Mercado de San Juan Mexico City
Mexico City's most exotic and gourmet market, offering everything from lion meat to tarantulas and fresh seafood.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest produce & seafood
Mercado de San Juan Mexico City
Best Time
Freshest produce & seafood
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Mexico City's most exotic and gourmet market, offering everything from lion meat to tarantulas and fresh seafood.
"An out of this world market that sells all sorts of exotic consumables."
🎯 Be Adventurous with Food
Don't shy away from the exotic! Try insects, game meats, or unique seafood dishes.
💰 Prices are Very Cheap!
Enjoy delicious and unique food at surprisingly affordable prices.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exotic Meats
Various stalls
Sample lion, tiger, crocodile, ostrich, and more. A true taste of adventure!

Cabo San Juan
Stall 94
Fine dining seafood experience in a market setting. Chef Alan's fresh catches are a must-try.
Deli Caseus
Stall 299-300
Spanish tapas, paella, and a wide selection of cheeses and Iberian ham.

Fried Insects
Various stalls
Try crispy chapulines (grasshoppers), scorpions, and tarantulas for a unique snack.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Exotic
Go Early for the Freshest Finds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Be Adventurous with Food
Don't shy away from the exotic! Try insects, game meats, or unique seafood dishes.
💰 Prices are Very Cheap!
Enjoy delicious and unique food at surprisingly affordable prices.
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
No need for a tour, the market is easy to explore on your own.
☕ Try the Coffee
There's a cafe inside rumored to have award-winning coffee.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Be Adventurous with Food
Don't shy away from the exotic! Try insects, game meats, or unique seafood dishes.
💰 Prices are Very Cheap!
Enjoy delicious and unique food at surprisingly affordable prices.
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
No need for a tour, the market is easy to explore on your own.
☕ Try the Coffee
There's a cafe inside rumored to have award-winning coffee.
⚖️ Vendors are Helpful
Don't hesitate to ask questions; vendors are friendly and informative.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mercado de San Juan offers a unique and exciting culinary adventure with its exotic meats, fresh seafood, and adventurous insect dishes. Visitors praise the affordability and the friendly, helpful vendors. While some find it a bit touristy, the sheer variety and quality of food make it a memorable experience for those willing to step outside their comfort zone.
"We wanted to buy cacao beans, hence we came here. It is a very unique mercado. I was very surprised especially with the whole young piglets and big rabbits for sale!! Vendors are very helpful and friendly. We ate at one of the eateries and the food and drinks were super! They have exotic tacos- crocodile. Garantula, crickets, etc etc. Prices are very cheap! Service was also excellent! I love this mercado!"
Nisi Arel
"Interesting experience, got to eat lion, tiger and ostrich meats - they taste/feel much like beef. Grasshoppers were flavorful!"
Wang Wang
"The food was tasty and pretty cool to walk around. No need to get a tour, very easy to navigate and the food is self-explanatory."
Erik Meltzer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mercado de San Juan is conveniently located in the Historic Center (Centro Histórico) of Mexico City, near attractions like the Zócalo and Palacio de Bellas Artes. You can easily reach it by metro, taking line 2 to the Allende station, or by taxi/ride-sharing service. It's also walkable from many central hotels.
Yes, Mercado de San Juan is considered safe to visit. While it offers exotic items, it's not dangerous and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking unique culinary experiences.
The market is typically open daily from around 9 AM to 5 PM. For the freshest selection, especially seafood, it's best to visit in the morning.
Absolutely! The nearest metro station is Allende on Line 2. From there, it's a short walk to the market. Many bus routes also serve the area.
While street parking can be challenging in the historic center, there are several paid parking lots and garages nearby. Using public transport or ride-sharing is often more convenient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Mercado de San Juan. You can wander through the market freely. You only pay for the food and goods you purchase.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting on a weekday morning. Weekends, especially around lunchtime, tend to be busier.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally expected that you'll purchase food and drinks from the vendors within the market. It's part of the experience!
No, the restaurants and food stalls within Mercado de San Juan do not have separate entrance fees. You simply order and pay for what you consume.
Most vendors accept cash (Mexican Pesos). Some of the more established restaurants and stalls may also accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to have cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Mercado de San Juan is renowned for its exotic offerings, including tarantulas, scorpions, crocodile meat, lion meat, ostrich, and various insects like chapulines. You can also find fresh seafood, gourmet cheeses, and imported delicacies.
