I love love love this place. While strolling around my new neighborhood I spotted all these…read morebeautifully colored items in baskets on a table and had to go in for a peak. As it turned out I was walking into a candy store, and all those pretty packages were sweets and treats. I was able to buy a few various samples and was happy to discover some good ones. On another passing I was tempted to stop by because I had really liked their cute little coconut candies, and I happened to have 10 pesos in my pocket. This time the owner who is very warm and inviting patiently and happily described each and every candy in his store. I loved hearing about how this one is made or where this one comes from, and what goes with each. I am not much of a candy person, but I have to admit he made me love the display and we sampled many that were really quite good to my surprise. I am planning a visit to the Yucatan soon and plan on having him prepare a big basket of locals candies (and their stories) to share with friends and family. It is a great gift idea that combines flavors, colors, traditions and makes people happy on any budget. Tried, tested and recommended.

From the owner: Nos dedicamos a la comercialización de dulces tradicionales, naturales y fabricados en México de…read moreforma artesanal

From the owner: "Los Dulces, lo tradicional de México"…read more Es la manera mas típica de conocer México. En dulces regionales EL PAPALOTE puedes encontrar toda variedad típica de dulces regionales del estado y sus alrededores, ya que cuenta con mas de 1000 productos tradicionales en diferentes categorías, desde: tradicionales, regionales, orgánico, gourmet, sin azúcar, cristalizado y envasado como: salsas, conservas, rompopes, cremas, licores digestivos etc. Cuando nos visites conocerás la cultura del dulce y probarás lo rico que es México.

Went into the store to buy a gift. Walking by a shelf some candy fell off to the floor, we handn't…read moretouched it. Two sales people made such a scene about it, insisting we pay because the candy had a crack from the fall. If we had dropped the candy 100% we should pay, but falling off the shelf because you packed it in too tightly feels a bit silly. Yes, we paid - $55p - small amount but petty/insulting. Would never step back inside and definitely wouldn't spend any $. No wonder the store looks empty every time we walk by!

If a tourist center like San Miguel de Allende gathers its prototypical souvenir purveyors in one…read morespot, this would be the way to do it. The downside is that so many of the shops feel quite redundant that it's easy to bypass businesses when you know you'll see another shop selling basically the same things... magnets, masks, coasters, ashtrays, Virgin Mary plaques, you name it (Photo 8). There are two covered blocks of vendors after which we found ourselves in Mercado Ignacio Ramírez, a more open space featuring fresh produce, flower stalls, and fast local food stalls. It would've been more tempting to us if we didn't already have lunch at Jacques nearby (review: https://yelp.to/1eEKC6YG8X). Our walkthrough of the market was more of an Instagram op, which was just fine. RELATED - Exploring San Miguel de Allende? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/JAQyLB4YqU

It's kind of a must-see when in SMdA, and definitely worth the visit. It's huge, spanning a couple…read moreof blocks, but tbh, so much of the arts and crafts are really similar. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs and the people working the stalls are super friendly. There are a couple of good restaurants nearby and some require a wait, so the Mercado is a great place to walk around before your meal. Highly recommended for local color.