Mercado Sonora

I didn’t go .. I’m giving it a 3 on general principal. I’ve been to Mercado de la Brujas in La Paz several times on a few occasions + already know it’s better in terms of what this place advertises, but people seem to like it. I love Mexico City like no other , Centro especially. Very not keen on caged animals anywhere

Large market that sells everything and the prices are very good. Easy to get to by metro. There are many different sections, witchcraft, religious, toys, home decor, souvenirs, and so much more. Trigger warning - There is also an area inside selling a variety of live animals. They are kept in small cages, and there is a strong smell. Most of the market is indoors with more stalls outside. There are many entrances to the front and back. There are many places to eat whether you want something sweet or savoury. I've been to this market many times as I always find what I need and at a good price.

Very good market!! A piece of the real authentic Mexico ❤️ Safe for tourists!

Known as the "witch" or "witchcraft market" because there is a section in the back dedicated to herbs, candles, masks, and bottles used in bruja ceremonies, this is quite a bustling market that isn't really a good place for tourists. The alleyways are narrow, there's a whole section filled with caged animals, and the first section are mostly costumes and knock-off souvenirs.

This is a historic, wonderful and unique market of Mexico City. It is a one-storied market with tiny stalls and narrow corridor. The most interesting and unique portion is situated at its rear end where the stalls are selling elements of witchcraft, small religious figures, figurine of deities, demi Gods, potion etc. in one corner and various herbs, pet animals on the other side. The other parts of the market are also frequented by local people, as well as some foreigners. The stores sell cheap household items, souvenir and clothes.

As a tourist who loves a market, I wouldn’t recommend this one. Not even for the ‘witchy’ bit at the back which was just candles and weird potions, same in stall after stall. It was so busy (apparently is all week) and claustrophobic as lanes between stalls very narrow. Felt very unfriendly from vendors and locals, not welcoming and smiley like loads of the other markets we visited. The area is hard to get to as it’s just full on traffic until closing time and apparently not a very safe area for a tourist but we wanted to experience it. A lot of the stalls were exactly the same. Loads of plastic party tat and incense stalls. We were here close Halloween and Day of the Dead so all themed on this. Worst thing about this market is the fact it sells live animals. There were around 30 kittens in one cramped cage and some not responsive. No water in any of the cages. We saw the woman pick up 6 tiny chihuahua puppies at once just by their legs and they were all crying with the pain. If I could save all these puppies I would and it left me heartbroken. It’s sad Mexico City still allows this to happen. Just don’t bother! Smelly, busy and sad.

One of my favorite markers to visit in cdmx. They have tons of cool crystals, cool mystic things, clothes, candles, food, and anything else you could ever imagine. Being a traveler this is a cool cultural experience if you want to really see a true Mercado. Be warned, they have an animal section and if you’re very sensitive to these types of things I would avoid that part, But I see it as a cultural experience so I don’t Judge. One of my must see markets.

Goods and crafts, wholesale, Mexican curious, ans as usual lots of food vendors.

I didn’t go .. I’m giving it a 3 on general principal. I’ve been to Mercado de la Brujas in La Paz several times on a few occasions + already know it’s better in terms of what this place advertises, but people seem to like it. I love Mexico City like no other , Centro especially. Very not keen on caged animals anywhere

Large market that sells everything and the prices are very good. Easy to get to by metro. There are many different sections, witchcraft, religious, toys, home decor, souvenirs, and so much more. Trigger warning - There is also an area inside selling a variety of live animals. They are kept in small cages, and there is a strong smell. Most of the market is indoors with more stalls outside. There are many entrances to the front and back. There are many places to eat whether you want something sweet or savoury. I've been to this market many times as I always find what I need and at a good price.

Very good market!! A piece of the real authentic Mexico ❤️ Safe for tourists!

Known as the "witch" or "witchcraft market" because there is a section in the back dedicated to herbs, candles, masks, and bottles used in bruja ceremonies, this is quite a bustling market that isn't really a good place for tourists. The alleyways are narrow, there's a whole section filled with caged animals, and the first section are mostly costumes and knock-off souvenirs.

