Mexico City Finds That Tourists Are Attracted to Its Seedy Spots

Shoppers can find almost anything in the La Merced area: fruit and vegetable stands, prostitutes and a corridor of salon and beauty stands. (Ruth Samuelson)

Clothing stands line the entrance to Tepito, one of the city's most notoriously dangerous neighborhoods. (Ruth Samuelson)

A woman styles hair on the street in La Merced. (Ruth Samuelson)

Originally a real hand – belonging to a man that robbed a nearby temple – hung on this building. After it deteriorated, it was replaced with a long-lasting version to warn people to not disrespect the church. (Ruth Samuelson)

People crowd a corridor in La Merced where vendors sell Niño Dios figures. (Ruth Samuelson)