15 Best Places for Shopping in Cancun, Mexico in 2023
Did you know that there is tons of great shopping in Cancun? If you need to take a break from the sunny beaches, there is no shortage of malls to check out.
Whether you are looking for luxury brands, want to find a great deal at outlets, or need to pick up some souvenirs, you can find them in Cancun.
There are so many malls you could spend your entire vacation shopping- or just use this guide to point you in the direction of the shops you want. Keep reading to learn about the major shopping centers in Cancun.
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Map of Shopping Areas in Cancun
Best places for shopping in Cancun – Downtown
There are shopping malls all over the Cancun Hotel Zone and downtown. No matter where you stay in Cancun, you will be close to shopping. Below are the best places to shop in Cancun.
#1 Plaza Las Americas and Malecon Americas (Downtown)
Malecon Americas and Plaza Las Americas are actually two Malls merged together, located in downtown Cancun, near the entrance to the Hotel Zone.
They may look like two different malls but it’s basically one huge shopping center so I will include both of them in one section.
Here you will find a variety of different international and national brands of clothing stores. There are also furniture, shoe, book, and music stores.
There are plenty of options for food to eat at Malecon Americas. There is a large food court as well as a variety of international chain restaurants.
When you need a break from shopping you can check out the arcade and trampoline park.
Huge parking is located beneath and comes at a cost per hour.
Opening Hours – Malecon Americas is open every day from 10 am to 10 pm
Locations – It is located on Avenida Bonampak. View on Google Maps.
#2 Mercado 28 (Downtown)
Mercado 28 is located in downtown Cancun not far from the beginning of the Avenida Kukulkan that leads to the Hotel Zone. This busy flea market is a labyrinth of shops and stalls selling all sorts of Mexican products.
This is where you can find some souvenir shopping in Cancun.
You can find colorful blankets, embroidered clothing, colorful pottery, and artisanal products- basically all the great Mexican products you could want!
Prices are not marked on any of the products here, so be prepared to negotiate prices with the vendors.
Take your time looking through the stalls, many sell similar products so you can shop around for the best price.
All the shopping and negotiating will probably make you hungry and be sure to check out the food stands and small restaurants.
Here you can really eat like a local and try regional dishes.
It is a good idea to use cash for your shopping here, and remember if a deal on alcohol or jewelry seems way too good to be true- it probably is.
Opening Hours: Mercado 28 is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm.
Location – View on Google Maps
#3 Las Plazas Outlet (Downtown)
This open-air discount mall is home to several international brands such as Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein, and many others.
In addition to all the shops, there is a movie theatre and coffee shops, and restaurants.
This is Cancun’s only outlet mall, so if you are trying to find some good deals, try shopping here.
Opening Hours: 11 am – 10 pm
Location: Las Plazas Outlet is located off of Andres Quintana Roo avenue in downtown Cancun. View on Maps.
#4 Mercado 23
Mercado 23 is located at the intersection of Avenida Tulum and Avenida Chichen Itza in downtown Cancun.
If you want to get a look at local culture and see how Cancun residents shop- this is a must-visit for you.
Mercado 23 is not as touristy as other markets in town. The outside of the market has some souvenir shops, but the inside is full of fresh produce, cheese, and meats.
This is a spot many locals visit to shop for their households. You can find a larger variety of local produce than major supermarkets will have, and the products are usually more affordable too.
Make sure to come hungry and stop to eat some tacos at one of the small restaurants.
Opening Hours: 11 am – 10 pm
Location: View on Google Maps
#5 Avenida Tulum / Tulum Avenue (Downtown)
Avenida Tulum is one of the main roads that stretch across downtown Cancun. It is lined with shopping centers, small shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes.
It’s kind of decadent in a way and with a lot of traffic in the center. However, the lateral walkways are quite spacious and interesting to walk on. Just stay on the alert for pickpocketers.
If you are looking for souvenirs and Mexican products, you can find plenty of shops selling that too. It can be fun to get away from the hotel zone and see a different part of the city.
The most interesting part is from Plaza Las Americas to ADO bust station. There you will also find banks, car rentals, and local restaurants.
Also, Hotel Salinas and its coworking space are located right in front of the ADO bus station.
The best Shopping Malls in Cancun Hotel Zone
#6 La Isla Shopping Village / La Isla Paradise Experience (Hotel Zone)
La Isla Shopping Village is probably the most visited shopping outlet in Cancun- and for good reason. La Isla has well over 100 different stores, but there is more to do there than just shop.
The shopping center has an open-air layout, complete with water canals to walk around.
In addition to a huge variety of international, and regional brands, most of them are suitable for luxury shopping there are restaurants, a movie theatre, and a wax museum to visit.
You can find everything from international fast-food brands to upscale restaurants.
When you finish your shopping you can enjoy a gondola ride on the canals or go up on the Ferris wheel for amazing views.
La Isla also has different things you might need during your visit to Cancun, including pharmacies, places to exchange money, car rental offices, and tour operators.
Also at La Isla, you will find some of the top restaurants in the Hotel Zone.
Amongst the international brands, you will find Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana, DJI, Massimo Dutti, Victoria’s Secret, and many more.
Local tip: I love to go to La Isla at the end of the day to watch the sunset on the Nichupte Lagoon. It’s spectacular.
Opening Hours – La Isla is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm
Location – La Isla is located at a KM 12.5 in the Cancun Hotel Zone. View on Google Maps.
#7 Puerto Cancun Marina Town Center (Hotel Zone)
Marina Town Center is one of the newest shopping centers in Cancun and the most luxurious.
It is located in an area called Puerto Cancun, which is in the Hotel Zone, just a kilometer and a half from downtown.
In addition to clothing and shoe stores, you can find a huge variety of different restaurants. You can find everything from ice cream to pizza to gourmet restaurants.
Marina Town Cancun is not just for shopping, there is a gym, trampoline park, mini golf, ziplining, and a climbing wall too!
It’s also home to the high-end Renaissance Cancun Resort and Marina.
Opening Hours – Puerto Cancun shopping center also has a marina and is open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 11 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to midnight.
Location: Located in Puerto Cancun Marina at the beginning of Avenida Kululcan on the way to the Hotel Zone. View on Google Maps
#8 Coral Negro Flea Market (Hotel Zone)
Mercado Coral Nego is one of the best places to buy souvenirs, trinkets, and Mexican sweets. It is the only flea market located in the Hotel Zone, and it is located near the Forum by the Sea shopping center.
Here you will find a seemingly endless supply of T-shirts, keychains, and baseball hats.
Among all the typical souvenirs, you can find traditional Mexican goods.
The market has Mexican pottery painted with bright colors, traditional Mexican clothing, hammocks, and even jewelry stores.
If you are patient while looking around, there are some amazing finds to be had here. When you shop here be prepared to haggle with vendors over prices, just remember to always be respectful.
Opening Hours – The Coral Negro market is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm.
Location – Right in front of the Party area in Cancun Hotel Zone – View on Google Maps
#9 Kukulcan Plaza (Hotel Zone)
Kukulcan Plaza is located at kilometer 13 in the Hotel Zone at only half a mile from plaza La Isla.
This is a good place to shop for clothing, sunglasses, and jewelry. Motorcycle fans can check out the Harley Davidson shop.
If you are hungry you can grab something to eat at the different restaurants.
Kukulcan Plaza is less crowded than some of the bigger shopping centers, which can make it more relaxing to stroll around and shop leisurely.
On the other end, you don’t find as many shops as in the other above-mentioned malls. If you need grocery shopping too, there is a Soriana on the upper level.
Kukulkan Plaza is attached to Luxury Avenue Mall (see info here below).
It is also located right behind one of the most beautiful beaches in Cancun.
Opening Hours – It is open daily from 7 am to 11 pm.
