Mexico City is a treasure trove for anyone who loves shopping, food, and local markets. Its bustling streets and vibrant markets offer authentic experiences that go beyond typical tourist spots. Imagine browsing colorful stalls at Mercado Medellín or sampling fresh tamales in a lively neighborhood. Some of our favorite experiences include the Mexican Cooking Class with Food Market Visit that combines culinary skills with local flavor, and the Xochimilco market, food, and canal tour that immerses you in Mexico’s indigenous traditions. These tours showcase Mexico City’s food culture in a way that’s hands-on, fun, and deeply authentic.
Whether you’re a foodie, a shopper, or just curious about Mexican culture, Mexico City has an array of tours that fit your interests. From immersive cooking classes to scenic market walks, this list covers the best options to make your visit memorable and tasty.
Quick Overview
This guide features 16 top shopping and market tours in Mexico City, including hands-on cooking classes, market tours, and cultural excursions. Highlights include visits to iconic markets like Mercado Medellín, private home cooking experiences, and even visits to the Frida Kahlo Museum neighborhood. If you love to cook, tour options like Mastering Mexican Salsas or Mexican Street Tacos are perfect. For those interested in exploring historic neighborhoods, the San Angel Bazaar offers a blend of arts, crafts, and local flavor. Now, let’s dive into each tour’s details.
1. Mexican Cooking Class with Food Market Visit in Mexico City
Starting with a hands-on cooking lesson led by a local chef, this class begins at a local market where you’ll get a broad overview of Mexican ingredients and culinary techniques. The tour then moves to a cozy kitchen, where you’ll learn how to prepare authentic dishes using fresh market ingredients. It’s perfect for food lovers who want to understand Mexican cuisine from the ground up. The class is intimate, with small groups ensuring personalized attention, and you can choose between a morning or evening session. Guests rave about the warmth of the instructor and the chance to make guacamole and blue corn tortillas.
Key highlights include visiting a local market, learning from a chef, and enjoying a meal you prepared. The $117.99 price offers excellent value, especially since you get to learn practical skills you can recreate at home. This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed, engaging culinary experience with plenty of tasting.
Bottom line: If you want to combine shopping, learning, and eating in a friendly setting, this class is a top choice.
2. Essence of Mexico: Authentic Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour
At number 2, this tour offers a 4-hour experience combining market shopping and a multi-course meal. Located in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood, it’s perfect for those who want to learn to cook classic Mexican dishes with a professional chef. You’ll visit a local market, sampling items from fresh fruit to insects, then head to a private kitchen studio to prepare a 4-course menu including appetizers, mains, and dessert. The included drinks—agua fresca and an alcohol of your choice—make the meal even more enjoyable.
Guests praise the guide Lorena for her immersive approach, and the opportunity to leave with recipes and skills to impress at home. Priced at $156.62, the class provides a full day of culinary discovery. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy detailed instruction and authentic flavors.
Bottom line: This tour offers an engaging, comprehensive introduction to Mexican cuisine in a vibrant neighborhood.
3. Teotihuacan Direct No Shops or Restaurants (morning or afternoon)
For those interested in history and archaeology, this 7-hour tour takes you straight to the awe-inspiring pyramids of Teotihuacán. It’s a no-frills, no-shops experience — just pure exploration with expert guides who share insights into the ancient city. Transportation is included, making it easy to leave the city behind for a day of marveling at the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon.
Guests mention the professionalism of the guides and the ease of the trip, with some noting that the guide’s archaeological background makes the experience especially engaging. The $33 price tag makes it an excellent value for a full-day historical excursion.
Bottom line: Perfect for history buffs and travelers who want a straightforward, informative trip to one of Mexico’s most iconic archaeological sites.
4. Xochimilco: Market, Food and Nature ¡All included! Tour
This 4.5-hour tour whisks you away to the UNESCO-listed Xochimilco, famous for its colorful canals and floating gardens. The experience includes a market walk, a guided tour of the canals, and sampling native foods. You’ll also buy ingredients to make a traditional tamal called Tlapique, making this a true culture. The tour emphasizes local families, farmers, and projects, giving you a taste of authentic Mexican life.
