El Mercado

Downtown

view website

West Commerce to Dolorosa
San Antonio, TX 78207
210-207-8600 Save to My Wishlist

You have successfully saved this Thing To Do.

See it in My Wishlist

Good-for-Kids Rating

Babies

Toddlers & Pre-K

School-Age Kids

Pre-Teens & Teens

Rate It | Add Your Review

Good-for-Kids Rating

Rate El Mercado:

Babies

Toddlers & Pre-K

School-Age Kids

Pre-Teens & Teens

submit

El Mercado Description

The major draw of this bustling open-stall Mexican marketplace is the merchandise: the colorful items call to kids from every direction, from pinatas dangling overhead to the vast collection of straw bags, pottery, and Mexican toys. It's hard to know where to look first. True, there's the inescapable sense that it was created expressly for tourists. But El Mercado charms with its marketplace vibe, mariachis, and souvenirs. While you're here, check out the serapes while the kids investigate the Mexican candy and guitars. You'll be hard-pressed to leave without at least purchasing your souvenir sombrero.

Scenic Landmark
Boutique

Kid Tips

Pre-Teens & Teens: High-energy shopping is always a hit with this age.

Planning Notes

Eat! Food options include two anchor restaurants plus smaller establishments selling tacos and enchiladas.

Just the Facts

Hours: September-May, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; June-August, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Fees: Free

Recommended Time: 1 to 2 hours

Reviews of El Mercado

Fun! Fun! Fun!

By larsondml June 26, 2008

Babies

Toddlers & Pre-K

School-Age Kids

Pre-Teens & Teens

What we loved:
The Shops were colorful and interesting.

What we didn't love:
Sometimes you are not for sure who to pay.

We had a nice time. We are a family of four. My husband and I have a 10 year old daughter and a 15 year old son. It was fun watching my son and daughter apply their Spanish they have learned. I would say that was the best part . It was also fun for them to see and buy things they would not find in everyday stores. The stores have Mexican Dresses, real vanilla, crosses, maracca's that are not plastic, and much more. The only thing that might be a little confusing is sometimes you are not for sure who to pay what. They have a store front and in front of the store can be someone else's store. You might walk into the store and find out that you brought in someone else's merchandise. It took us about an hour and 15 minutes to go through it. You can their if you want. I would go early morning or in the evening. My daughter would say avoid the heat. Also if you drive there it will cost you about 7.00 but if your hotel is on the riverwalk you can walk their in about 10 to 15 minutes. Read More