Shopping in Mexico City, Mexico
At first glance, Mexico City may not seem like an attractive shopping destination. Do not fool yourself! The city is full of good stores, big malls, shopping streets and charming handicraft markets that can take any hand-closed traveler seriously. The prices are attractive, the exchange rate favorable and you will find there from traditional Mexican items to the most modern and desired electronics. Prices are often equivalent to those in the USA and it is even possible to take a short break to an outlet on the outskirts of the city. Set aside some Mexican pesos to return with a slightly fuller suitcase. Sure shopping will be great! To see more about payment methods, currency value and taxes, visit the post about money in Mexico City. Visit countryaah.com for map of Mexico City, Mexico.
Handicraft markets
Far beyond points of sale, Mexico City’s craft markets are unmissable tourist spots. Colorful, full of life, full of good shopping and always with excellent prices, popular markets are a must for visitors. It is possible to buy from the most traditional handicrafts – such as skulls, skeletons and hats – to elaborate products, such as embroidery and traditional clothing. There are also articles inspired by local artists, such as the star Frida Kahlo – omnipresent in t-shirts, magnets, boxes, notebooks and everything else imaginable – and the champions of the passionate Mexican wrestling. Everything that refers to Mexico you will find in the craft markets. Check abbreviationfinder.org for abbreviations and acronyms related to Mexico City, Mexico.
Some fairs are more popular with tourists, especially as they are strategically located close to major attractions. Among the most sought after and visited are the Mercado de Artesanías de Coyoacán, very close to the Frida Kahlo Museum; the Mercado de Artesanías de la Ciudadela, in the charming square of La Ciudadela; El Bazaar Saturday, a grand conglomerate of markets in the elegant San Angel neighborhood; Xochimilco Market, amid the colorful boats that are a World Heritage Site; Mercado de Artesanías del Pueblo, in the historic city of Pueblo; and Mercado Insurgentes, in the middle of the bustling Zona Rosa. These are not the only markets in the city, but they are good options close to the places to be visited by travelers. In fact, handicraft markets are spread across Mexico City. Can you, accidentally bump into one of them while traveling. But it is always good to know which one is closest.
Prices between markets are quite similar, but it is always worth negotiating. The values are not fixed and bargaining works. For payment, it is important to have cash. Many sellers do not accept cards and it is easier to get a discount by paying in cash. If you fall in love with a piece, be sure to buy it later. Handicrafts are not repeated in all stalls and markets.
Shopping streets
Some streets in Mexico City stand out for the good variety of products. And they appeal to both those looking for popular goods and those looking for luxury stores. Compared to New York’s 5th Avenue, Avenida Presidente Masaryk, in the elegant Polanco neighborhood, is the major hub for luxury brands. It is a place for those who want to see and be seen. Great for those who have a little extra money or just have fun watching the fashion go by. The whole neighborhood is interesting for shopping.
With more popular prices and more accessible stores, the Corredor Peatonal Madero (Av. Francisco I. Madero) connects the Zócalo to Alameda Central. It is a busy street full of good opportunities and a wide range of shopping. The entire surrounding region offers commerce, especially in the quadrilateral formed by Calle Lázaro Cardenas, Calle del Carmen, Calle República de Perú and Avenida República de El Salvador. The further away from the Zocalo, the more popular brands and products become.
Those looking for cooler shopping will find excellent options between the Zona Rosa stores, between Paseo de la Reforma and Bosque Chapultepec. The region, known as Mexico City’s gay stronghold, is full of boutiques with very modern products. Highlight for the clothes and sex shops in the region, which attract a large audience. The good options extend through the neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma Sur, where the wonderful Roma Market is, full of flavors from Mexico and charming shopping.
Malls, big stores and outlet
If you do the traveler line that can’t resist a good shopping or even if you are looking for a specific product, don’t worry! Mexico City has a good offer of large shopping centers. They are excellent for purchasing clothes from international brands, electronics, shoes, cosmetics and everything else imaginable in a good and genuine shopping mall. One of the best options in Mexico City, both for the offer of stores and the good location, is the Antara Fashion Hall, in the Polanco neighborhood. Close to there, but with a smaller size, it is possible to find the Plaza Carso. On Avenida Paseo de La Reforma, located right in the center of Mexico City, Reforma 222 is a good choice, but its size is much more modest.
Anyone willing to go a little further to shop will be able to check out the grand Centro Santa Fé. Located 20 km west of the Zocalo, this mall is considered one of the largest in all of Latin America and offers major brands such as: Saks Fifth Avenue, Sears, El Palacio de Hiero, Liverpool, Casa Palacio, H&M, Best Buy, Calvin Klein, GAP and many others. In addition to the Centro Santa Fé, there are options in the surroundings such as Perisur (20 km south of the Zocalo) and Mundo E (20 km north of the Zocalo).
Anyone who prefers to focus on just one place for all their shopping is sure to be happy with a visit to the Palacio de Hiero. The store works along the lines of the American Macy’s and offers sessions with products from major national and international brands. A true paradise! The best thing is that the store sells clothing, household products, luggage, bags, electronics and, of course, it still has a wonderful gastronomic session. Certainly a must see! There are several branches of the store throughout the city, but one of the most complete is located in the Polanco neighborhood. Other major stores that attract Mexicans are: Liverpool, Casa Palacio and Sanborns.
Tourists who can’t resist an outlet will find in Mexico City a branch of the famous American Premium chain. The Premium Outlets Punta Norte is located 24 km north of the Zócalo and offers 160 stores with discounts between 25% and 65%. In the outlet, there are brands like Carolina Herrera, Coach, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, MaxMara, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ermenegildo Zegna, Adidas, Asics, Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Levi’s, Nike, Puma, Tommy Hilfiger, Carter’s, Kipling, Delsey and many others !
Museum Shops
Museums abound throughout Mexico City. And each of them offers a wonderful and irresistible shop on the way out. Anyone who gets stuck in one of the pieces on display or is a fan of a local artist can certainly take a good memory home. The highlights are the shops of Museo Frida Kahlo, Museo Nacional de Antropología, Museo Dolores Olmedo, Museo de Arte Popular and Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal. All capable of failing a traveler with so many spectacular products. When leaving a museum, be sure to stop by the store!
Puebla and Cholula
The cities of Puebla and Cholula are among the most popular tours around Mexico City. The cost of the tour, lasting 8 hours, is MXN 600. It will be quite busy, but you will be able to get a general idea of the two regions. The tour usually takes place in a van shared with other tourists, but it will be easy to get a tourist bus to go there on your own.
The first stop on the tour is the city of Cholula. With country airs and taken by Catholic traditions, Cholula is especially interesting for the Santa Maria de Tonantzintla church. Built in the wonderful Mexican popular baroque style, this church is sure to leave any tourist gaping. Another key point of the visit is the archaeological area of Cholula, where the pyramid is considered one of the widest in the world. Covered by vegetation and with a church at the top, it is very difficult to recognize the pyramid. However, a visit to the archaeological site is enough to identify it. The passage through Cholula is very fast. Take the opportunity to visit the colorful handicraft street and climb to the top of the church, which coincides with the top of the pyramid.
With the title of one of the oldest cities in Mexico and Cultural Heritage protected by UNESCO, Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza surprises not only for its pompous name, but also for the beautiful attractions it offers to visitors. Located 130 km from Mexico City, Puebla is among the most popular destinations for tourists who want to stroll around the metropolitan area.
Surrounded by volcanoes, full of historic buildings and the origin of traditional Poblana cuisine, Puebla is an unmissable visit for those who like authentic, traditional cities full of life. Founded in 1531 by the Spanish, Puebla can be visited on a day trip, but if you really want to experience the region, we recommend at least an overnight stay there.
Among Puebla’s main attractions are the historic center, also called the Zocalo; the magnificent Puebla Cathedral – Nuestra Señora de la Inamaculada Concepción Cathedral, built between the 16th and 17th centuries; Callejon de los Sapos, a trade route full of handicrafts and colorful houses; the Casa de la Cultura, where the magnificent Palafoxian Library is located; and some museums, such as the Amparo Museum and the Casa de los Serdán Museum. On a roundtrip tour with a tourist agency, there won’t be time for much. You will have to run to see more than two or three attractions, so if you like the place, don’t hesitate to spend a night. Especially because the city is full of excellent restaurants and it will be difficult not to want to try some of them.
