Mercado Libertad - San Juan de Dios

I enjoy exploring places that truly capture the authentic ethnic and cultural atmosphere. As the largest indoor market in Latin America, I was excited to visit this historic marketplace. I loved wandering through the countless small stalls, savoring the diverse aromas and tastes of various foods, and marveling at the colorful, exotic fruits. The warm, attentive vendors made the experience even more memorable. Definitely a must place to visit while in Guadalajara.

You can basically find anything you'd want at this informal market, from sombreros down to chickens! The market has a very nice food section as well, with dozens of stands preparing local cuisine. Prepare to battle some traffic to get here, though, especially on weekends!

Huge Market! Extremely crowded on the weekends so if you'd like to experience the market in it's full glory then go on the weekend. Mingling with the people and navigating the maze of stalls and food vendors when it's crowded is a definite thing to do. However, if you want to take your time and explore the market go during a weekday when it's not as hectic. Lots of goods for sale and some will even haggle. Numerous leather goods from shoes to saddles.

Hundreds of merchandise stalls and dozens of small restaurants. So hard to choose what to eat. We both had a deep fried tilapia for breakfast a some sugar cane juice in the northern courtyard. A pretty old looking building. The common areas were a little bit dirty but all the vendor stalls were very clean. We would go back.

This place is a huge maze. Saddle, electronics, food, meat, pet birds, trinkets, soany shoes, and more. I know I didn't see all of it. I kept getting lost and seeing some of the same things more than twice. Definitely plan to spend a few hours here.

Great spot to check out for any fruits or bulk items such as peppers or dog food. Nuts. Leather goods

We bought lots of souvenirs and gifts here. The prices were quite reasonable and you could also haggle if you buy several things and ask nicely. The people there were very sweet and willing to help. One lady at one of the places there asked what we were looking for in fluent English. Maybe we looked lost. We told her we were looking for hand made souvenirs and she kindly explained where to go. Cash is definitely the king here. Some vendors do accept credit cards but they often charge you a fee and you wouldn't be in a good position to haggle at that point. The market could look a bit intimidating to North Americans but once you are in there you will quickly realize that this is a place where a bunch of hard working people are trying to make an honest living. Be polite and use common sense to be aware of your surroundings, and you will have lots of fun shopping and eating.

This market is so big! I can totally lost in there. Most of vendors don’t speak English. Make sure knowing how to ask for prices or order food. Very fun experience to shop here or just window shopping.

Mercado just like I remember when I was growing up. So many food options, some great, some kinda shady. The lower levels offer merchandise like clothing, while the upstairs offers food. This place is in the heart of downtown Guadalajara. A definite must stop. The outside is so dirty, tons of trash and musty puddles of water everywhere. But honestly, I think it's part of the experience. Upon entering, the restaurant workers are really pushy to have you sit at their stalls. Be strong and walk past them. The ones by the door are usually way more expensive than the stalls on the interior white lots of more interesting food options. As far as food goes, it's really a hit or miss depending on where you decide to eat but most places are a hit! Just be ready to be interrupted by vendors selling anything from candy to cheese graters every few minutes. Also, tons of beggars asking for money. Overall a fun place to visit if you want an authentic cultural experience. It's not for everyone but for me, I absolutely love Mercados, the good and the bad.

Amazing casual experience at Mercado San Juan! 3rd floor has the food court, we went craving birria and loved it. These guys have a mass production of tacos, quesadillas, tortas and more. It's inexpensive, quick & delicious. Birria was a hit, my all time favorite and can't wait to visit again for more! Staff is very friendly & welcoming, tons of suggestions.. a few tips- dress casual, try not to take out your cell phone & stay vigilant as you might experience pick-pockets. My experience was great all around, but do keep that in mind to prevent issues.

Cant get any more local than this! Welcome to comida corrida! Popular spot and great prices! You can find a wide variety of local businesses anywhere from tacos, tortas, Burria and much more! Service can be unpredictable because there are so many set ups. They do have access to restrooms though they charge $10 pesos to use.

This place is straight nuts. It's definitely worth a visit and is close proximity to walking area and outdoor square. You can find just about anything here, seriously anything. Quite a bit of repetitive mass produced tourist junk and knock-off name brands. If you look hard enough though you can find some local authentic items too. I got what appears to be a legit soccer jersey for $20 USD, there must be some kind of flaw but I haven't found it yet. I've been three times and visit this same booth with handmade picture/shadow boxes. They do little clay characters in them and each one is different, I'd pay double what he asks. I'd recommend going at daytime and with someone local or that at least speaks Spanish. You can seriously get lost in there. I see a lot of food comments, I did not eat. My friend that lives in gdlj said he does not eat there. Some spots did look tasty but others felt like they were in violation of some food safety law.

Everyone told us this was a must-stop here. They have a ton of stores selling everything from shoes to clothes to electronics and a lot of food stalls as well. It was a bit much for me and I am not a fan. Super crowded, dirty and claustrophobic. It's an experience but not for everyone.

