A vacation in Mexico will introduce you to the culture of the country and depending on what part of the country you choose to visit, some of the best beaches and beach activities in the world. Most vacationers like to indulge in shopping for unique items, fantastic prices and extraordinary souvenirs. Even if you do not crave such retail therapy, you should engage in shopping when you visit Mexico for the experience of a lifetime.
Mexico City is a huge city with numerous opportunities for shopping. However, the Sunday market of Bazar del Sabado in the suburb of San Angel is one of the nest markets. This is an exclusive neighbourhood where you will find crafts of an exceptional nature with sophisticated items you don't usually find in such a location. The shops that surround the market are also treasure troves for furnishings, antiques and collectibles that you won't find elsewhere.
The Polanco neighbourhood of Mexico City is very fashionable and is well-known for its designer boutiques and fine jewelry stores. It has been called the "Rodeo Drive" of Mexico City. Shop for collectible works of art by Latin American and international artists, fine jewelry or crafts at the stalls of vendors in the market.
Taxco is the silver capital of the country with hundreds of stores where you can buy silver jewelry and ornaments at fantastic prices. The pottery of Puebla is some of the most sought after dinnerware in the world. The designs are reminiscent of Moorish pottery. Just a short distance away you can also shop for pottery in Dolores Hidalgo where you will find cheaper pottery items. This is a great town for shopping for those who really want to bring home some of these pieces, but are vacationing on a budget.
When you browse the selection of items for sale in the stores of San Miquel, you will find that there is not as much of the traditional Mexican craftwork available. The items are very high end and thus expensive as the shop owners here are very picky about choosing items to offer for sale and will only accept the best.
Patzcuaro is the place to go if you are looking for traditional Michocan crafts. Here you can buy woodcarvings and pottery, articles made from woven straw, cotton textiles and articles made from copper. The surrounding villages also have markets where you can actually purchase the same items you see in the stores of the town from the actual craftsmen.
The neighbourhoods of Tlaquepague and Tonala or Guadalajera offer very enjoyable shopping experiences. The stores in these two locations sell a wide variety of decorative art and there are more than 400 workshops in Tonala alone. You can shop directly from these artists' studios or visit their stalls at the Sunday market.
Puerta Vallarta, which is one of the hotspots for vacationing in Mexico, is the true center of Huichol art in the country. Here you will find the traditional culture in place and the native peoples come down from the mountains to sell their unusual pieces made from colourful yarn and beads.
For weaving and textiles, you just have to visit Oaxaca and the shops of San Cristobel de las Casas have unique leather goods and the traditional wool and cotton textiles made on a loom.
When you do choose a location in Mexico for your vacation, in addition to checking out the tourist attractions and beaches, you should also pay attention to the shopping experiences that you can enjoy. Shopping at one of the markets in Mexico is an experience you won't soon forget.