When I travel and take on the persona of tourist, I do things I would not normally do in my typical day-to-day life...like browse through souvenir shops. I do not like to collect anything and only purchase items that have a purpose. So this shopping setup goes against everything I usually gravitate toward. However, when on vacation I do like to get a taste of the local fare and perhaps grab a little something to remember my visit. Near where we were staying is the Market Square-an indoor/outdoor market boasting brightly colored, cheaply made and mostly imported items. There are lots of people, upbeat music and an energy that lures you in. Here, you can find a variety of articles of clothing, hats and shot glasses. I was looking for something that I could take to my son-something practical-ish that I wouldn't mind seeing around the house. We visited three separate times (it was a stop on our tour bus), but each time I left empty handed. The hours are a bit limited-they open at ten (or a bit after, really) and close at 4pm. There are restaurants sprinkled throughout, which might draw more people than the actual market. I would have liked to see some more high-quality, artisan made items rather than so many cheap things that were mass produced. Or more "consumable" items such as soaps, candles, candies, etc. But if you're looking for a souvenir without having to spend a lot of money, you just may find something here. read more

Fiestas Market Square - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Growing up visiting family in Mexico I can appreciate all the shops at the Market Square. It reminded me so much of my childhood! I remember walking along the Mexican touristy boardwalks and markets enjoying all the gift shops, music and street food. Mexico is a country known for it's rich culture. I remember traveling to the Garibaldi square famous for Mariachi Music and its local native vendors who come and sell handmade items like dolls, sarapes, rugs, pottery, jewelry, Agua Frescas, churros, fruit on a stick, roasted corn, street tacos. Well, the Marketplace is a tiny taste of Mexico, and thankfully, I don't have to drive all the way to the Motherland to find some great souvenirs. You'll find all kinds of curios, pottery, marble chess sets, wooden toys...no shortage of fun gifts. I loved showing my kids all the wonderful artisans since we no longer visit Mexico on a regular basis. We bought some beautiful pottery and my boys got some fun souvenir luchadores and candy to take home. Overall a fun day of touristy shopping! We'll be back! read more

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What is Market Square? a- Its part Mexican Outdoor Flea Market where you can get every possible Mexican souvenir you have ever seen in any clichéd tourist stand. b- Its part giant Mexican carnival with lots of food stands and kiosks c- Its part talent show - we saw a youth dance group and a young lady covering a Carrie Underwood song. d- Its part shopping mall with a food court too. So if you like restaurants, street food, Mexicana (Holy shit, I even saw a New York Giant Lucha Libre mask!), music, shopping, and 100% entertainment, this is the place. I have to put in a plug for a place I stopped at on the way out -its called Fruteria Cano, and for $5 I got a humongous cup of Cantaloupe Juice that was one of the best things I had on my San Antonio vacation. read more

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Touristy thing #3 on my mom's list. I've been to Tijuana, so this place I could had done without. Side note: We went on a Thursday and there was nothing going on. I spied Mexican Elvis eating by himself in the market building where all the vendor booths are. Since I wasn't looking for Mexican dolls, or clothes, or baskets, etc... I really had nothing to shop for. I wanted something that screamed San Antonio! I only found salsa that wasn't made in New York City. Austin, which is an awesome city, but $9/jar is not what I want to break in my suitcase. So we ate! Not here inside the marketplace, but at one of the two tourist ridden restaurants. Which was the highlight of our 1/2 mile walk here from the hotel. read more

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A must stop for shopping and snacking when in San Antonio! Huge variety of food items, clothing, accessories, pottery, you name it! If your a first time as a tourist here, buy a Mexican blanket to take home. They last forever! Eat a cup of roasted corn "Mexican style" with mayo, Cotija cheese, and chili powder. Tastes SO much better than it sounds. Over the years the prices have gotten a little high on most items, but hey inflation affects us all, right? As a general rule, prices offered by the outside vendors tend to be little lower than those inside the building. Many vendors carry identical items, so don't hesitate to haggle a bit, especially if you're buying a lot from one person. They will usually make you a fair deal. Visit and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Mexican smack dab in the middle of San Antonio, TX! read more