This is a historic, wonderful and unique market of Mexico City. It is a one-storied market with tiny stalls and narrow corridor. The most interesting and unique portion is situated at its rear end where the stalls are selling elements of witchcraft, small religious figures, figurine of deities, demi Gods, potion etc. in one corner and various herbs, pet animals on the other side. The other parts of the market are also frequented by local people, as well as some foreigners. The stores sell cheap household items, souvenir and clothes.

As a tourist who loves a market, I wouldn’t recommend this one. Not even for the ‘witchy’ bit at the back which was just candles and weird potions, same in stall after stall. It was so busy (apparently is all week) and claustrophobic as lanes between stalls very narrow. Felt very unfriendly from vendors and locals, not welcoming and smiley like loads of the other markets we visited. The area is hard to get to as it’s just full on traffic until closing time and apparently not a very safe area for a tourist but we wanted to experience it. A lot of the stalls were exactly the same. Loads of plastic party tat and incense stalls. We were here close Halloween and Day of the Dead so all themed on this. Worst thing about this market is the fact it sells live animals. There were around 30 kittens in one cramped cage and some not responsive. No water in any of the cages. We saw the woman pick up 6 tiny chihuahua puppies at once just by their legs and they were all crying with the pain. If I could save all these puppies I would and it left me heartbroken. It’s sad Mexico City still allows this to happen. Just don’t bother! Smelly, busy and sad.

One of my favorite markers to visit in cdmx. They have tons of cool crystals, cool mystic things, clothes, candles, food, and anything else you could ever imagine. Being a traveler this is a cool cultural experience if you want to really see a true Mercado. Be warned, they have an animal section and if you’re very sensitive to these types of things I would avoid that part, But I see it as a cultural experience so I don’t Judge. One of my must see markets.

Goods and crafts, wholesale, Mexican curious, ans as usual lots of food vendors.

Mercado Sonora is not for the faint of heart, its tight hallways and bustling patrons would give the best of you some heavy anxiety. (especially now 6 feet please, don't cough on me) If you don't look Spanish or have lighter skin, I would probably come here with a local. It would be very easy to get targeted in this area, try to not bring expensive cameras or shiny new objects. The people are all very welcoming but it's in a not so good area. I came here (in october 2019) with my GF who is Filipina and she got a lot of looks but people were mostly friendly and left us alone since I could be Mexican and speak fluent Spanish (we're both brown). There are some food stalls right outside the entrance of this market. I wouldn't rely too much on having a full lunch here, just grab some small bites to get you through the market (its very big) and then plan on having a proper meal later. Tip* I would ask prices before ordering, they don't list prices on most of these stalls. The inside market has stalls that not only sell fresh fruits and vegetables but traditional herbs, magical potions, and other indigenous Mexican spiritual objects. You can also find some toys and wrestling masks here, but not many. The Mercado de Sonora is located in the Colonia Merced Balbuena neighborhood of Venustiano Carranza Burrough in Mexico City. The indoor market is one of the many public markets built by the city to regulate retail commerce. The institution was officially opened in 1957.

Santaria! Need some mystical floor wash? Magical incense? Santa Muerte altars?! This is the place for all your spiritual and metaphysical needs. They've got everything you need for curses, spells, incantations, hexes and blessings. This flea market stretches far and wide, full of everything you'll ever need. One wrong turn, and you're in a separate kind of market. They not only sell religious materials, but also chickens, pigeons, doves, and other sorts of birds. Watch out! There aren't nearly enough restrooms here- and you gotta pay for the few that are in here. This place can be a bit overwhelming, with every possible inch used to sell weird and exotic stuff. The stalls are incredibly packed with goods, and all prices are negotiable. The market gets pretty crowded on Saturdays, which I hear is the best day to go.

