front of a table display and hanging display.

It’s not just about the shopping—live music and food vendors at nearby Jardín de Lagunilla make it a lively Sunday experience. In addition to typical Mexican food, you’ll also find Pacheco Aguachile which makes vegan aguachile using oyster mushrooms and mezcal cocktails.

At the Lagunilla Sunday market, a man pours a large bottle of beer into a cup lined with a red chili syrup to make a michelada. In front of him are containers of spices and other syrups.

The first time I visited Lagunilla Market, I nearly missed the antique market altogether. I spent most of my time in the covered area just past it, where they serve beers, micheladas, and cocktails with crazy toppings. It’s like a market of bars, complete with music, lights, and cozy seating.

Tip: I recommend experiencing both parts. The map link above is to the outdoor flea market. To get to the other part, follow the antiques along the major street, Reforma, and away from Jardín de Lagunilla. Then you can’t miss it. Keep in mind, some people are there after partying all night. Although I’ve never had an issue in the multiple times I’ve visited.

10. Mercado Portales de Antigüedades

📍 Narvarte Map
📆 Everyday 10 am – 6 pm
➡️ Local antique market with more vendors on Saturdays

Located southeast of the Narvarte neighborhood, this antique market is another great place to find vintage and collectible items. While it’s open daily, Saturdays are the best time to visit, as the tianguis expands into the surrounding streets with even more vendors selling antiques.

If you’re looking for better prices, this is the place to be. Compared to some of the more popular flea markets, you’ll often find better deals here on unique vintage items.

11. Tianguis at Monumento a la Madre

📍 Cuauhtémoc Map
📆 Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 4 pm  
➡️ Lots of used and new clothes, antiques, and art

I’m not sure what to call this market which is marked several times on maps under different names and stretches from Monumento a la Madre, one of my favorite landmarks in CDMX,  through Jardín del Arte Sullivan.

New and used clothes hang at an outdoor paca de ropa market in CDMX.

On Saturdays, this is one of the best markets for used clothes in Mexico City. Not everything is second hand though—some of the clothing here is new and mass shipped from the US.

Mexican markets like these are traditionally known as pacas de ropa, which translates to “bales of clothes.” But you won’t be digging through piles of clothes here—most items are neatly hung. I even came across a stall where everything was organized by color.

At a street market in Mexico City, meat and bone marrow is grilled on a long grill as customers walk by.

The food options also stood out, with one stall grilling bone marrow and other meats.

When I visited on a Saturday, I found some great clothes at reasonable prices. I’ve heard that on Sundays, there are more antiques and a small art market in the park.

12. Plaza del Angel Antique Market

📍 Juarez Map
📆 Monday – Friday 10 am – 7 pm, Saturday 10 am – 4 pm  
➡️ High-end antique market that expands on Saturdays

If you’re in the market for high-end antiques in Mexico City, Plaza del Angel is the place to go. Inside, you’ll find small antique shops filled with intricate pieces that look fit for a mansion.

But the real action happens on Saturday mornings when nearly 150 more vendors set up in the courtyard. Prices in the shops tend to be on the higher side, so I recommend visiting on a Saturday to explore the flea market.

Even if you’re just browsing, it’s an interesting spot to spend the morning and get a glimpse of Mexico City’s antique scene.

13. Tianguis de Antigüedades

📍 Doctores Map
📆 Saturdays 10 am – 4 pm  
➡️ Small flea market of antiques in a park

Located on Ave. Cuauhtémoc, right on the edge of Doctores and Roma Norte, I stumbled upon this market on a Saturday morning. Tianguis de Antigüedades is a small flea market with vendors set up along the outer edge of a park.

A stand at a flea market in Mexico City with different antiques on display includes large framed artwork and marble columns.

There’s a diverse mix of antiques and collectibles for sale ranging from jewelry and accessories to art and household items. One of the more unique finds I came across was a selection of rotary phones, including a rainbow tie-dye one that definitely caught my eye!

Note: Another weekend market in Cuauhtémoc is Bazar de Oro (map). I explored this market on one of my first trips to Mexico City. It’s a mix of food, accessories, and art but nothing really stood out to me.

Saturday Markets in Mexico City

While many markets are open on Saturdays, there are a couple of specific Saturday markets in Mexico City. 

These two markets offer completely different experiences—one is known for its vibrant art, while the other was established to unite the city’s punk community and share its love of music.

14. El Bazar Saturday Market

📍 San Angel Map
📆 Sat 10 am – 7 pm
➡️ Indoor and outdoor Art Market on Saturdays

Located in the historic San Angel neighborhood, next to Coyoacán, El Bazar Saturday Market is a hub for high-quality crafts from local Mexican artists. In addition to art, there is a wide variety of locally made goods, including food products, perfumes, skincare, and jewelry.

Outside of the Saturday market in San Angel, artwork is displayed on easels in the park.

Open only on Saturdays, this market is set in a beautiful historic building with a restaurant in the central courtyard. Plus you’ll also find a few more artisans selling their work in the nearby park.

When I visited, I noticed that the art here leans a little modern compared to other markets. However, many pieces still pay homage to traditional Mexican crafts, whether through their vibrant colors, intricate decorations, or the techniques used.

15. Tianguis Cultural del Chopo

📍 Colonia Buenavista Map
📆 Saturdays 10 am – 5 pm
➡️ Rock and Punk Market with Live Music and a Mosh Pit

Tianguis Cultural del Chopo was created in 1980 as a space for musicians, collectors, and music lovers to trade and sell records. In the book Down and Delirious in Mexico City, author Daniel Hernández said, “Bartering was El Chopo’s blood.”

At El Chopo Market in Mexico City a few customers mingle and check out the products of different shops which include lots of black t-shirts.

Originally located at the Museo Universitario El Chopo, giving the market its name, it quickly became a hub for those passionate about rock music and other genres. 

Today, Tianguis del Chopo celebrates “La cultura de rock,” drawing a crowd of punk, goth, skater, hip hop, and emo subcultures. 

Vinyl records by popular artists are displayed on the wall of a stall at the El Chopo market in Mexico City.

When you visit, head into the market and turn right, where you’ll pass stalls packed with band shirts, records, stickers, and more. At the far end, you’ll find a live band playing with a mosh pit in front for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the scene.

Tip: After the market, head to one of the local beer joints, order a caguama (a large bottle of beer), and enjoy some botanas—free snacks that come with your drink. When my friends and I did this by chance, a group we saw at El Chopo happened to come to the same small bar which then turned into an even more lively atmosphere.

Questions About the Markets of Mexico City

What is the biggest market in Mexico City?

The biggest market in Mexico City is Central de Abastos, which serves as the main distribution hub for goods in the city. The biggest traditional retail and food market in Mexico City is Mercado de La Merced, known for its bustling stalls selling a wide variety of traditional foods, fresh produce, and sweets.

How many markets are there in Mexico City?

There are over 300 public markets in Mexico City filled with fresh produce and traditional food. Some have been renovated and some haven’t changed in 50 or more years. In addition there are hundreds more street markets in Mexico City ranging from artisan markets to flea markets where you can find antiques, crafts, and other curiosities.

What are street markets called in Mexico?

Street markets in Mexico are called “tianguis.” These markets are set up in public spaces, often on specific days of the week, and each tianguis offers something different. Some focus on fresh produce, while others sell clothing, antiques, crafts, or a mix of various goods. Tianguis are an essential part of local culture and shopping in Mexico.

Where to go shopping in Mexico City?

For shopping in Mexico City, markets are one of the best options. If you’re looking for fresh produce and traditional foods, you should visit a food market like Mercado de La Merced or Mercado San Juan. For artisan crafts, head to La Ciudadela. Antique hunters should explore La Lagunilla or the other flea markets in Mexico City.

Final Thoughts about Markets in Mexico City

Exploring the markets of Mexico City offers a unique glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture, whether you’re hunting for fresh produce, artisan crafts, or antiques.

From the lively stalls at Mercado de La Merced food market to the artisan market of La Ciudadela, these Mexico City markets provide an authentic shopping experience.

Are you planning a trip to Mexico? Join my Facebook group—Mexico Travel Network, a community where you can ask questions, share tips, and learn more about traveling in Mexico.