Mercado Libertad
Mercado Libertad
4.5
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
This arts and crafts marketplace offers many places to shop and bargain.
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1,127 within 3 miles
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195 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
230 reviews
Excellent
106
Very good
90
Average
27
Poor
4
Terrible
3
Maura M
California163 contributions
Dec 2019
We enjoyed some shopping....mostly just looked, but got some knock off sunglasses and a butterfly knife. It's kind of overwhelming because there are stands and stands and stands of the same things. Hard to know if you're finding a bargain, too, because all the clothes, shoes, etc., are ripoff versions of name brands. But we enjoyed all the food stands. We got some good tacos, hamburgers, and even burritos - not common in MX. My kids said the ahogado was one of the best meats they had during our travels. Worth checking out, mainly for the "cultural experience," if you don't have these kinds of massive markets at home.
Written January 1, 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.
AlHenry
Portland, OR61 contributions
When you go to the libertad, you are not governed by how much money you should take...but how much merchandise you are able to carry. The 2 and 3 story complex has everything from pigs feet to Nike shoes and everything in between. A bustling complex of humanity and commerce which has the motto: If we dont have it, we'll go run and get it. Just dont cut yourself short, give yourself plenty of time to systematically work yourself through. I wanted a leather vest and the store/cubbyhole that I patronized had the right color but no the right style. When she found the style, it was the wrong color. Then theres the right size. So off she ran to who knows where to get what I was looking for. She worked so hard that when I did get what I was wanted, I didnt even haggle or bargain. In fact I gave her an additional tip. Guess Im getting soft in my old age. But what a nice group of people, both patrons and storekeepers. Have fun and after you do, go take a carriage ride and remember this isnt New York's Central Park, its the Libertad, Guadalajara, MX.
Written August 15, 2003
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.
TravelQueenie365
Singapore, Singapore704 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
- What most of the previous reviews missed out was the huge amount of fake goods sold in this market. From fake Gucci bags to Nike Shoes, it is a heaven for ladies! Beware that some stall sellers will raise the price to tourist price. If they did, just move on to another seller.
- you can definitely find a cheaper deal if you are willing to walk around and bargain with the sellers.
- Now moving on to the food sold at the market. Second level of the market sells the best amazing mexican food ever. Look out for the women wearing pink vest apron behind the counter. That is where you should eat because that is where all the mama sita cook and plate up one of the best home-cooked food for ya. We had rice with pork and tomato...so hearty so comforting (see picture). They even make hot tortilla in front of you, how good is that?! To top it up, they are free...free flow just constantly fresh made and laid out in front of you. A meal only cost us 25 peso.
- Third floor of the market is all mens goods like t-shirts and sport shoes etc. Pretty good price i must say.
If you think my reviews have been helpful to you, please click 'Yes' for 'Was this review helpful?'
- you can definitely find a cheaper deal if you are willing to walk around and bargain with the sellers.
- Now moving on to the food sold at the market. Second level of the market sells the best amazing mexican food ever. Look out for the women wearing pink vest apron behind the counter. That is where you should eat because that is where all the mama sita cook and plate up one of the best home-cooked food for ya. We had rice with pork and tomato...so hearty so comforting (see picture). They even make hot tortilla in front of you, how good is that?! To top it up, they are free...free flow just constantly fresh made and laid out in front of you. A meal only cost us 25 peso.
- Third floor of the market is all mens goods like t-shirts and sport shoes etc. Pretty good price i must say.
If you think my reviews have been helpful to you, please click 'Yes' for 'Was this review helpful?'
Written January 19, 2015
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.
thomas0474
Ciudad Constitucion, Mexico32 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Assumed prices for our comida was in the range of 60 to 80 pesos as advertised by the restaurants stalls near by ... but no we sat down enjoyed our meal only to be presented a bill that was double the price of other food stalls! My fault for not asking for the prices!
Live and learn and remember if they dont post prices they will charge double for the gringos, sad but after 6 years in Mexico I have seen this many times. My esposa is Mexican and she couldn't believe the prices charged!!
Be careful and ALWAYS ask the prices!!
Los precios asumidos para nuestra comida estaban en el rango de 60 a 80 pesos como lo anuncian los puestos de restaurantes cercanos. Mi culpa por no preguntar por los precios!
