Plaza Central, Abastos

The Plaza Central is a moderately sized shopping mall in Iztapalapa. It might not have merited mention in these pages but for the fact that several airlines will frequently put up overnight international guests at the small hotel here. The somewhat unfairly named Fiesta Inn Plaza Central Aeropuerto still gets its share of rave reviews. Many of these will include mention of its position within the broader shopping complex.

Few of those of international guests are likely to understand that the shopping center is itself part of the giant Central del Abastos. Directly east and south is one of the biggest wholesale distribution centers in the world.

The Plaza Central stakes out a rather pristine commercial space for itself on the edge of all of that messy trading. Consumers who aren’t looking for massive bulk purchases can stroll the shops, take in a movie, or order from the numerous chain restaurants and coffee outlets.

The Plaza Central faces the ancient Pueblo of Aculco, across the Rio de Churubusco. (That’s the main drag out front.) It’s a little town known for blocking off the streets and setting up shop just for residents. Visitors come from other neighborhoods, too. There’s a public market there, too.

But if you’re trapped by a flight delay in the Fiesta Inn, you can venture a bit further. The Rio Churubusco area is home to the National Center for the Arts. The historic center of Iztapalapa is but a concentration or the confluence of multiple ancient and historic neighborhoods. And of course, the nearby Central del Abastos is a massive market, one of the biggest in the world. And if what you need is some outdoor time, the Utopía Cuauhtlicalli Aculco is about 15-minutes away by taxi.

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.