With its vibrant markets, high-end boutiques, and glistening malls - Mexico City will make shopaholics feel right at home. Whether you're looking to update your wardrobe, pick up some souvenirs, or simply soak up some local ambiance - there is sure to be an area of the city that's just right for you.
If navigating this huge city feels overwhelming, why not head out for your shopping expedition with one of our local guides? With a local in the know, you won't have to worry about getting lost in the crowds or having anything become lost in translation as you explore the market stalls and boutiques. So get ready to shop 'til you drop - these are the top 7 best shopping spots in Mexico City!
Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela
Time and time again, Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela is listed as the best market in Mexico City - and that's saying something in a city that's home to over 300 markets! Located in Centro, this is a huge market dedicated to local folk art and handicrafts from all over the country. From textiles to knickknacks and from puppets to apparel, the selection is huge, colorful, and completely fascinating. The market itself is colossal and the surrounding area is interesting too, so it might be worth it to explore the area accompanied by a local guide.
Centro Santa Fe
If "go big or go home" is part of your shopping ethos, you will love Centro Santa Fe. This is the largest shopping mall in the whole country! This complex houses around 500 stores and is visited by a whopping 20 million people a year. You will find many international brand stores here, from Adidas to Apple and Levi's to Lego. There are also countless restaurants inside the mall, including the typical fast-food outlets as well as a few more refined restaurants. Due to its sheer size, you could easily spend a whole day exploring this massive shopping complex.
Avenue Presidente Masaryk
Isador, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This elegant boulevard is for Mexico City what Champs-Élysées is for Paris and Fifth Avenue is for New York City. Running through the affluent Polanco neighborhood in the heart of the city, this tree-lined street is where you will find all the big-name boutiques, including Dolce & Gabbana, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Hermes, as well as high-street staples like Zara and Bimba y Lola, a beloved local brand. This lively street is a great place to shop for luxury goods and check out the latest fashions. As the area is popular with locals and visitors alike, it's also a perfect spot to indulge in some people watching.
Mercado de Coyoacan
Mercado de Coyoacan is one of the most famous markets in Mexico City. It was first established all the way back in 1921, though as the years have passed, the market's location has changed from the original. The Coyoacan neighborhood is best known as the home of Frida Kahlo, and you can reach the Frida Kahlo Museum in a mere 10-minute walk from the market. The bright and colorful market is a popular place for tourists to pick up local handicrafts and textiles (as well as snapping countless photos!), but they also sell a huge variety of produce and spices. We definitely recommend including a tour of Coyoacan into your Mexico City itinerary!
Reforma 222
CliNKer, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Reforma 222 is a large shopping mall located in the Juarez neighborhood. This is a great one-stop-shop, as the huge complex offers all the little conveniences you'll likely need during your stay in Mexico City. There are plenty of global brand stores here, including Adidas, Nike, Swarovski, Aldo, Tommy Hilfiger, and Zara. If you're craving some entertainment, Reforma 222 also has a movie theater. There is also a large food court at the mall, with vendors including Burger King, Domino's Pizza, McDonald's, Subway, and many more. All in all, Reforma 222 is a great place to fill all your shopping, dining, and entertainment needs in one convenient location.
Mercado San Juan
Mercado San Juan is another interesting market for visitors to explore, especially if you are a foodie. Mercado San Juan is located in the neighborhood of Centro and offers a fascinating display of produce and meat. This is a great place to soak up some good old-fashioned marketplace ambiance (this is one of the oldest markets in the city), as well as gawk at the more exotic meats on offer. You can spot vendors peddling everything from armadillo to wild boar here, so the market is not for the faint of heart! If, on the other hand, you are feeling adventurous, you can snack on some fried ants or grasshoppers while exploring the market.
Calle Colima
Jake Galán, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you're looking for the coolest place to shop in Mexico City, Calle Colima is a strong contender. This is a chic street located in the Roma neighborhood, an area which Vogue magazine has previously declared "the Williamsburg of Mexico City." This cool strip is dotted with unique boutiques, and we recommend visiting Headquarters and 180° Shop, both of which offer expertly curated clothes and accessories. Venture out from the main street, and you will find even more shops tucked into the surrounding area. In case all that shopping leaves you famished, there are also plenty of great restaurants and cozy little cafés in the neighborhood.
Conclusion
Beside its fascinating museums, delicious restaurants, and vibrant pace of life, it turns out that Mexico City is also a shopaholic's dream come true! In this huge metropolis, you can pick up unique local crafts, explore traditional markets, as well as shop for luxury goods from world-renowned brands.
Private tours are a great way to explore Mexico City and ensure you don't miss any of the best shopping spots the city has to offer. Our knowledgeable guides will be happy to guide you to all the most popular markets, malls, and boutiques. The best part? They can also point out all the hidden gems along the way!