Market Square (El Mercado), San Antonio (must see)
Market Square, known locally as El Mercado, is a vibrant three-block outdoor plaza in downtown San Antonio. Celebrated as the largest Mexican market in the United States, it brims with Mexican cafes, restaurants, and an array of stores and stalls offering handcrafted goods such as traditional blankets, clothing, leather items, and metal crafts鈥攁ll sourced directly from Mexico.
The historic El Mercado building was constructed between 1938 and 1939, replacing the original Giles municipal market house. Initially named the "Municipal Truck Market," it earned the nickname "Farmer's Market" due to farmers selling fresh produce directly from their trucks. By 1975, the sale of produce had ceased, and the open-air space was transformed into an enclosed, air-conditioned market house.
Today, the Historic Market Square serves as a thriving hub for shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. The El Mercado section hosts 32 specialty shops, while the Farmer's Market Plaza boasts 80. Standout businesses include Cano Fruiteria, El Merkadito, Plaza Taxco, and iconic eateries like Mi Tierra Caf茅 y Panader铆a and La Margarita Mexican Restaurant & Oyster Bar, which draw both locals and tourists with their authentic Mexican flavors. Additionally, street vendors and smaller shops offer specialty foods and snacks, adding to the bustling atmosphere.
Market Square is also a cultural epicenter, hosting events and festivals throughout the year. Celebrations like Fiesta del Mercado in April, Dia de los Muertos in November, and Cinco de Mayo are highlights of its annual calendar. The on-site Centro de Artes, managed by the City of San Antonio鈥檚 Department of Arts and Culture, features solo and group exhibitions and dynamic programs that showcase the rich heritage of the area.
For an authentic San Antonio experience filled with unique shopping, delectable dining, and vibrant entertainment, Market Square is an unmissable destination.
The historic El Mercado building was constructed between 1938 and 1939, replacing the original Giles municipal market house. Initially named the "Municipal Truck Market," it earned the nickname "Farmer's Market" due to farmers selling fresh produce directly from their trucks. By 1975, the sale of produce had ceased, and the open-air space was transformed into an enclosed, air-conditioned market house.
Today, the Historic Market Square serves as a thriving hub for shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. The El Mercado section hosts 32 specialty shops, while the Farmer's Market Plaza boasts 80. Standout businesses include Cano Fruiteria, El Merkadito, Plaza Taxco, and iconic eateries like Mi Tierra Caf茅 y Panader铆a and La Margarita Mexican Restaurant & Oyster Bar, which draw both locals and tourists with their authentic Mexican flavors. Additionally, street vendors and smaller shops offer specialty foods and snacks, adding to the bustling atmosphere.
Market Square is also a cultural epicenter, hosting events and festivals throughout the year. Celebrations like Fiesta del Mercado in April, Dia de los Muertos in November, and Cinco de Mayo are highlights of its annual calendar. The on-site Centro de Artes, managed by the City of San Antonio鈥檚 Department of Arts and Culture, features solo and group exhibitions and dynamic programs that showcase the rich heritage of the area.
For an authentic San Antonio experience filled with unique shopping, delectable dining, and vibrant entertainment, Market Square is an unmissable destination.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Antonio. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Market Square (El Mercado) on Map
Sight Name: Market Square (El Mercado)
Sight Location: San Antonio, USA (See walking tours in San Antonio)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Antonio, USA (See walking tours in San Antonio)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Antonio, Texas
Create Your Own Walk in San Antonio
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Antonio is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
San Antonio Introduction Walking Tour
San Antonio, one of Texas' major cities, boasts rich colonial heritage. The city was named by a 1691 Spanish expedition for Saint Anthony of Padua, whose feast day is June 13. At the time of European encounter, the area near the San Antonio River Valley was inhabited by Payaya Indians who called it Yanaguana, the "refreshing waters".
In 1709, Spanish Father Antonio de Olivares... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
In 1709, Spanish Father Antonio de Olivares... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
King William Historical District Tour
San Antonio鈥檚 first 鈥渟uburb鈥� and the very first historical district in Texas, revitalized during the 1960s, the King William District encompasses 25 blocks south of downtown and east of the San Antonio River.
Back in the late 1800s, it was the most elegant residential area in the city. Settled by German immigrants, the neighborhood was named after Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Back in the late 1800s, it was the most elegant residential area in the city. Settled by German immigrants, the neighborhood was named after Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
River Walk Tour
The San Antonio River Walk (also known as Paseo del R铆o or simply The River Walk) is a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, one story beneath the streets of the city. A successful special-case pedestrian street, this walk winds and loops under bridges as two parallel sidewalks lined with restaurants and shops, connecting major tourist draws and attractions that add to its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles