Mercado 28
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
This long-standing flea market is a great spot for local Mexican handicrafts and souvenirs, just a short bus ride from Cancun's Hotel Zone. Here you'll find loads of colorful stalls selling gifts, t-shirts, dresses, tequila, and food—haggling is the norm here so have some fun trying to get yourself the best bargains. You'll be able to find some cool local gems too, like ceramics, leather goods, jewelry, and other handicrafts. You can visit Mercado 28 on a shopping or city tour of Cancun, which often includes a stop here. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • morgajoh
    Denver, Colorado1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Safe taste of Mexico
    This is the perfect balance of experiencing local Mexico without going too far off the beaten path. Very safe but of course stick to daytime. Take an Uber for cheap and convenient transportation. For the people giving low ratings and referencing aggressive vendors I ask, "Have you ever left America?". Yes vendors will constantly ask you to come to their shop and trying to sell you. They are also very nice and not a single one bothered me after simplying replying "No gracias". Yes you will be saying that a lot. Only other thing to remember is this is a haggle zone. Never pay more than half of what they offer. If this sounds distasteful to you then its just not your cup of tea and you should probably stick to the resort.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 29, 2023
  • James E
    Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom40 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good shopping experience with a bit fun and bartering
    We visited the market as a family of 5 during our stay in the Cancun area recently and had a good time. The people who worked at the market were kind, and wanted to have a bit of fun. It is a bit repetitive from stall to stall but we had a good look around bought some tourist bits. Definitely worth the trip, a lot cheaper than shop at hotel.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written November 6, 2023
  • Samantha B
    Cowdenbeath, United Kingdom229 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Okay
    Markets selling similar items thought out. Bought a gift which I suggest was way more than what it was worth but that tourism for you. If you like to be hassled every moment then this is the place for you. I would rather walk around and purchase at my own leisure. As the market can be a tad annoying.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 15, 2023
  • Darrel B
    102 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good experience and remember a polite no thank you goes a long way
    Ensure you are at the Mercado 28 and not Plaza28 several streets away. There are plenty of vendors walk through the market getting a feel for the prices. Should you decide to buy something - bartering is expected and if you do not come to a agreement politely say no thank you. As for the restaurants go elsewhere
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 19, 2023
  • bry6140
    Henderson, Kentucky19 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Greed fuels this place
    Be cautious going to the market it is a great experience and you can find some good deals. Most merchants are fairly honest. But remember they are trying to make a living And they want as much money as they can get out of you for the item. Most of the honest merchants will barter with you there are some that will try and take advantage of you so beware and follow your best instincts. Explore this place with caution and enjoy the culture of greed.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 29, 2023
  • Chi A.
    Dallas, Texas8 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mercado 28- One time only
    The items in the shop are repetitive and this market is very confusing to get to when taking the bus. We had to walk an extra 20 minutes after being dropped off just to get to this market. A lot of pressure to buy items that we didn’t need. But the sellers were nice. TBH I found better gifts at the Cancun Airport. I wouldn’t visit here again.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written December 12, 2023
  • Edgar312
    Chicago, Illinois100 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Decent flea market
    Vendors seem cheaper than the shops on the hotel zone, but they are just as aggressive at trying to get you to buy stuff. Caveat emptor. The food options are okay, but the waiter we had kept trying to push selling excursions on us which didn't make for a nice an relaxing meal. Bathrooms cost $10 and are somewhat clean.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 6, 2024
  • Frederick Uceda
    Westborough, Massachusetts174 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Buy in bulk & negotiate
    This place is massive! It's about a $10 Uber ride from the Hotel Zone. Many of the shops sell the same things but if you are looking for something specific, just tell them, they are very helpful and will take you to where you can find what you are looking for. I found prices here to be half of the price at the Hotel Zone. Also helpful is to buy in bulk from one shop and negotiate a better price, I found that I saved money that way. I also stopped by to grab food and an horchata which was good. Just know, EVERYBODY is hustling here, they are all actively trying to get you to buy from them but I found everyone to be nice and respectful and it was a great change from the Hotel Zone insanity.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written February 13, 2024
  • Cozy Point Retreat
    Municipality of Clare, Canada9 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Market 28, “ Mercado, 28”, Read before visiting….
    Mercado 28 is a hard-core tourist market, the people here will be somewhat aggressive with tourist in order to get a sale…. Most likely if you take a taxi ride there, you will initially be funnelled through a jewellery store where the people are very persistent when trying to get a sale from you! “this tactic had been used on us at this location on previous occasions” We tried to purchase alcohol at this market, and every bottle that was shown to us had previously been opened, shoppers beware…. Important: please memorize these words in order not to be hassled by the patrons “por favor no nos molestes” which simply means please don’t bother us… Never pay first price offered!!!!! Safe travels….
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 15, 2024
  • restaurantworker1986
    London, United Kingdom17 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unplesant
    Big market and selling some nice enough souvenirs etc but I didn't end up buying much. You can't even look at something or walk though without being hounded by the shop owners. If you do buy anything don't pay more than half what they are asking for it.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

