Mercado Nueva Santa María

The Mercado Nueva Santa María is the public market for the neighborhood of the same name. It’s the main place to buy food, groceries and everything you can think of. But it’s also an excellent place to get to know the neighborhood. One of the few markets with parking, there’s also a small children’s play area just west of the market.

One block from the centrally located Parque Revolución, the market opened its doors in 1963. Now 60 years old, much of its history is shared with the surrounding streets. These residential streets were almost completely urbanized in the 20 years prior to the market’s opening. By Mexico City standards, it’s a fairly young neighborhood. The name probably derives from its proximity to Santa María la Ribera, that is, “the old Santa María,” although that fact has never been historically documented.

A 2017 UAM study counted some 241 merchants within the market. That number varies somewhat by season. A few more are almost always set up outside, and in the surrounding streets. But like any good market, Mercado Nueva Santa María is home to some of the best eateries in the neighborhood. More than restaurants, most of them are set up just to serve lunch each day. Some also serve pretty decent breakfasts.

When you eat at the market, you eat better and pay less. Your support of small business helps everyone in the long run. And you’ll also feel healthier and happier. Especially for travelers stuck with monopolistic chain restaurants or street food, something homemade, or in this case, cooked at the market, will suit you much better.

Hours: Daily, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.