Mercado Municipal Emiliano Zapata Puerto Vallarta
A vibrant, bustling local market offering fresh produce, authentic street food, and a true taste of Puerto Vallarta's daily life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest produce arrives
Mercado Municipal Emiliano Zapata Puerto Vallarta
Best Time
Freshest produce arrives

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, bustling local market offering fresh produce, authentic street food, and a true taste of Puerto Vallarta's daily life.
"This market has any kind of fruit or vegetable you could possibly want, and the employees are so nice and kind!"
Bring Your Own Bags! 🛍️
Essential for carrying your fresh produce and goods. Be eco-friendly and prepared!
Cash is Preferred 💰
Most vendors operate on cash. Come prepared to haggle a little and enjoy the local way.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fresh Produce Paradise
Throughout the market
Stock up on vibrant fruits, crisp vegetables, and local delicacies. A true feast for the senses!

Authentic Street Food Stalls
Scattered throughout
Savor delicious, affordable local eats from friendly vendors. A culinary adventure awaits!

Local Artisans & Household Goods
Various stalls
Discover unique crafts, everyday essentials, and souvenirs crafted by local hands.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Cash is King & Bags are Essential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Bags! 🛍️
Essential for carrying your fresh produce and goods. Be eco-friendly and prepared!
Cash is Preferred 💰
Most vendors operate on cash. Come prepared to haggle a little and enjoy the local way.
Explore the Food Stalls 🌮
Don't miss out on delicious and affordable street food. A true taste of Puerto Vallarta!
Go in the Morning ☀️
For the best selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, head here early.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Bags! 🛍️
Essential for carrying your fresh produce and goods. Be eco-friendly and prepared!
Cash is Preferred 💰
Most vendors operate on cash. Come prepared to haggle a little and enjoy the local way.
Explore the Food Stalls 🌮
Don't miss out on delicious and affordable street food. A true taste of Puerto Vallarta!
Go in the Morning ☀️
For the best selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, head here early.
Friendly Vendors 😊
Engage with the locals; they are incredibly pleasant and helpful with any questions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mercado Municipal Emiliano Zapata for its abundance of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, making it ideal for those who enjoy cooking. The authentic street food and friendly, helpful vendors are also major highlights. While generally a positive experience, some may find the market can get busy, and it's important to remember to bring cash and reusable bags.
"Definitely a must if you're planning on cooking for yourself during your stay. Spent the morning here grabbing fresh produce and eggs for our trip. Found a local tortilleria and picked up some fresh tortillas.
Everyone was very pleasant and helpful.
Main suggestions: bring some reusable shopping bags and cash for payment"
Melissa Miller
"Fresh fruit and other food staples. Easy shopping here. Highly recommended."
Don Eckert
"Always lively, with many friendly vendors for produce, meat, dairy, tortillas, etc. there are several small food stands as well. I love coming here."
cliffb1930
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is located in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood, often referred to as the Zona Romántica. You can easily reach it by public bus (around 10 pesos) from other parts of Puerto Vallarta, or it's a pleasant walk if you're staying nearby. Some TikToks show it's accessible via bridges over the Cuale River, adding to the scenic journey.
Parking can be challenging in this busy area. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk if possible, as suggested by locals who prefer the market experience over large chain stores.
From Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), you can take a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle to the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood. Public buses are also an option but may require a transfer.
Yes, if you are staying in the Romantic Zone or downtown Puerto Vallarta, the market is within walking distance. It's a great way to experience the local streets.
The market is situated in the vibrant Emiliano Zapata neighborhood, close to the Cuale River. It's a central point in the Romantic Zone, making it easy to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Mercado Municipal Emiliano Zapata is free. It's a public market where you pay for the goods you purchase.
The market is typically open daily, with vendors usually starting early in the morning. It's best to visit in the morning for the freshest produce, though many stalls remain open through the afternoon.
There is no admission fee to enter the Mercado Municipal Emiliano Zapata. It's a bustling local market, not a ticketed attraction.
Yes, the market is open on weekends, offering a lively atmosphere. Weekdays might be slightly less crowded, providing a more relaxed shopping experience.
While not a primary venue for large festivals, the market is a hub of daily life. Celebrities like Carin León have been spotted there, adding to its buzz.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Goods
You can find a wide array of fresh produce, meats, seafood, dairy products, eggs, tortillas, and household goods. It's also a great spot for street food and local snacks.
While not always expected, some light bargaining might be possible, especially if you're buying multiple items. However, many vendors offer very fair prices for the quality.
The market is renowned for its fresh produce. You'll find abundant stalls overflowing with colorful fruits and vegetables, especially in the mornings.
Yes, you can find various stalls selling local crafts, textiles, and small souvenirs. It's a good place to pick up unique items.
Absolutely. The market has dedicated sections for fresh meat and seafood, offering a wide selection for those looking to cook their own meals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find a variety of delicious and affordable street food options, including tacos, tamales, fresh juices, and local snacks. It's a fantastic place to sample authentic flavors.
While there are many food stalls where you can eat standing or at small counters, dedicated sit-down restaurants are less common. The focus is on quick, authentic bites.
Definitely! The market is perfect for stocking up on fresh produce, meats, and other staples if you have a kitchen at your accommodation.
Yes, you can find healthy choices like fresh fruit smoothies and salads. Salud Superfood has a location within the market, offering nutritious options.
Generally, yes. The food is prepared fresh, and the market is a busy place with high turnover. Look for stalls that are popular with locals for the best experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The vibrant colors of the produce, the bustling activity, and the authentic local life make it a photographer's dream. Many creators capture its essence.
Mornings offer great natural light and the freshest displays. The lively atmosphere throughout the day also provides excellent photo opportunities.
Generally, photography is welcomed, especially for personal use. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their products.
Focus on the textures of the produce, the interactions between vendors and customers, the colorful displays, and the overall energy of the market.
Celebrities like Carin León have been seen at the market. While you can try to capture a photo, always be discreet and respectful of their privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a quick and easy meal, the street food stalls offer kid-friendly options. Consider grabbing some fresh fruit juices or simple tacos. Remember to bring reusable bags for any purchases, which can also be a fun way for older children to help carry items. The market's location in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood means it's often accessible by a short bus ride or a pleasant walk, adding to the adventure.
💰 Budget Travelers
Remember to bring cash, as most vendors prefer it, and be prepared to use reusable bags to avoid any small charges for plastic ones. The experience of shopping and eating here is not only economical but also provides a more authentic taste of Puerto Vallarta. Public transportation to the market is also very inexpensive, further contributing to your savings.
🍳 Travelers Who Love to Cook
Beyond the main ingredients, you can also pick up essentials like fresh tortillas from a local tortilleria, eggs, and dairy products. This market empowers you to recreate the flavors of Puerto Vallarta in your own kitchen, offering a more immersive culinary experience. Reviews often mention the helpfulness of vendors who can guide you on the best ingredients for your culinary adventures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Local Life
Many visitors rave about the pleasant and helpful nature of the vendors, who are often happy to answer questions and share insights about their products. This personal interaction is a stark contrast to the impersonal experience of large supermarkets. The market also offers a glimpse into traditional Mexican commerce, with stalls brimming with local goods and household essentials. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible, with the sights, sounds, and smells of daily life unfolding around you.
For those planning to cook during their stay, this market is an absolute goldmine. Reviews consistently highlight it as the go-to spot for fresh ingredients, allowing visitors to prepare delicious meals with local flavors. The presence of a local tortilleria and the availability of eggs and dairy further enhance its appeal for self-catering travelers. It’s a place where you can truly shop like a local and bring a piece of Puerto Vallarta’s culinary scene back to your accommodation.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
For those seeking healthier options, the market doesn't disappoint. Salud Superfood, with its new location within the market, offers nutritious and delicious choices, proving that you can eat well and healthily even amidst the bustling market scene. This blend of traditional street food and health-conscious options makes the market a versatile dining destination.
Many visitors recommend diving into the street food offerings, emphasizing the freshness and flavor. It's an experience that allows you to interact directly with the cooks and savor dishes prepared with local ingredients. The lively atmosphere of the food stalls adds to the overall enjoyment, making it a memorable part of your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit