The Mercado Adolfo López Mateos is a giant market in the center of Cuernavaca. Like public markets all over Mexico, this one descends to us from a long history of Mesoamerican tianguis that stood in and around this area since the distant past. This particular version of the fixed market launched in 1964. An original design for the market came from the desk of architect Mario Pani himself. And inside, you\'ll find a wealth of public art, 1960s mural works, and lots of public art besides. It\'s named for President Adolfo López Mateos who officially opened the premises.
This market is of particular interest to travelers exploring the many sites of interest all across Morelos. This is only partly because it lies nearly in between the two most important bus stations, Cuernavaca Centro and the Pullman de Morelos station, Cuernavaca Casino de la Selva. In truth, the Cuernavaca Centro station is but a paradero, that is, a shared on-and-off point for dozens of locals-only commuter buses. Navigating these can be difficult for even experienced Mexico travelers. The Pullman Casino station is the main intercity station for travelers arriving from Tasqueña and the Mexico City airport. For some destinations, you will still need to get from one station to the other.
The market stands out as a terrific repository of independent eateries and restaurants. There are artisan goods too, but as a center of community, and thus, community-based tourism, it\'s a terrific place to start.
Don\'t miss: the famous Dragon Bridge. The market actually extends across the little river to the Mercado Santos Degollado. It\'s some of the densest territory in Cuernavaca. In what may be a unique architectural expression, the market itself occupies the upper levels of the bridge. Originally called the "paseo dominical," locals took to calling it the "puente del dragón."