Fiestas Market Square - Awesome made in Mexico leather sandals - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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This place was amazing! Jammed packed with Food, Music, People, Bands, and Vendors! Face Painting, Henna desgins, & Bubble Machines! Did I mention the food??' Corn in the cup, Chicken on A Stick, Churros, Tacos, Enchiladas, etc. The Aroma out here is heavenly! Just people out here having a great time! read more

Fiestas Market Square - La Fiesta at the Market Square! - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Honestly I had no idea this place was even here. It's cute and gives the shopper many opportunities to part with their cash. You can buy anything here from a long horn skull to shot glasses. Oh another thing you can even have lunch here. Might I suggest the Aqua Fresca....... trust me you won't be sorry it's sooooooo YUMMY. I was able to fight off the urge to spend money until I laid my eyes on this man staring at the floor and playing his guitar. I was memorized by the purity of his playing and then purchased his CD and gave him a 5 buck tip as well. I'm such a sucker for a man with a guitar............ Anyways if you are taking a trip to visit the Alamo make sure you stop by this place, read more

Viva Fiesta! This is the best option for getting Fiesta food! Tripas, anyone?! This place is one of the longest fiesta events. It goes on nearly the entire time that Fiesta is going on, from dawn til the late hours of the evening. You can still do the regular shopping through there while Fiesta is going on. Just expect it to be a lot more crowded than usual. There's all kinds of great music that goes on here all week- there's usually at least four stages set up. You have to actually go through the Market in order to get to that last one- it's set up under the freeway! Yea, the acoustics suck there. They don't really have enough bathrooms set up for this. The shops and restaurants don't want you going in there for theirs. This year, I saw for the first time a bathroom pass $2 for one visit, $5 for the entire week. If you're a guy, the lines are generally pretty short. I've heard horror stories about the women's lines. My advice: don't even try to park around here. Take the bus or walk from the street parking on the other side of the freeway. Plus, the beers at the booths are the most expensive options. Go to the little shops that are always open selling beer from a brick and mortar store. They're cheaper, and they usually have chili salt and limes! read more

Fiestas Market Square - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I've been here a couple times during my stays in SA. One time it was completely dead, and the other time during the annual Fiesta. I enjoyed my stroll the first time around as I was able to view all the vendors/restaurants without all the crowds. Great shopping for trinkets and souvenirs. Also, there a few restaurants in the area worth checking out. The second time was horrible and packed. It was literally a beer fest. I do not enjoy crowds or the fact that there was a huge line just to use the restroom. Of course, if you enjoy that type of ambiance, party away. read more

Love this place during Fiesta. Parking is a hot mess and crazy expensive but once you're at the square, you see that it was worth it. The restaurants usually have pretty long waits during Fiesta but there's tons of food and drink stands. It's completely free to enter. There's live music on 2 different stages. It's so festive and fun. A must for tourists and locals! I got gorditas from Elena's (food stand). Really delicious but pricey. read more

Fiestas Market Square - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Great place to spend some time with friends and family. Great ice cream and Mexican flavoured drinks. read more

I love me some Market Square. I love the shopping, I love the food, I love the beer, I love the bands. This Fiesta event takes place every singe day that Fiesta is going on. Every. Single. Day. From morning until midnight (and in some cases later). It is a non-stop party that embraces what Fiesta is all about. Culture. And drinking. The stage under I35 hosts a great selection of musicians and bands throughout the day while the vendors scattered throughout the event are ready to supply you with hats, medals, food, beer, and pretty much any and everything else you could need to enjoy the event and Fiesta overall. I will warn you: being this is a free event, it WILL get crowded (it should go without saying that Friday/Sat nights are the worst of the worst). Be ready to contend with strollers, drunk folks, loud music, and the wonderful aroma of tripas (that's sarcasm folks, but you'll get a whiff, trust me). But all things considered this is a fun, exciting way to come downtown and celebrate this little thing we call Fiesta. read more

Always check your receipts cuz you're being billed twice

Most of the food vendors INSIDE the Market Square building are fantabulous! Good food prices and good beer prices - especially for being a tourist attraction. Yes, some of the merchandise can be a little pricey, but it is definitely priced better than similar stuff at River Center Mall. If you are a tourist in SA, I would recommend the extra walk and visit this place. BONUS: Some of the vendors will bargain with you - you might be able to knock a couple of bucks off that guayabera that you have been eye balling, or maybe get a special deal if you buy two instead of one. You won't find this at River Center Mall. read more

Who: boyfriend & I When: Valentine's Day weekend, 2015 Where: Fiestas Market Square What: Chili-powdered mango on a stick ($5) Why: Despite living in for the past half decade, I have little experience with hispanic culture and food. As a hispanic heritage attraction, this place offers a wonderful cultural space that promotes strolling, shopping, restaurant-ing, and indulging in street eats, art, and music. We went to the famous Mi Tierra restaurant/bakery and jumped ship after realizing the wait to put our name on the waiting list was an hour (1 hour wait just to put our name on the list!). At any rate, there is much to enjoy in the square. At the very least, enjoy a chili-podwered mango on a stick, and go from there. read more

Fiestas Market Square - Fun even on a rainy day - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The closest you can get to a real mexican market here in Texas, everything from the food , decoration, and music, great place to buy souvenirs too, very recommended read more

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We visited here by chance, decided to get off our Alamo bus tour. The variety of food vendors and shops give you a variety to choose from. The mini tacos were delicious and juice vendor with the cute Mexican hat cups is refreshing. We explored the shops and felt like we were shopping in an indoor swap meet. Was able to find a cute ceramic gift for my Mom there. I enjoyed my mango rose also, very creative way to eat it I must say. read more

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The heart of San Antonio ! This place thrives with many family owned Mexican flared businesses and is the heart beat of San Antonian culture this place is great for tourists as well as for locals if your blessed enough to hear musical talents when your there it won't disappoint Grandmothers with their grandkids and fathers with their toddler daughters will be dAncing away ! read more

I love the market square. It's a neat area to just hang out and find a bunch of Mexican knick knacks and other neat products. Parking is limited (unless you know your way around the area) but if you're willing to fork over a few bucks, you should be good. As Brent mentioned, there are plenty of the vendors who will bargain with you since many of the vendors do sell a lot of the same or similar items. read more

Sweet little market square. Really unique and worth a stop. Loved the liveliness of this little strip, with all the music, people, and smells of food, it's got character for sure. It is like a little bit of touristy mexico. I agree it does get crowded, but that's part of what should come with a market square, non? I stopped in and had some dinner and people watched for a while, then hit some of the shops. some spill out on the street and there is also indoor, mall type sections. I walked away with some sweet mexican garlands, a lovely blanket, rad earings and a bracelet to bring home to my lady. I kind of like that some of the vendors approach you on the street, it's very reminiscent of Mexico. They were never pushy but just the calling out and mentioning their wares adds to the overall ambiance of the market. I also thought it was cool that you could grab a beer and wander around with it, who doesn't like an ice cold one under the hot SA sun. read more

This is a must visit when in San Antonio. Unless you don't like Mexican people. Which in that case, da fu*k is you doing in San Antonio anyway? Market Square brought me back to childhood when my dad and I would go to the Flea Market every weekend. I enjoyed walking around with my Michelada, mango on a stick, and browsing all the vendors selling food and artifacts. We also stopped to watch a Tejano band. The lead singer was sweating his nuts off, but that didn't deter him from putting on a good show. I would love to come back here several more times before I die. read more

I found some beautiful glassware and ended up getting it for 40% off since I paid cash. Yaasss. Thank god I didn't have too much cash because everything was beautiful and I would have bought all the wine glasses, margarita glasses and matching pitchers. There's lots of vendors. I had some delicious food from a few different carts. I'll be back! read more

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At a first glance, I wanted to hang myself with a zarape. It is crowded, hot and crowded. Yes, crowded. But once you assimilate to the crowd and the interesting scent it exudes, you will begin to either a.) develop an unexplained fear of sugar skulls; or b.) hit it off with the dude with the mustache selling tamarindo. I've enjoyed every single visit to the market square - every time for different reasons. There's a lot to look at, shop for, taste, listen to and take pictures of. The format is very much like a traditional Mexican mercado. But not so much in quality and prices. These are some very spoiled vendedores overcharging people for knick knacks. I'm all for spreading the love and celebrating my roots, but $15 for a cheap ass luchador mask? Twenty dollars for a morralito? And get this, $50 for fake talavera work? That would feed a real indigenous artisan family for over a week in Mexico. Get out of here, Miguel, you know better than to charge me $17 for a pulsera! Now that I'm done ranting, let me get to the positive side of things. Walking around the Market Square is a great family activity. There'll be music, tasty churros, interesting characters walking around in unnecessarily high heels, hung over folk waiting in line at Mi Tierra, elotes, delicious aguas frescas and over one hundred Che Guevara t-shirts for sale... I did purchase an amazing cow skull from one of the vendors at a very good price and have found some really nice leather work, so I guess if you are willing to really look and haggle a bit you can make the experience worth your while. I encourage you to experience this place for yourself, but please don't expect it to be a flea market or a real Mexican mercado. Think of Market Square as a healthy mixture of both and visit all the vendors before you buy. Some vendors don't accept credit card so bring cash. read more

Churro! Okay, Okay, I'm done with Charles Barkley. Wine margaritas in tall colorful bones are a must. Everything sugar skull...a must. Blow up animals on a stick...a must. Every weekend is a "state fair" at the Mercado. The music is traditional, as well as the food and the shopping experience. Most things aren't made in China here. I prefer La Margarita over Mi Tierra, but to each his own - do both! You definitely want to do this if your visiting SATX for the first time. You won't leave disappointed if you do! TIP: Visit all the shops before you decide on a purchase, they're very competitive and may even strike up a bargain with you if you ask. read more

Junky Mexican-theme tourist crap. Some novelty Mexican snacks are available, but not much else in the way of food. Although I did see a restaurant on location. Did not try. Not much going on here, unless you're in the market for toy guitars, puppets, plastic jewelry, stereotype'd tee shirts, imitation Mexican folk art, or manufacture day of the dead skulls. read more

Claiming to reproduce what a Mexican street market would be like, it feels more like what a tourist would perceived a Mexican street market to be. Granted there is the typical "dia de los muertos" skeleton, with its colorful rendition of a very important "festivity". But, why do they think tourists want sobreros and mariachis? Mexico is much more than the knick knacks displayed here. And this market does the country and its people little to no justice. Salsas here are overpriced and slightly on the underspiced side. Middle of the road stereotyped idea of what Mexico feels like. I wish there would be more Mexican and less Mexican't. I know S. Antonio and the Tex-Mex culture has far more to offer than this. I have seen it, tasted it, danced to it... and loved it! read more

This quaint little 'square' was within walking distance of the riverwalk - it was surprisingly deserted on the Friday afternoon that I visited - the one exception was Mi Tierra, which is situated across from the indoor brightly colored indoor "mercado." Although brightly colored with the occasional vendor trying to lure you in, the little shops are -for the most part- filled with the same items. (mostly touristy knick-knacks and decor) Do a little bit of research at the different shops before purchasing as you might find the exact same item a few stores down at a cheaper rate! A nice diversion from the sometimes hectic riverwalk! read more

No need to head to Mexico for food and shopping! Just come here! Tons of great things to buy including home decorations, clothes, leather made items, jewelry, spices, snacks, shoes, crafts, etc. Theres a small food court in the Farmers Market area but also food vendors hanging just outside the building. I like to stop by here when I visit San Antonio. It's fun and people really enjoy the markets. read more

