The Mercado de la Ciudadela is a large, colourful and really big market full of handmade things in Mexico City. It is also one of the most expensive and organised markets I have been to in Mexico.

I’ve heard of the Mercado de la Ciudadela because it’s a bit of a tourist attraction. Nevertheless, the pictures looked so beautiful and I’m just too curious to not go there myself and see for myself that I went for it.
The first thing you see and notice is that – a bit like the Parían in Puebla – it’s not like a classic Mexican market. They are completely chaotic, overcrowded and really confusing. Ciudadela, on the other hand, has quite wide aisles – which are even numbered! – it’s all relatively neat and a bit smartly presented and the prices are… let’s say higher than usual. Personally, I found the prices to be pretty much touristy. The market is also very clean, not at all crowded and yes… I thought you could tell that it wasn’t for Mexicans. No offence and not necessarily meant in a negative way, because the market is really nice, but in terms of price it’s just not for locals. At the same time, I saw things here – photos! – that I’ve never really seen before or since. That’s why I think the market is something special.

Go or not? If you have time, yes. But look at other markets first. It’s like a nice ad-on. Although, as I said, you can see things here that I really haven’t seen anywhere else.