Viva y aprenda y recuerde que si no publican precios, le cobrarán el doble a los gringos, triste, pero después de 6 años en México, lo he visto muchas veces. ¡Mi esposa es mexicana y no podía creer los precios que cobraban!
Ojo y pregunta SIEMPRE los precios!!
Live and learn and remember if they dont post prices they will charge double for the gringos, sad but after 6 years in Mexico I have seen this many times. My esposa is Mexican and she couldn't believe the prices charged!!
Be careful and ALWAYS ask the prices!!
Los precios asumidos para nuestra comida estaban en el rango de 60 a 80 pesos como lo anuncian los puestos de restaurantes cercanos. Mi culpa por no preguntar por los precios!
Viva y aprenda y recuerde que si no publican precios, le cobrarán el doble a los gringos, triste, pero después de 6 años en México, lo he visto muchas veces. ¡Mi esposa es mexicana y no podía creer los precios que cobraban!
Ojo y pregunta SIEMPRE los precios!!
Written May 8, 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.
Bad people are everywhere, always take care of your things and people, this is not a sams club you can´t go be like see me I´m from kansas, taking picture, and been the tallest, here is as same as been at any downtown in any city, Boston, Houston, NY. You have to be focus unless you may be lost, this is like a compressed city.
Written September 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greyrockgal
Westchester County, NY234 contributions
A trip to Guadalajara is not complete without a trip to the Mercado Libertad also known as San Juan de Dios -- for which there is another listing on tripadvisor.com, but it is the same place. You can shop for saddles, spurs, shoes, all sorts of apparel, beef, chicken, produce, in addition to bunnies, ducklings, caged canaries, cardinals, and pigeons ... the list goes on and on ... or simply take photographs and people watch.
While you're there be sure to visit Angelica at La Torta Loca -- the original and only Torta Loca -- beware of imposters who spell Loca with a K. Her tortas ahogadas are unparalleled, but her tortas locas toasted on the plancha are beyond anything you might imagine.
In addition to her succulent pork sandwiches "drowned" in a delicious broth seasoned with tomatoes, mole, and chilis, and dressed with pickled onions, her work ethic, decency, and beautiful smile will draw you back again and again. Her food stand deserves a spot under Guadalajara restaurants.
While you're there be sure to visit Angelica at La Torta Loca -- the original and only Torta Loca -- beware of imposters who spell Loca with a K. Her tortas ahogadas are unparalleled, but her tortas locas toasted on the plancha are beyond anything you might imagine.
In addition to her succulent pork sandwiches "drowned" in a delicious broth seasoned with tomatoes, mole, and chilis, and dressed with pickled onions, her work ethic, decency, and beautiful smile will draw you back again and again. Her food stand deserves a spot under Guadalajara restaurants.
Written November 12, 2014
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.
Stephen L
Denver, CO68 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
You really must spend some time here, but please be open minded.
Some things may not be pretty, or clean enough, may smell offensive to you. But as in so many Mexican experiences, you will never forget it.
We purchased a lovely, and unique terra cotta Katrina to add to our collection. I will add a photo of her when back at home. We were very pleased with the price of 1800 pesos, (less than a hundred bucks with this crazy exchange rate of 20 pesos to the US dollar) and they did a great job of packing her for our eventual trip at home.
Another "American" stopped us after our purchase to inform us that we should have bargained with the seller, and that we could have forced him to come way down.
That bothered us a lot - we are totally aware of how to bargain - but why? It's a game to some fortunate travelers like us, but it is these peoples' livelihood. Why do we need to beat them up?
We don't need to!!! So please, don't be the ugly American. Pay a fair price, and respect these hard working, and gentle people. They manage to survive in a life so very different that ours, but they still manage to treat us graciously.
The sights, sounds, people an all are just unbelievable. So go.
And spend at least two more days in this core area of Guadalajara - it truly is unbelievable!
Some things may not be pretty, or clean enough, may smell offensive to you. But as in so many Mexican experiences, you will never forget it.
We purchased a lovely, and unique terra cotta Katrina to add to our collection. I will add a photo of her when back at home. We were very pleased with the price of 1800 pesos, (less than a hundred bucks with this crazy exchange rate of 20 pesos to the US dollar) and they did a great job of packing her for our eventual trip at home.
Another "American" stopped us after our purchase to inform us that we should have bargained with the seller, and that we could have forced him to come way down.
