Mercado 28 Cancún
A vibrant downtown market brimming with colorful crafts, authentic Mexican food, and lively bargaining. Your go-to for unique souvenirs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier browsing
Mercado 28 Cancún
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant downtown market brimming with colorful crafts, authentic Mexican food, and lively bargaining. Your go-to for unique souvenirs.
"Discover the soul of Mexico at Mercado 28, where every stall tells a story and prices are a steal!"
🎯 Skip Plaza 28!
Plaza 28 is a tourist trap; head to Mercado 28 for genuine finds.
💰 Bring Pesos & Haggle
Cash is preferred. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices for souvenirs!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Mexican Crafts
Throughout the market
Discover vibrant textiles, intricate pottery, silver jewelry, and unique folk art directly from artisans.
+1
Local Culinary Delights
Food stalls and restaurants
Savor traditional Mexican dishes, fresh seafood, and local specialties at affordable prices.
Bargaining Opportunities
All souvenir shops
Engage with vendors to negotiate prices on souvenirs, clothing, and gifts, aiming for the best deals.
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Crowds and Haggling
Cash is King (Mostly)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Skip Plaza 28!
Plaza 28 is a tourist trap; head to Mercado 28 for genuine finds.
💰 Bring Pesos & Haggle
Cash is preferred. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices for souvenirs!
🚶♀️ Consider Mercado 23
For a more local, less pushy experience with better prices, try Mercado 23. +1
🚕 Uber vs. Taxi
Uber is generally safe, but taxis are common. Negotiate taxi fares beforehand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Skip Plaza 28!
Plaza 28 is a tourist trap; head to Mercado 28 for genuine finds.
💰 Bring Pesos & Haggle
Cash is preferred. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices for souvenirs!
🚶♀️ Consider Mercado 23
For a more local, less pushy experience with better prices, try Mercado 23. +1
🚕 Uber vs. Taxi
Uber is generally safe, but taxis are common. Negotiate taxi fares beforehand.
🛍️ Souvenir Strategy
Compare prices across stalls; some TikToks suggest Walmart downtown for cheaper souvenirs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mercado 28 is a bustling hub for souvenirs and local food, offering a vibrant cultural experience. Visitors appreciate the wide selection of crafts and affordable prices, though some find the persistent vendors and crowds overwhelming. It's a classic Cancun spot, but many recommend comparing prices and considering Mercado 23 for a more relaxed atmosphere.
"Mercado 28 is a colorful, buzzing local market in downtown Cancun that's perfect if you're hunting for souvenirs at great prices. You'll find everything from handwoven textiles and pottery to leather bags, tequila gift sets, hammocks, and all kinds of artisan crafts—basically, anything you'd want to bring back from Mexico.
Prices here are much cheaper than the hotel zone or airport shops, especially if you're willing to haggle. Bargaining is not only accepted—it's expected. With a little persistence, you can often cut prices in half or better.
The downside? The sellers are very aggressive. Almost every stall has someone calling you in, offering you tequila, or insisting they have the "best price just for you." It can get overwhelming, especially if you're just trying to browse.
I didn’t try the food stalls, so I can’t speak to the food quality.
Bottom line: If you enjoy deal-hunting, don’t mind a little chaos, and love supporting local artisans, Mercado 28 is worth the trip. Just bring cash, patience, and your best haggling game."
Sergio Giron
"Great place to visit for shopping and food! They have so many things you can't imagine. The food is absolutely delicious at any restaurant. If you can take your time to walk around to see & buy.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you take the bus make sure to ask how to arrive & return. Not too hard but you will need some direction or taxi is super easy."
Sandra Rodriguez
"Many merchants and very buzzing at times. When we visited we didn't feel good as merchants were very aggressive. Also they sell always very similar stuff which makes it hard to differentiate. If you would want to buy something they should define their unique selling point or try to advertise differently. The way it currently is makes it very unstructured and you will see the same items 30 times."
Jan Kalbantner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From the Hotel Zone, you can take an Uber or a taxi to Mercado 28. If you're staying further out like Moon Palace, Uber is a good option, though be mindful of potential taxi conflicts if picked up directly from the hotel. Consider using the 'Playa Express' bus to downtown Cancun and then a local bus or Uber. +1
Uber is generally considered safe for getting to Mercado 28. However, some travelers recommend negotiating taxi fares beforehand to avoid issues, especially if Uber pickup is restricted at your hotel.
Mercado 28 is the authentic market with numerous stalls for souvenirs and food. Plaza 28 is often described as a tourist trap and should be avoided.
Yes, local buses go to downtown Cancun. From there, you can take another bus or a taxi to Mercado 28. Be aware that some bus drivers might drop you off at Plaza 28 by mistake, so confirm your destination.
Yes, Mercado 28 is a well-known landmark in downtown Cancun. Asking locals or using a navigation app will help you find it easily.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mercado 28 is a public market and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely wander through the stalls.
Mercado 28 is typically open daily from morning until early evening, generally around 9 AM to 6 PM. It's advisable to check current hours closer to your visit as they can vary.
There is no admission fee to enter Mercado 28. You only pay for the items you purchase.
Yes, many city tours of Cancun include a stop at Mercado 28 for souvenir shopping and a taste of local culture.
No special entry requirements are needed. Just be prepared for a lively atmosphere and potentially persistent vendors.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a wide variety of souvenirs, including handmade crafts, textiles, pottery, silver jewelry, clothing, keychains, and local art.
Absolutely! Haggling is expected and part of the experience. Start with a lower offer and be prepared to meet in the middle.
Mercado 28 is known for its competitive prices compared to hotel zone shops. Some travelers suggest Walmart in downtown Cancun or Mercado 23 for even better deals on certain items.
It's highly recommended to bring cash in Mexican Pesos. While some vendors accept cards, cash makes transactions smoother and aids in negotiation.
Yes, Mercado 28 is a great place to find authentic Mexican crafts and support local artisans. Look for items clearly marked as 'Hecho en Mexico'. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Restaurante El Cejas is highly recommended for ceviche and fish dishes. Many stalls offer authentic tacos, seafood, and traditional Mexican cuisine.
Yes, Mercado 28 is a fantastic spot to try authentic Mexican dishes, from street tacos to fresh seafood and regional specialties.
Food prices at Mercado 28 are generally very affordable, offering a great way to experience local flavors without breaking the bank.
Don't miss out on fresh ceviche, grilled fish, cochinita pibil, and various types of tacos.
Generally, yes. Look for busy stalls with high turnover, which usually indicates freshness and quality.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Mercado 28 is incredibly vibrant and colorful, offering countless photo opportunities with its array of crafts, food, and bustling atmosphere.
Capture the colorful textiles, intricate handicrafts, lively food stalls, and the general energy of the market.
Generally, no. However, it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their merchandise or them.
Morning light can be softer and less crowded, while late afternoon offers a warm glow. The market's energy is present throughout the day.
Drone usage is typically restricted in populated areas and markets. It's best to avoid using drones to prevent any issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎁 Souvenir Hunters
+1 Remember to compare prices and haggle to get the best deals. For a more local feel and potentially better prices on some items, Mercado 23 is also worth exploring. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Market Maze
While the sheer volume of goods can be exciting, it's also easy to get overwhelmed. Many visitors recommend comparing prices across different stalls before making a purchase, as prices can vary significantly. Don't be shy about haggling; it's an expected part of the shopping experience here.
For a more authentic and less tourist-centric experience, consider venturing to Mercado 23. This market is more geared towards locals, offering fresh produce, meats, and everyday goods alongside some crafts, often at lower prices and with less aggressive sales tactics.
Culinary Adventures at Mercado 28
One of the most celebrated spots is Restaurante El Cejas, known for its excellent ceviche and fish preparations.
Exploring the food stalls allows you to sample a variety of flavors, often prepared right before your eyes. It's a fantastic opportunity to try authentic dishes that might be harder to find in the more tourist-oriented areas. When dining, look for busy stalls that seem popular with locals, as this is usually a good indicator of quality and freshness. Prices are generally very reasonable, making it an ideal place for a budget-friendly and delicious meal.
Smart Shopping Strategies
While some vendors might accept credit cards, it's not guaranteed, and you might encounter additional fees. Haggling is not just allowed, it's expected. Don't accept the first price offered. Start lower than you're willing to pay and work your way up. Be polite but firm. If a vendor is too pushy, it's okay to walk away; there are many other stalls to explore.
Some travelers suggest that for the absolute cheapest souvenirs, places like Walmart in downtown Cancun or even local supermarkets might offer better prices on mass-produced items.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit