"Authentic Mexican Market" El Mercardo Tip by msbrandysue

My friend, Shanna, brought me to the Mercado when we were having a mini-vacation in San Antonio. Her family regularly goes here but I had never been, nor did I even know about it. My Eyewitness guidebook had suggested this place for the restaurant Mi Tierra(but it was way too packed-2 hour wait) to get in. So we decided to shop and get out of town.

El Mercado is part plaza, part eating market, and part shopping market. The main shopping area has different stalls set up in a big building. The prices were higher at some stores and lower in others. The stalls had traditional Mexican items, and clothing too. Many "handmade" items. I'm not sure if it was "Made in China" or not but it appeared to be handmade for the most part...but definitely at ALL stalls.

In the eating market there was live entertainment of traditional flamenco/Spanish dancing. I loved the bright clothing and dancing. The entertainment was in the center of the food stalls. Most of it seemed like items you would find in a "taco truck." At the time it wasn't very appetizing to me, so I chose not to eat.

And the plaza was nice on a warm day, but when it's gets blistering (in the middle of the day in July) it was a bit crowded under the shaded parts of the plaza. Most people were waiting outside the BUSY restaurants. With the crowds on Sunday morning getting busier, we decided to leave. Wouldn't mind going back again, though.

A great history of the Historic Market Square

Market Square is owned and operated by the City of San Antonio

Historic Market Square / El Mercado Parking
-There are paystations along the streets surrounding Market Square. Click here for more information.
-Parking is available in the Farmers Market Plaza roof parking lot. Click here to view rates and map.
-VIA Streetcars run throughout downtown and arrive every 10 minutes. Please visit VIA's website by clicking here for more information.
-Just hop on the red, purple or yellow streetcar!

Summer Hours ( June - August ) 10 am - 8 pm
Winter Hours ( September - May ) 10 am - 6 pm

What to buy: I bought some traditional Mexican hats and decorations for Cinco de Mayo.
Also, bought a cheap aluminum ornament for the Christmas tree. I've seen many ornaments painted on aluminum at other destinations so I'm pleased.
Also found an elephant sculpture made out of a specific rock for my mom. She collects elephants from wherever I go. :)

A list of the current shops inside the Mercado

What to pay: Some stalls are cheaper than others. It is touristy, so I definitely wouldn't pay the outrageous prices if you don't like them, find another vendor.

Address: 514 W. Commerce, San Antonio, Texas 78207
Phone: (210) 207 - 8600
Theme: Other
Website: http://www.sanantonio.gov/dtops/marketsquare/?res=1280&ver=true