La Ciudadela Craft Market Mexico City
A sprawling artisan market in Mexico City, showcasing traditional Mexican handicrafts, folk art, and vibrant textiles from hundreds of vendors.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pop-up markets are active
La Ciudadela Craft Market Mexico City
Best Time
Pop-up markets are active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling artisan market in Mexico City, showcasing traditional Mexican handicrafts, folk art, and vibrant textiles from hundreds of vendors.
"My favorite market in CDMX! A lot of crafts and unique pieces - the prices really depend on the vendor!"
Negotiate Prices Politely
Prices can vary widely. Walk around and compare before buying. Bargaining is expected, especially for larger purchases.
Carry Cash (Pesos!)
Many vendors prefer cash, especially for smaller transactions. ATMs are available nearby.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Textiles and Home Decor
Various stalls throughout the market
Vibrant embroidered textiles, woven baskets, and unique artwork for your home.

Handmade Jewelry
Numerous jewelry vendors
Discover intricate silver pieces, beaded bracelets, and unique charms.
Specialty Pop-Up Markets
Specific areas, often on weekends
Find Hello Kitty, Sanrio, and kawaii stationery hauls from dedicated vendors.

Mexican Folk Art
Dedicated folk art stalls
Explore colorful alebrijes, pottery, and other traditional folk art pieces.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Market Maze
Beyond Traditional Crafts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Negotiate Prices Politely
Prices can vary widely. Walk around and compare before buying. Bargaining is expected, especially for larger purchases.
Carry Cash (Pesos!)
Many vendors prefer cash, especially for smaller transactions. ATMs are available nearby.
Explore Beyond the Main Aisles
Venture into smaller alleys for hidden gems and potentially better deals.
Beware of Fakes
Some items, especially textiles, might be mass-produced imports. Look for authentic craftsmanship.
Tips
from all over the internet
Negotiate Prices Politely
Prices can vary widely. Walk around and compare before buying. Bargaining is expected, especially for larger purchases.
Carry Cash (Pesos!)
Many vendors prefer cash, especially for smaller transactions. ATMs are available nearby.
Explore Beyond the Main Aisles
Venture into smaller alleys for hidden gems and potentially better deals.
Beware of Fakes
Some items, especially textiles, might be mass-produced imports. Look for authentic craftsmanship.
Check for Pop-Up Events
Look out for themed markets like Hello Kitty or stationery events, often on Saturdays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Ciudadela is a beloved artisan market offering a vast array of Mexican handicrafts and folk art, with many visitors praising its variety and the opportunity to find unique home decor and gifts. While some find prices high and advise careful comparison, others appreciate the convenience and the chance to discover hidden gems. The market's vibrant atmosphere and the potential for negotiation add to its appeal.
"I wanted to buy a table cover. The 1st stall quoted me more than P15k Mexican pesos when converted was more than $800. The second stall quoted even higher. And the third, the same! I was shocked! I stopped looking even for other items. If you want to buy Mexican handicrafts, the ones sold by the pyramids are a lot cheaper. Disappointing experience!"
Nisi Arel
"My favorite market in CDMX! A lot of crafts and unique pieces - the prices really depend on the vendor!
Great variety and there is a delicious restaurant in the middle! Life feels calm and quiet inside!
You can sound hours there walking and talking to the sellers."
Kristine Stefanija
"They have so many things. Souvenirs, kitchenware, purses, totes, shoes, clothes and much more. The variety is great. I recommend walking through at least a quarter of the market before buying anything if you wanna save up since some places sell the same products with different pricing."
Laura JS
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From the Zocalo, you can walk about 15-20 minutes along Jose Maria Pino Suarez street, crossing Venustiano Carranza and Republica de Uruguay. Alternatively, take the Metro to the Zocalo station and walk, or to the Pino Suarez station.
The closest Metro stations are Pino Suarez (Lines 1 and 2) and Zocalo (Line 2). From either, it's a short walk to the market.
Street parking can be very difficult to find. It's recommended to use public transportation or a rideshare service. There are paid parking lots in the vicinity, but they can be expensive.
Yes, taxis and Uber are readily available in Mexico City and can drop you off directly at the market. Ensure your Uber is set to the correct destination.
The market is large and has uneven surfaces. While some areas are accessible, navigating the entire market might be challenging for those with mobility issues. It's partially covered, so rain can make paths slippery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to La Ciudadela Craft Market is free. You only pay for the items you wish to purchase from the vendors.
The market is generally open daily from around 9 AM to 6 PM. However, hours can vary slightly by vendor and season. Pop-up markets often have specific weekend hours.
Weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to be busier due to pop-up markets and more local visitors. Weekday afternoons are generally less crowded.
Some vendors may be willing to take custom orders or reserve items, especially if you plan to return. It's best to ask directly and be clear about your needs.
Typically, entry to these themed pop-up markets within or around La Ciudadela is also free. You pay for the merchandise you buy.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Vendors
You'll find a vast array of traditional Mexican handicrafts, including textiles, pottery, silver jewelry, leather goods, wooden carvings, folk art, and home decor.
Look for specialized vendors in areas like Mesones 123 or Correo Mayor. These areas are known for their abundance of stickers, notebooks, pens, and charms.
Yes, prices are often negotiable, especially if you buy multiple items or pay in cash. Be polite and respectful when bargaining.
If you're looking for authentic indigenous crafts, do your research. Some vendors sell imported goods. Ask vendors about the origin of their items.
Yes, you can find vendors specializing in Mexican wrestling masks, t-shirts, and other memorabilia.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a central restaurant area within the market offering various Mexican dishes. You can also find smaller food stalls selling snacks and drinks.
Expect typical Mexican market fare, including tacos, quesadillas, tortas, aguas frescas, and sweet treats. Some vendors might offer themed snacks during special events.
Many market stalls offer vegetarian options like quesadillas or bean-based dishes. Vegan options might be more limited but can often be found by asking vendors to omit cheese or dairy.
Generally, yes. Vendors are accustomed to serving locals and tourists. It's always a good idea to choose busy stalls where food is prepared fresh.
During Hello Kitty pop-up events, you might find vendors selling themed snacks like cookies or drinks in cute packaging.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their merchandise or them.
The colorful textiles, intricate jewelry displays, and the sheer variety of stalls offer great photo opportunities. The central courtyard can also be picturesque.
While not strictly enforced, avoid intrusive photography that might disrupt vendors or shoppers. Professional photography setups might require permission.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wide shots of the market and details of crafts. A prime lens with a wide aperture can be great for low-light conditions.
It's always best practice to ask permission before photographing individual vendors or their specific creations. A smile and a polite 'Puedo tomar una foto?' (Can I take a photo?) goes a long way.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎁 Souvenir Hunters
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Vendor Landscape
When seeking specific items, like the highly sought-after Tenango embroidery, be aware that the market can be flooded with imported imitations. Authentic pieces are often more expensive and may have specific regional identifiers. For those interested in jewelry making, areas around Mesones street are known for charms and beads. Remember to carry cash, as many vendors prefer it, and be prepared to politely negotiate prices, especially for bulk purchases.
The Evolution of La Ciudadela
The market's location in the historic center of Mexico City makes it easily accessible and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to offer a tangible connection to Mexico's rich cultural heritage, providing a platform for artisans to thrive and for visitors to discover unique, handcrafted treasures. The blend of tradition and contemporary influences ensures La Ciudadela remains a dynamic and relevant marketplace.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit