Markets in Guadalajara offer the chance to enjoy local culture and colour while finding everything from fresh produce to handcrafted arts and crafts fashioned by local artisans. Markets are part of a millennia-old cultural tradition in Mexico, dating to the era before Spanish colonisation when indigenous tribes would exchange goods and services. Today, almost every city has a collection of mercados and tianguis, or flea markets.

If you're looking to explore deep local culture, there are few better ways than to spend time walking the aisles and browsing the stalls of a local market. Check out some of the best markets in Guadalajara, and learn how to shop like a local.

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    Mercado Libertad

    Visit one of the largest markets in the world

    Mercado Libertad
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Mercado Libertad is one of the largest indoor markets in the world and offers outstanding fresh and prepared foods, arts, crafts, and just about anything else you could want. The farmers market section is vast, but it is rivalled by sections selling hardware, fashions, leather goods, and a few "grey market" items you probably won't be able to find elsewhere. You can even buy cellular phones here.

    This market is located 10 minutes north of city centre. The market does a great job of keeping things safe and welcoming.

    Location: C. Dionisio Rodríguez 52, San Juan de Dios, 44360 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +52 33 3618 0506

    Map
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    Mercado del Mar de la 34

    Find great prices on fresh seafood

    Mercado del Mar de la 34
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Mercado del Mar de la 34 is in the northern metro area about 12 minutes from city centre and offers fresh seafood at great prices, just off the boat. This seafood market is a point of pride in Guadalajara and is frequented by locals as much as it is visitors. Some say you can even get better prices on fresh shrimp here than you can right on the docks. One secret to this market: ask around about the best cuts of fish—they are often not out in the open.

    If you're looking to grab a bite to eat, you're in luck here as well. The market is surrounded by local restaurants that take full advantage of the fresh seafood supply.

    Location: Calle Esteban Loera, Reforma, 44890 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 7 am to 4.30 pm, Sunday from 8 am to 3.30 pm

    Phone: +52 33 3248 1272

    Map
  • 3

    Mercado de Abastos

    Shop the flea market version of an outlet mall

    Mercado de Abastos
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Mercado de Abastos, also called Central de Abastos, is a regional wholesale market that covers roughly 3 or 4 blocks of city space, offering produce and retail goods. This place is, in many ways, a flea market version of an outlet mall, with many retail stores scattered throughout the market as well as a massive farm-to-table produce section where you can get daily fresh fruits and veggies that are better than those from any supermarket.

    If you're hungry while you're here, the retail section of the market offers a giant food court with regional cuisine and international options. Many food stalls here have been family-run for decades. It's all about 12 minutes east of city centre.

    Location: C. 4 451-459, Comercial Abastos, 44530 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

    Open: Daily from 3 am to 7 pm

    Map
  • 4

    Mercado Santa Tere

    Visit a truly local market in a small pueblo

    Mercado Santa Tere
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Mercado Santa Tere is a community market about 15 minutes north of city centre in a quaint local area with fantastic food and tonnes of small indie shops. The pueblo of Santa Teresita is the primary attraction; this small village is full of authentic local colour and in many ways is a hidden gem of the region, having recently undergone a revitalisation. The neighborhood's claim to fame is that it's a favourite destination of film director Guillermo del Toro when he is in town.

    This market offers outstanding produce and prepared foods served by locals who have run their businesses for generations. From juices to regional dishes, you're sure to find something to love here.

    Location: C. Andrés Terán 523, Santa Teresita, 44600 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 7 am to 4 pm, Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm

    Phone: +52 33 3826 7653

    Map
  • 5

    Tianguis El Baratillo

    Shop a huge market with antiques, music, and food

    Tianguis El Baratillo
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Tianguis El Baratillo is among the largest markets in the city and offers everything from antiques to books, musical instruments, records, clothes, and other items of interest. Whether you're looking for a great deal on a piece of antique furniture, wall art for your home, or just a souvenir to remember your trip, you can find it here. The marketplace is also famous for its food. Here you'll find local variants on tacos and quesadillas and regional dishes like tortas ahogadas and birria.

    While you're here, don't forget to sample the tejuino, a local drink made with corn that has to be sampled and can't be explained. It's just 16 minutes northeast of town.

    Location: C. Juan R. Zavala 38, Santa María, 44370 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

    Open: Sunday from 5.30 am to 4 pm (closed Monday–Saturday)

    Map
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    Mercado Alcalde

    Visit a truly authentic local market

    Mercado Alcalde
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Mercado Alcalde is located in the heart of city centre and offers fresh veggies and fruits, prepared foods, and lots of local culture and colour. This market was built in the 1980s, but the street has been the home of local mercados for hundreds of years, so you'll also find a tonne of history here. The area tends to draw more seniors, and it's a market that's less geared towards visitors and more frequented by locals.

    While you're here, don't forget to check out the birrierias that serve up traditional, ancestral stews and tacos with regional recipes. If you're looking to experience genuine local colour, you'll find it here.

    Location: C. Pino Suárez 391, Centro Barranquitas, 44280 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 6.30 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 7 am to 3.30 pm

    Map
  • 7

    Magno Centro Joyero

    See some of the most important jewellers in Latin America

    Magno Centro Joyero
    • Couples
    • Luxury
    • Shoppers

    Magno Centro Joyero is a vast building offering jewellers of every size that has stood here since 2002 in an area known for centuries as a jewellery capital. This region has been a place where many cultures have come together to promote commercial activities and share their wearable art. The jewellers here are considered among the most important in Guadalajara and all of Latin America. The building is designed with ultramodern, cosmopolitan decor and luxury and offers a tranquil experience.

    It's just 12 minutes north of city centre Guadalajara. This is the place to come for a truly special gift for that equally special someone in your life.

    Location: C. Dionisio Rodríguez 14, San Juan de Dios, 44360 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +52 33 3617 4697

    Map
  • 8

    Mezquitán Market

    Explore a local fresh flower market

    Mezquitán Market
    • Couples
    • Shoppers

    Mezquitán Market is also known as the Flower Market and offers just about every kind of bouquet, garden plant, and decorative houseplant you can imagine at wholesale prices. The flowers here are beautiful and fresh, and the prices can be as low as half of many local florists. The market is also frequented by locals and is a great place to experience the culture.

    It's also right across the street from a historic landmark cemetery, so you can take in some history as well as the colours, sights, and smells of a fresh flower market. The market is about a 20-minute drive north of city centre Guadalajara.

    Location: C. Colima, Sector Hidalgo, 44260 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +52 33 1170 6902

    Map
  • 9

    Tianguis Navideño

    Visit a traditional and beloved holiday market

    Tianguis Navideño
    • Couples
    • Shoppers

    Tianguis Navideño is one of many local street markets dedicated to selling Christmas decorations during the holiday season and is a vibrant locale filled with holiday spirit. Here you can find just about everything from crystal spheres to clay figurines depicting crèche scenes. While some of the ornaments and decorations are mass-produced, many you'll find here are handmade by local artisans. This destination has become among the most traditional and beloved markets of its kind in the Guadalajara region.

    If you happen to be in Guadalajara during December and you're looking to get into the holiday spirit, Tianguis Navideño is a good place to visit. It's only a 12-minute drive northwest from central city centre.

    Location: Av. Chapultepec Sur, Col Americana, Americana, 44150 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico

    Open: Sunday–Friday from 3 pm to 10 pm, Saturday from 1 pm to 10 pm

    Map
  • 10

    Paseo Chapultepec

    Visit an artisans' market in a bohemian area

    Paseo Chapultepec
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Paseo Chapultepec is an arts and crafts market held city centre every Saturday that offers a vibrant collection of painters, artisans, and other merchants selling their wares. Here you can find wall art, handmade jewellery, sculptures, books, paintings, clothes, and even handmade journals made by local creators. It's located in a bohemian area famed for its cafés, book shops, and restaurants. This market is the heart and soul of that bohemian area vibe.

    You can find a journal to jot down your thoughts or a great new book to read here, then head to one of the cafés lining the market to read, write, and enjoy a cup of tea. You can also find that ideal souvenir of your trip.

    Location: Libertad 44160, Guadalajara, Jal., México

    Open: Daily from 7 am to 11 pm

    Map