3.0
3.0 of 5 bubbles2,798 reviews
Excellent
450
Very good
761
Average
744
Poor
330
Terrible
513

richardalcorn15
Cagayan de Oro, Philippines7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020 • Solo
They have great deals on t-shirts, souvenirs, and silver jewelry. Every vendor asks you to come in their store, which can get annoying. But great deals can be had, never be scared of bargaining. Do not ever buy Tequila there, the prices are 2-3 times what you pay at Walmart or the liquor store called La Europa. Check the quality of the shirts and ask how much they are before picking up a bunch and then asking the price. Also, as mentioned before. If you take the bus there, which costs like 50 cents, they drop you off at a pink building. That is not where you want to go, even though they have nice merchandise, the prices are higher. The actual market is a quick 1-2 minute walk up the road.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hollowayrk
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
Visited this market while on a family vacation. The place is huge and has many different vendor booths that have all sorts of items. We were looking for specifically dresses for our daughters and a beach hat, both of which we found pretty quickly. The vendors here will haggle with you and it's part of the culture, so be ready to negotiate or you will overpay.

If you like these big, swap meet type markets like I do, you will really enjoy this place. They do also have lots of places to eat here, but it is really big, so if you really want to browse / shop, give yourself lots of time.

Also, if you are taking the bus, beware, as they drop you off at Plaza 28, not Market / Mercado 28 which is a tourist trap. High pressure sales and basically one big store. Get off the bus then walk a few blocks to the real Mercado 28. Less than a 5 minute walk and very safe.

Unfortunately, a lot of the reviews I have seen for Mercado 28 should have actually been for the more tourist trap type place, Plaza 28, where the bus drops you off.

So again, great market with tons of booths and vendors to visit but have time on your side, the place is giant. Avoid Plaza 28, go to Market 28 which is the real deal.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kevingoins
8 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
If you google Market 28 it will not take you to the actual market. I uploaded a pic on where the actual market is, make your way to the center of that. Market 28 is mostly open air/ outdoor market with lots of stalls. Avoid the orange buildings claiming to be them. Avoid men trying to show you the way to the market, they still do not take you there and they want a tip.

Everyone, I repeat EVERYONE is trying to get you to enter their stalls and buy something and everyone is pushy. Be prepared to say no a lot. Do not buy from the first person you see.... read that again and follow it. You can usually find a better deal towards the middle. My first stop was a guy trying to sell me a decanter set for 1800 when my hotel gift shop had a similar one for 1200 and a shop in the center had an actual price tag on it for 800. Make sure you try the food there, they have a nice set up in the middle and you will not be disappointed.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dsherwood59
Boiling Spring Lakes, NC50 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Couples
We shopped at a variety of places in Cancun on vacation. Some of those I would recommend are Walmart (plenty of souvenirs in store), and the flee markets.

From now on we will avoid Market 28, as we know it by name. It is also Mercado 28 . . . Plaza 28.

We bought tequila and jewelry there. You've heard the phrase . . . "They saw us comin.'" Well , they did. And, in the end we have no one to blame but ourselves. But, I wanted to write this review in the event it will spare someone else.

First, if you go, take a calculator and figure the conversion rate when they try to sell you something. We were told one conversion rate and total cost in US dollars and it showed up on our credit card for $150 more than what they said. As the week went on we found a place where we could have the exact same brands for 1/3 the cost.

And then , my wife bought jewelry which was pretty costly, in the context that they were authentic Mayan gems. Though, still looking nice, they are not. And, I am confident we over paid for the jewelry as well.

All in all, we can only blame ourselves. But, we will NOT have to re-learn that lesson.

