Mercado 28 is a long-running Cancun flea market, known for its wide variety of local shops and boutiques, street food, and souvenirs. Located a short distance from Cancun’s bustling city centre district, the market is off of Xel-Ha, at Plaza San Miguel. You’ll quickly be able to identify this market by its entrance signs and the vibrantly coloured stalls and wares for sale in the streets.
Visitors to Mercado 28 often spend up to an hour and a half exploring the maze of colourful shops and brightly coloured merchandise. You’ll also find plenty of options for dining, between casual restaurants and street food vendors around the market. With so much to see and do inside the market, you’ll likely want to take your time exploring Mercado 28 so you don’t miss out on hidden treasures. This street market is easily accessible via Cancun’s bus service, as well as by car and taxi.
Mercado 28 in Cancun - one of the highlights of 10 Cheap Things to Do in Cancun and 10 Best Things to Do in Cancun (Read all about Cancun here)
photo by PriceTravel pictures (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
What Are the highlights of Mercado 28 in Cancun?
Mercado 28 is a long-running Cancun flea market, so it’s packed with an enormous number of vendors and shops providing endless options for gifts and souvenirs. You’ll find vibrant textiles and fabrics, clothing, embroidery, and accessories. Home goods include decor and accent pieces, pottery, and handmade craft items. Look around before purchasing, as prices fluctuate by stall and you may find a similar item for a better price with another vendor.
Mercado 28 is also a local spot to book tours and excursions, sometimes for better prices than are offered elsewhere since you’re booking directly with tour groups. Food options at Cancun’s Mercado 28 include a variety of casual dining spots and street food vendors. Be sure to taste some of the flavourful regional specialities and Mexican classic dishes while you’re there.
photo by David Stanley (CC BY 2.0) modified
How do you get to Mercado 28 in Cancun?
Visitors sometimes have trouble finding Mercado 28, as it’s a little ways off the beaten track of Cancun’s well-trafficked Hotel Zone. If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, take Cancun’s inexpensive R-2 bus to the stop for “Market 28.”
When you arrive at your stop, be aware that this is not the right place, as the bus stop is in front of a strip of stores called “Market 28,” not Mercado 28. Instead, continue on foot for a few minutes just a few blocks further up the street, where you’ll see a large archway and signs for Mercado 28. When you’re ready to leave Mercado 28, follow that same path back to your bus stop to return to the Hotel Zone.
photo by Bryce Edwards (CC BY 2.0) modified
Good to know when visiting Cancun’s Mercado 28
Mercado 28 is a popular shopping destination for tourists and holidaymakers in Cancun. If a price or tour package sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Vendors at this market expect visitors to haggle, so be prepared to counter-offer a lower price from their initial price quote. If you’re looking to save money while visiting Mercado 28, familiarise yourself with typical souvenir prices in Cancun, so you know what a reasonable price range would be and don’t get taken for a ride.
If you’re interested in visiting Mercado 28 with fewer crowds, arrive first thing in the morning or in the later hours when the market is less trafficked. Locals recommend bringing cash to pay vendors with, and not using a credit or debit card. It’s also recommended to be wary of buying high-dollar items like liquor and genuine jewellery, as these items may not be genuine.
Mercado 28 in Cancun
Location: Xel-ha Mz 13, 28, 77509 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Open: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm
Phone: +52 998-892-4303
Start planning your trip
Where to stay in Cancun
The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun
Wyndham Alltra Cancun All Inclusive Resort
Emporio Cancun Optional All Inclusive
Moon Palace Cancun - All Inclusive
Hyatt Vivid Grand Island Cancun Adults Only All-Inclusive
Residence Inn by Marriott Cancun Hotel Zone
Hard Rock Hotel Cancun
Temptation Cancun Resort - Adults Only
Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort
