Mercado de Artesanías
A vibrant hub for authentic Guatemalan crafts, textiles, delicious food, and unique finds. Haggle for treasures!
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better negotiation
Mercado de Artesanías
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better negotiation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub for authentic Guatemalan crafts, textiles, delicious food, and unique finds. Haggle for treasures!
"It's an easy place to find, lots of options, highly recommend to dribble prices but be respectful."
🎯 Haggle respectfully
Negotiate prices, but remember it's their livelihood. Be polite and friendly!
👟 Look for real leather
Many stalls claim real leather, but it's not always true. Ask for seller recommendations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Guatemalan Textiles
Various stalls throughout the market
Vibrant, handmade clothing and accessories showcasing traditional patterns and craftsmanship.
Traditional Candies
Dona Maria Gordillo (H749+WC6)
Taste centuries-old recipes of delicious Guatemalan sweets, a true historical treat.
Custom Sneakers
Various shoe stalls
Unique Nike sneakers adorned with colorful, traditional Guatemalan fabrics.
Affordable Local Eats
Food stalls within the market
Delicious and budget-friendly Guatemalan dishes, perfect for a quick and authentic meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Mastering the Market Maze
Beyond Souvenirs: Local Flavors & Finds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Haggle respectfully
Negotiate prices, but remember it's their livelihood. Be polite and friendly!
👟 Look for real leather
Many stalls claim real leather, but it's not always true. Ask for seller recommendations.
🍬 Sweet treats await
Don't miss the historic candy shop for a taste of Guatemalan tradition.
👟 Unique shoe finds
Discover custom Nike sneakers with vibrant, traditional Guatemalan fabric.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle respectfully
Negotiate prices, but remember it's their livelihood. Be polite and friendly!
👟 Look for real leather
Many stalls claim real leather, but it's not always true. Ask for seller recommendations.
🍬 Sweet treats await
Don't miss the historic candy shop for a taste of Guatemalan tradition.
👟 Unique shoe finds
Discover custom Nike sneakers with vibrant, traditional Guatemalan fabric.
📸 Photobooth fun
Capture memories at Cafegrafía's unique photobooth experience.
💰 Explore the back
Deeper sections often hide the best bargains on souvenirs and clothing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Mercado de Artesanías for its vast selection of affordable goods, from vibrant textiles and unique crafts to delicious local food. The opportunity to negotiate prices and interact with friendly vendors adds to the authentic experience. However, some caution that not all 'leather' goods are genuine, and prices can sometimes be inflated for tourists.
"It's an easy place to find, lots of options, highly recommend to dribble prices but be respectful this is people jobs and often their on hands work.
Accessible food, fruits, clothes, souvenirs, sweets, home decorations, accessories."
Julietta LlGg
"A very big and diverse market full of beautiful products. Only warning: a lot of booths say their products are real leather but they aren’t. I put a picture of the business card of a seller I recommend who has beautiful products and they are made of real leather. Booth 82. You have to negotiate anywhere in the market ;)"
Valérie Dufresne
"Hey, we’re Vicky🇵🇪 and Malte🇩🇪 from the travel blog "Traveling Is Our Passion"!
We love visiting markets and local spots, and this one was amazing! You can find the cheapest souvenirs and connect with local vendors, making it a really nice experience.
For more details and our other top travel recommendations, check out our full blog post!"
Traveling Is Our Passion
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is centrally located in Antigua Guatemala, making it easily accessible on foot from most hotels and attractions. Taxis are also readily available if you're coming from further afield.
Parking in Antigua can be challenging. It's best to walk or take a taxi to the market area. If you are driving, look for designated public parking lots, but be prepared for limited availability.
The market is conveniently located near many of Antigua's famous landmarks, including the Santa Catalina Arch and the central plaza.
While ride-sharing apps are available in Guatemala, their availability and reliability can vary in Antigua. Taxis are a more consistent option for reaching the market.
Antigua is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any busy market, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Mercado de Artesanías is free. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase.
The market typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the full experience.