For exceptional seafood, head to Cabo San Juan, known for its fine dining experience within the market, or Marisquería El Saladito for delicious seafood dishes.
While the market is famous for meats and seafood, you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, and some prepared dishes that might be suitable. Deli Caseus offers Spanish tapas which may have vegetarian options.
Don't miss the exotic meats like crocodile or ostrich, try the fried insects for a crunchy snack, and indulge in the fresh seafood at places like Cabo San Juan. The TNT toast from Cabo San Juan is also highly recommended.
Yes, Mercado San Juan is a fantastic place to buy fresh ingredients, including exotic meats, seafood, unique produce, cheeses, and imported goods, if you have access to a kitchen.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Mercado San Juan. However, always be respectful of vendors and other shoppers. If you plan to take close-ups of people or their products, it's polite to ask for permission first.
The vibrant displays of colorful produce, exotic meats, and bustling market activity offer great photo opportunities. The stalls with unique items like insects or whole animals are particularly striking.
It's best to avoid using flash, especially when photographing food or people, as it can be intrusive and affect the natural lighting. Natural light within the market is usually sufficient.
While generally permitted, some vendors might prefer you not to photograph their specific products or stalls. Always be mindful and ask if you're unsure.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is excellent for capturing the market's atmosphere. If using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a versatile zoom lens or a fast prime lens would be ideal for various shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on: the colorful fruits and vegetables, trying some of the delicious seafood dishes, or perhaps a less intimidating snack like a pastry or a fresh juice. It's a great opportunity to expose children to different cultures and foods in a safe environment. Just be mindful of their sensitivities when discussing or pointing out the more exotic items.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for saving money:
* Eat at the stalls: Opt for prepared foods from vendors rather than buying raw exotic meats to cook yourself (unless you have a kitchen).
* Share dishes: Portions can be generous, especially at places like the Peruvian ceviche spot mentioned in reviews, where two can eat from one lomo saltado.
* Focus on local specialties: While exotic meats are a draw, don't overlook delicious and affordable seafood or traditional Mexican snacks available throughout the market.
🧑🍳 Foodies & Culinary Explorers
Must-dos for foodies:
* Explore the exotic meats: Sample lion, tiger, or crocodile for a truly unique protein experience.
* Indulge in fresh seafood: Experience the quality at Cabo San Juan or El Saladito.
* Taste edible insects: Try chapulines or scorpions for a crunchy, protein-rich snack.
* Discover imported delicacies: Look for gourmet cheeses and other international products.
* Engage with vendors: Learn about the sourcing and preparation of ingredients from passionate sellers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Exotic Meats
When exploring these stalls, don't hesitate to ask vendors about the origin and preparation of the meats. They are often passionate about their products and happy to share insights. While some vendors sell these meats fresh for you to take home, others offer prepared dishes, allowing you to sample them on the spot. It's a truly unique aspect of the Mercado San Juan experience that sets it apart from traditional markets.
Tasting Tips for Exotic Meats
* Start small: If you're hesitant, try a small portion or a taco featuring an exotic meat.
* Ask for recommendations: Vendors can guide you to their most popular or best-prepared options.
* Consider preparation: Some meats are better grilled, while others might be stewed or served as part of a dish.
Seafood Delights at Mercado San Juan
Whether you're craving ceviche, grilled fish, or other seafood specialties, you'll find a wide variety of options. The quality is exceptional, often sourced directly from coastal regions. Many reviewers praise the deliciousness and freshness of the seafood, noting that it rivals that found in dedicated seafood restaurants, but at market prices.
Seafood Recommendations
* Ceviche: A classic choice, often prepared with the freshest fish and vibrant flavors.
* Grilled Fish: Simple yet delicious, allowing the freshness of the seafood to shine.
* Tuna Dishes: Look for specials like the TNT toast for a unique tuna experience.
The Insect Experience
Instagram reels showcase people bravely trying tarantulas, describing the legs as crispy like chicken and the body having a different flavor. Some reviewers mention scorpion liqueur as another unique item available. It's an experience that pushes culinary boundaries and offers a glimpse into traditional Mexican cuisine, where insects have long been a source of protein.
Tips for Trying Insects
* Start with chapulines: Grasshoppers are often the most approachable insect to try first.
* Ask about preparation: Vendors can explain how they are seasoned and cooked.
* Embrace the crunch: The texture is a key part of the experience!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit