15 Best Places to Shop in Mérida, Mexico (2025 Guide)
Updated: July 28, 2025
Discover Mérida / Shopping Spots
Author: Tobias
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Shopping in Mérida
2025 Guide
Hi, I’m Tobias – a German travel writer with a home in Mérida and a passion for exploring new places.
For over 20 years, my wife (a local) and I have traveled Mérida, and the Yucatán Peninsula. On this site I share real insights on 200+ places.
Learn more: Our story
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Mérida’s Best Shopping Spots at a Glance
Mérida offers diverse shopping options, including malls, boutiques, and artisan shops – from big brands in the north to local finds in the historic center, featuring fashion, crafts, home goods, and handmade souvenirs.
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Modern Malls in Northern Mérida: Most large malls are located in the city’s north. Galerías Mérida and La Isla Malltertainment offer air-conditioned spaces with supermarkets, global brands, restaurants, and cinemas. These malls are well-suited for shopping, errands, and family outings.
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Concept Stores & Design Boutiques: Casa T’HŌ and Caracol Púrpura host curated boutiques, design shops, and art spaces in restored colonial mansions. These concept-style venues combine fashion, interior decor, and cafés in an upscale setting.
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Handcrafts & Yucatecan Fashion: Local boutiques along Calle 60 specialize in handmade hammocks, textiles, and traditional Yucatecan clothing. Many items are produced in the region and offer unique, small-scale designs.
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Cultural Shopping: galleries & studios: Mérida’s Santa Ana district is home to many art galleries and creative studios. Notable venues include Nahualli Casa de los Artistas, SOHO Galleries, and Caracol Púrpura, which also features works by local designers and artisans.
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Shopping Tips for Mérida: Shopping malls are busiest on weekends, while weekday afternoons are more relaxed. Parking is widely available at malls, but in the historic center, walking is often easier. Haggling is uncommon in Mérida and prices are usually fixed.
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Interactive Mérida Shopping Guide
Explore the best shopping spots in Mérida – from malls and boutiques to hidden local shops. Filter by type, location, or price and view detailed profiles for each place.
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Shopping Spots on the Map
📍 You’ll find plenty of small shops right in the city center, especially along the main shopping street Calle 60.
📍 If you’re into art galleries, you’ll find a bunch of them around the Santa Ana neighborhood.
📍 The two by far largest markets, Lucas de Gálvez and San Benito, sit just a block or two from Plaza Grande in the historic center.
📍 If you’re looking for big shopping malls or major chain stores, head to the northern part of the city.
“Shopping in Mérida is never boring – one moment you’re browsing handmade pottery in a small shop, the next you’re sipping espresso in a designer store.
During the week, I might stop by a shiny mall, but on weekends, I’m at a farmers market picking up fresh fruit. That mix is what makes shopping here so much fun.”
My Top Places To Shop
Mérida is packed with great shopping opportunities. Whether you're after souvenirs, fashion, or local crafts, the city has it all. But where exactly are the best places to shop in Mérida in 2025?
🥇 I have a tie for first place. Casa T´HŌ Concept House and Art Gallery Caracol Púrpura are Mérida’s most stylish shopping spots in the city center. Both are the perfect blend of boutique shopping, coffee, and culture.
🥈 To me, the iconic Mercado Lucas de Gálvez is a must-see and the best market in Mérida. It’s huge – over 45,000 square meters – and packed with more than 2,000 vendors selling pretty much everything. I like it, because it’s chaotic, colorful, and absolutely alive.
In the heart of downtown, you'll find plenty of souvenir shops. These spots are great for picking up hammocks, handcrafts, jewelry, and traditional Yucatecan clothing. Browse authentic crafts at Artesanaria, located right across from Parque de Santa Lucia.
Fun fact: hammocks are one of the most popular handmade souvenirs. If you're looking for a high-quality, hand-woven piece, check out Cielo Hamacas.
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👉 Casa T’HŌ Concept House and Caracol Púrpura Art Gallery aren’t huge, but it’s the laid-back mix of little shops and a café (or a restaurant, in the case of Casa T’HŌ) that really does it for me.
