Guadalajara guide: Start at Mercado San Juan De Dios

Anybody who knows me knows that when I travel to a new city or town, the first place I hit is the central market.

It's my launching point, because it's guide to the cultural uniqueness of a place.

In a visit to a mercado, you can generally find out the local specialty foods, typical dishes in the area, and local arts and crafts. They hold a unique energy that is shared in the camaraderie of vendors.

With close to 300 posts at Mercado San juan De Dios, it's the largest indoor market in Latin America. It's an overstimulation of colors, smells and chaos.

Try an authentic Jalisco dish: the torta ahogada, which is basically a drowned sandwich full of sloppy deliciousness. There is no shortage of stalls making huge torta ahogadas. Cooks can be seen prepping and massaging the pork to go into the sandwiches at every corner on the ground floor.

Excellent birria tacos can also be found.

The upper levels of the mercado cover local artisanal products. You can browse ceramics, Christmas ornaments, traditional dresses and shirts, and lots of cheap households products.

It’s a busy and bustling place to visit!