The market is generally open daily, but it's always a good idea to check for any local holiday closures.
Yes, you can bring bags, but be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas. Many vendors offer shipping options if you buy a lot.
No, all sections of the market, including food stalls, are free to enter. You pay for what you consume or buy.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide variety of souvenirs, including textiles, leather goods, wooden crafts, jewelry, ceramics, traditional clothing, and local art.
Yes, haggling is a common practice. Start with a lower offer and be prepared to meet somewhere in the middle. Always be respectful.
Look for sellers who are recommended or have good reviews. Sometimes, the smell and feel can indicate genuine leather, but it's best to ask questions and get seller recommendations.
Yes, prices for clothing are often negotiable, especially if you're buying multiple items. Be aware that some vendors may inflate prices initially.
Explore deeper into the market, away from the main entrances, as you'll often find better prices and a wider selection of goods.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find a variety of traditional Guatemalan dishes, including tamales, pepian, grilled meats, fresh fruits, and local snacks.
Yes, the food stalls offer very affordable and delicious meals, often costing around Q20 for a substantial lunch for two.
While many dishes are meat-based, you can often find options like rice, beans, and vegetable-based stews. It's best to ask the vendors directly.
Dona Maria Gordillo is a historic shop within or near the market known for its traditional Guatemalan candies.
It's generally recommended to drink bottled water or beverages purchased from reputable vendors to avoid any stomach issues.
📸 📸 Photography & Unique Finds
Absolutely! The vibrant colors, bustling atmosphere, and unique crafts make for fantastic photo opportunities. Don't miss the custom sneakers and traditional textiles.
Several stalls sell these unique sneakers, often featuring traditional Guatemalan fabric. Look for them as you explore the market.
Yes, Cafegrafía offers a unique photobooth experience, perfect for capturing fun memories of your visit.
Keep an eye out for hand-painted ceramics, carved wooden items, and intricately woven bags and blankets.
It's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their stalls. Most are happy to oblige if asked nicely.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the market can get crowded, so holding hands and staying together is important. The variety of sights and sounds can be stimulating, so gauge your children's energy levels. The photobooth at Cafegrafía can be a fun, quick activity for the whole family to enjoy together.
💰 Budget Travelers
For meals, aim for the food stalls where you can get a filling and authentic Guatemalan lunch for around Q20. Avoid the first few stalls you see, as they might be priced higher for tourists. By being savvy and exploring, you can experience the richness of the market without overspending.
🛍️ Souvenir Hunters
For genuine leather goods, seek out recommended sellers, as authenticity can vary. Consider purchasing items like embroidered blouses, woven bags, or carved wooden figures that truly represent Guatemalan craftsmanship. The historic candy shop also offers a sweet and unique edible souvenir.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Negotiation at Mercado de Artesanías
It's important to distinguish between genuine artisan work and mass-produced items. For higher-quality, handmade goods, the negotiation range might be smaller. Conversely, for more common souvenirs, you might have more room to negotiate. Redditors advise that even after currency conversion, prices can be quite reasonable, so while haggling is encouraged, maintain a sense of fairness.
When negotiating, be mindful of the vendor's perspective. They are skilled artisans or sellers who have invested time and effort into their products. A respectful negotiation ensures a positive transaction for both parties, allowing you to leave with a treasured souvenir and the vendor to make a fair profit.
Beyond Souvenirs: Culinary Delights and Unique Finds
Beyond food and typical souvenirs, the market is a treasure trove of unique items. You might stumble upon custom-made Nike sneakers adorned with vibrant, traditional Guatemalan fabrics – a fusion of modern style and cultural heritage that has captivated many visitors. Other unique finds include intricately woven textiles, hand-painted ceramics, and carved wooden items, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic traditions of Guatemala.
For those looking to capture memories, Cafegrafía offers a fun photobooth experience, adding another layer of enjoyment to your market visit. Exploring these diverse offerings ensures your visit to the Mercado de Artesanías is not just about shopping, but also about experiencing the local culture, flavors, and creativity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit