City Market (Mercado Juárez) is a busy retail center in downtown Ciudad Juárez. Shop here for typical handicrafts brought from all corners of Mexico. Besides being a shopping center, it also hosts family-friendly cultural events.
The market’s closely grouped stalls are a riot of vivid colors. Find musical instruments such as guitars, maracas and vihuelas, which are common in mariachi bands. Purchase painted monkey skulls, pottery items and woodcarvings from Oaxaca. Pick up embroidered goods, ponchos, wide-brimmed sombreros and cowboy hats. Browse for leather goods, including bags, belts and boots.
Be prepared to bargain with the vendors. Most will start at an inflated price and are accustomed to negotiating. Make sure to bring cash as credit cards are rarely accepted here.
Outside, a handful of bars and restaurants line up along the market’s east side. The outdoor seating areas are perfect for enjoying a cold beer, soft drinks and snacks. Feast on burritos, tacos and other traditional Mexican food. Look for a statue that depicts the late actor and comedian Germán Valdés, who was widely recognized as his alter ego Tin Tan.
Adjacent to the market is Plaza Germán Valdés Tin Tan. It features a stage backed by a colorful mural. Attend one of the events, such as mariachi concerts, folk dance displays and car shows, that take place here throughout the year.
Find the market east of Ciudad Juarez’s historic center. From Plaza de Armas walk about 15 minutes via the commercial 16 de Septiembre Street. If you are arriving from farther away, taxis are the most convenient form of transportation. A city sightseeing bus also stops here.
City Market is open daily. Visit nearby city attractions including the Alberto Banderas Bullring, Museum of the Border Revolution and Plaza Benito Juárez.