I have never been to a market like this anywhere in the world. Now, I'm a well traveled, Spanish speaking white as wonderbread American, but i'm not intimidated by new and unfamiliar places. I was able to buy Frankincense and Myrrh resins for a whopping $4 a Kilo (about a pound). I found someone who had a rare herb called Abre Camino. I bought two bags of the stuff. The prices are more than inexpensive as someone visiting with Dollars. There are tons and tons of shops that have toys, clothes, nicknacks but at least 1/4 of the place caters to Latin American folk magic, Santeria, Palo and other African Traditional Religions. You can even pick up a goat for an Orisha if one is needed. They have chickens, chicken eggs, live plants. It really is impressive...and dirty. It's sure not Whole Foods, but I had a blast. Some Caveats: Don't go on a weekend. It's VERY crowded. I went on a Thursday afternoon and there were a lot of people but not enough to make it uncomfortable. Also, going in crowded spaces full of people opens you up for getting pick-pocketed. I had my hands in my pockets the whole time with my hand on my phone/wallet. There are street vendors. While it might seem tempting, and I've eaten street meat in L.A. plenty of times, I would abstain unless it is something from a sealed soft drinks bottle or maybe something boiled like the corn they had which looked rather tasty! I hope to come back again soon.

First off, I'll say that this place is HUGE. Couple that with the fact that it's just a block or so from Le Merced, you're going to have a full day just visiting both locations. While I didn't really find anything that peaked my interest enough to buy it, a friend opted to get a "washing", which was entertaining to watch, and she then bought some items to help improve her love live and finances. We'll see if either are effective! You'll also find a section selling live animals...everything from chickens and other birds to kittens, dogs, pigs, rodents.......I didn't ask the purpose, didn't want to know. Mingled in with all the mystical items are some regular vendors selling various souvenir items, books, party supplies, toys, school supplies, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Keep in mind that these markets are not there to be tourist attractions, they're where the locals actually go to trade. So you'll see a lot of things like fresh vegetables, raw meat, herbs, cooking utensils, etc. But if you have any interest in this culture at all, it's a must see on your trip to Mexico City.

Unbelievable! Best Flea Market I've ever been to. A must see! drink mucho aqua and stay out of the Sun.

Good prices but wouldn't recommend it if you don't speak Spanish. The area outside the market is not very safe so watch out for pickpockets!

It's not a coincidence that I got robbed the first time I visited a witchcraft market but that's not the only reason why I have mixed feelings about this place. If you are a curious person like me, you can visit but don't expect anything great,unless you are into magic potions and all that. It's an overcrowded market. The stalls are cramped full and with people and their wares. Everything from Halloween and day of the dead costumes to party favours to herbs and liquid potions and cures for all sorts of illnesses. The back part of the market is filled with animals ( dogs, goats, cats, frogs, tortoises, birds in all colours) in very unkept states ready to be sold off or ready to go with the potions and it stinks, it stinks bad! This coupled with the cramped stores and people makes it hard to walk, breathe or even see anything and that makes it easy for pick pockets to steal because you are distracted trying to concentrate on breathing! I managed to get a picture of some of the liquid potions in a side stall but it just isn't worth it if you are not going to buy anything . Oh there are tarot readers too!

This place is worth checking out for weirdness factor for sure. You can walk there from Zocalo if you're prepared to navigate what feels like The Bronx of Mexico City. If you come from that direction you'll first encounter lots of undesirable crap most likely made in China. At first you'll walk through lots of stalls with children's backpacks and little purses, giant stuffed animals and tacky cheap jewelry, and inside the first part you'll find so many costumes and little Mexican souvenirs, and possibly people walking around dressed as clowns with kittens in their pockets. I got pulled into the back because I saw a puppy, and then to my horror discovered all sorts of animals in cages. Chickens of all ages and baby rat hamsters. The real weirdness is on the other end of the market where you'll find creepy dolls with horror movie vibes and lots of witchcrafty dark arts things, as well as medicinal herbs and all kinds of spices. Be prepared for tiny little walkways between stalls and uncomfortable closeness to strangers, and aggressive vendors. Kind of feels like a bad trip now that I look back on it.

If you like the Santa Muerte then this is the place for you . If not, then this is definitely not the place for you as it was not for me. Extremely tight knit walkways with a lot of cluster and filthy . Very scary inside and looks unsafe I didn't last longer than five minutes inside so if you want to try it out by all means give her a swing and post here after