Authored by Laura Bronner

Mexico City is a mega-metropolis made up of dozens of different neighborhoods, each of which has its own unique flare, personality, and most importantly, its own market! And of course, every market is full of the sumptuous food that Mexico has come to be known for, a treat no foodie should miss.

A visit to a colonia would be incomplete without sampling a local market. Some are included if you pick up a Mexico City free walking tour, though the following are a few you shouldn’t miss.

Bazaar Sabado

This Saturday market is an art lovers dream (and perhaps a kitsch lovers dream). Artists from around Mexico City pedal their wares. It’s high quality stuff and the price tag often matches.

You can haggle a little bit, but they don’t budge far. It’s the perfect place to pick up a quality souvenir and to get to know the art community in Mexico City.

Sonora Market

Known as the “witchcraft market” this is where you come for all matter of herbal assistance. Cures for coughs, help with weight loss, assistance with falling in love, you’ll find a potion for just about anything.

Mercado Roma

A foodie paradise, the Roma market is all distressed wooden benches and fancy mezcal cocktails.

There are stands selling sweet and savory empanadas, Mexican fusion sushi burritos, ceviche tostadas, enormous juicy burgers, and plenty of Mexican craft beer. Friday and Saturday nights are an especially popular time.

La Lagunilla

One of the best parts might be all the food vendors that line the outside of the market. It’s one of the biggest in the city and you’re sure to find everything from clothing to furniture and used books, fresh produce and dried spices, all at very low prices.

Mercado Coyoacán

Open daily, you’ll find almost anything at this covered market near the center of Coyoacán. From new shoes and leather sandals to house plants and fresh fruit.

There’s a butcher section, a live bird section and most importantly, one of the best tostada stands in the city. Be sure to follow the bright yellow signs to Tostadas Coyoacán and sample a few varieties.

Mercado San Juan

This is the market to come to for hard to find exotic fruits, Asian greens, imported cheeses, and specialty meats. It’s the foodie’s market where many local chefs come for their produce.

You can also get meats that you might not find elsewhere like pigeon, crocodile, wild boar, and quail. Be sure to stop into Cafe Triana for a cup of Mexican grown coffee.

Mercado de la Nueva Viga

This is the second largest fish market in the world after Tokyo’s Tsukiji which is pretty fascinating for a city that’s completely landlocked.

It’s a great place to try fresh seafood tacos and empanadas or simply walk around and take in the sheer mass of the place.

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Laura is a perpetual country hopper. She’s the girl whose feet are always itching for the next adventure, but wondering if she’ll ever find a place that feels like home.  In the last seven years she has lived in Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, England, and now calls Mexico City home.

Read more of her expat antics on her blog Eternal Expat, and follow along on Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram.