Going shopping in Guanajuato is a marvelous adventure. This beautiful state features a large variety of handicrafts and candies made in the region. You will fall in love with these pieces and won't hesitate in taking home a high-quality Majolica ceramic piece or some Talavera earthenware, as well as silverware, traditional pottery or different kinds of stoneware.
In the city's downtown you will find lots of shops with handicrafts, where you can buy silver and gold jewelry, fine pottery decorated using original methods that are hundreds of years old. The pottery is composed of mainly jars, plates, spice racks and bowls; a perfect addition to your homes decor.
The entire downtown, of San Miguel de Allende, is a bazaar. The houses have been converted, without leaving behind their original charm, to display a variety of handicrafts, from traditional blown glass, colonial furniture, to works of art by renowned national and international artists. All the things sold here have a fine artistic quality and a main reason why they are greatly appreciated in North America and Europe.
Leon, thanks to its production of leather articles, has been named the "World Capital for Leather goods and shoes". It is unforgivable to be in this remarkable city and not visit the malls and establishments that are exclusively dedicated to the selling these two kinds of products. Here you will find from jackets and belts to purses, wallets and fashionable footwear.
Apart from all these marvelous things, that you will easily find throughout the state, you will also be able to take home with you traditional candies, such as dried fruits, milk candies, coconut sweets, coconut and peanut caramels, Irapuato strawberries and last but not least the famous Celaya milk caramel spread.Hidalgo Marketplace
Nowadays, this is the main market in the city of Guanajuato. Here you will find, from regional candy to the most beautiful pieces of pottery. The building was constructed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Mexico's Independence and it was inaugurated in 1910 by General Porfirio Diaz, former President of the Republic. Many parts of the building are made of iron and pink stone and it features a beautiful dome that allows light to enter through its large windows. In the center you will find an impressive clock with 4 faces.
Handicraft Shop
This store is located in San Gabriel de Barrera's ex-hacienda. This construction dates to the 18th century. Even though it was intended to be a kitchen for the hacienda, it is now a gorgeous stand where you will find majolica pottery, clay, brass, glass, wool and hundreds of works of art made with creativity and the magic hands of Guanajuato's artisans.
Nina Bonita (Pretty Girl), gallery and handicrafts
This gorgeous gallery is located in the city of Guanajuato. It features original and elegant decorative objects for your house, ideal for a special gift, or simply as a souvenir. The articles you will find here range from cute key chains, T-shirts, ashtrays, pottery and regional candies, to exclusive manta clothes, jewelry, lithography, antiques and paintings of urban landscapes, all created by artists who are proud of their native land.
La Rana (The Frog)
Right in the heart of the city and just beside the "Museo del Pueblo de Guanajuato" (Guanajuato Town Museum), you will find a quaint store with a wide variety of handicrafts, including hampers, mythical creatures made of paper mache, traditional blown glass, beautiful pieces of pottery, traditional toys and much more. Also, you can find books edited by the "Instituto Estatal de la Cultura" (State Cultural Institute). This institution supports the creative talent of the people of Guanajuato, helping them gain national and international recognition, promoting their works about legends and the history of the region.
La Casa del Minero (Miner's House)
Guanajuato offers a wide variety of traditional candies, ranging from home-made coconut candies, milk caramel spread and glazed strawberries, to the very famous peanut caramels shaped as mummies. Â Here you will be able to buy all kinds of delights. This store is located just steps away from the Valenciana temple. The distinctive characteristic, of the Miners House, is the quality of the products.
Casa de los Angeles (House of the Angels)
This beautiful shop is located in San Miguel de Allende's gorgeous downtown. Here you will find all kinds of marvelous traditional articles, made by the artisans of the region. It is possible to buy mirrors, beds and candle holders made of brass, clothes made of wool, as well as objects and sculptures carved from stone and fine woods.
Claroscuro
During your visit to San Miguel de Allende's downtown, apart from appreciating the beautiful monuments, gardens and churches, you should also visit Claroscuro, a handicraft shop that offers paper mache articles, wrought iron, wax figures brought from Salamanca, majolica pottery from Guanajuato and clay from Dolores Hidalgo, as well as baskets made in Irapuato.
Plaza del Zapato (Shoe Market)
The unusual characteristic of this mall is that for more than 20 years, the stores only sell shoes. It is recognized as the first establishment to specialize in footwear in all Latin America and it's the largest one in Mexico. Here you will find shoes for your whole family, in the huge variety of stores selling nationally and internationally recognized brands. Fulfill your every whim and take a part of Leon home with you.