La Villita Artisan Market

The "La Villita" artisan market in Mexico City is a giant complex at the very top of the Calzada de Guadalupe. The market hosts hundreds of vendors hawking everything from religious kitsch to truly outstanding works of art, to clothing, statuary, candles, souvenirs, and keepsakes.It's one of multiple markets in and around the Basilica de Guadalupe, but it may be the biggest. Like all of these markets, this one resulted from a serious attempt to get more vendors into permanent digs and off of the surrounding streets.

Traffic has improved a bit, but merchants will be very happy to see you no matter how you get here.One doesn't need to be a practicing Roman Catholic either. The range of inspirational and historical items on sale is simply staggering. And there's plenty that's entirely secular. Like Mexico City's other craft and artisan markets, it's absolutely something to see.

The Market is just one block north of the La Villa-Basilica Metro station, and just across the street from the main southern entrance to the Basilica. It's a place that's changing quickly, and where merchants have to react to demand to stay in business.

If you've been all over the Basilica, it's a good place to grab a last-minute souvenir or keepsake. But La Villita may be so big that it's a reason to visit all on its own.