San Juan Market (Mercado de San Juan)
Calle Ernesto Pugibet 21, Mexico City, Distrito Federal
One of the oldest markets in Mexico City, San Juan Market is a hotspot of culinary delicacies, rarities, and oddities you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in the capital. Alongside tarantulas, scorpions, and all kinds of creepy crawlies, visitors can also sample exotic fruits, some of the city’s best tacos, and organic Mexican coffee.
San Juan Market can be overwhelming for the first-time visitor, so most travelers prefer to explore in the company of a local guide. Choose to focus your visit on tacos, gourmet delicacies, or sample a little bit of everything—from scorpions to shark—for a comprehensive foodie experience. San Juan Market is a popular stop on several walking or bike tours of Mexico City, meaning you can easily combine your visit with other quintessential dining destinations and landmarks, or simply dedicate half a day to the market alone.
San Juan Market is a must-visit for foodies in Mexico City.
Take cash and small bills, as some vendors will not have the capacity to handle card payments.
San Juan Market has narrow and crowded passageways so may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchair users.
San Juan Market is conveniently situated in the heart of the historic center, within easy walking distance for visitors staying in the area. Otherwise, it’s well connected by public transport—the closest metro stations are San Juan de Letrán (Line 8) and Salto del Agua (Lines 1 and 8).
San Juan Market is typically open daily from 9am to 5pm. It’s quieter in the mornings, but there are often better bargains to be had later in the day, especially on fresh produce. Look to arrive between breakfast and lunchtime (which usually falls around 2pm) for a quieter experience.
After sampling the culinary delights of San Juan Market, take some time to explore the surroundings. Visitors looking for the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs should make a beeline for the Ciudadela Market, while bookworms won’t want to miss the Mexico Library (Biblioteca de México). There’s also a famous pulquería (pulque bar) just one block away.
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