Cancun's most authentic local market with fresh produce, herbs, local crafts, and a section of antojito food stalls. Far less touristy than Mercado 28.
Mercado 23 sits on Avenida Tulum near Cedro in Ciudad Cancun and functions primarily as a neighborhood market for residents rather than a tourist bazaar, which sets it apart from the more polished stalls at Mercado 28. Vendors here sell fresh produce, herbs, spices, meat, and household goods alongside a handful of craft and clothing stalls, with the bulk of the market oriented toward daily life in Cancun rather than souvenirs. The mix of authentic versus tourist-trinket goods leans heavily toward authentic, since most of what is sold is intended for locals, though a small section near the entrance carries embroidered clothing and handicrafts aimed at visitors. Prices are largely fixed for food items, but light bargaining is still workable on crafts and clothing; cash in pesos is the standard and near-universal payment method, and there is no tax-refund process at this kind of informal market. The atmosphere is lively and unpolished, with narrow aisles between produce stands and a cluster of antojito stalls serving tacos, tortas, and fresh juices that make the market a popular lunch stop for locals. The food stall section toward the market's center is the must-visit corner, offering some of the most affordable and authentic meals in downtown Cancun.
Highlights
- Authentic local market experience away from tourist zones
- Fresh produce, herbs, and spice stalls
- Antojito food stalls serving tacos and tortas
- Small handicraft and embroidered clothing section
- Popular lunch spot for Cancun residents
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning when produce and food stalls are freshest and busiest
- Bring small bills and coins in pesos, since most vendors deal in cash only
- Light bargaining works on crafts and clothing but not on fresh food items
- Try the antojito stalls near the center for an inexpensive, authentic lunch
- Weekday mornings are quieter than weekend mornings, when locals shop in larger numbers
Frequently asked questions
Is Mercado 23 touristy like Mercado 28?
No, Mercado 23 caters mainly to Cancun residents with produce and household goods, making it a more authentic local market experience with fewer souvenir stalls.
Can visitors bargain at Mercado 23?
Bargaining is generally accepted for crafts and clothing stalls, but fresh food and produce prices are typically fixed.
What is the best reason to visit Mercado 23?
The food stalls at the market's center serve some of the most affordable and authentic local meals in downtown Cancun.