That bothered us a lot - we are totally aware of how to bargain - but why? It's a game to some fortunate travelers like us, but it is these peoples' livelihood. Why do we need to beat them up?
We don't need to!!! So please, don't be the ugly American. Pay a fair price, and respect these hard working, and gentle people. They manage to survive in a life so very different that ours, but they still manage to treat us graciously.
The sights, sounds, people an all are just unbelievable. So go.
And spend at least two more days in this core area of Guadalajara - it truly is unbelievable!
Written December 14, 2016
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.
Cecily B
United States127 contributions
Jan 2016 • Solo
Since it was my last week on Guadalajara, I decided to go to the markets in search for gifts. All the tourist guides and reviews told me to go to Mercado Libertad(Mercado San Juan de Dios). I hated it. Yes it was huge, but there were too many booths crammed into the space. Between the people and the stands, one didn't have room to breathe, let alone shop. Since it was so crowded, it was also very hot! The tourist guides spoke of the amazing homemade gifts. Okay, if every vendor has the same thing and it comes in a package, they didn't make it. I felt like I was seeing the same objects over and over. When I left, I had a panic attack.
I then went to my favorite market on Chapultepec Street. There I saw my gifts being made. It's outside and the sales people aren't pushy.
I then went to my favorite market on Chapultepec Street. There I saw my gifts being made. It's outside and the sales people aren't pushy.
Written January 13, 2016
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.
ramblecrunch
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico8 contributions
Oct 2012 • Family
My husband, daughter (11) and I recently moved from Vancouver BC to the Lake Chapala area. Last Sunday, on our first trip to Guadalajara, we headed for the Mercado Libertad. It took us about 20 minutes to find a parking spot on the street, but parking was free.
Mercado Libertad is a sprawling marketplace with everything from CDs to leather goods, from saddles to shoes, from cookware to produce. It's huge. We didn't see a tenth of it, I'm sure.
Let me start by saying, I am not a big shopper, but this was really fun. Vendors were quick to smile and not aggressively "in your face" like at other markets we've visited around the globe. A few called out as we passed by, but in a low-key way that was easy to ignore if we wanted. My daughter made several purchases with her own money (candy, toys) and the vendors she dealt with were kind to her.
Don't miss the courtyard, where all kinds of colorful birds (cockatiels, canaries, lovebirds, finches, etc) and small animals are for sale. You can also buy all sorts of interesting snacks out there, like a cup of pomegranate seeds for $10 pesos or a bag of sugar cane pieces. My daughter picked up some great Day of the Dead chatzkies from one of the toy stalls.
The food court upstairs is absolutely amazing. Don't even think of skipping it. Most of the eateries are Mexican, though I did see several Asian places. The proprietors here are slightly pushier than the ones downstairs, but it's no big deal. As you pass by every single place, someone will pop out and either hand you a menu or start reciting all their menu items. If you can, walk around the whole food court and get an overview before committing to a place.
We picked Fanda Virgen because the place was packed, the server (owner?) looked kind, and a table just opened up. Great decision. Everything was super fresh, and I'd eat there again in a heartbeat. I had a torta ahogada (excellent, fresh, well-spiced tomato sauce). Hubs had a loncha chorizo (excellent!) and my daughter had a shrimp cocktail. Hers was good, one of the best I've had, but it took forever because they had to go buy and cook the shrimp. So I would pass on shrimp dishes for that reason, but it was all delicious.
Mercado Libertad is a sprawling marketplace with everything from CDs to leather goods, from saddles to shoes, from cookware to produce. It's huge. We didn't see a tenth of it, I'm sure.
Let me start by saying, I am not a big shopper, but this was really fun. Vendors were quick to smile and not aggressively "in your face" like at other markets we've visited around the globe. A few called out as we passed by, but in a low-key way that was easy to ignore if we wanted. My daughter made several purchases with her own money (candy, toys) and the vendors she dealt with were kind to her.
Don't miss the courtyard, where all kinds of colorful birds (cockatiels, canaries, lovebirds, finches, etc) and small animals are for sale. You can also buy all sorts of interesting snacks out there, like a cup of pomegranate seeds for $10 pesos or a bag of sugar cane pieces. My daughter picked up some great Day of the Dead chatzkies from one of the toy stalls.
The food court upstairs is absolutely amazing. Don't even think of skipping it. Most of the eateries are Mexican, though I did see several Asian places. The proprietors here are slightly pushier than the ones downstairs, but it's no big deal. As you pass by every single place, someone will pop out and either hand you a menu or start reciting all their menu items. If you can, walk around the whole food court and get an overview before committing to a place.
We picked Fanda Virgen because the place was packed, the server (owner?) looked kind, and a table just opened up. Great decision. Everything was super fresh, and I'd eat there again in a heartbeat. I had a torta ahogada (excellent, fresh, well-spiced tomato sauce). Hubs had a loncha chorizo (excellent!) and my daughter had a shrimp cocktail. Hers was good, one of the best I've had, but it took forever because they had to go buy and cook the shrimp. So I would pass on shrimp dishes for that reason, but it was all delicious.
Written October 23, 2012
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.
LuvToTravelAround
San Fernando, CA410 contributions
Jan 2019
We spend a half day walking through San Juan de Dios Mercado. You want to buy it, you will find it here. All name brand stuff. Levis, Nike, leather goods, food stands, Mexican craft goods, clothes, perfumes. We left with a boat load. The dollar is trading at 20 pesos for a $1. No credit cards, cash only. Use situational awareness as this place is a locals swap meet.
Written January 1, 2019
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.
324neilc
Steamboat Springs, CO4,198 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
We went down on a Sunday morning to look for a pair of leather boots. Found out that if you get there as they are opening, they are more willing to negotiate to start the day off with that first sale. When it comes to leather, be cautious and make sure the leather is what they are representing it to be. Knockoff shoes, jackets, bags, purses and athletic shoes are everywhere!
For the experience, one owes it to themselves to walk the multiple levels of this market which claims to be the largest of this type in Latin America.
For the experience, one owes it to themselves to walk the multiple levels of this market which claims to be the largest of this type in Latin America.
Written February 23, 2014
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.
dljg30
Fort Wayne, IN1 contribution
Where is the best place to get jewelry and Mariachi outfit for children. Thanks in advance.
yolandanola
new orleans195 contributions
I able to traditional outfits at this market. I needed accessories for a parade and found them there. Also found good silver filigree jewelry there. There's a big jewelry building next door that has nothing but jewelry. Enjoy I can't wait to go back next year.
JJ18_11
Winnipeg707 contributions
How close is mercado libertad to sergio bustamante gallery? I am confused since a search on the internet said it is something like half and hour from our hotel Hotel Morales but on trip advisor it looks like the gallery and the market are not that far from our hotel.
Sef786
Milwaukee, WI85 contributions
Sergios's gallery is in Tlaquepaque centro not in Guadalajara centro . Tlaquepaque is a suburb town which is not that far from hotel Morals or guadalajara centro . On other hand Mercado is not that far from hotel Morales and its in Guadalajara Centro . To go to mercado go to JUAREZ ave which is few blocks away from hotel Morales and then turn right on Juarez till u will see big Market facing you on left side of Juarez ave . You should visit Tlaquepaque for sure. I have forgot the cab fare but its accessible by cab and not more than 30 minutes ride from Hotel Morales. There in centro you will find amazing art galleries and food . Any thing more you wanna know , hit me back .
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Claim your listingMercado Libertad - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Mercado Libertad
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Mercado Libertad:
- Private walking tour of Guadalajara (From $42.00)
- History & Muralism: Guadalajara Walking Tour (From $40.75)
- Full Day Gastronomic Tour All Inclusive (From $194.88)
- Private Guadalajara City Tour Within Your Budget (From $30.88)
- Private Walking Tour Guadalajara History and Murals with Guide (From $41.34)
- Hotels near Mercado Libertad:
- (0.09 mi) Hotel Janeiro
- (0.08 mi) Hotel Ana Isabel
- (0.41 mi) Real Maestranza Hotel
- (0.32 mi) Hotel de Mendoza
- (0.19 mi) Best Western Plus Gran Hotel Centro Historico
- Restaurants near Mercado Libertad:
- (0.06 mi) Candela
- (0.05 mi) El Pirata
- (0.10 mi) Terra Madre Restaurante & Bar
- (0.12 mi) Hamburgruesas
- (0.15 mi) Lonches amparito
Mercado Libertad Information
Excellent Reviews | 106 |
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Very Good Reviews | 90 |
Mercado Libertad Photos | 196 |