The best places to go shopping in Mexico City are top highlights for retail therapy in the Mexican capital, ranging from tianguis (traditional open-air bazaars) to modern malls. The Mexican capital is known for its friendly people, rich history, exciting fiestas, and delectable food. But going shopping in the city is one more thing you should look forward to.

Since the time of the Aztecs, Mexico has been a centre of commerce in the region. Trade markets are an intrinsic part of the country’s culture. Today, you’ll find a plethora of antique stores, artisan shops, and weekend bazaars throughout. Add to these modern shopping centres and luxurious boutiques, and you’ve got a haven for both bargain hunters and posh shoppers. Read on to learn about where to go for unique finds.

  • 1

    Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela

    A shopping paradise for art lovers in Mexico City

    Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela
    • Budget
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela is a market in Mexico City for those who love handicrafts, antiques, folk arts, and other artisan products. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs and unique handmade goods. It’s also a fantastic site for mingling with the locals and learning about Mexican culture.

    A friendly tip for deal hunters: credit cards are accepted by some vendors, but paying in pesos gives you bargaining power. Also, make sure to try the local food, coffee, and chocolate available from the small stalls scattered throughout the market.

    Location: Balderas S/N, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06040 Cuauhtémoc, CDMX, Mexico

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +52 55 5510 1828

    Map
  • 2

    Avenida Presidente Masaryk

    The most luxurious street in Mexico City

    Avenida Presidente Masaryk
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Avenida Presidente Masaryk is one of the trendiest shopping and dining streets in Mexico City. This pretty strip in the affluent Polanco neighbourhood stretches from Calzada General Mariano Escobedo to Avenida Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca, with boutiques from international brands and local designers lining its length.

    Even if you’re just window shopping along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, you’ll still enjoy strolling along the avenue’s tree-covered sidewalks. Dine al fresco in one of the cafés and sip ice-cold carajillo (liquor coffee cocktails) or aguas frescas (light fruit juices) as you watch passersby.

    Location: Polanco, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

    Map

    photo by ProtoplasmaKid (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 3

    Centro Santa Fe

    A multilevel complex for shopping and everything else

    Centro Santa Fe
    • Families
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Centro Santa Fe is a vast shopping complex in Mexico City where you can find anything and everything. There’s a wide variety of merchandise from hundreds of stores, including clothing, sports apparel, furniture, decor, jewellery, and toys. Whatever your budget is, there’s a shop where you can get amazing deals.

    After shopping, treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment or take the kids to the skating rink. There’s also a cinema, an art park, and an arcade for even more family fun. Feed hungry tummies at the food court or one of the many restaurants in the mall.

    Location: Vasco de Quiroga 3800, Lomas de Santa Fe, Contadero, Cuajimalpa de Morelos, 05348 Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +52 55 3003 4330

    Map

    photo by Serge Saint (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 4

    Reforma 222

    A modern shopping mall with familiar global brands

    Reforma 222
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Reforma 222 is a stylish shopping mall in Mexico City featuring inviting lush foliage and large glass windows. Inside, you can enjoy shopping in boutique stores and eating in restaurants that are scattered throughout all 4 floors of the complex. You can also find familiar global brands, such as Zara, Aldo, Samsung, and Adidas.

    Additionally, Reforma 222 houses a cinema, a gym, a couple of banks, and other service centres. It’s a good option for those who are looking for a large mall in Mexico City to get everything they need.

    Location: Módulo en, Av. Paseo de la Reforma 222-Planta Baja, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

    Open: Daily from 11 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +52 55 5207 6857

    Map

    photo by Omar (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Mercado de San Juan

    A traditional market for gourmets and foodies

    Mercado de San Juan
    • Budget
    • Food
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Mercado de San Juan is one of the oldest traditional markets in Mexico City that’s still bustling today. Aisle after aisle, you'll find colourful fruits, crisp vegetables, quality meat, and fresh seafood. But there’s more to this market than those. You’ll also come across scorpions, armadillos, worms, tarantulas, and other exotic food. This place isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s a wonderland for foodies.

    If you’re not up for some cooking, just head over to one of the restaurants around the market. Have fresh tuna sashimi, or be more adventurous and order a bag of fried scorpions.