I think you need beer to really enjoy this place. Lots of beer. The cheaper, the better. Since I did not have my beer goggles, I thought it, like El Mercado, as a tourist trap. But it's even a little worse. Market Square has a little bit of everything, from food to Mexican souvenirs to Scentchips. Yes, you read me correctly. They have storefronts just to fill storefronts. I even passed by a shop that sold Asian knickknacks. It's kind of like a miniature United Nations. Again, it's filled with kitschy tacky souvenirs. But if you're buying, it pays to shop around to get the best prices. In fact, the exact peasant blouse I got from a store on Alamo Plaza was several dollars cheaper than any store here. The weekends are definitely better than the weekdays. The first Saturday of the month always has special activities. They are open daily until 8 PM from June to August and until 6 PM from September to May. Personally, I think those are silly hours for a tourist trap...with everything going on in the area, they should keep open until much later. Stop and see it if you're a tourist. Don't if you claim to be from San Antonio. read more

Holy huge Mexican mart, batman! I felt like I was catapulted back into Mexico as a child. Lots of gifts, lots of toys, lots of shiny. I'm surprised this place is still even open, there were literally only a handful of people walking around (mainly tourists) and the prices for certain items weren't really that cheap. Apparently, this place is hoppin' on the weekends with live music and children dancing, so maybe next time I'll have to check it out on the weekend! read more

Fiestas Market Square - Lots of cool stuff in various shops - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Obviously, at some point in your life if you live in this town long enough you will go to the Mercado. Be it to see the Passion Play, to knock down a few Bud lights and listen to someone do Selena covers, or you wanna buy matching shirts for that La Reyna or El Rey in su vida, this is the place. It is a part of this city's history, as much as The Alamo is. Although its proximity to the famous Mi Tierra means it will always be over run with tourists, it can be a fun place for locals as well. I went to check out Primera Sabado(First Saturday), a play on the First Friday our city has to showcase local artists. The first thing I noticed that there was not alot of art to showcase. Between overpriced gorditas and wrestling masks there were some arts and crafts.But not in abundance. For example there was a person selling candles made from beer bottles, some really cool display decorations for your desk made out of wood and a guy doing caricatures of celebrities. This was kinda nifty. But you have counterbalance it with stuff that you can already find at flea markets H.E.B and La Fiesta's. So there really isn't a wealth of unique things here to purchase, outdoors that is. I went across the street to check out the indoor stores of the Market Square. Most of the stores inside are catered or geared toward tourists. You can score a Davy Crockett raccoon hat, or shirts that say anything and everything Texas. There are alot fancy and not so fancy Curio shops that sell Mexican Wares, Dia De Los Muertos art, pinatas, rodeo-sized belt buckles, cow skulls with the Texas flag painted on top. You name it it is probably there. Rather than ramble on I will breakdown the Pros and Cons, as a local going there. Pros: 1.) Whether you want to admit it or not we are a Party Town! To the tourists out there seeking the flavor of our city go here, as it has a total festive and laid-back atmosphere. 2.) This is how First Friday should be! There is food and music. It is alive here! People are having fun and isn't that the point of why you go out in the first place? 3.) There are neat craft items and funky stuff here to be be had by all! What other place in the city can you purchase a margarita that lights up or have a beer that you drink in a boot! Pretty freakin' cool!!! Cons: 1.) If you are looking for any artsy items you will not find them here. However, the gordita you might eat may in fact be closer to a Botticelli than you imagined. 2.) It gets freaking hot here! And since there are not alot of places you can sit down you will be drifting through the day in a blazing sun of sweat. My recommendation bring plenty of sun block and a bottle of water. 3.) The biggest con of this place are the drink and the vendor's prices for items. The beers are pretty pricey here and it's freaking for a gross beer like Budweiser!!! Double yuck!!! My suggestion drink and eat before you go. And if you must buy one beer then head your merry way along the Mercado. In addition some of the vendor's items are hyper inflated! These are the same things I encounter at flea markets for way less. My advice if it is something you cannot buy anywhere else, like I saw a cool Willie Nelson shirt that I regret not buying, it's okay to open your wallet. Just be mindful that this place while fun,can be pretty pricey as well. I'm not telling you not to go to this place. As a tourist if you want to know the flavor of this city, this is a good point of reference. But as a local make sure to take plenty of cash, the tacos, beers, pinatas, margaritas, big-tall Texas hats; it all adds up. But I promise you you will have a good time. And if the sight of the Mexican Elvis doesn't put a smile on your face nothing will... read more

