Modern Shopping: Polanco features luxury malls with designer brands. Condesa and Roma have trendy independent boutiques and vintage shops. Santa Fe shopping center is Mexico City's largest mall.
Traditional Markets: Mercado de la Merced (massive wholesale market), Mercado Juárez (crafts and souvenirs), Jamaica Market (flowers and vegetables) offer authentic local experiences. Saturday Bazar del Sábado in San Ángel features local artisans and craftspeople. Coyoacán weekend markets sell art, crafts, and antiques.
Bargaining: Expected in markets but not in stores. Start at 60-70% of asking price. Vendors expect negotiation in tourist-oriented markets.
What to Buy: Mexican textiles (serapes, rebozos), hand-painted ceramics, silver jewelry, leather goods, traditional crafts, Day of the Dead figurines, artisan chocolate, vanilla from Oaxaca. Souvenirs: Frida Kahlo merchandise, Lucha Libre masks, colorful folk art.