The Mercado de Artesanias, or Handicraft Market, first opened its doors in 1974. Since then, this enclosed market has been a popular haunt for tourists seeking out authentic Guatemalan crafts to take home as a souvenir. Just a hop, skip and jump away from the Main Market and the bus terminal, the Mercado de Artesanias is a flurry of colors, with shops stocked to the rafters with traditional masks, textiles, jewelry, candles, leather goods and more. The selection on offer spans the length and breadth of the country, sourcing handicrafts from every region of Guatemala. Stop by for a quick taste of local culture. Bargaining is the norm so don't hesitate to ask for a better price.
Claimed to be one of the best shopping malls in the city, Centro Comercial Pradera Concepción offers a unique yet satisfying shopping experience. Boasting a number of internationally renowned brand outlets, this mall undoubtedly, is the place to be when you're looking to purchase good quality products. With dedicated stores for fashion, accessories, books, food, furniture and more, this practically is the answer to all your shopping woes. Apart from outlets, this mall is also home to a theater, several eateries, a gym, a spa and a beauty parlor.
Influenced by food halls such as the Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Mercado Roma, La Esquina is amongst the best places for foodies in town. Its well-planned design is vibrant and exudes of Guatemalan flair in every way, right from the decorative elements to the produce and food. Tying up with local producers who are known for their sustainable practises, you will find only organic, Guatemalan products and produce at their stalls. Shop for poultry, cheese, seafood, meat, cheese, fruits, wines, vegetables, jams, seeds, condiments, flowers and more to keep your pantry updated with this region's foods. Or for a culinary delight, hop across their eatery sections or vendors for delicious doughnuts, pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, tamales, tacos, ceviches and salads. The food served is contemporary Guatemalan cuisine. So relish your way at this fantastic food hall.
In this place you can find all the popular Guatemalan and international brands of cigarettes, tobacco and cigars. Also available are the best international magazines on the market. With several little shops all around the city, you will have no trouble finding one near you.
A small restaurant, café, and shop for gourmet and imported foods, Culinaria melds European and Guatemalan influences in creating satisfying dishes and tempting desserts. Focaccia, fusilli pasta, and a traditional Guatemalan soup called chapina are among the favorites choices on the menu—although children tend to prefer a simple quesadilla. The sweet treats behind glass cases, such as tartaletta de limón and tourist-recommended brownies, are a great way to finish the meal. In the shop, pick up specialty meats, bottles of wine, and imported cookies and cheeses to take home.
This small, clean shop is staffed by experienced tattoo and piercing artists who make an indelible mark on many travelers' experiences of Guatemala. Relative to U.S. prices, tattoos are extremely affordable for their quality here - and the fact that the establishment has been in business since 1998 testifies to that quality. The shop in front carries some truly unique items, such as hand-carved jade plugs for gauged piercings, made by a local artist for the shop.