Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
When it comes to shopping, Mérida has something for everyone from souvenir junkies to the most discriminating of market trollers. If you're looking for a more standard shopping experience, or need to grab some new tennis shoes or a pair of jeans, there are also a few shopping malls in town.
Crafts at reasonable prices can be found in the markets, parks, and plazas, and local art can be picked up at one of the many galleries, for the art scene here is burgeoning. Be aware that there have been reports of vendors increasing the prices of their art and crafts by the hundreds, claiming that the value of their wares is far greater than it really is. Most vendors are honest, so be sure to shop around to acquaint yourself with the kinds of crafts and the levels of quality that are available. Once you have an idea of what's out there, you'll be better able to spot fraud, and you may even have some fun bargaining.
Once you return home, traditional huaraches, guayaberas, and straw hats might not look as appropriate as they did when you were on vacation. The items from Mexican designers at men's store Amerindio, however, have a cool factor that will be stylish even back at home.
If you are looking for a guayabera, there's no shortage of shops in Mérida's historic center that will provide you with a lovely version of this tropical garment. If, on the other hand, you want edgier T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other attire—sold alongside beautiful Michoacan water pitchers in dazzling pastels, Mexican-themed notebooks and journals, and organic beauty products—then you'll want to drop by this shop on Paseo de Montejo.
