All about Mercado Lucas de Gálvez in Mérida (2025 Guide)

I’ve been to quite a few markets across Central and South America, and honestly, I thought nothing could really surprise me anymore. Well... I was wrong. This market is a whole different beast.

It’s massive – like, hard-to-wrap-your-head-around massive. Numbers won’t tell the full story, but here’s a hint: depending on who you ask, anywhere between 25,000 and 100,000 people visit. Not per year, not per month – every single day.

Spread across two levels and about 45,000 square meters, you’ll find more than 2,000 vendors. That settles it: Mercado Lucas de Gálvez is the largest and most important market in Mérida.

This bustling hub has been a central part of city life since the late 1800s. If you're exploring Mérida, a visit to Lucas de Gálvez Market is simply a must.

Where to Find the Market

Mercado Lucas de Gálvez is located right in the heart of the city. From Plaza Grande, it's just a short 5-minute walk southeast, but chances are you won't just stumble upon them, you'll need to head there with intention.

San Benito Market is right next door. These two massive markets are literally neighbors. Honestly, I’d bet you could squeeze every other market in Mérida into just one of their buildings.

What Can You Find at the Market

The answer is simple: pretty much anything you can imagine. This sprawling, slightly chaotic indoor market is packed with small stalls selling just about everything under the sun.

From fresh fruits and vegetables to meat, fish, candies, spices, shoes, clothing, and local handicrafts, the market is a treasure trove of authentic Yucatecan goods.

No matter if you're craving a quick bite, searching for the perfect cooking ingredients, or hunting for a souvenir, you'll most likely find it at the market. But I hope you're not claustrophobic, as the market can get quite crowded with people.

Tips for Paying at the Market

Some stands accept credit cards, but many do not, so it’s always best to bring cash. Personally, I prefer paying with cash in the markets anyway, since it’s usually the easiest way to go.

When it comes to fruit, vegetables, meat, and other fresh foods, prices are usually fixed and not open to bargaining. However, if you’re shopping for clothing, souvenirs, or handicrafts, there’s often room for a bit of haggling.

If you’re unsure whether bargaining is appropriate, a polite inquiry or observing the seller’s response can give you a good idea. As always, being respectful and courteous is key when negotiating.

Local Eats & Market Treats

At Lucas de Gálvez market, you’ll find an incredible variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, all grown in Mexico – and I’m still surprised every time by how low the prices are.

The fruits and vegetables sold at the market are often grown in the interior of the Yucatán Peninsula and the vendors usually bring the fruits and vegetables directly from their fields.

The meat section might take some getting used to, as you'll likely find it unusual to see cuts of meat hanging from hooks, unrefrigerated, right in front of you. You also have to get used to the smell – to be honest, it’s not my favorite part.

Thinking about trying your hand at a Yucatecan dish? The market is the perfect place to pick up authentic ingredients. As mentioned, many of the products are brought in by Maya vendors from nearby villages.

Dragon fruit (pitaya) is a typical fruit of the Yucatán region. It grows on several cactus species that are native to Mexico’s drier areas. The fruit is often sold at markets in Mexico and is particularly popular during the harvest season (usually spring to fall).

Some other fruits and vegetables are unique to Mexico, with a few that I've never seen before, so there's always something new to discover.

If you ask, vendors will often let you sample unfamiliar fruits before you decide to buy. Trying the food is fine, but keep in mind that eating inside the market - except at the designated food stalls - is not allowed.

Even if I’m not planning to buy anything, I still enjoy just wandering around. You will be overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, the huge selection, the diverse smells and the sheer size of the market.

Downstairs at the northern end of the market, you’ll find a range of food stalls that offer a assortment of dishes. Among these offerings are the popular seafood cocktails, which are a must-try for anyone visiting the area.

These cocktails are typically made with a medley of freshly caught seafood, such as shrimp, octopus, and fish, marinated in zesty lime juice and mixed with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for added flavor.

Traditional Handicrafts and Textiles

One section of the market specializes in hand-painted Yucatecan clothing, crafted by modern Maya artisans. A standout feature of Yucatán’s textile tradition is the bordados, which are beautifully hand-embroidered fabrics.

They are commonly used for tablecloths, bags, napkins, and other decorative items. Many pieces feature traditional patterns and motifs, making them a great keepsake or gift.

Live Animals & Pet Goods

There is also a pet area in the middle of the market, but unfortunately - as is often the case in Mexico - the conditions for the animals are distressing, with many crammed into very small cages.

In Mexico, it's pretty common to see live animals in small cages at pet shops in shopping malls or markets. It’s heartbreaking to see their lack of space and comfort. You won't be able to change it, so I recommend giving it a wide berth.

Security Tips for the Market

As you probably already know, Mérida is considered a very safe city – and I’ve truly never been in a situation where I felt uncomfortable or unsafe.

However, pickpocketing is unfortunately not uncommon in large markets, so you should take extra care of your valuables, especially your wallet and mobile phone. It is best to use a secure bag or money belt to keep your valuables safe.

Here are a few more tips:

• Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash.

• Keep copies of important documents, like your passport, in a secure location.

• And be cautious in crowded areas, especially during peak market hours.

Be sure to check out our Traveling Tips for Mérida, Mexico. Here you will find more very valuable information on travelling safely and all the other important things you should know.

History of the Market

Today's huge market has a long history dating back to the 19th century. Around 1884, a simple shed with a tin roof was built. Three years later, more precisely on September 16, 1887, it was inaugurated under the name of "Mercado de Gálvez".

Some time later, however, the simple shed was demolished to make way for a larger market, which was inaugurated in 1909 - and demolished again in 1948 to make way for the current market.

Some parts of the market stretch across two levels – for example, you’ll find additional food stalls upstairs – but most of the action takes place on the ground floor. Almost every available square meter is packed tightly with stalls.

Who Was Lucas de Gálvez?

Curious about the origin of the name?

The market was named after Lucas de Gálvez y Montes de Oca. He was governor and captain general of Yucatán from 1789 to 1792, a role he was appointed to by King Charles III (although he served during the reign of Charles IV).

Born in Seville, Spain in 1739, Lucas de Gálvez arrived in Mérida in March 1789. However, tragically, three years later, on June 22, 1792, he was assassinated in Mérida at the age of 53.

Lucas de Gálvez vs. San Benito Market

As mentioned, Mercado San Benito is directly adjacent (to the south, on the other side of Calle 67). It is the second most important market in Mérida.

While the building itself is also very large, only part of it is actually used as a market. So when it comes to the number of stalls, Lucas de Gálvez is several times bigger – even if it might not look that way at first glance.

In my opinion, taking the time for both is absolutely worthwhile, especially since they are very centrally located. From Plaza Grande, with all its surrounding sights, it's only a two-block walk.

What Else to See Nearby

If you're visiting the Lucas de Gálvez Market, you're already in the heart of the city, surrounded by some of Mérida’s top landmarks. And while you're here, here's a tip you might appreciate:

Just along the market’s northern edge on Calle 65, you’ll find the Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida. Dedicated to the city’s rich history, this museum is well worth a stop if you’ve got a bit of extra time.

Image Source (main image): ©Ryan, flickr, CC BY 2.0, Link

The picture was modified (image improvements, resized)