Shopping in Tampico is varied and interesting due to the amount of international trade in the ports of Tampico and Altamira. Many visitors come from the surrounding states, such as Veracruz and Altamira, hypnotized by the quality and quantity of shopping malls in the Metropolitan Area.
Since the founding of Tampico in 1823, it has been a commercial venue offering a great deal of shopping and entertainment options, from small stands and traveling markets to large and luxurious shopping malls.
Several shops in Tampico offer gorgeous handicrafts created by the local artisans, which make great souvenirs. Elegant boutiques proudly display their world-class fashion apparel and provide their customers with efficient assistance.
Zona Dorada
Located near the International Airport of Tampico is "Zona Dorada" (the Golden Zone), an upscale residential area. It features excellent shopping malls such as Plaza Crystal, Plaza Agua Dulce, Tres Arcos, and huge department stores such as Las Novedades and Liverpool which carry a variety of items for all the family, from casual wear to elegant clothing, and household appliances to motorcycles and professional tools. In this modern stylish mall there are also banks, travel agencies and reputable supermarkets.
Plaza Tres Arcos
"Tres Arcos" (Three Archways) is one of the most popular shopping malls in Tampico, due to the assortment of boutiques and shops that offer high quality goods and services provided here. You will always find something for everyone, from sports shops to shoe stores, perfumeries to clothing stores as well as an array of fast food restaurants. Try a delicious pie at Blue Berry, or a tasty "Tampico" or "Tres Marias" ice cream at Minerva.
Plaza Crystal
This shopping mall has a good movie theater which shows the latest Hollywood blockbusters, perfect for an afternoon of popcorn and movie watching. Walk around the mall and buy a sherbet or try on a fine pair of shoes at Plaza Crystal and take home a wonderful souvenir of your vacation to Tampico.
Plaza Herradura
This shopping mall is located in Zona Dorada (the Golden Zone). It features a variety of boutiques and exclusive beauty parlors, but its main attractions are the City Express hotel, the popular Winebar and the Applebee's restaurant.
Downtown
Located downtown Tampico there are several street stands selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and imported goods. As you walk through the streets of the Historic Center, you will find street vendors selling delicious tacos and all kinds of goodies.
Los Morales
Los Morales is probably the best place for handicrafts in Tampico. Whether in the store at the airport or in downtown, you will find the largest stock of arts and crafts from the Huasteca region. Gorgeous figurines made with shells and starfish, are very popular items, along with sand and shell-filled bottles, which are the most sought after souvenirs in the store.
Other malls and supermarkets
Due to Tampico's constant growth and economic development, new supermarkets are built every year. The most popular in the area are HEB and Soriana. In the outside, these supermarket chains also attract other stands, like laundries, gift shops and even some restaurants.