Mexico City: Street Food Markets & Salsa Cooking Tour

Summary

Mexico City’s murals, market flavors and salsa traditions in motion

You’ll walk Mexico City’s bustling streets with a local guide, tasting tamales and tacos in two lively markets before learning to make real Mexican salsa with a welcoming family business. Expect laughter over homemade food, colorful murals you can almost touch, and moments that stick with you long after—like the taste of warm tortillas or the rush of riding the metro for the first time.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked under the awning at Abelardo Rodriguez Market, dodging a guy balancing crates of mangoes on his shoulder. The walls here are covered in murals — not just one or two, but whole stories painted across the plaster. Our guide, Ana, paused by a faded Diego Rivera piece and told us how artists hid little jokes in the corners. I was still staring up when she handed me a steaming tamal wrapped in corn husk. It was soft and earthy — I almost burned my tongue but didn’t care. The smell of masa mixed with the faint tang of cleaning soap from a nearby stall. There was this woman selling flowers who winked at us as we passed — felt like she knew some secret about the day ahead.

Ana led us down side streets to the metro — honestly, I’d been nervous about riding it, but she made it feel easy. The train rattled through tunnels while vendors hopped on to sell candies and phone chargers. We got off near Mercado Jamaica and walked straight into a wall of color and scent: lilies, marigolds, buckets of roses taller than me. Someone handed around slices of pineapple dusted with chili powder; sweet then sharp on my tongue. We tried tacos next (the kind you eat standing up so you don’t drip salsa everywhere) and tepache that fizzed a bit too much but tasted like summer.

The last stop was this tiny family shop tucked behind stacks of clay pots. The owner’s son showed us how to grind chilies for salsa using a stone molcajete — my arms were useless compared to his! He laughed when I tried to say “molcajete” properly (I definitely butchered it). We all crowded around their kitchen table spooning salsa onto tortilla chips that were still warm from the pan. There was something about being invited in like that — just everyday warmth, not forced at all. I still think about that moment sometimes when I eat plain old chips back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore markets and make salsa

• Visit Abelardo Rodriguez Market
• Taste tamales and atole
• Take subway to flower market
• Try tacos, tepache, and fruits
• Visit family business for salsa lesson

Top questions

How much walking is involved on this Mexico City street food tour?

This tour covers about 6 km (3.7 miles) through busy markets and city streets; it can be strenuous if you’re not used to walking long distances.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available on this Mexico City food tour?

Yes, vegetarian, gluten-free, or lactose-free options can be arranged if you let them know at least 24 hours before your tour.

Does this tour include public transit rides?

Yes, you’ll ride the Mexico City Metro as part of the experience—your guide will help navigate everything.

Is lunch included during this Mexico City markets & salsa-making tour?

You’ll enjoy multiple tastings of street foods like tacos and tamales along with drinks such as atole and tepache; these are included.

What should I wear for this Mexico City market tour?

Dress conservatively—long trousers or jeans and a t-shirt are best since you’ll visit non-touristy areas; bring rain gear if it’s rainy season.

Can I take photos during the markets tour?

You can bring small cameras for photos; large professional gear isn’t suitable for this experience.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour through Centro Histórico with tastings of classic Mexican street foods like tacos and tamales (plus traditional drinks), rides on public transit through Mexico City’s neighborhoods, visits to both Mercado Melchor Muzquiz and Mercado Jamaica flower market, an interactive salsa-making lesson with a local family business—and plenty of chances to chat with locals along the way before heading back on foot.