Safe, fun, everything from A-Z. Historical district is adjacent to thw market. I'm a Spanglish speaking gringo from SoCal and went with my 6 year old. Recommend

This is a place for souvenirs, candies, and different food stalls. It is a multi level inside market. You can also find things like live animals and clothing. You can also find knock off clothing and purses Don't be afraid to eat there. Just be wise. I would say go to a stall with the most people and probably avoid the fresh seafood and sushi. They have all kinds of food, including Asian. You can definitely haggle for a good price. Don't take the first quote. They will go down on the price. Cash is the accepted form of payment here

There are many reasons to visit this market- the goods, the prices, the people, and the significance. With almost 3,000 stands, it's the largest indoor market in Latin America. Tacos, jewelry, produce, toilet paper, you can literally find everything here!

It is so overwhelming! People talking to you left and right and you have no idea what to look at. It is crazy and traffic is terrible. Do not go if you are claustrophobic.

This one of several large indoor swap meets. Let's be clear, there's no swapping going on. It's a straight cash homie transaction. What you are going to find is just about everything from magic pills to 'cure' your baldness to live birds to trinkets and all sorts of knock offs If you know that going in, that's half the battle. PRO-TIP 1: If you haven't figured this out yet, you will be the ugly tourist, you need to greet everyone who greets you. Just don't do the simple head nodding as it's disrespectful. A Buenos Días or a Buenos Tardes is going to go a long way in securing a good price for something you want. PRO-TIP 2: watch your belongings. It's not uncommon to get bumped into. Either way your daypack sling over your shoulder and the front part in front of you or keep your wallet and your phone in your front pockets. Matter of fact, if this is your first time, I would only bring a selected amount of cash and leave everything in the hotel room While there are some vendors that will take credit, I would warn against it. Walk around and get familiar with your surroundings. It's not the Grand Bazaar but Mercado Libertad can be just as confusing as each corner begins to look like the other. At the very top is the food court, I can't recommend a single place and while there might be a few hidden gems, I would caution against it especially if you are a foreigner Once you have your bearings and you have taken mental notes of things you want to circle back, it's time to play, "Let's Make A Deal" You'll be quoted prices. Don't freak out but also be prepared to walk away. This is especially true when dealing with knockoffs like jerseys or luggage. If it's an artisan craft, your chances of bargaining are fair to midland One vendor will quote you 200 pesos for an item, and another will quote you 250'pesos. The vendors will not match so if the other vendor has you at 200 pesos, just go back to that vendor. PRO-TIP 3: Quoted prices will change day to day. If you go on Wednesday and the item is 200 pesos it may be 250 pesos, the next day. Here's your chance to bargain. Keep in mind that the person you dealt with yesterday is not there today so your argument may fall on deaf ears. It's up to you on the price. For 50 pesos, $3 USD difference it may not be a big difference for other items and their prices it maybe. You decide. Mercado Libertad is the ultimate in shopping for last-minute keychains or those magic pills to grow a third arm. It's a sight to experience just make sure you're prepared before going on a ride instead of being taken for a ride.

Not going to lie, this place was intimidating. Yeah, I speak better than average Spanish, but I still wasn't comfortable enough to bargain with the vendors. Even my dad who's from here said I was better off not trying to talk my way into a good deal. Worth seeing: Yes! Be cautious: Of course! Just enjoy the sights, smells, and use common sense.

The largest market in Latin America. I came away impressed with San Juan de Dios. The quality of the goods sold at the market surpass the quality of goods sold at markets around the world. While wandering the labyrinth of stalls in the market I found various handmade goods of outstanding quality. Be prepared to haggle. Most goods will be priced nearly double their actual value. In terms of safety I never feel in harm's way. There may be pickpockets or thefts, but I never felt vulnerable. Be aware of your surroundings and never be flashy with your money. I recommend buying a pair of handmade sandals, a native shirt, and trying the food stalls. These goods should not cost more than 15 USD each, and the food does not need to be haggled. Find a Torta Ahogada and order an horchata. You will not disappointed. Visit San Juan de Dios for some awesome finds!

Three level market that appears to be one of Guadalajara's hot spots. Each level has sections for something specific- I.e. Women's or men's fashion, food, fresh meat, candy, tequila, or touristy items. We got some candy, tequila, and oranges. The orange that the shopkeeper had us try was juicy and sweet of course, but the ones we bought were very dry. Buyer beware! Also a good idea to compare prices within the market as it can vary, especially for the candy and tequila. Quite a few places burn names onto leather keychains which we thought was pretty cool. Very reasonable prices too that are totally haggleable. Sanitation is not the best so just watch your step. Some candies have flies buzzing all over it.

Este lugar es un desmadre. Está súper cochino. Ni ganas me dieron de comer aunque se veía muy rico pero no voy a comer entre toda esa basura. Que lástima porque este lugar pudiera ser algo súper especial. Póngase a limpiar! Aprendan de otros lugares en Guadalajara.

I will give the market 3.5 stars. It is a fun shopping experience if you like that kind of thing. Under one roof, there are stalls with a huge assortment of Mexican candies, shopping bags, huaraches, clothes, food, and Mexican themed tchochkes that will satisfy a consumer's appetite...if at least just temporarily. On the second level is the food court...tons of options and some places have live entertainment too. Most non food stalls don't have posted prices. Be prepared to be ripped off, but it will still be affordable compared to US prices. I've found the initial asking price to be four times what a local might pay. Ah well, call it the tourist tax. The market is nicely located to some historic sites and additional shopping, so not a bad place to stop by, absorb the local ambience, and practice both your bargaining and Spanish skills.

This place is not for everyone. Not good if you're traveling with small children as the walkways are very narrow and it is easy to get separated from your little ones. Also the sellers are extremely pushy and almost aggressive if your from out of town. I came her with my brother and sister in law that were visiting from Japan. They were fine being here and enjoyed shopping here for almost 2 hours. Like I said this place is not for everyone.

The place is nice if you straight for what you're looking for.Doing pay whatever the price is. You can always get them to lower prices here!!! Compare prices and qualify of items before you buy them. Tip: traffic is horrible around this place, try to go towards the end of the day. They close at 7:00pm sharp.

Great Mercado! Flew in to Guadalajara exclusively to look for ladies charro outfit. Mercado SJDDios had exactly what I was looking for and what some of the specialty boutiques also offer.. I highly recommend Jimmys Charreria. Also very ethnic cheap food.. artisan art and all other typical Mercado items.. like the pan handlers and smell of raw meat. Lol..

This flea market was my favorite stop on my trip. I found so many great bargains. I saw boots, hats, sombreros, mexican sandals (huaraches), candy, belts, sun glasses, piñatas, dresses, toys, jewelry, fruits etc. BARGAIN BARGAIN BARGAIN!!

San Juan de Dios is a great place if you want to come eat some good Mexican food at affordable prices. They sell all kind of things from, movies, video games, shoes, clothes, electronics, fruits and vegetables, candy and more. Its a very big place and its a bit hot inside. Its also very crowded so i would recommend not coming with a lot of stuff on you. It is definetly not the best area of the city so i wouldn't recommend, just for safety, to not be flashing around a lot of cash or electronics. Ive never had a safety issue here but its better to be safe than sorry. Its also a good place to get some real Mexican candy and some souvenirs for friends or family.

I was recommended this mercado by various people and I was not disappointed. It is three floors of jam packed stands that offer products at a great deal. Store owners are always looking to sell and most will haggle with you for a more affordable price. This is an authentic market where you are bound to find exactly what you're looking for and though it may not be perfect or the cleanest, it a must to visit and experience.

A ghetto flea market with a lot of knock offs. Everyone is hustling you to buy! Not a good experience. Place looks work down and dirty.

This is a very cool place. It is a very different experience, specially if you are an American. There is a lot of food, our favorite place was called El Chivo de Oro. On the inside you will see a ton of tents, it looks like small town in there, there are at least three levels/floors. I am not sure how people are in business, you will walk for a long time through people selling the same kinds of shoes. What we liked about this place is that we noticed that most people were locals, so it is definitely a place that locals go to, it is not really geared towards tourists. While there, we felt safe and everyone was pretty friendly. There were definitely a lot of drunk/hungover people laying around the exterior but we never really felt unsafe. Bring smaller bills, even $200 pesos might be too much to break at a place like this.

I love this flea market! You can find anything ranging from live animals, name brand clothes, artisanals, to low priced designer bags. The food here is amazing as well! It was my first time visiting and I spent three hours here roaming just to cover the entire place and I bought so much for very little!

[Review from March 2015] The Mercado was a really neat, huge flea/farmers/gift market. It felt like you could find everything here: fruits, candies, artisanal goods and trinkets, masks, ceramics, shoes, electronics, purses, you name it. You'll also see the same "artisanal" goods sold at a number of shops, so if you have the time, definitely shop around to find the best prices and also the most unique items. But either way, definitely try to barter by 5-20%. If you start to walk away saying you'll come back, the vendors will sometimes give in and agree to your price.

If they add ONE MORE vendor in that market, there won't be room for customers! Stressful but fun at the same time, if that makes any sense.

This place is a serious fire hazard. Do not go in unless you are willing to risk your life for a cheap set of headphones or plastic barking dog toy. Also we were advised by locals to not eat there.

Beautiful area! I couldn't believe how many vendors there were! All of the markets had their own feel and they really did all they could to stand out above the rest.

came here on a recommendation on a layover. was warned by hotel clerk and uber driver (both locals) to keep my $$ hidden and don't bring it all out at once... and don't flash my iphone. the market is huge with endless stalls selling mostly crap. the vendors are all pretty friendly and no one bothered me although i was a female by myself. you can bargain with the vendors just remember with the exchange rate you are haggling over cents- that being said you don't have to be taken advantage of. i was brave and tried some food at one of the stalls... rico y delicioso!