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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  • HeinoP123
    Spring Grove, Illinois451 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written November 6, 2023
  • Debbie J
    3 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's okay for a quick visit
    Visited 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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written February 10, 2024
  • TravelBrianCO
    Pearland, Texas945 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun walk through
    A 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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written March 29, 2024
  • Gabriel H
    Bellaire, Texas7,093 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A vortex of energy
    This 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 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written April 8, 2024
  • Garfieldluvr
    Denver, Colorado973 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Huge Market
    This 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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written April 17, 2024
  • dreamspeaker
    Middleton, Wisconsin541 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Little slice of Mexico
    We 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 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written April 26, 2024
  • Luigi
    Virginia Beach, Virginia23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Lot to See and Enjoy
    A 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 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written May 8, 2024
  • Safari47647046933
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great 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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written September 17, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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
4.0 of 5 bubbles2,239 reviews
Excellent
831
Very good
784
Average
471
Poor
116
Terrible
37

Lester Ojeda
San Juan, Puerto Rico474 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

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HISTORIC MARKET SQUARE - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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