I for one, WILL NOT set foot in Market 28 again!
Written November 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alex
Toledo, OH18 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
Took the bus from the hotel zone (R2 or R1) for $12 peso ($.063 USD) and asked for Market 23 but got dropped off at the front door of Market 28. Decided to check it out even though we already knew it was a trap. Before you even get off the bus they heard you in and try to get you to try some tequila.

It was very difficult to shake them when you just want to browse. The second you touch something they push for you to put it in the basket and buy it. They have the typical tourist souvenirs available, magnets, shot glasses, and tshirts. The prices are very expensive, and even our resort gift shop was up to half the price. Probably priced more to haggle down the l but still. Purchased an item so we could leave without feeling pressured to stay.

Our goal was to go to Market 23 which is a “local” spot which has food and less pressure and better prices. I’d save yourself the trip to Market 28 and just get the same stuff at your resort or airport for less and no haggling.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

djemme
1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 • Solo
Be in the mood. It is utterly impossible to just "browse" anywhere without people coming at you from all directions. Most of the restaurants in the center are quite good, too, but again, if you want to weigh your options, be prepared to do so with people coming at you with menus. Should you choose to sit down and eat, you are also likely to be serenaded by a mariachi band.

Again, this can be fun if you are in the mood but if you just want to relax and eat some good authentic Yucatecan, there is a restaurant just outside the market called Emara that is delicious and is a local Mexican favorite. I am writing my review from here.

Speaking some Spanish will get you much further buying in the market, unless paying the "tourist price" doesn't bother you. Most know enough English to sell you things, some know more. One younger one even tried batting his eyelashes, lol.
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paul W
Amarillo, TX192 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
A little shop at the end of the shopping center named “Smoker Stylish Havana” with a canopy in front that reads “CIGARS / TABAQUERI”. This guy will educate you on how to see the difference in the real Cohiba cigars compared to the fakes found a couple doors down and various other places! His prices are also very fair...I bought a box of Cohiba Siglo VI for $400, plus 10 of his own brand that he makes, and he gave me a nice discount for paying partially in cash. He does now take credit as well. This was my third time here and I will be back!! (See my photos)
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andrea M
7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 • Family
Trust me, we got told this was a good place to go for artisan gifts at local prices. This is a place for the locals to jack up prices to more than three times what they are worth and it’s geared toward tourist. Unless you don’t care about how much money you spend, stay away from here. Then the vendors get mad when you tell them you don’t want to buy anything and will treat you rudely. Taxi will drop you off in front of the large jewelry store and the jewelry store people will tell you to go eat at the restaurant called El Habanero (also stay away, two of our friend’s girls got sick stomachs after drinking their virgin pina coladas and the chips they serve with the guacamole are hard and stale).
Written December 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LisboetaAbroad
Leesburg, VA476 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
I read plenty of reviews before deciding whether or not to visit Mercado 28. After checking with our hotel concierge, we decided that it was worth the try and safe enough. I am so glad we went! Yes, vendors are persistent and will chat away, but no one was disrespectful or scary in the attempts to sell us stuff. We arrived at 9am, as they were opening, so we beat the crowds but were also the sole shoppers so had to move quickly and be clear with our intentions. As soon as you engage, they will become more persistant so decide the approach you're comfortable with. We negotiated on a few items like a dress and some Mayan calendars, but paid the asked price on smaller items like coin purses and bracelets. We did not venture into the jewelry or tequila purchases, exactly because we did not want the hassle. We also booked a tour at Perez Tours stand and do not recommend you do the same. Service seemed lovely but the trip to Isla Mujeres was a logistic nightmare. All in all, this is an interesting stop if you like a taste of local life. Vendors we spoke with (mostly in Spanish) were pleasant and not as pushy as described by some visitors. We never felt threatened or unsafe. Got at a taxi at the end of our visit and all went well!
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Allison M
Paso Robles, CA10 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2021 • Friends
Buyer beware at this scam artist shop. These guys are complete con artists- overpriced on every single item and questionable authenticity on all gemstones.
Silver jewelry should always be stamped. Silver jewelry should also be weighed in front of buyer to determine value. These guys do not do this and instead price merchandise simply based on what they think patrons will pay.
As a long time collector/purchaser of Mexican silver jewelry I couldn’t get out of here fast enough. I feel sorry for the people paying hundreds of dollars for $40 dollar pieces..... if they are even genuine....
The store is a good location but save yourself the headache, smarmy sales people and protect your pocket book by not going.
Written February 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Mercado 28 - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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