When you’re planning a trip to Cancun, you’ve likely come across this market in your research. Mercado 28 in Cancun is an open-air market. It is a must-visit for those eager to explore beyond the hotel zone and experience authentic Mexican culture. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive selection of souvenirs, Mercado 28 offers a traditional shopping experience unlike any other. While most travel guides rave about its charm, there’s much more to discover. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting this iconic Cancun market, from getting there to navigating its myriad of stalls.
Why Mercado 28 is Cancun’s Best Hidden Gem
If you are anything like us and like to do thorough research about the place you are going to on your vacation, when you start researching Cancún and things to do while you are there, Mercado 28 (or Market 28) will pop up more than once. It’s one of the oldest markets in Cancún and is definitely a must-visit destination for tourists eager to venture beyond the hotel zone to experience the real Cancún. Well, at least that’s what most of the travel guides say… but more on that later.
Mercado 28 is a bustling and vibrant open-air market located in downtown Cancun. It is one of the city’s popular spots for tourists seeking to buy some locally-made gifts and souvenirs with a traditional Mexican shopping experience.
Among Cancún’s markets, this one is by far the most popular, yet hardly anyone calls it by its real name. Known to everyone as “Mercado 28,” it’s located in Supermanzana 28 (which literally translates as “Super Apple” – a term that might be confusing for those unfamiliar with southeastern Mexico, but here it just means a block of houses). Its official name is “Artículo 115,” but if you ask locals about a market by this name, you’ll probably get a puzzled look in return. Nevertheless, this is its name, and it is undoubtedly an iconic place that should not be missed, especially if you are traveling from abroad.
How to get to Mercado 28 Cancun from the Hotel Zone?
Mercado 28 is located in downtown Cancun. There are at least a couple ways to get there from the Hotel Zone and both of them are relatively easy. If you want to go local, just hop on any R2. But don’t forget to tell the driver where you are going. Keep in mind however, that the bus doesn’t drop you off exactly at the market, but very close to it.
PRO TIP: If you don’t speak Spanish, use the navigator on your phone to build the route from the Hotel Zone to Market 28. That way you will know exactly when to get off the bus.
If you don’t feel like riding the bus, just get a cab. They are usually abundant near every major hotel, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Alternatively you can get an Uber. Yes, it does work in Cancun. But sometimes it can be difficult to order it from the hotel zone, because “reasons” (Actually it is “teh drama” here. Local taxi union doesn’t like that Uber takes their business away from them, and day get violent when they spot Uber drivers. We may write about it in one of our next blogs. There is an alternative app “DiDi” you can try that too. We have been using both.
By the way, Market 23 is just a short walk away from the Market 28. So, if you’re not in a hurry and have time to spare, you can visit both these wonderful markets.
What to Expect? Shopping Experience
“Touristy” doesn’t even begin to describe Mercado 28 is, which has both its advantages and disadvantages. It’s many times larger than Mercado 23, however its primary focus are tourists. There are hundreds of shops, so plan to spend at least a couple of hours here. Locals don’t shop here. Unlike Mercado 23, there are exclusively souvenirs here. So, get ready to get “attacked” by shop owners from every direction. Everyone will be trying to get your attention and to get you to check out their stuff. And oh boy, there is indeed a lot of stuff. It is a souvenir paradise for sure.
Many of the shops will have similar or even identical items, which is why it is a good idea to make at least a couple of walkthroughs around the market. You’ll find a great selection of textiles, handwoven clothing, leather products (e.g., wallets, shoes, sandals, belts, bags), tequila, jewelry, cigars, and items made of obsidian (e.g., skulls, daggers, pyramids), sombreros, handcrafted wooden masks, pottery, and so much more.
While there are many common items, you’ll also find plenty of unique pieces. If you’ve never done this type of shopping before, be aware that vendors are eager to engage with you and make a sale. Sometimes they may even follow you around inside the shop with sales pitches. Some can be a bit aggressive if they see a potential sale, so be ready for that too. If you don’t feel comfortable, simply say the universal: “No, gracias” and they will quickly lose interest.
In addition to shopping, Mercado 28 offers a variety of dining options. There are numerous food stalls and charming small restaurants where you can sample traditional Mexican cuisine, often accompanied by various kinds of live music performances.
Conclusions
Is Mercado 28 in Cancun worth visiting? We are on the fence about it. On the one hand it is definitely instagram worthy, with all its cool murals and colorful little corners. On the other hand, If you are an introvert, like we are, chances are you’re probably not going to like Mercado 28, with excessive attention to your person. It is absolutely not possible to do window shopping in peace.
Your bartering skills have to be on point if you’re delving into the sprawling morass of Mercado 28, and really that is the essence of the experience because there are no prices displayed. But to be honest, this aggressive haggling with overly interested vendors is not our cup of tea. Every time we’ve been, we were quickly overwhelmed and scurried off to more amenable environs.
Many vendors speak English and will be able to answer your questions about their products and negotiate with you in English.
Is the stuff overpriced? Most definitely yes. But yet, again, you are expected to bargain. So…
In case you were wondering what it looks like, here is walkthrough we did some time ago.
Is Mercado 28 in Cancun a tourist trap?
Yes and no. Cancun is a well-known tourist town. It is attracting visitors who come to spend money, enjoy themselves, take pictures, and create lasting memories. Locals are aware of this and often seek to earn a living by catering to tourists. While some locals may be quite forward in their sales tactics, the majority are genuinely nice and friendly people.
It’s essential to remember that having a good time doesn’t mean leaving your common sense at home. Cancun can be whatever you make of it. If you choose to purchase a pricey bottle of tequila or a piece of jewelry that starts to oxidize and change color soon after, that’s a personal choice. No one is forcing you to make these purchases.
Ultimately, being a smart traveler means being aware of your surroundings and making informed decisions. Enjoy the vibrant culture and beautiful scenery, but keep your wits about you to ensure a positive experience.
By the way, Mercado 28 is just a short walk from the more authentic Mexican market, Mercado 23. If you have some extra time, consider visiting both of these wonderful markets.
