Mercado de la Merced (La Merced Market), Mexico City

The largest retail market in Mexico is the La Merced Market. It is the oldest commercial hub of Mexico City and exists from the early colonial period when traders from other Spanish colonies came to buy and sell commodities.

The La Merced Market is located on the grounds of a monastery that was once the home of the Oder of Mercedarians. The market lies to the East of the Zocalo and was once the biggest wholesale market in Mexico. At the end of the 18th century the entire area was one large open air market that grew bigger as the shopping areas near the Zocalo were removed to make space for the plaza. In 1863, large buildings were constructed on the grounds to house the stalls. Today, four whole blocks of buildings make up the establishment.

Fresh vegetables, fruit, different kinds of fresh and dried chili peppers, fresh corn, cactus leaves and fruit, corn fungus, mushrooms, squash flowers and authentic Oaxaca cheese are available at this market and a flourishing open air bazaar that still exists outside the building. Visitors can enjoy delicious Mexican street food like quesadillas, tortillas, tostadas and tamale. The market also stocks products that are usually available in large departmental stores like crockery, cutlery, cleaning supplies and kitchen gadgets.