Location – km 13.5 Hotel Zone – View on Google Maps.
#10 Luxury Avenue (Hotel Zone)
The name says it all – if you are looking for a luxury shopping experience, this is the place for you. This shopping center has international high-end brands such as Cartier, Rolex, Carolina Herrera, and Montblanc among others.
The shopping center has watchmaker services, a high-end nail salon, and valet parking, besides art galleries and an elegant cafè.
Luxury Avenue also hosts different art and fashion events throughout the year. If you plan a trip there, be prepared for the high prices associated with luxury brands.
Opening Hours: Open Monday to Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm.
Location: Luxury Avenue is located at km 13.5 in the Hotel Zone. View on Google Maps.
#11 Forum by the sea (Hotel Zone)
Forum Cancun shopping center is located in the hotel zone at kilometer 9.5. This shopping center is at the center of the Cancun party zone, right next to Coco Bongo.
More than shops, in this area you will find lots of bars and restaurants that are open into the night. There are also several shops that sell beachwear and sunglasses.
If you want to pick up a few souvenirs, though, the coral negro shopping center is located right in front of it.
Also right there you have the Coco Bongo Beach Party and the Hard Rock Cafe Beach Club.
Opening Hours – 10 am–3 am
Location – Boulevard Kukulkan Cancun – View on Google Maps.
#12 Plaza la Fiesta (Hotel Zone)
Plaza la Fiesta is located at kilometer 9 in the Cancun Hotel Zone, right in front of Mercado Coral Negro and Forum by the sea.
If you are looking for a place where you can shop for all the Mexican products you want in one location- this is it!
Plaza la Fiesta has everything you could want to take home with you from your trip- handmade artisanal products, leather, embroidered clothing, and textiles.
You can also find Mexican consumables such as vanilla, spices, and Tequila. All products have their prices clearly displayed, so do not expect, or try, to get lower prices.
Plaza la Fiesta will package breakable items for you so they are easier to transport home.
Opening Hours – It is open daily from 9 am to 11 pm.
Location – View on Google Maps
#13 Fashion Harbour (Hotel Zone)
Located next to La Isla shopping center, the Fashion Harbour shopping center is home to prestigious designer brands.
The area is also equipped with a dock, so you can arrive by boat or yacht. Fashion Harbour has international high-end shopping with stores such as Gucci, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, and Ferragamo among many others.
If these brands are too expensive for your taste, you can still enjoy window shopping from the pristine walkways.
There are several high-end restaurants at Fashion Harbour that have great views of the lagoon.
Opening Hours: Fashion Harbour is open daily from 10 am to 11 pm.
Location: View on Google Maps
#14 Plaza Caracol (Hotel Zone)
Plaza Caracol is one of the oldest shopping centers in the Cancun Hotel Zone and in my opinion one of the saddest nowadays.
It’s always empty and it feels like a ghost town. I wanted to include it here for the sake of information.
In fact, if you are staying in a hotel nearby and you need to quickly pick up a souvenir to take home, you have this option. But it’s not the best one.
If you want a relaxing shopping experience, this is a great place to check out. You can find souvenirs, jewelry, perfumes, and a variety of clothing shops.
There is an ice cream shop and coffee shops in the mall to enjoy too.
Opening hours – Plaza Caracol is open daily from 10 am to 10:30 pm.
Location: It is located at KM 8.5 – View on Google Maps.
Tips for Shopping in Cancun
✅ Make sure you know the exchange rate
Dealing with foreign currency can be confusing. Help yourself have a clear idea of how much items cost by knowing the exchange rate and if you need to, use your phone as a calculator. This will help you know exactly how much you are spending.
✅ Know the prices in your home town so you can compare
If you are shopping at international stores, it is a good idea to have an idea of how much an item you are interested in costs at home, so you can know if you are buying at a comparable price to what you would pay at home.
✅ Apply for tax return
As a tourist, you are entitled to shop at many stores duty-free. This means you can get the 8.9% tax back on certain items purchased from participating stores.
