The Best Flea Markets In Downtown Cancun

With shops offering everything from ultra-luxury products to handmade artisanal crafts, Cancún has no shortage of products for travellers from all walks of life. The main shopping malls boast world-famous brands that grace the covers (and pages) of the most elite magazines in the fashion world. But for those visitors attracted to a more unique range of goods, downtown is the ultimate shopper’s paradise.

1. Mercado Coral Negro

Market

Mercado Coral Negro|© Price Travel Picture/Flickr

Be warned, this market is not for the faint of heart. Any peso-pinching traveller should be prepared to wheel-and-deal while shopping at this overwhelming market. Excited tourists looking to bring home Mexico-inspired trinkets are outnumbered by the eager sellers armed with whimsical sales pitches that seal the deal. Though there are rows upon rows of souvenir style t-shirts, baseball caps and keychains, the trained shopper will easily spot the unique gems in this market from a distance.

Mercado Coral Negro, Boulevard Kukulkan, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Mexico

Street front view of Mercado Coral Negro |© Price Travel Picture/Flickr

2. Mercado 28

Market

Those colourful, handcrafted jewellery pieces that they sell at overpriced hipster stores in the mall can be found in equally beautiful colours – for a fraction of the price – at Mercado 28. Before entering this massive flea market, shoppers should have their spending limit set and stick to their budget no matter what. Uncertainty is smelled from a mile away and these vendors know how to sell. It doesn’t take too much to while the day away in this market. After bartering with vendors for dazzlingly unique pieces, most visitors end up at one of the taco stands for a much-needed shopping break.

Mercado 28, Av. Xel-ha, Mz. 13, SM 28, Cancún, Mexico +52 01 998 892 4303

The largest souvenir market in Cancun Centro | © David Stanley/Flickr

3. Mercado Ki Huic

Market

As the oldest handcraft market in Cancun, Ki Huic is calmer than some of the neighbouring markets in the area. Striking colours and vibrant fabrics surround this market as over 100 local artisans await purchases from savvy tourists. Ki Huic is definitely the market to check out for the discerning tourist seeking something with more local flavour than an ‘I Heart Cancun‘ t-shirt. The crafts here proudly and gracefully demonstrate the heritage of the region. The rich culture and history of the area shines through in the goods sold here.

Mercado Ki Huic, Avenida Tulum, 5, Cancún, Mexico

Mexican Souvenirs | © David Stanley/Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.