Mercado Libertad

For those who like public markets you should visit the Mercado Libertad in Guad. It is the largest indoor market I have ever seen. Three stories high and stuffed full with every black market and bootleg item you can think of. Kind of reminded me of Hong Kong.

I moved this post to the shopping section where it is probably more relevant.

You won't see that many vegetables in Hong Kong! But you will see meat dogs and other interesting things. You won't see those in Mercado Libertad!

The locals never call it mercado libertad, always San Juan de Dios or Taiwan de Dios
Chris

Chris:

I am looking at a map furnished by one of the info booths and labeled as: "Direction de Turismo. Their map labeling designates it as: Mercado Libertad "San Juan de Dios".

That said, we obtained maps at two different info booths and they were different in buildings designated and labeling. What is it about the inconsistencies in Mexico?

As always, great photos Neil, thanks.

I've been told this is the largest mercado of its kind in Latin America. Is that true?

Actually, the photos are CB's! Since this particular topic was in a different section since CB posted it before we had a shopping section, I did a separate thread. It does have a slideshow with more photos.

As to your question about being the largest, I would venture a guess that it would be hard to prove or confirm. I understand that there is a huge Mercado in Mexico City but haven't been there to compare. At any rate, it is huge by my measuring stick and the diversity of products would be hard to match.

CG the correct name is Mercado Libertad but the locals call it San Juan de Dios.
The La Merced mercado in Mexico City is huge, I got lost in it.

I would think La Merced is way bigger but that is just my impression. As far as veggies we get a better variety in San Cristobal de las Casas than in San Juan de Dios.

It may not be the biggest mercado in the western hemisphere but it is the oldest Apparently there has been a mercado on that site for 3,000 yrs. Dudes check out the belts, ladies, the Jalisco opal jewelry, etc. etc. The food floor (2nd) is awesome.

Thanks for showing Bob, that place looks like a must visit

I doubt that this could even come close to the open market in Istanbul Turkey.

johninajijic wrote:I doubt that this could even come close to the open market in Istanbul Turkey.

next time you're there, take some pictures

John: "I doubt that this could even come close to the open market in Istanbul Turkey."

And your point being that you are in Mexico? The "world traveler" bubble of yours burst a long time ago. If you had wished to make a valid comparison, why not mention the market in Mexico City. OH, that's right, you have never been to the one in Guadalajara or the one in Mexico City!

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Slideshow: https://picasaweb.google.com/118146709599975173363/MERCADOLIBERTADSANJUANDeDIOSGUADALAJARAJALMEXICO?authkey=Gv1sRgCIHOmO_F-Kjbew#slideshow/5700159563974730114

CG - Why mention the two in Mexico at all? They are not in the top ten of the World.

I'm sure as an Asian that you know the largest are in Asia.

San Juan de Dios in Guadalajara is distinguished as the largest indoor mercado in Latin America.

Don't know if it's the biggest...but it's HUGE. I could wander for days and never get bored. Some of the strangest things I've ever seen..I saw there...a not to be missed treat. And....it's so close to Lakeside!!!

kipissippi wrote:Don't know if it's the biggest...but it's HUGE. I could wander for days and never get bored. Some of the strangest things I've ever seen..I saw there...a not to be missed treat. And....it's so close to Lakeside!!!

Too big for people with walking difficulties.

There's a lot on the ground floor...get a wheel chair. You're missing out.

For those who don't care to tackle the traffic down around San Juan de Dios, we use to drive into Tlaquepaque and park our car there and then take a taxi. That was before we chose the no guts/no glory approach to driving in Guadalajara. Because of the uniqueness of this mercado, we highly recommend it as a place to take visitors from NOB.

Actually Markets are cool all over the world. My favorite are in those
small islands like St. Lucia. Usually some powerful woman runs them
and lots of very interesting things happen. My favorite was a very
long slow line in St. Lucia and somebody passed a joint back from the
front of the line to give us something to do in the back of the line. The
locals and the rastas knew what to do but the tourists were looking
at it not quite sure. It was a very good day for some reason we ate
well that lunch. I love markets where ever one goes.

Z

viajero wrote:The locals never call it mercado libertad, always San Juan de Dios or Taiwan de Dios
Chris

Hahahaha! "Taiwan de Dios"! That is outstanding....do people in Guadalajara really call it that?

Rosa Venus wrote:

viajero wrote:The locals never call it mercado libertad, always San Juan de Dios or Taiwan de Dios
Chris

Hahahaha! "Taiwan de Dios"! That is outstanding....do people in Guadalajara really call it that?

Yes but it is becoming outdated. That was when many imported goods sold there were made in Taiwan. Now they offer made in China crap like everybody else.

We really enjoy visiting mercados as they provide such an individual flavor of a given area. We try to make make a point of visiting them anywhere we travel and naturally each one is different and has its own individual character. This trip we are looking forward to the six mercados in Oaxaca and numerous mercados in Puebla.

China de Dios doesn't rhyme.