When you shop at the “tax back” stores, you will be reimbursed the sales tax on purchases over 1,200 pesos.
Many stores have a “tax back” sticker on the outside, or you can ask an employee if they participate in this program.
To get your money back you need to keep the receipt and go to the Money Back counter at the airport with the receipt, your boarding pass, and your passport.
If you do a lot of shopping at tax-back stores, just remember to budget extra time at the Cancun airport to get your money reimbursed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shopping in Cancun cheap?
It depends on what you are looking for. Cancun has everything from cheap souvenirs to designer brands.
International luxury brands will be as expensive as they are in other parts of the world.
And especially for electronics or Camera, it is much cheaper to shop in the US.
If you shop around you can find great deals on quality Mexican products.
Is Cancun good for shopping?
Yes, no matter what you are looking for, Cancun has it! Cancun has several different malls with international, national, and regional brands.
There are several malls where you can do your shopping in the Hotel Zone, or you can visit downtown Cancun to shop like a local.
Does Cancun have designer stores?
Yes, there are plenty of options for luxury shopping in Cancun. If you are looking for high-end designer brands, you should check out Luxury Avenue and Fashion Harbour.
Is it worth going to downtown Cancun?
Yes, if you have the time, it is worth it to go to downtown Cancun. There are several shopping centers, including the only discount retail outlet mall in the area, in downtown Cancun.
If you want authentic and cheap, food options, check out the markets.
Are clothes cheaper in Mexico?
It depends on what kind of clothing you are looking for. International name-brand clothing items will cost about the same as they do everywhere else in the world.
If you are looking for leather items or handmade, embroidered shirts and dresses you can find great prices for quality products.
There are also several national clothing store chains that you will find in Cancun shopping centers that have affordable clothing options.
Do stores in Cancun accept US dollars?
Many stores accept US dollars. This does not mean that using dollars is a great idea though.
Stores set their own exchange rate, which should be posted in a visible location, and you may not get a very favorable exchange rate.
If you have dollars you may be better off exchanging them before doing your shopping or using a debit or credit card – depending on if your card has foreign transaction fees.
Where should I exchange my money in Cancun?
You will find currency exchange booths all over Cancun. A great way to get a good exchange rate is to withdraw money at an ATM.
Make sure to use a bank atm that is not a free-standing machine on the street to get the best rates.
Also avoid using the ATM at night and in isolated areas to be safe.
What Is Mexico famous for its shopping?
Mexico is known for having colorful handicrafts that tourists want to take home with them.
The most popular items to purchase in Mexico are leather items, hand-blown glassware, colorful art, leather, embroidered textiles, and tequila.
As Cancun has grown, shopping has expanded from the typical souvenirs to include international brands and high-end stores.
Now, Cancun is a great destination for any type of shopping you would like to do.
Is Zara more expensive in Mexico?
Yes, Zara prices are comparable to or more expensive in Mexico than in Spain.
What items are more expensive in Mexico?
High-end electronics are more expensive in Mexico than in the United States.
Is Jewelry cheaper in Mexico?
Mexico is known for its silver production. You can find great deals on silver jewelry. If you are buying precious stones, be careful to make sure that you are getting what you pay for.
Shopping in Cancun: Final Thoughts
If you need a break from the beach, or just really love to shop, Cancun has what you are looking for. From souvenirs to Mexican products to luxury brands, Cancun has a shopping center that will help you find what you are looking for.
Just remember to leave plenty of space in your suitcase to get all your purchases home with you!
About the Author
Hey there! This is Isabella, the owner, and writer of this site. I have been living in Cancun for the past 12 years and although I have been roaming around Mexico, Cancun’s spectacular turquoise waters and pristine beach draw me back to this popular Mexican beach destination. That is why I decided to start this blog, to show you all the beauty you can find in Cancun and share helpful travel tips to help you plan a fabulous vacation in Cancun!