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Central de Abasto Market

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Central de Abasto Market (Mexico)

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Located in the Iztapalapa borough of Mexico City, the Central de Abasto is widely considered the world's largest wholesale market. Spanning a vast 327 hectares, this massive logistics hub processes over 30,000 tons of food daily, supplying approximately 80% of the food consumed in the entire Mexico City metropolitan area. Opened in 1982 to alleviate congestion in the city center, it operates as a city within a city, featuring its own banking services, security force, and internal transport network. With over 2,000 businesses operating on-site, the market handles an annual trade volume of about 9 billion USD, making it the second most important financial center in Mexico after the national stock exchange. For visitors, the scale is overwhelming, with endless aisles dedicated to fresh produce, flowers, meat, and dry goods. More than just a commercial site, the Central de Abasto is a vital economic engine and a cultural landmark where the immense diversity of Mexican agriculture and the frantic pace of the capital's daily life converge.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar–May.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C101214161716151514131111
Rain mm1414213161148150157171883012

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
Central de Abasto is the world's largest wholesale food market, supplying the entire Mexico City metropolitan area. For visitors, it gives an authentic experience of Mexican food trade with an enormous variety of products.
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Visiting
The wholesale market is usually open to the public, but visitors should prefer early morning hours when market activity is at its peak. Expect a bustling, noisy environment with many trucks and traders.
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Where to view it
The best views are gained by walking through the massive halls and aisles between the stalls. From the upper parking decks or adjacent streets, one can appreciate the scale of the facility.
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Local products
The selection includes seasonal fruits and vegetables from across Mexico, such as avocados, mangos, and chilis. Meat, fish, and traditional Mexican staples like corn and beans are also available in huge quantities.
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Active season
The market is most alive in the early morning hours, roughly 4 to 9 AM, when traders deliver goods and wholesale buyers shop. Weekends are quieter, while Monday through Friday sees peak activity.
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Nearby
A visit to Central de Abasto can be combined with exploring the Iztapalapa district or a trip to the historic center of Mexico City. The nearby Xochimilco Ecological Park also has a pleasant change of pace.

Geography

Coordinates
19.38100, -99.09100

Facts

  • Opened in 1982 to replace the La Merced market.
  • Occupies a site of 327 hectares.
  • Daily trade volume exceeds 30,000 tons of products.
  • Receives more than 500,000 visitors every day.
  • Annual commercial value estimated at 9 billion USD.
  • Employs over 70,000 permanent workers.

Explore nearby

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Templo MayorTemplo Mayor4 km · SExplore →
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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Central de Abasto Market (12)

Museo Yancuic🏛 museum

Museo Yancuic is a museum in the Central de Abasto area of Mexico City, dedicated to the history and culture of Iztapalapa.

🆓

Cerro de la Estrella🌿 nature

Cerro de la Estrella is a peak in Mexico City, historically significant for the Aztec New Fire ceremony.

Parque Nacional Cerro de la Estrella🌿 nature

Parque Nacional Cerro de la Estrella is a nature reserve and national park in Mexico City, protecting the Cerro de la Estrella hill.

Museo Cabeza de Juárez🏛 museum

Museo Cabeza de Juárez is a museum and monumental sculpture of Benito Juárez's head in the Central de Abasto area.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:00-15:00

Observatorio Interactivo de Hundimiento y Fracturamiento🏛 museum

Observatorio Interactivo de Hundimiento y Fracturamiento is a museum in Mexico City focused on the city's subsidence and ground fracturing issues.

Monumento Escuadrón 201🏺 historical

Monumento Escuadrón 201 is a monument in Mexico City commemorating the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force squadron that fought in World War II.

Bandera🏺 historical

Bandera is a monument in Mexico City featuring a large flagpole and flag.

Monumento a Meade🏺 historical

Monumento a Meade is a monument in Mexico City honoring a figure named Meade.

Teatro Fausto Vega🎭 culture

A theater named after Fausto Vega in the Central de Abasto district.

Foro del Sótano🎭 culture

The cultural forum 'Foro del Sótano' (Basement Forum) in the Central de Abasto district.

Teatro del Fuego Nuevo🎭 culture

The theater 'Teatro del Fuego Nuevo' (New Fire Theater) in the Central de Abasto district.

Letras Iztapalapa📍 landmark

Giant letter sculptures spelling 'Iztapalapa' at the Central de Abasto.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Central Abasto market?
It is the largest food wholesale market in the world, supplying Mexico City.
Can you shop there as a tourist?
Yes, it is open, but it is a hectic place for professionals and bulk purchases.
How long do you need for a visit?
2-3 hours are enough to experience the enormous scale of the market.
What should you watch out for?
Stay during daylight and be careful with your valuables.
What makes the market so special?
The sheer variety of fresh products from all over Mexico in one place.
Central de Abasto Market: where is it located?
Central de Abasto Market is located in Mexico.
Central de Abasto Market: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo Yancuic, Cerro de la Estrella, Parque Nacional Cerro de la Estrella.
Central de Abasto Market: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, May.
Central de Abasto Market: why is it worth visiting?
Located in the Iztapalapa borough of Mexico City, the Central de Abasto is widely considered the world's largest wholesale market.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Mexico City — Central de Abasto Market (Mexico)
Mexico City
Capital of Mexico
Paseo de la Reforma Financial Zone — Central de Abasto Market (Mexico)
Paseo de la Reforma Financial Zone
The prestigious boulevard houses the Mexican Stock Exchange and the headquarters of the country's major banks.

More places

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe — Central de Abasto Market (Mexico)
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
One of the most important Catholic shrines in the world.
Templo Mayor — Central de Abasto Market (Mexico)
Templo Mayor
The religious center of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán.
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral — Central de Abasto Market (Mexico)
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
The cathedral on the Zócalo is one of the oldest in the Americas.
Postal Palace — Central de Abasto Market (Mexico)
Postal Palace
A magnificent building in the historic center of Mexico City.
House of Tiles — Central de Abasto Market (Mexico)
House of Tiles
A magnificent 18th-century palace in Mexico City.
Torre Latinoamericana — Central de Abasto Market (Mexico)
Torre Latinoamericana
A skyscraper in central Mexico City famous for its earthquake-resistant engineering.
Frida Kahlo Museum — Central de Abasto Market (Mexico)
Frida Kahlo Museum
The 'Blue House' was the birthplace and residence of painter Frida Kahlo.
Angel of Independence — Central de Abasto Market (Mexico)
Angel of Independence
This victory column on Paseo de la Reforma honors Mexican independence.