My family and I will be arriving in Mexico city saturday the 23rd of december on a 4 day stop-over before going to Cozumel.

We have heard great things about the "bazar del sabado" in San Angel and would love to go.

The problem is, our flght lands around 12:30pm and our hotel is near the zocalo. I have read in my guide book that stalls are only open from 10am to 2pm, on the web it's 9am-6pm.

Does any one know for sure ?

Is the handicraft there really better than what is to be found at "La Ciudadela" or FONART ?

Thank you for any information

The best quality handicrafts is really in the inside stores of the main building--it has an open-air restaurant, and the stores are on two levels all around. My favorite is to the right as you enter, on the second floor--you can find Josefina Aguilera pottery there.

Outside is really more of an art fair than handicrafts, and is very fun. I'm pretty sure 6 PM would be more accurate as to time, I recall having the cab return at 5 PM, anyway. Don't worry about getting a cab back, there are sitio cabs there that would be very safe. It is pretty far from the zocalo, maybe even an hour if traffic is bad. It's the outdoor fair atmosphere that makes it so fun. While you are out that way you might try to see some of the Frieda/Diego museums.

Thanks for the info

We will try to make it in time, hoping there is no flight delay.

As for trafic, I was wondering if taking the metro to "Miguel Angel de Quevedo" and then walking the
+/- 1 mile to the plaza would save us time.

Can't help you there, I've always gone by car.

Thanks for your help

Personally I wouldn't worry if you get in too late to see the market. I found it disappointing, especially the outdoor section. I think the craft work is less expensive than at FONART, but not necessarally better quality.

You also might find yourself reacting a bit to the altitude. Staying near the Zocalo there is plenty to keep you busy -- a visit to the Templo Mayor and its museum will easily take up the remains of your first sfternoon.