Rated highly, this tour offers a mix of culture, food, and nature. The included lunch and market walk make it a full, satisfying experience suited for families and curious travelers. The $95 cost is reasonable given the depth of authentic experiences.
Bottom line: A well-rounded cultural experience, great for those wanting to explore beyond the city center.
5. Mastering Mexican Salsas Cooking Class and Market Tour
Salsa is at the heart of Mexican cuisine, and this 4.5-hour hands-on class teaches you to make up to 10 different salsas paired with tacos and other snacks. You’ll also visit a local market with your chef guide to see where the ingredients come from. This tour focuses on the nuance and complexity of Mexican salsas, perfect if you want to sharpen your cooking skills and learn secret recipes.
Reviewers mention the engaging guide and the satisfaction of making sauces they can recreate at home. The $133.77 price balances instruction, market exploration, and tastings. It’s ideal for foodies eager to master authentic Mexican flavors.
Bottom line: A must for salsa lovers and anyone wanting to elevate their home cooking.
6. Mexican Street Tacos Hands-on Cooking Class and Market Tour
This 4.5-hour experience is dedicated solely to Mexican street tacos. Led by an experienced chef, you’ll learn how to make three different types of tacos, explore a local market, and sample the best Mexican cocktails, beers, or soft drinks. The class provides printed recipe cards to take home, making it easy to recreate your favorites.
Guests love the personable instructor and the focus on tacos, a quintessential Mexican dish. For $133.77, you get a flavorful, focused class that’s perfect for foodies who enjoy hands-on cooking and street food culture.
Bottom line: Ideal for taco lovers and those seeking an authentic, interactive cooking experience.
7. Market Tour and Home Cooking Class in Mexico City with Margarita
This private 4-hour tour offers a personalized experience, starting with a market visit with Margarita, your host, then cooking in her home kitchen. You’ll learn to prepare dishes like tortilla or black bean soup, salsa-stuffed chicken, and dulce de leche crepes, with options for vegetarian and gluten-free diets. It’s perfect for travelers craving an authentic, intimate culinary experience.
Guests praise Margarita’s warm hospitality and the hands-on approach. The $139 price makes it a good value for a private experience that combines market shopping and home cooking.
Bottom line: Best suited for those seeking a relaxed, private cooking lesson with a personal touch.
8. Frida Kahlo VIP-Walk, Market and Churros Museum Tickets Included
Walking through Coyoacán, this 4-hour tour mixes landmark sights, street art, and the Frida Kahlo Museum. You’ll explore colorful markets, historic plazas, and take memorable photos. Along the way, enjoy delicious churros, tostadas, and aguas frescas in lively plazas. The tour also includes museum tickets, making it a comprehensive cultural outing.
Reviews admire the storytelling and the ability to see Frida Kahlo’s neighborhood from a lively local perspective. At $74, it’s an affordable way to combine culture, food, and art.
Bottom line: Great for art lovers and those wanting a full cultural snapshot of Coyoacán.
9. Private Market Tour, Cooking Class in Mexico City with Alex & Ale
This 4-hour private experience starts at San Juan Market, where you’ll learn about ingredients like dried chiles and wild boar. Then, in your hosts’ kitchen, prepare dishes such as chicken with mole or other regional specialties. The intimate setting allows tailored instruction, perfect for families or small groups.
Reviews highlight Alex’s warmth and knowledge, noting the personalized attention. The $215 cost reflects the private, customizable nature of the tour, making it ideal for those seeking an exclusive culinary journey.
Bottom line: Excellent for families or small groups wanting a customized, in-depth Mexican cooking experience.
10. Medellín Market Tour, Cooking Class and 3-course Mexican Feast
This full 6-hour tour begins with a guided visit to Mercado Medellín, a historic market in Roma. After exploring, you’ll head to a host’s home to prepare a multi-course Mexican feast, including tamales, tortillas, mole, and salsas. The class includes drinks and dessert, making it a hearty, immersive experience.
Guests rave about the knowledge of Chef Jim and the quality of the food. For $167.28, you get a comprehensive day of learning, cooking, and feasting—perfect for those who want lots of food and culture.
Bottom line: Well-suited for serious foodies and travelers who want a full hands-on culinary experience.
11. Mexico City: Authentic Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour
This 4.5-hour class combines a visit to Mercado Medellín with a professional chef-led cooking session in an intimate studio. You learn to prepare a 4-course meal, including drinks like craft beer, mezcal, and wine. The focus on hands-on participation helps build confidence in Mexican cooking techniques.
Reviewers mention the friendly staff and the enjoyable, engaging atmosphere. The $180 price makes it a premium option for those serious about Mexican cuisine.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want an in-depth, guided cooking experience in a cozy setting.
12. Coyocán: Market Tour and Cooking Class
Located in Coyoacán, this 5-hour experience focuses on Mexico’s UNESCO-recognized gastronomy. You’ll visit the local market, then cook traditional dishes in a Mexican household. It’s a friendly, family-style experience that emphasizes cultural authenticity.
Reviews praise the guide’s warmth and the chance to learn authentic recipes. Priced at $139, it’s suited for those wanting a personalized, culturally rich cooking lesson.
Bottom line: Great for travelers seeking an authentic, home-style Mexican culinary experience.
13. Market tour, cooking class & three-course Mexican feast
This 6-hour tour combines a market exploration with a comprehensive cooking class, culminating in a three-course feast. You’ll learn about Mexico’s ancient and colonial food roots, master dishes like tamales, mole, and tortillas, and enjoy your creations with drinks in a beautifully set table.
Guests enjoy the blend of history, food, and presentation. The $161 price is a good deal for those eager to learn and feast.
Bottom line: Ideal for food history lovers who want to cook and dine in style.
14. Regional Mexican Cooking Class and Market Tour
This 4.5-hour class focuses on red mole and regional specialties, including street food appetizers, handmade tortillas, and flan. You’ll cook in a professional setting with a small group of eight, ensuring personal guidance. The meal ends with hot chocolate and dessert.
Reviews mention the hands-on instruction and the flavor-packed dishes. At $133.65, it’s perfect for those interested in regional cuisine.
Bottom line: Great for serious cooks eager to learn authentic, regional Mexican recipes.
15. Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson
This 3-hour tour explores two local markets with a focus on vegan and vegetarian foods. You’ll also make a traditional salsa, learn about early Tenochtitlan, and sample dishes like coctel de frutas and huaraches. It’s ideal for plant-based travelers or those interested in healthy Mexican options.
Reviews highlight the engaging guide and the opportunity to experience Mexican plant-based cuisine authentically. Priced at $55, it’s budget-friendly and informative.
Bottom line: Perfect for health-conscious travelers or those wanting to try Mexican vegetarian dishes.
16. Bazaar Saturday – Convent of Carmen – San Angel
In this 6-hour tour, explore the historic San Angel and Chimalistac neighborhoods. Shop at the famous Saturday bazaar, known for silver, iron, ceramics, and textiles. Visit the monastic school-turned-museum and walk through colonial streets, enjoying local art and crafts along the way.
Reviews appreciate the guide’s knowledge and the chance to see less touristy parts of Mexico City. The $69 cost offers an affordable, comprehensive cultural and shopping experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for art lovers and those wanting a relaxed, authentic day exploring Mexico City’s artisan scene.
How to Choose Your Perfect Shopping & Market Tour
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For example, if you want a full culinary immersion, the Mexican Cooking Class with Food Market Visit offers hands-on cooking and market exploration for a reasonable price. If history and archaeology fascinate you, the Teotihuacan Tour provides a full-day exploration of Mexico’s ancient pyramids.
For travelers wanting a private experience, the Market Tour and Cooking Class in Margarita’s home offers personalized guidance. Those interested in art and culture will enjoy the Frida Kahlo Neighborhood Tour, combining art, history, and local flavors.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak travel seasons or weekends when markets and popular experiences fill up fast.
Mexico City’s diverse tours provide something for every traveler interested in cultural shopping, culinary discovery, or historical exploration. Whether you prefer a focused taco-making class, a luxury private market experience, or an interactive visit to Teotihuacán, you’ll find options that enrich your trip and deepen your connection to this fascinating city. Choose what excites you most, plan ahead, and enjoy the flavors and colors that make Mexico City one of Latin America’s most vibrant destinations.