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Casa T´HŌ Concept House
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Mercado Lucas de Gálvez
Art Galleries in Mérida
Mérida has a vibrant art scene – you’ll find both local and international art and decor in many of the city’s galleries and shops. Here are some of my personal favorites around town.
📍 Nahualli Casa de los Artistas
One standout is Nahualli Casa de los Artistas – a family-run gallery where Melba Medina, Abel Vásquez, and their daughter Aura Meztli live, create, and showcase their art, along with works by guest artists, all in a beautifully restored colonial house.
📍 SOHO Galleries
SOHO Galleries, established in 2008, is a recognized part of Mérida’s art scene. It showcases contemporary works by artists from Mexico, Cuba, and select pieces from countries like France, Canada, India, and the U.S.
📍 Caracol Púrpura
One gallery I keep coming back to – thanks to my wife, who actually discovered it first – is Caracol Púrpura. It features a mix of Latin American art, from paintings and sculptures to handmade jewelry.
Nahualli Casa de los Artistas
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Caracol Púrpura
Where to Find the Best Local Markets in Mérida?
Mérida has all kinds of neighborhood markets, and each one offers a real sense of everyday life in the city. From food stalls and fresh produce to handmade crafts, they’re not just places to shop – they’re part of how daily life in Yucatán works.
I’m focusing on the central markets that I’ve personally visited and found most useful. If you’d like to explore Mérida’s wider market scene and discover more of the local favorites, don’t miss the full market guide – it’s packed with extra tips and practical insights.
📍 You won’t find anything about Mérida’s markets that doesn’t mention Mercado Lucas de Gálvez and Mercado de San Benito – they’re right next to each other in the city center and by far the biggest markets in town.
📍 Mercado de Santiago in Mérida blends local flavor with artisanal charm. You’ll find everything from fresh juices and vibrant flowers to traditional Yucatecan bites and handcrafted souvenirs – a great mix of food and folk art in one laid-back spot.
📍 Mercado García Rejón may be smaller than Mérida’s big-name markets, but it offers a surprisingly wide mix of local products. I’ve come across everything from handmade hammocks and henequen bags to sandals, jewelry, and traditional clothing.
Mercado de Santiago
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Mercado García Rejón
👉 In Mérida, the charm of many barrios comes from this classic trio: a lively market, a peaceful park, and a centuries-old church – like in San Sebastián. When you visit, you can check out all three in one go.
Mercado San Sebastián
Parque and Parroquia de San Sebastián
Shopping Malls in Mérida
The Biggest and Best Malls in Mérida
Mérida’s biggest shopping malls feel quite American, packed with familiar international brands you’ll recognize from almost anywhere. Most large malls are in northern Mérida, a modern area with new housing and a growing expat community.
Here are my personal top 3:
🥇 La Isla Malltertainment is one of our go-to spots when the whole family goes shopping. We enjoy the green, open-air layout, the relaxed atmosphere, and the fact that there’s a playground for the kids while we take our time.
🥈 Galerías Mérida is another one I can totally recommend – it’s the biggest shopping mall in town and even has an ice-skating rink right in the middle. Yep, an ice rink in tropical Yucatán!
🥉 The Harbor Lifestyle Mall, opened in 2019, is Mérida’s newest and most modern shopping center. When I’ve been there, it’s usually been quiet – a good option if you prefer a calm, uncrowded place to shop.
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Galerías Mérida
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La Isla Malltertainment
Alternative Mall Options in Mérida
Plaza Altabrisa Mérida is also a solid choice – a large, American-style mall with lots of well-known international brands. Gran Plaza Mérida feels a bit more dated by comparison and is actually the oldest shopping center in the city.
At the other end of the spectrum, there’s Paseo 60 – a small downtown mall with a more compact, urban vibe. I still like stopping by now and then, especially for a relaxed lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants there – it’s a nice change from the big mall atmosphere.
Smaller Local Malls in Mérida
Mérida also has plenty of small and mid-sized malls like Plaza Oriente, Plaza Patio Mérida, and Plaza Kukulcán. These are mostly used by locals in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Plaza Patio Mérida is a bit larger than the others, but overall, these spots aren’t must-visits unless you happen to be nearby. If you’re short on time, the bigger malls will give you a much better shopping experience.
Large Chain Stores in Mérida
Most large malls in Mérida feature one or two major anchor stores, like Liverpool or Sears, offering a wide variety of products. Fun fact: both Liverpool and Sears are among Mexico’s top online retailers too – so you can also shop from the comfort of your hotel or Airbnb.
You’ll also find some major US chains in the north of Mérida, including Costco (the popular wholesale club), OfficeMax (for office supplies), and Home Depot (for home improvement).
These stores are usually located near the big malls, making it easy to knock out all your errands in one go.
Where to Buy Groceries in Mérida
Convenience Stores in Mérida
If you’re staying in downtown Mérida and need to grab some essentials, you’ll find plenty of minimarkets like OXXO and Extra scattered around. These stores are open long hours and great for snacks, drinks, and some basic groceries.
Fun fact: There are over 21,000 OXXO stores across Latin America – and I’m pretty sure I’ve been in at least half of them. 😉
Supermarkets in Mérida
For a full grocery haul, Mérida offers several large supermarkets. There are no fewer than six Walmarts in the city (a bit on the pricey side), plus popular Mexican grocery chains like Súper Akí Centro, Súper Akí Bazar, and Soriana.
If you’re after something in between, look for mid-sized stores like Dunosusa and Waldo’s – they offer a decent selection at budget-friendly prices.
General Shopping Tips
Here are my shopping tips:
▸ Quietest on weekdays – early afternoon
▸ Look beyond malls – local shops are a win
▸ Keep an eye on your valuables
▸ Market Shopping? Go early for freshness
▸ Bring small bills (markets are cash-based)
👉 If you haven’t checked them out yet, make sure to browse our 40+ Travel Tips for Mérida and beyond – packed with everything you’ll want to know before exploring the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕗 What is the quietest time to go shopping in Mérida, Mexico?
Weekdays – especially early afternoons – are the quietest for shopping in Mérida, Mexico. Malls and markets are much less crowded than on weekends, making it easier to explore at your own pace. This is ideal if you prefer a calm experience or are shopping with children.
🛡️ Is shopping in Mérida, Mexico safe for tourists?
Yes – Mérida is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico. Shopping malls are secure and well‑maintained, and local markets are generally safe too. As anywhere, keep valuables close, avoid carrying excessive cash, and use secure parking or trusted ride‑share services.
💳 Can I pay with a credit card at malls and markets?
Most malls and chain stores in Mérida accept credit or debit cards. Smaller artisan shops, boutiques, and local markets may prefer cash. Carry pesos in small bills, as some vendors don’t take cards or may have limited change. ATMs are widely available in malls.
🗣️ Do I need to speak Spanish when shopping in Mérida?
Not necessarily. Staff in large malls and popular shopping areas often speak basic English. In smaller markets, a few Spanish phrases can help, but locals are patient and happy to assist. A translation app is useful for special requests or bargaining in artisan shops.
🍽️ Is the food at shopping malls in Mérida worth trying?
Yes – Mérida’s malls and shopping centers offer more than just fast food. Many food courts include local Yucatecan dishes and casual restaurants. Eating at a mall is convenient, air‑conditioned, and a good option during long shopping trips, especially with kids.
🛍️ What kind of products can I buy when shopping in Mérida, Mexico?
You’ll find everything from global fashion brands to traditional crafts. Popular purchases include clothing, shoes, electronics, jewelry, handmade textiles, pottery, books, and local Yucatecan snacks. Artisan markets are best for unique souvenirs – see our Mérida markets guide for details.
🏬 Where are Mérida’s biggest malls and shopping centers located?
Most large malls and shopping centers are in Mérida’s modern northern district. These include La Isla Malltertainment and The Harbor. They’re easiest to reach by car or Uber. Parking is usually free or low‑cost, and public transport options are available on main roads.
🤝 Can I haggle when shopping in Mérida?
Haggling is uncommon in malls and chain stores. It’s more typical in artisan markets and small souvenir shops, though discounts are usually modest. Be polite and friendly – bargaining is more about building rapport than getting a big price reduction.
📍 Are shops and malls in Mérida easy to reach?
Yes – major malls and shopping clusters have large parking lots and are well‑connected by main roads. Many are close to each other, making it easy to combine errands. If you don’t drive, ride‑share services like Uber and local taxis are affordable and widely available.