A Savvy Shopper’s Guide to Cancún

Known more for sun and sand, there’s another side of Cancún the experts know about: the shopping scene. There’s plenty to offer in terms of souvenirs from the beach city’s local markets, artisan shops, and international boutiques. There is plenty to choose from. Find a new bathing suit or pair of sandals for you, or the perfect thank-you gift for a bohemian spirit more intrigued by local crafts.*

Gifts for Family, Friends, and You

When hunting for a memorable gift for yourself or others, you’ll want to consider quality, authenticity, price, and convenience. These are the best options:

Mercado 28: This market in downtown Cancún is a go-to spot for souvenirs. It features all manner of locally flavored goods. Silver and tourmaline jewelry, glow-in-the-dark axolotl T-shirts (axolotls are the translucent salamanders wildly popular with Gen Alpha), and hand-stitched macramé dresses and tapestries are among the most popular items. Haggling is acceptable—and expected to an extent—and the shopkeepers are inviting, especially if you can communicate a few phrases in Spanish.

Mercado 23: This is one of the few markets in downtown Cancún that’s still very locally minded. There is a more limited selection of souvenirs, but you’ll find the best prices. Stop by for traditional clothing, such as linen guayaberas (a dressy shirt) for men and huipils (a boxy, airy dress) for women. There’s also a rustic pottery shop across the street, Barro y Artesanías de Hidalgo, that offers a wide selection of handmade dishes, vases, and more for very modest prices.

Coral Negro Flea Market: If you prefer to shop within the Hotel Zone, Coral Negro is a good option. This market has seemingly every classic souvenir you can imagine, from key chains and T-shirts to leather purses and painted sombreros. Be prepared for enthusiastic shopkeepers who will say anything to get you into their store and make a sale. Haggling is required, as the initial ask is rarely—if ever—the final price.

Plaza La Fiesta: This souvenir superstore has multiple Hotel Zone locations. You can find them in Punta Cancún as well as La Isla shopping village. The prices are fixed, but there’s terrific diversity in what you’ll find, with a lot of handmade items from throughout Mexico. Intentional care is taken to label the state of origin for most items, so you can feel good about supporting actual artisans. The store also plays host to a beginner’s tequila “museum,” which provides interesting factoids and tastings.

Clothing and Accessories

Whether you’re seeking luxury goods or just a fresh outfit to wear to dinner, Cancún is a great place to source them. The malls in and outside of the Hotel Zone offer a good mix of American and international brands, along with some that are exclusive to Mexico.

La Isla Cancún: This open-air mall in the heart of the Hotel Zone is one of Cancún’s premier shopping destinations. There’s a mix of luxe (Dior, Prada, Tiffany & Co.) and more affordable (American Eagle, Lululemon, Zara) brands, located along a charming waterway beside the lagoon. There are also some distractions for the family—including an aquarium and epic Ferris wheel—that will help keep the kids (or other nonshoppers in your party) entertained.

Luxury Avenue: La crème de la crème of Cancún shopping is the prestigious enclave of the Kukulcán Plaza mall. It offers visitors endless product eye candy, and many actual items for sale. On the first floor, you can find a nice variety of high-end beauty products at Ultrafemme (a regional chain similar to Sephora) along with some of the swankiest shops in town. At Hermès, a simple (albeit chic) beach towel can be obtained for a cool US$800. On the second floor, several art galleries and social media–ready backdrops beckon, primed for your next selfie.

Marina Puerto Cancún: This upscale local mall sits at the northern edge of the Hotel Zone, where you can watch yachts dock and families stroll as you shop. There are community events on the center deck, ranging from yoga and Pilates to a farmers market and bazaar of local makers and small-business owners, depending on when you visit. It’s also a convenient stop on the way to several trending restaurants in Cancún’s Puerto Juárez neighborhood.

Grand Outlet Riviera Maya: Immediately south of Cancún is the GO outlet mall. It’s home to a wide range of stores (though the discounts aren’t always all that discount-y), but the indoor activities are what really shine. Within the arcade Intrépoli, you’ll find laser tag, go-karting, rock climbing, mini golf, and more, plus a bar for thirsty parents to post up. Also within the outlet complex are an ice skating rink, drag racing track, and a Hello Kitty–themed cafe.

A Shopping Day Trip to the Riviera Maya

Playa del Carmen, located just more than 40 miles south of Cancún, is a great place to shop, too. The resort town’s main drag, Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), is lined with local boutiques and well-known brands. It also offers some lively entertainment from the mix of talented buskers and hired bands.

Prices on Quinta Avenida can be a little inflated, depending on where you look, but hidden gems abound. It’s possible to nab a pair of handmade canvas sneakers, decorated with an alebrije (colorful creatures believed in Mexico to be spirit guides) design from artisanal footwear shop Rarámuri Calzado Artesanal. For actual alebrije folk art and other genuine craftsmanship, check out Sol Jaguar, home to a well-curated collection straight from Oaxaca.

Popular malls include Quinta Alegría, which has a Formula 1 driving simulation experience (and official merch); Paseo del Carmen, where you can find well-priced quality swimwear; and Calle Corazón, home to some great photo ops and restaurants alike.

Cancún

Where to Stay:

Take a dream vacation to Mexico. Boasting more than just beaches and oceanfront fun, Cancún has a history behind it that’s a fascinating deep dive to round out any vacation. The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort is a beachside gem with direct access to the cool ocean waters. If you’re looking for fun at your resort, The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancún, has refreshing on-site pools with easy access to pool bars and restaurants.

Jenny Hart is an American travel writer, advisor, and expert based in Mexico. She specializes in covering Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean, but will happily chase a great story around the globe.