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    Location: 2ᵃ Calle de Ernesto Pugibet 21, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

    Map
  • 6

    La Lagunilla

    A shopping district with a traditional weekend tianguis

    La Lagunilla
    • Budget
    • Shoppers

    La Lagunilla is a popular neighbourhood where you can shop and get a feel of local life in Mexico City. There are dozens of stores in the area that sell various goods, such as clothing, accessories, toys, books, and furniture. Find antiques in thrift shops and handcrafted items in streetside stalls.

    The best day to visit La Lagunilla is on a Sunday when artists, traders, and antique dealers bring their wares for the weekend tianguis. Bargaining for deals is the norm here, so don’t be shy to ask for a small discount.

    Read more

    Location: 06200, C. Comonfort 32, Morelos, Cuauhtémoc, 06200 Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

    Open: Wednesday–Monday from 8 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

    Map

    photo by AlejandroLinaresGarcia (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 7

    El Bazaar Sabado

    A treasure trove of handmade items from artisans and designers

    El Bazaar Sabado
    • Budget
    • Food
    • History
    • Shoppers

    El Bazaar Sabado is a market in a Spanish colonial site in Mexico City that comes to life on Saturdays. Artisans and designers bring in their wares and welcome both locals and tourists. Lively music fills the air along with the cacophony of happy shoppers. All this while the appetising aroma of Mexican food wafts through the air.

    El Bazaar Sabado offers you a one-of-a-kind shopping experience and gives you a glimpse of Mexican culture and traditions. Find ceramics and jewellery pieces with intricate designs, shoes, textiles, and more.

    Location: Pl. San Jacinto 11, San Ángel TNT, San Ángel, Álvaro Obregón, 01000 Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

    Open: Saturdays from 10 am to 7 pm

    Phone: +52 55 5616 0082

    Map

    photo by Inakiherrasti (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 8

    Antara Fashion Hall

    A place to shop, relax, and unwind

    Antara Fashion Hall
    • Couples
    • Shoppers

    Antara Fashion Hall is an open-air mall where you can find global brands and local boutiques in Mexico City. Shop at Burberry, Armani, Longchamp, Steve Madden, and Swarovski. Catch the latest styles at Abercrombie, Zara, and Aldo. Meanwhile, active and sporty types can score deals at Under Armour and The North Face.

    The open-air design of Antara also creates a relaxing ambience. The promenade is dotted with ornamental plants and flowering trees. Uniquely designed seats are scattered throughout for weary shoppers. All these make it a great place to unwind after a busy day in the Mexican capital.

    Location: Av Ejército Nacional 843, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, 11520 Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

    Open: Daily from 11 am to 11 pm

    Phone: +52 55 4593 8870

    Map

    photo by ProtoplasmaKid (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 9

    Galerias Insurgentes

    A quaint place for shopping and dining in Mexico City

    Galerias Insurgentes
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Galerias Insurgentes is a notable mall in Mexico City that features an unmissable Longines clock in its facade and a Louvre-style glass pyramid inside. Aside from its fascinating architecture, the cosy mall also provides a great shopping experience.

    Galerias Insurgentes has a good mix of international and local brands, which offer both budget selections and luxury items. It also connects with the Liverpool department store if you want more bargain finds. Fast-food chains, coffee shops, and restaurants offer plenty of dining options for hungry shoppers.

    Location: Parroquia 194, Colonia Del Valle, Benito Juárez, 03100 Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

    Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +52 55 5627 8372

    Map
  • 10

    Mercado de Coyoacan

    A vibrant farmers’ market and haven of arts and crafts

    Mercado de Coyoacan
    • Budget
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Mercado de Coyoacan is one of the longest standing marketplaces in Mexico City that sets itself apart from other shopping places through an offering of food and art. This 2-storey marketplace is filled with the vibrant colours of local art souvenirs and the sweet scent of fresh produce.

    The atmosphere here is always festive with shopowners happily chatting with customers. You’ll love hearing stories from the locals as you taste gourmet or traditional Mexican snacks from the food stalls. Learn more about their rich culture as you browse handicrafts and other souvenirs.

    Location: Ignacio Allende s/n, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

    Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm

    Phone: +52 55 4072 1596

    Map

    photo by katiebordner (CC BY 2.0) modified

Geri Mileva | Contributing Writer