Plaza del Artesano is a covered market in Centro Histórico with dense, narrow aisles packed with clothing, jewelry, crafts, and accessories - plus a substantial smoke shop presence. Prices are low, especially for bulk purchases, and the atmosphere is less aggressive than nearby tourist markets. The catch: many items labeled artesanal are actually factory-made or Chinese imports. Comparing prices between adjacent stalls can reveal wild markups. Worth a visit if you're prepared to walk, compare, and negotiate.
Prices here beat anything you'll find in the tourist-facing markets nearby, and that alone makes it worth knowing about. Not everything sold as artesanal actually is, so look closely before you buy. Get there around 10 am, and check the second floor for food
When to go
Monday–Saturday, 9:00 am opening. Closed Sundays. Mornings are less crowded.
How long
1 to 2 hours minimum to browse aisles and compare prices between neighboring vendors.
Do not miss
Verify that jewelry and textiles are genuinely handmadenot imports. Negotiate prices.
Entry
Free entry to the market. Pay only for what you buy.