Antigua Shopping and Districts

(Antigua, Central Highlands, Guatemala)



Antigua has some of the best shopping in Central America and certainly the easiest-going. You can have everything from cheap market tack, with textiles and handicrafts being ubiquitous, to the highest quality jewellery and fashions. Shopping in Antigua is pricier than elsewhere in Guatemala, although is considered cheap on an international scale.

The markets here are renowned throughout the country and there are open-air street vendors galore, together with fine art galleries. The Plaza Mayor (Parque Central) is perhaps the best area to shop for tourists, with its souvenir stores and the market nearby.


When to Shop and Where

Traditional textiles, ceramics, antiques and handicrafts make great souvenirs in Antigua. There are also many products above this range, including trendy fashions in boutique shops around the city, along with the finest jade. There is good shopping in both the city centre and in the nearby villages surrounding Antigua.

T-shirts and key chains are also popular products to buy while in Antigua, but for market produce, the public market (Mercado Municipal) to the west of the Plaza Mayor is one of the best bets. This place is perfect for handicrafts and textiles, but remember to always haggle.

Carved wooden masks are an especially good deal at the Mercado Municipal and the quality and availability here is among the best in the country. You will also find lots of figurines, and both make excellent gifts for family and friends.

Crafted jade jewellery shopping is particularly excellent in Antigua and prices can often be haggled down 25 percent or more. For cheap traditional clothing, textiles and handicrafts, look no further than the Mercado del Carmen (Carmen Market) - next to the remains of the Iglesia del Carmen, and the Mercado de Artesanias (Craft Market) on the Calle Poniente.