La Ciudadela Artisan Market

La Ciudadela Artisan Market (Mercado de Artesanías de La Ciudadela) is one of the great treats of any visit to Mexico City.

Originally inaugurated during the 1968 Olympic Games to showcase traditional crafts from all over the country, La Ciudadela has become an icon of Mexican folk art. Today, nearly every region of Mexico is represented, offering visitors a vibrant and authentic journey through the nation’s creativity and traditions.

Among its 350 stalls, you’ll discover countless treasures:

• Textiles: From blankets, tablecloths, and hammocks to beautifully hand-embroidered garments — perfect gifts or keepsakes for travelers with limited luggage space.

• Sculptures: Carved from wood, stone, or ceramics, many come from Guerrero and Oaxaca. You’ll find masks, religious figures, and smaller decorative pieces rich in history and symbolism.

• Pottery and glassware: Whether it’s a full 12-piece set or a few charming accent pieces, everything is carefully wrapped in newspaper for your journey home.

• Mirrors and metal embossing: Framed mirrors in embossed tin are classic souvenirs, and you can even watch artisans crafting boxes, chests, and other decorative furniture by hand.

• Lacquerware: Brightly painted trays, chests, and wooden figures from Oaxaca stand out with intricate designs — colorful, durable, and full of character.

You could easily spend an entire afternoon — or even a full day — wandering through La Ciudadela’s maze of crafts, colors, and stories. Many visitors come back more than once, drawn by the lively atmosphere and the warmth of its artisans.

Open daily until 6 p.m., the La Ciudadela Artisan Market (Mercado de Artesanías de La Ciudadela) remains one of the best places in Mexico City to experience, in one stop, the artistry and soul of the country.