Souvenir Shopping (Self Guided), Mexico City

La Ciudadela is a Mexico City experience: an exposure to its color, the variety of its crafts and the charm of its people. Go even if just to browse a bit; you will likely come away with a woven wallet, table runner or purse, small pottery boxes for friends or a serving piece for your table, toys for the children in your life, or one of the many other offerings. Prices are good, but it it best to start with "Cuánto cuesta?" (Spanish for "How much?") and it helps to know a few numbers so that you can bargain (which most vendors will) a price. If you can not master the numbers, take a small pad, point to it when you ask "Cuánto cuesta?" and then write your offer and haggle that way (but remember that many of the items are not that expensive to begin with). Fairness gets you a long way.

The market is made up of many different stalls, so if you have time, be sure to work your way to the center, comparing prices and quality, before you buy. Also, many of the vendors selling smaller items only take cash while others accept credit cards as well (though, in case of the latter, there will be far less negotiating on price).

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am–7pm; Sun: 10am–6pm

Mexico City was and remains a hotspot for folk artists and painters, and you'll want to check out the outdoor art markets dotted around the city. The Sullivan Garden of Art, an area of Sullivan Park, behind the Monumento a la Madre (Mother's Monument), is one worth visiting for its fun, vibrant atmosphere. Each week, between 350 and 400 local artists display and sell their works – from paintings and sculptures to etchings and photography. The sizes of works range from miniatures of 5 or 10 cm to very large paintings measuring meters in height and width. There are a wide variety of techniques, styles and media presented at the Jardín. Paintings include inks, oils, watercolors, pastels on canvas, acrylic and paper, while prices range from 300 pesos to 50,000, depending on the format and the artist.

Opening Hours:
Sun: 10am–6pm

At the center of the Zona Rosa district, this shopping plaza features 50 shops selling antiques and collectors items every day of the week. Shop owners have been here for decades and have developed close relationships with real collectors – especially those willing to spend $10,000-30,000 for a really valuable antique. Even if you're not looking to buy anything, it's great for a look around at the unique old books, maps, china, sacred art, furniture, armor, and other collector items. While at the Plaza, you should not worry about your safety or anyone taking your wallet away, as far as reputation is concerned.

The best time to visit the market is on Saturday and Sunday when there may be an additional 100 sellers who come to set up stalls in the nearby square in a flea market atmosphere. Bargaining is practiced especially in the flea market area, where you can find everything from nicely preserved vintage to high-end antiques, laid out on rugs or on folding tables.

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:30am–7pm

Located in the "Pink Zone" at Londres and Avenue Florencia, the popular Zona Rosa Crafts Market (Mercado de Artesanias Zona Rosa) features an Aladdin's cave of goodies inside. There is a wide range of items on display, from mass-produced pieces to beautiful one-off designs, including plenty of pearl and amber work, along with some fire opal pieces – just be aware that the latter are almost all synthetically produced. Shopkeepers are clear about what's sterling silver and what isn't; at the same time, the non-silver work (mostly ceramics and shirts) is of higher quality than at other places.

Be prepared for active courting of your attention and almost immediate bargaining. Vendors will make sure to charge you extra, but if you make the effort of trying to speak Spanish, you will likely get a good price.

Tip:
While you're in the neighborhood, check out the numerous jewelry stores, art galleries and boutiques. Zona Rosa also features many trendy sidewalk cafés and nightclubs.

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9am–7pm; Sun: 12–5pm