Historic Market Square
Historic Market Square
4
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Historic Market Square is a multi-business with a majority of the buildings managed by The City of San Antonio. Centro De Artes - Centro de Artes presents a full season of solo and group exhibitions and programming annually through an open call managed by the City of San Antonio, Department of Arts and Culture. El Mercado and Farmer's Market Building - The shops of The Historic Market Square, together there is a total of over 100 shops that makes it one of the largest Mexican markets north of the border Cano Fruiteria, El Merkadito, Plaza Taxco, La Margarita, Viva Villa, and Mi Tierra - These buildings and private businesses are independently owned.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- HeinoP123Spring Grove, Illinois451 contributionsA Fun and Unique Place to Visit!The market square is comprised of several buildings including several restaurants and numerous little shops selling just about any south of the border related item. We had no problem finding parking as there are several lots on the square and street parking. Cart vendors are selling fresh made churros, fruit bars, fruit drinks, etc. A bakery with an extensive display case offers many hard to resist items. A variety of tasty snacks and food is available inside the buildings. We were amazed at how many families were buying the fresh spun cotton candy. We really enjoyed browsing through the small shops that sit side by side with gorgeous hand painted pottery, dishes, yard art and more. Several leather shops offer very reasonably priced leather goods of exceptional quality. What is most impressive is how many items these vendors fit into their shops. Every inch of wall and ceiling space is covered with items for sale. Typically, one narrow walkway winds through the store - no room for strollers. We did see and hear some strolling mariachis who sang songs by request for anyone who was willing to put a few bucks in their hand. Their website has details on the shops, eateries and entertainment schedule. We think it's a must visit place if it's your first time in San Antonio.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 6, 2023
- Debbie J3 contributionsIt's okay for a quick visitVisited and had lunch. There is ALOT of construction happening in the area. I am sure when construction and clean-up are done, it will be more appealing. Most of the shops seem to sell the same items. There were 2-3 men who would play music for $10. It was rather disappointing. Tip: We parked for $10 across the street from the market. After we left, we noticed another parking lot charging $ 3.00/ $5.00 for parking.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten February 10, 2024
- TravelBrianCOPearland, Texas945 contributionsFun walk throughA good spot to walk through to let your food from Mi Tierra digest. Lots of little shops, though construction in the area is a bit much. Things start opening up around 10 am weekday but it takes a few hours for all to open up.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten March 29, 2024
- Gabriel HBellaire, Texas7,093 contributionsA vortex of energyThis place includes at least two city blocks and brings together many dozens of businesses. Food stalls, arts and crafts, jewelry, household goods, clothing, kitchen utensils, ceramics, hardware, etc. They come from all areas of Mexico, Central America and Texas. Soon after it opens, there is this bustling, loud, happy crowd moving around, viewing merchandise, tasting the various foods and enjoying the many options. There is face paining for kinds, cartoonists for all ages and certainly interesting handicrafts for the house, the office of your wardrobe. It is worth spending a couple of hours or more.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten April 8, 2024
- GarfieldluvrDenver, Colorado973 contributionsHuge MarketThis market was way larger than I was anticipating. A big outdoor section, and two large indoor areas. Good variety of goods, but I wish there was more high quality, hand made goods for sale.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten April 17, 2024
- dreamspeakerMiddleton, Wisconsin541 contributionsLittle slice of MexicoWe liked the market a lot for the atmosphere and the buildings around it. It felt like stepping into Mexico. The only reason I took away a star was because after a while, you notice the shops (especially inside) are selling the same things, mostly Mexican things, and for more than you would pay for them in Mexico. Having been to Mexico a couple times, this got old for us, but if you haven't been and haven't seen the variety of things that are typically sold like woven blankets, carved Mayan calendars, bead sculptures, and things like that, then this would be a wonderland.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten April 26, 2024
- LuigiVirginia Beach, Virginia23 contributionsA Lot to See and EnjoyA nice break from the hustle and bustle of the River Walk area. We enjoyed the many vendors of Mexican souvenirs. Definitely more reasonable than River Walk stores. Mi Tierra restaurant is a must-see. The atmosphere is Christmas-like and the bakery is very tempting.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten May 8, 2024
- Safari4764704693313 contributionsGreat on Weekends.Outstanding on weekends. Full of life and street vendors too . Cafe Mia Tierra great bakery and food and service though can be busy. Check if cultural activities. Market is Empty during week and not same experience.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten September 17, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,239 reviews
Excellent
831
Very good
784
Average
471
Poor
116
Terrible
37
Lester Ojeda
San Juan, Puerto Rico474 contributions
Dec 2019
If you're looking for something different, authentic, and local - the Historic Market Square is one of those places. You do have to go beyond the tourist traps, but here you'll find unique souvenirs, artwork, performing street artists, great Mexican food, and a uniquely local vibe that has more or less remained the same (at least in the over 3 decades I've visited this place). Try the refreshing aguas frescas, savor the gorditas, and listen to anything from Celia Cruz to Vicente Fernandez, all by your local artists.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gage C
Houston, TX47 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
The market is fairly large and has many shops, most of them small and selling various clothes, jewelry, crafts, and souvenirs. There are a number of small food shops set up, and restaurants to eat a full meal at. There is usually a band or two playing for entertainment.
