La Ciudadela Market (Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela)
This market remains my favourite location for buying souvenirs in Mexico City, although there are a number of other artisanal markets scattered across the city.
I preferred the quality in the market to those outside on the street and in other locations across the city. The stalls will barter and do deals/discounts for multiple purchases. Don’t just buy at the first stall, take your time to peruse.
There are a number of unique souvenirs to buy from Mexico and especially Mexico City. From painted skulls, to obsidian Teotihuacan pyramids to lucha libre/luchador masks to papier mache characters, jaguar death whistles, chocolate, colourful woven blankets, ponchos, silver, obsidian, woven bracelets, chillies, anything with stone of the sun.
Painted clay skulls or “calaveras” are seen everywhere in Mexico City. The simple and colourful painted skulls vary in size and style, as well as pattern complexity. Most are bright and unique in style. I have purchased a number of these skulls over the years
From Balderas metro, the market is a short walk north. The metro exits into a park, Parque Tolsa, where there are often food stalls. I enjoyed the custard filled pastries called “tortas de nata” from here years ago, but they haven’t been there when I have visited more recently. The road towards the markets is filled with various stalls selling similar trinkets as well as books and games.
I buy vinyl records on my trips, and there is a seller with a particularly good collection at the northernmost end of the block before the market.
The Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela is a series of covered lanes, two running in a big “U” with various lanes joining in between. It is a bit of a maze, and you always find something new and intriguing.
The standout for me are always the colourfully painted skulls. I preferred the quality to those outside the market and in other locations. The stalls will barter and do deals for multiples. Don’t just buy at the first stall, take your time to peruse.
There are also at least two stalls with a great selection of lucha libre masks.
I purchased my Teotihuacan pyramid here as opposed to from the actual site, and I’m glad I made that choice for price and quality.
There are handmade toys and sculptures, woven baskets and mariachi hats and guitars. There are even ponchos with international sports team logos emblazoned on them.
Walking through, checking out all the stalls, it will take you potentially half an hour at the least. There is a café in the centre for a well deserved coffee break.