Go before 2 pm otherwise the menu gets pricey. Check out lunch and dinner prices here on Yelp. The bakery looks great. I had a non-alcoholic margarita with chamoy because I was driving a school car. Parking is limited. If you park elsewhere you will have to pay for parking $3 to $10. My students enjoyed shopping at the market. read more

Market Square is a hidden gem of places to hang out in San Antonio. There is always something going on there; there's always plenty of food, music, and people enjoying the south Texas heat with drinks. The area can get very crowded during special events and Fiesta time, so it's not a great place for families, especially with strollers. The restaurants there are good (see separate reviews) and if you're looking for some fun San Antonio souvenirs, there's something you'll love in the little shops inside. My one complaint is the restrooms. It's worth it to wait till you go eat just to use a nice, clean one. My rating system: 5 stars= Driving across town just for this! 4 stars= I would recommend visiting. 3 stars= Average, acceptable, positive. 2 stars= You might be able to drag me in. 1 star= I will definitely not be returning. read more

Me and my mom HATED market square. $7 parking wasn't so bad because it's a good locations - the stairs bring you straight down to market. The first store we went in was crazy. It was plenty of pop up booths with cheap Jewlery and flee market junk. We gave up and left there. We walked down to a few more stores and found the same exact stuff including Mexican puppets, yard decorations, Mexican gowns and clothes, and cheap Jewlery. Every store was EXACTLY the same. Overall, market square was way smaller than we expected and nothing at all interesting or festive. read more

This market is a massive tourist trap. If you need a giant porcelain armadillo to add to your collection of porcelain cats, you are good to go and will probably love it. Otherwise, a quick walk through is all that is required. read more

Great place to visit if you want to grab a few things to take back home to friends and family. They have little shops everywhere with your traditional Mexican vibe I loved every minute. The Aguas Frescas were also refreshing as you walk through the market, we went to Lety's Aguas Frescas and she was very sweet and welcoming, very good service. I Can't wait to come back! read more

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Growing up in San Antonio, our families would go shopping at the Market Square every now and then. We'd spend all day and lunch at the local restaurants. Those were memorable times! Well, I came back with my fiance and I took him there. Man, we had a blast as well! We bought so much for ourselves, our offices, and for our friends. I highly suggest a good pair of shoes, lots of cash, and get an early start in the morning. And, don't buy at the first store you shop. Shop around and compare prices. You're bound to find bargains and hidden gems. Just go and have fun! read more

This is a quaint little market place. Many many vendors sell arts and crafts and souvenirs. As you stroll through the market colorful art surrounds you. It's a beautiful place to see even if you don't want to buy anything. On my visit I got some colorful ceramic parrots that Precious like, and they hang in my kitchen. One person thought they were live birds. They're not THAT lifelike, but they're pretty. If you're in the area and you have a free hour one afternoon, then it's worth a visit. read more

The corn ($5) and aquas frescas ($5) are overpriced but that's to be expected at a touristy place that is market square. I recently had my engagement photos taken here and i can recommend it as a really unique location. There are tons of colorful walls, lively settings, and cool architecture. This is a great place to people watch! read more

Must trys here: Gorditas that grandma would be proud of, and Aqua fresca in any flavor. They usually have very good performers entertaining the masses, and a street merchant on every corner. I do miss the days of buying those firework matches and chicle's from the very old lady on the corner though. She was just so unique. Anyways, there is something here for everyone. Buy the kids a mexican mask and let them run wild as you dance tejano and knock down tall boy beers. Its win win. read more