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindsey N
Monticello, KY152 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
We visited the outside individual stores on a week day and went back on Saturday for the main market area. The market was kind of crowded and would not recommend if you are trying to maximize social distancing right now.... but the vendors all and items that were fun to explore.
Written December 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenifer N
Omaha, NE102 contributions
Aug 2021
Lots and lots and lots of shops. Found that if you saw something in one shop, you would most likely see it in the next several shops. Went on both a Friday and Saturday, on Saturday there were vendors in the middle which offered different items. There is one building on the side that is air conditioned and then as you walk through there is another building at the far end that is air conditioned and has different stores as well.
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daydream189600
5 contributions
Feb 2020
Watching the craftsmen work creating the beautil woven goods and other goods was educational and rewarding. Shopping is always fun. Wanted and needed a cane and for sure I found one to carry and think of San Antonio when I use it.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelvaluetours
Justin, TX312 contributions
Feb 2020
My bus group stopped here for a couple of hours. It was definitely an adventure for them. Since it was a Saturday, there was lots going on including dancers in one of the pavilions. We didn't eat here; although, I have eaten here in the past. Good choices.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawn H
Washington DC, DC408 contributions
Jul 2022
We walked through the indoor and outdoor areas of the market, and it was worth a stop. However, many of the shops seem to sell similar, relatively cheap, tourist tchotchkes. The market would improve with a greater focus on locally made arts and crafts.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda R
Green Bay, WI210 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This was my son’s favorite place in San Antonio. Lots of little shops, quick grabs for food, and seemingly the Michelada center of San Antonio. Fun atmosphere! Pickle lovers, be sure to try the sour pickle beer at Angie’s (in the Mercado building across the street from the outdoor area). Also, I was able to find Indio beer which is rare for us Northerners.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
just1backpack
Minneapolis, MN555 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Tons of little indoor shops with every kind of Mexican chochki you could ever want from all areas of Mexico. No amazing deals here but lots of choices. Restaurants too off the inner courtyard. On the day we were there it was very very quiet. We found parking easily on the street.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,790 contributions
Jan 2020
This is the place where you will want to enjoy an old fashioned Mexican dinner, the traditional cuisine that we all love. Nothing fancy, just the honest dishes and ingredients. And if you are lucky, you will be entertained by mariachis! Lots of great places to choose from.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My 14 year old daughter is going on a class trip to San Antonio. How much money do you suggest we give her for the market?
Written March 5, 2017
I agree with a spending cap. I would say for food AND a souvenir-$50. I also would empower them with the phrase "not yet". There are so many high pressure sales going on in this market. Let them know that they are the one in control and to not be pushed into buying before they see everything they want to see. Otherwise, they may as well buy from the first shop they walk into and go have lunch with what little they have left. I also recommend eating FIRST. Memories of San Antonio food are some of my favorites!!
Written March 7, 2017
I felt safe going everywhere in this city, and we walked everywhere. If you have any doubts, go early and stay close to other travelers. Note: the one time we saw police action, it was from a boat on the Riverwalk and two officers were assisting an elderly man who had fallen. Those were the only uniformed officers we saw, soI assume there are undercover officers everywhere. Enjoy!
Written October 29, 2016
I park near the meter nearby, so bring coins.
Written April 13, 2016
No, it's a nice walk from the Riverwalk area. If you choose, the City Sightseeing Tour Buses are a hop on, hop off service beginning near the Alamo and stopping at several places including the Market Square.
Written June 27, 2017
What is the best/biggest airport to fly into when attending a Bristol race?
Written January 22, 2015
International airports near Bristol, TX
50 miles: Dallas, TX (DFW / KDFW) Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
201 miles: Austin, TX (AUS / KAUS) Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
208 miles: Houston, TX (IAH / KIAH) George Bush Intercontinental Airport
263 miles: San Antonio, TX (SAT / KSAT) San Antonio International Airport
Domestic airports near Bristol, TX
34 miles: Dallas, TX (DAL / KDAL) Dallas Love Field
50 miles: Dallas, TX (DFW / KDFW) Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
89 miles: Waco, TX (ACT / KACT) Waco Regional Airport
97 miles: Tyler, TX (TYR / KTYR) Tyler Pounds Regional Airport
Local airports near Bristol, TX
30 miles: Dallas, TX (RBD / KRBD) Dallas Executive Airport
33 miles: Dallas, TX (JDB / 49T) Dallas CBD Vertiport
34 miles: Mesquite, TX (TX1) Mesquite Metro
38 miles: Corsicana, TX (CRS / KCRS) C David Campbell Field
39 miles: Grand Prairie, TX (KGPM / GPM) Grand Prairie Municipal Airport
41 miles: Arlington, TX (JZT) Arlington Municipal Airport
44 miles: Addison, TX (ADS / KADS) Addison Airport
46 miles: Fort Worth, TX (GSW / KGSW) Greater Southwest International Airport (defunct)
47 miles: Terrell, TX (TRL / KTRL) Terrell Municipal Airport
50 miles: Dallas, TX (QDF) Dallas Metropolitan Area
near Bristol, TX
I googled this for you. I am not from Texas. This was the listings of airports nearby.
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Map of airports near Bristol, TX
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Written January 23, 2015
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