8 Best Markets in Playa del Carmen

Taking place every Saturday, Playa del Carmen's Sabado de Tianguis Market is a lively celebration of local produce, traditional Mexican edibles, craft workshops, and literature readings in lush, palm-filled surroundings. Situated in Parque La Ceiba, one of the town's most popular green spaces, this weekend event is a hit with visitors, as well as Playa’s friendly locals.

Venture further into the park, away from the market’s entrepreneurial vendors, and discover giant hand-painted sculptures including a colorful toucan, a psychedelic cow, and a family of rainbow-hued macaws. If you're feeling hungry, head to the nearby Alux Restaurant for contemporary Mexican cuisine in a vast underground cave, complete with rustic seating under the stalactites and an extraordinary wine cellar.

Every Sunday, on the northerly avenues of Playa del Carmen, you'll find the bustling Sunday Market. Folk come here to shop exotic tropical fruits, flamboyant jewelry, vintage clothing, and discount colognes, before treating themselves to tacos for as little as 20 pesos.

Bargain hunters are advised to delve a little deeper to uncover gorgeous artisan treasures like colorful woven blankets, ornate Day of the Dead skulls, and handblown Margarita glasses. You can also get inked with intricate henna designs and real-deal tattoos from one of the market’s body art vendors.

Just a few blocks from Playa del Carmen's glamorous beach, you'll find Plaza Municipal Night Market, an effervescent hub of creativity set in Palacio Municipal Square. Each weekend, this picturesque green space showcases perfumed soaps, hand-harvested herbs, and gourmet honey (amongst other items) under rows of bright-white tents.

Once you've mingled with the locals and splashed a little cash, sample delicious Mexican street food like marquesita (a Yucatan crepe stuffed with edam cheese or chocolate) and tacos de cochinita pibil (made with succulent fiery pork). For something sweet, stop by Cholao Playa, a popular dessert bar on the edge of the plaza, which serves refreshing, tropical snow cones layered with passionfruit and pineapple.

La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) is an atmospheric city street that woos punters with its eclectic retail, charismatic restaurants, and show-stopping street performers. While not a traditional market, so to speak, this vivacious strip teems with affordable souvenirs like magnets, sombreros, and colorful t-shirts.

Foodies should reserve a table at Aldea Corazón, a La Quinta Avenida restaurant that dishes up authentic Mexican cuisine in a pretty al fresco setting, enhanced by a rippling natural pool and glossy green palms. Alternatively, Las Camelias draws diners with its tiki-style exterior, juicy steaks and seafood, and handcrafted margaritas made with regional mezcal.

El Jardin de Todas, or The Garden of All, is an intriguing mishmash of concepts. It’s a community center, urban oasis, and inclusive events platform that celebrates sustainable living and unbridled creativity in the backyard of Beatriz Urtuzuastegui. Throughout the week, this charismatic venue hosts art projects, movie nights, and educational workshops, as well as a vibrant little eco market that takes place every Friday.

Be aware: this is not your regular market where money is exchanged for goods; rather it employs an old-school system of bartering which encourages open communication. Here, you can swap handmade goods and organic produce with a motley crew of friendly sellers who have infused this outdoor bazaar with a real sense of community.

Set in a traditional Mexican plaza, El Pueblito Mayakoba Farmer's Market draws crowds with its locally sourced fruit and vegetables, elegant epicurean products, and authentic Mexican street food. Stroll the cobbles and feast on tasty regional dishes while taking in scintillating performances from groups of roving street musicians.

Afterward, peruse the square's more permanent shops including La Fondita (which specializes in tostadas and mezcal) and Pan Dulce (a traditional Hispanic bakery selling mouthwatering baked goods). Don't miss out on the plaza's mission-style chapel which features a whitewashed exterior and a rustic wooden door. It’s the perfect place to take an Instagram photo.

Located in an upscale gated community, El Arbol Playacar (The Playacar Tree) Market charms once a week with its abundance of organic produce and appetizing treats. You’ll find kombucha (a fermented sweet black tea), organic free-range eggs, and bread baked fresh in a wood oven. Those looking for non-edible items will love coming here for the impressive selection of clothing, plants, and natural cosmetics, as well as handmade Mexican dolls.

El Arbol Playacar is awash with flamboyant street musicians that serenade shoppers with harmonious tunes while they peruse the many stalls. This exclusive neighborhood is also home to a number of fine-dining restaurants that are definitely worth a visit like Terraza Grill, Agave, Santo Rolo, and Il Piemonte.

Beloved by expats and locals alike, Coco Beach Eco Market is set around a glistening turquoise swimming pool in the Les Alizes apartment complex. It serves a dazzling selection of healthy dishes made by talented local cooks. Shaded by palm trees and punctuated with exotic tiki cabanas, the market also offers crystals and gemstones, lush green houseplants, unique home decor, and artisan jewelry. 

Afterward, splash about in the water at Playa Coco Beach, or head to one of the neighborhood’s characterful Latino restaurants for a gastro experience you’ll never forget. Try La Bodeguita del Medio for its aromatic Cuban cuisine and handmade mojitos, as well as live music and dancing after the sun sets.