Antara Fashion Hall
One of the most complete shopping malls in Mexico City, Antara Fashion Hall is located in the Polanco neighborhood and is pleasing for its good variety of stores, easy access and extremely pleasant atmosphere. The mall, in addition to space for shopping, offers ample cultural activity, with exhibitions, fashion shows and various events, always in the great outdoor area located in the middle of the corridors.
The mall has brands such as: Abercrombie, Adidas, Benetton, Burberry, Calvin Kelin, Carolina Herrera, Desigual, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade, lacoste, Longchamp, Mango, Michael Kors, Nike, Puma, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria’s Secret, L ‘ Occitane, Mac, Sephora, The Body Shop, Kipling, Samsonite and others. There are more than 140 brands capable of meeting the basic needs of buying on the trip.
Avenue Paseo de la Reforma
The great golden angel marks the center of the elegant avenue Paseo de La Reforma. The 12 km long road connects the Historic Center to the elegant Polanco neighborhood. One of the main avenues in Mexico City, it is also one of the most pleasant to stroll through. Wooded, with spacious pedestrian sidewalks and very inviting for a few bike rides, Avenida Paseo de La Reforma is a must-see in the city. The place is full of bars, restaurants, good stores and many good hotels. Excellent place to stay, especially between Torre Mayor and Alameda Central.
One of the main attractions of the avenue is the Angél de la Independencia monument. The tower, 46 m high and an imposing golden angel at the end, was built as part of the celebration of Mexico’s Centenary of Independence. The place is open to public visitation, but has unpredictable opening hours and it is best to count on luck. If it is open, be sure to climb to the top of the monument, right at the feet of the angel, from where you have a fantastic view of the entire Avenida Paseo de La Reforma. The cost of the visit is MXN 75 (USD 4). When leaving the monument, be sure to visit Zona Rosa, one of the liveliest regions in Mexico City.
Avenida Presidente Masaryk, Polanco neighborhood
Comparable to New York’s 5th Avenue, Avenida Presidente Masaryk, located in the elegant neighborhood of Polanco, is among the favorites for high-end shopping. The wide structure, full of trees and flowers, is an invitation to walk. The beautiful shop windows, full of luxury products and funky pieces signed by Mexican designers, are an invitation to fill bags. Let’s be honest and make it clear: shopping at Presidente Masaryk is for a few, but the tour is great for everyone.
The great avenue is marked by international brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Mont Blanc, Tiffany & Co, Bvlgari, Hermès, Max Mara, Salvatore Ferragamo and many others. In addition to the big brands, there are also trendy stores and pieces signed by local designers that also attract the eyes of buyers.
The avenue is surrounded not only by shops, but also by good restaurants. You can enjoy a delicious coffee by the sidewalk, exercise the wonderful art of people watching or choose from dozens of restaurant options for a refined and delicious meal.
Casa de los Azulejos – Sanborns
The visit to this restaurant goes far beyond the meal. The popular Sanborns, present throughout Mexico City, gain a refined and historic tone in the branch that operates at Casa de los Azulejos. Located in the Historic Center of Mexico City, this building – also known as Palacio de los Condes de Orizaba – enchants for the façade covered in charming Puebla talavera tiles and for the magnificent interior built with a mix of colonial and baroque architecture, two Mexican classics.
The tour through the countryside is mandatory for those visiting the Historic Center and regardless of whether or not a meal is made. If you want the full experience, sit in the elegant tea room or sample some Mexican food in the restaurant’s central courtyard. The price is very good!
El Bazaar Saturday
The traditional neighborhood of San Angel is home to some of the most beautiful residences in Mexico City. Where there were once large farms, today rich mansions predominate. In the midst of a stunning setting with colonial houses, it is possible to visit one of the most beautiful markets in the city. El Bazaar Saturday combines traditional Mexican crafts with design pieces with modern readings. The Saturday Bazaar, itself, operates in an 18th century colonial mansion. However, despite being the most famous spot in the neighborhood, it is just a small piece of the good deals on fairs and craft markets in San Angel.
Saturday is the liveliest day in the neighborhood, when several stalls are set up every inch of the streets and squares around the Saturday Bazaar. Painters exhibit their works among sellers of typical articles and a lot of Mexican food. It is a place to spend a whole day strolling. Enjoy the good restaurants in the area and get ready to fill some bags. On Saturdays, there are also presentations of music and typical dances. It is a spectacular place for a beautiful sunny day.
El Palacio de Hierro
El Palacio de Hierro is capable of taking any tourist seriously. Just having a few Mexican pesos left over will tempt you into the aisles of this mega store. El Palacio de Hierro works in the same way as the American Macy’s and offers hundreds of national and international brands arranged in sessions or small kiosks. The atmosphere is very similar to a large shopping center. The place is not for the weak. If you have a certain compulsion for shopping, better get away from there!
With good prices, great discounts and excellent brands available, El Palacio de Hierro is one of the best shopping venues in Mexico. There, you will find everything: clothing, bags, travel items, beauty products, home equipment, electronics, photographic equipment and much more!
In addition to the good shopping options, the store offers a huge and wonderful section of culinary products, with many spectacular ingredients, delicious food and excellent drinks. The good news is that you can try some dishes on the spot. The store offers a gourmet floor that has several restaurant options, from the simplest Starbucks to places that offer haute cuisine. Difficult to let go of the store! It is a place for many hours of walking. Be prepared and happy shopping!
Coyoacán Handicraft Market
Without a doubt, this is one of the best craft markets for Shopping in Mexico City. The Mercado de Artesanías de Coyoacán is located right next to the Museo Frida Kahlo and offers a huge variety of typical Mexican products. The place is pleasant, easily accessible, very safe and, best of all, it has excellent prices! With the wide variety of stalls, it is even easier to negotiate between sellers.
If you only have time to visit a market during your trip (it is easy to spend a few hours walking through the colorful corridors of all of them), the Mercado de Artesanías de Coyoacán is the best option. You will not need to deviate the tour route (after all, you can go on the day you visit the Museo Frida Kahlo) and you will certainly find everything you are looking for there, from skulls to embroidery, going through all the typical items. Remember to bring a bag or backpack. The chance of getting out of there loaded with things is very big. Ah! And don’t forget about cash. Most tents do not accept cards.
Mercado de Artesanias de la Ciudadela
Very close to the historic center of Mexico City, the Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela is one of the best options for those who are visiting the Zócalo and do not have time to go very far. This market, one of the most sought after by tourists, is just 3 km from Plaza de La Constitución.
The place follows the pattern of the local craft markets and sells typical Mexican products, always full of colors, passion and life. It is a place to invest in a peaceful walk, even to have time to negotiate prices with sellers. Always remember to take cash, mainly because most banks do not accept cards.
Food Market San Camilito – Plaza Garibaldi
Amidst the excitement of the mariachis of Plaza Garibaldi, the San Camilito Food Market attracts the most traditional flavors of Mexico City. The place is decorated with bold colors and thousands of flags that set the tone for a Mexican party. Each stand serves different specialties and vies for customers’ attention with “Mexico’s best” ads for all dishes. Take a walk around the market and choose the nicest seller.
The difficult thing will not be the choice of the tent, but the dish. Among dozens of options of traditional Mexican cuisine, you will get lost in the intensity of flavors. It is a place to experience the purest flavors of Mexico, without the refinement or reinterpretations of the most chic restaurants. If you want a tip, try the vegetable and meat soup, known as pozole or the classic, simple and delicious roasted meat. Have fun asking for the unknown and welcome to the flavors of Mexico! Ah! The prices are excellent and the collective tables are an invitation to the party, especially at dawn!
San Juan Market
Walking through the corridors of the Mercado de San Juan is much more than just a walk at the fair. The place transports visitors to the depths of Mexican cuisine, with all the most exotic flavors and ingredients imaginable. The fruits are incredible, the cuts of meat are highly unusual and the peppers, a perdition. Not to mention all the spices available for lovers of a good gastronomic experience. Those who enjoy cooking, or trying new flavors, cannot miss this market!
The place is an authentic and real food market, with all the features you are entitled to. It is confusing, messy, with the intense dispute of odors in the air and, of course, many food options to taste. If you have a strong stomach line, take a seat at one of the kiosks and start your journey through the most traditional flavors of Mexico. It is a place to taste the purest of cuisine in that country, with all the “refinement” that a fair has to offer!
Very close to the San Juan Market, you can buy some handicrafts at the Mexican Curiosities Market. It is not among the best in the city, but it breaks a branch for those who are already strolling through the region.
Roma Market
The name can confuse the unsuspecting. The Roma Market, despite being a kind of NY Eataly, is not intended for Italian cuisine. There, the traditional cuisine served at the kiosks is really Mexican. Although a few vendors deviate from the standard, what you see in this charming market is really the best of Mexico’s flavors.
The Roma Market is a kind of shed where several establishments operate on open counters and offer the most varied types of meals. Very popular with young hipsters, Mercado Roma is a place to party and, of course, try some delicacies. It’s great for those who don’t have the courage to face street food, but still want to try the dishes. With a certain refinement, beautiful people, tasty food, good prices and even a few stalls for the purchase of various products, the Roma Market is a must for lovers of good food and a daytime party.
Premium Outlets Punta Norte
Outlets are not restricted to the USA and can be found in many parts of the world. And in Mexico City there is a good option for those who want to save on shopping. The Premium Outlets Punta Norte is part of the famous American chain of outlets and can help a lot visitors who want to return with a little more full.
The Premium Outlets Punta Norte is located 24 km from the Zócalo and has more than 160 stores of various specialties. Discounts vary between 25% and 60% and you can purchase even more discounts on the outlet’s official website. The building has a structure similar to American outlets and there are brands such as Kiplig, Delsey, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Aldo, Asics, Puma, Nike, Converse, Diesel, Mango, Levi’s and Lacoste, Carter’s, Chicco, Ermenegildo Zegna, Salvatore Ferragamo, Max Mara and even options for home and decoration, such as Le Creuset and Home & Cook.
Reform 222
Reforma 222 earns points for its excellent location. It is right in the center of Paseo de La Reforma avenue and can be easily accessed by subway or during a walk along one of the most beautiful avenues in Mexico City. The mall is not very large, but it has a good mix of stores and supplies the most basic purchases. In addition, it has a good food court, with snack bars and very cheap restaurants. Good option for a stop during the day.
Among the highlights of the stores: Aéropostale, Adidas, Aldo, Benetton, Converse, C&A, Guess, Lacoste, Nike, Nine West, Tommy Hilfiger, Zara, GNC, MAC and Sanborns. There aren’t many stores in the mall, so don’t expect big purchases. If you really want to invest a few hours to buy, give preference to El Palacio de Hierro stores, Antara Fashion Hall or Centro Santa Fé.
Xochimilco
The colorful trawlers from Xochimilco, considered by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, can be compared to the gondolas of Venice. Think of the Italian boats and then add a little (or a lot) of color, live music with mariachis, some spicy snacks, a good and cold michelada and lots of lively people. Ready! You will have in your hands one of the most fun and traditional tours to be carried out in Mexico City.
The immense colored spot takes over the canals of the Xochimilco region early in the morning. It’s time to start welcoming visitors who are looking for a different and quite typical environment for some celebrations. Those arriving in Xochimilco will be able to choose between several ports to start the tour, however the most famous and popular is the Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas. When you get to the region, ask to go straight there!
The canals are full of beautiful trawlers, always very colorful and with fun names. Choose your favorite, search for the owner and negotiate the price for the tour. The official price is MXN 350 for a three-hour tour through the region full of plantations and many nurseries. The price is for the boat, not the number of people. That is, with a couple or 15 friends, the cost will be the same. If you are alone or in a small group and want to do the tour, but without paying so much, you can choose the collective trainers. They are not decorated, but do the same route for only MXN 20 per person. You can enjoy Xochimilco’s climate in the same way!
The trawlers have big tables and the public really does have a party. Mariachis are in boats along the entire channel and it is possible to hire a group there to play especially for you! The cost of each song is MXN 100. Drinks and food are also sold by boat along the route. A regular beer costs MXN 20 and a michelada (beer with lemon and salt) costs MXN 25.
At the end of the tour, take the opportunity to visit the Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas fair and try some exotic flavors of Mexico at the local restaurants.