The Top 10 Markets in Cancun You Should Know

Market 23, Cancun | © barbbarbbarb / Flickr

19 June 2017

Beyond the tourist element of the island, there’s a rich history of folklore and tradition that is still prevalent in contemporary Cancun. This can be experienced in its markets – vibrant places that show the real Mexico and its everyday culture. Be captivated by the food, sounds and colors of the markets of this stunning destination – here’s 10 of the best.

Tianguis de la 94

This is one of those markets that is predominantly used by locals, as it’s well away from the tourist area of Cancun. Tianguis de la 94 is the place to buy and sell everything, from clothes and kitchenware to bicycles, plants, personal care products and so much more. In Mexican slang there’s a word such items: chácharas – referring to unnecessary, cheap and second hand products, which are actually very practical. Some locals sell the things they don’t need anymore, so it’s a paradise for those looking for vintage stuff and, as a plus, everything is cheap. Here you’ll see the real Mexico and its popular culture, with merchants touting for trade from the customers walking by. The food is delicious; try a delicious mondongo or a huarache. The market is open Thursdays and Saturdays.

Calle 56 Pte. LB, 93, Cancún, Q.R. México

Tianguis de la 219

This street market began as a small bazaar with a few stands that slowly expanded across several streets until it became one of the biggest ‘tianguis’ in Cancun. As with Tianguis 94, it has vintage stuff and an endless variety of books, clothes and chacharas, all at low cost. Locals love the delicious street food and snacks here, like the traditional ‘marquesitas’, a crispy rolled crepe filled with cheese, chocolate or marmalade of your choice.

Calle 16, 101, Cancún, Q.R. México

Tianguis de la 100

Tianguis de la 100 is the biggest street market in Cancun – set aside more than a couple of hours if you want to see the whole place. Like in tianguis 94 and 219, you can also buy chacharas, vintage clothing and second hand stuff. It’s also ideal for young couples who need to buy the basic products and home appliances for their new house. Customers never accept the first price, it’s just a matter of browsing, checking costs in other stands and getting the best deal. Open every Sunday from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Calle 16, 101, Cancún, Q.R. México

Mercado de la 95

A small market selling local products, Mercado de la 95 is the place where many residents like to buy their groceries to support the local economy. Unlike the ‘tianguis’, this market is more focused on groceries sold by local merchants. Some of the products are cultivated in their gardens, so they’re fresh and cheaper than in supermarkets. What can you buy here? Fruits, vegetables, tortillas, grains, eggs, meat, seafood, cheese and much more. People love arriving early to have yummy traditional food for breakfast. It’s open everyday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Komchén 36, 59, 77515 Cancún, Q.R. México.

La Caja Orgánica Bazaar

La Caja Orgánica is a store that sells organic products of local producers, ideal for green consumers and vegans. Every month, the store organizes a bazaar that gathers organic vendors selling their wares, offering samples and providing information. They have milk, vegetables, fruits, cacao, soya, ice-cream and even cosmetics, all fresh and certified organic. The store looks like a little box made of wood, located in the center of a greenhouse. La Caja Orgánica opens from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Calle Tepich, Región 506 – El Pedregal, Sin Nombre, Cancún, Q.R. México

Manos Mágicas

Manos Mágicas is a market located in the beautiful ‘Jardín del Arte’ (Art Garden), where around 250 Mexican artisans sell their crafts and a variety of products including clothes, green cosmetics, handbags and more. In addition, there are workshops for children to learn the labor of the local artists, all framed by the shore of Nichupté lagoon. The beauty of the place and the opportunity to learn, buy local crafts and have fun make this market an ideal place for families to have quality time and delight in traditional food and snacks.

Blvrd Kukulkan, Benito Juárez, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Q.R. México

Mercado 23

One of the best known markets, Mercado 23 was the first to be built in Cancun. This is the place where locals find everyday wares such as food, crafts, grains, tortillas, groceries, medicinal plants, as well as more esoteric stalls. Products are cheap and of good quality, many locals choosing to shop here to support the local economy. With the essence of a Mexican market, it’s ideal for tourists who want to immerse themselves in Mexican folklore and enjoy the best of the Yucatan food.

Ciricote 15, 23, 77500 Cancún, Q.R. México

Market 23, Cancun | © Marc van der Chijs / Flickr

Mercado 28

Visit this picturesque market full of cheerful colors, and find a wide range of souvenirs and crafts. Vendors can be a bit insistent, but don’t feel obliged to buy at the first price. If you find some prices high, there’s always the possibility of negotiating or getting discount depending on the amount you buy. After shopping, enjoy some of the typical dishes in the surrounding restaurants. If you’re in the hotel zone, take the bus ‘ruta 2’ in Kukulcan Av. Open from 09:00 am to 8:00 pm, except Tuesday.

s/n, Mz. 13, Xel-ha, 28, 77509 Cancún, México. 01 998 892 4303

Flea Market Coral Negro

Right in the heart of the hotel zone, this market is largely aimed at tourists. Find countless types of souvenirs, from tequila shot glasses to liquors, jewelry, sombreros, crafts, habanos and various items to decorate your home. Prices might be a little bit higher here than in Market 28, but negotiation and bargains are still possible. Don’t get everything at the first stall you come across, you’re more likely to get a bargain if you check out the rest of the stands first.

Kukulkan Blvd Km 9, Cancún, México. +52 998 287 3671.

Mexican outlet

Very popular with both nationals and tourists, Mexican outlet has many stores with a wide range of souvenirs. Get magnets, candies, coffee cups, t-shirts, bags, sombreros and more. There’s little opportunity for haggling here, but prices are reasonable anyway. Service is excellent, though not all the staff are 100% bilingual, so a little knowledge of local language is a plus. The outlet is located in Plaza La Fiesta, 20 km from the hotel zone.

Boulevard Kukulkan, Benito Juárez, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R. Mexico. 01 998 883 1765

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