Mercado 23 Cancún
Experience the heart of Cancun at Mercado 23, a vibrant local market offering authentic food, crafts, and a true taste of Mexican culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience local bustle
Mercado 23 Cancún
Best Time
Experience local bustle
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the heart of Cancun at Mercado 23, a vibrant local market offering authentic food, crafts, and a true taste of Mexican culture.
"A true slice of local life, Mercado 23 offers authentic flavors and crafts away from the tourist crowds."
🗣️ Practice Basic Spanish
A few Spanish phrases go a long way with vendors. Locals appreciate the effort!
💰 Bring Pesos
Cash is king here. Having Mexican pesos ensures better prices and smoother transactions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Local Produce
Main market floor
Vibrant displays of fresh fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies. A true feast for the senses.
Handicraft Finds
Souvenir stalls
Discover unique Mexican crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, often at better prices than tourist traps.
Local Eateries
Food court area
Savor traditional Yucatecan dishes and snacks in a casual, no-frills setting.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Bargaining & Currency
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Practice Basic Spanish
A few Spanish phrases go a long way with vendors. Locals appreciate the effort!
💰 Bring Pesos
Cash is king here. Having Mexican pesos ensures better prices and smoother transactions.
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Don't rush! Take your time to discover hidden gems and unique items.
🍎 Sample Local Snacks
Try fresh juices, empanadas, or marquesitas for an authentic taste of Mexico.
Mercedo 28 or 23 with a todler
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Practice Basic Spanish
A few Spanish phrases go a long way with vendors. Locals appreciate the effort!
💰 Bring Pesos
Cash is king here. Having Mexican pesos ensures better prices and smoother transactions.
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Don't rush! Take your time to discover hidden gems and unique items.
🍎 Sample Local Snacks
Try fresh juices, empanadas, or marquesitas for an authentic taste of Mexico.
🛍️ Bargain Respectfully
Negotiate prices for souvenirs, but always be polite and fair.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mercado 23 is praised for its authentic local atmosphere and affordable, delicious food, offering a genuine slice of Cancun life. While it has souvenir stalls, it's less tourist-focused than Mercado 28. Some visitors find it can be crowded and navigating with young children or strollers might be challenging.
"This market was so much fun! There were very few tourists and mostly locals, which gave a much more authentic feel. I found handmade products for a very reasonable price and I found the sellers were not pushy like they are at market 28. You can buy anything from food, to handmade sandles, bags, pottery, clothing to souvenirs and party supply goods. Some stores take credit card but most take cash in Pesos or American dollars. I'd definitely go there again:)"
Kim Dennill
"Our favourite market to come to when we’re in Quintana Roo. Much better prices than if you were to go to Mercado 28 and the vendors are not super pushy and are very helpful. I’ve gotten a few blankets and pottery pieces here for great prices."
Anna Balagtas
"We had an interesting adventure going to this location. The bus stop is several blocks away and they just point you in a direction. Once you get there it is easy to get turned around and almost impossible to find the bus stop again. We ended up frustrated and just got a cab back to the hotel when we were done. The shopping experience was amazing. We found some cool items, I got a couple soccer jerseys, we got a piece of jewelry custom made for a friend that has a non standard spelling of their name. Be aware, you do need to haggle a bit. The first price is high in hopes you will pay more for the item."
Jason Schulte
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the R1 bus towards downtown Cancun and get off near McDonalds on Avenida Tulum. Cross the street, and Mercado 23 is a short walk away. Taxis and ride-shares are also readily available.
Yes, there is parking available, though it can get busy during peak hours.
The market can be crowded and has uneven surfaces, so navigating with a stroller might be challenging.
While the R1 bus is an option, a taxi or ride-share might offer more convenience and comfort for families with young children.
Mercado 23 is located in downtown Cancun, making it easily accessible from the main tourist areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mercado 23 is a public market and does not require an entrance ticket. Entry is free.
Mercado 23 is typically open daily from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check current hours before your visit as they can vary.
While it has souvenir stalls, Mercado 23 is generally considered more of a local market than a tourist trap like Mercado 28 can be.
Many souvenir vendors may accept credit cards, but it's highly recommended to carry cash (Mexican Pesos) as many smaller stalls and food vendors only accept cash.
Yes, eating at Mercado 23 is generally safe and a great way to experience authentic local cuisine. Look for busy stalls with high turnover.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a variety of Mexican handicrafts, including textiles, pottery, jewelry, and local art.
Yes, bargaining is common for souvenirs. Start with a lower offer and negotiate respectfully.
Mercado 23 offers a good selection of authentic Mexican crafts, often at better prices than more tourist-focused markets.
Mercado 23 offers more unique, handcrafted souvenirs, while Walmart might have more mass-produced items. For authentic artisan goods, Mercado 23 is preferred.
Mercado 28 is larger and more geared towards tourists with many souvenir shops. Mercado 23 is smaller and more of a local market with fewer, but often more authentic, souvenir options.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss fresh juices, marquesitas (crispy crepes), empanadas, and traditional Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil.
Yes, you can find vegetarian options like empanadas filled with cheese or vegetables, and fresh fruit.
'El Cejas' is a popular eatery within Mercado 28, known for its traditional Mexican food and lively atmosphere, sometimes featuring mariachi singers.
Absolutely! Mercado 23 is the perfect place to sample authentic Mexican snacks and street food.
Food at Mercado 23 is generally very affordable, offering a great value for authentic local flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, it's generally fine to take photos, especially of the produce and crafts. However, it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-ups of them or their stalls.
Capture the vibrant colors of the produce stalls, the intricate details of the handicrafts, and the lively interactions between vendors and shoppers.
Weekday mornings offer good natural light and a less crowded atmosphere, making it ideal for photography.
The fruit and vegetable sections are incredibly photogenic due to their colors. The handicraft stalls also offer great visual interest.
Be respectful of people's privacy and always ask permission before taking close-up portraits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Mercado 23 vs. Mercado 28: A Local's Perspective
Mercado 28, on the other hand, is significantly larger and more heavily geared towards tourists. It's packed with souvenir shops selling everything from t-shirts and trinkets to more elaborate handicrafts. The atmosphere can be quite intense, with vendors actively trying to attract your attention. While you can find souvenirs here, prices are often higher, and the experience can feel more like a commercialized shopping mall than a traditional market.
Culinary Delights at Mercado 23
Eating at Mercado 23 is not only a culinary adventure but also incredibly budget-friendly. You can enjoy a filling and delicious meal for a fraction of the cost you'd pay in tourist restaurants. Look for stalls that are busy with locals – this is usually a good indicator of quality and freshness. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience the true taste of Cancun without breaking the bank.
Navigating and Shopping for Souvenirs
Bring cash in Mexican Pesos as many vendors may not accept cards, and you'll often get a better price when paying with local currency. While you might find some mass-produced items, keep an eye out for unique, handcrafted goods that support local artisans.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit