Mercado 23, Cancun

Mercado 23 stands as the oldest among a series of markets in Cancun. The market seems frozen in time since its inception back in the 1970s. It resembles a sprawling open-air flea market, featuring vendors occupying a variety of stalls, both indoors and along the outer edges. These stalls offer a diverse range of goods, including household items like mops and detergents, school supplies, piñatas, candies, party supplies, pet food, grains, pottery and handcrafted items, fresh flowers, herbs, as well as locally grown aromatic vegetables and fruits.

The market operates seven days a week, welcoming visitors from 7 AM until dusk. It serves as a one-stop shop for locals, not just for shopping but also for practical needs like getting haircuts and repairing tires. There's even a stand specializing in herbal products (similar to a botanica) for curing various ailments, which might be considered an early version of a general merchandise store. You'll also find stores catering to footwear needs of all sizes.

One of the main attractions of Mercado 23, especially for food enthusiasts, is the delightful array of cooked dishes prepared by vendors hailing from different regions of Mexico. They bring with them recipes from their respective hometowns and states, adding a diverse and rich culinary experience to the market.

If you're on the hunt for affordable souvenirs, this market should be your go-to destination. Here, you'll discover the same products available in the more upscale "Hotel Zone," but at a fraction of the price. Additionally, if you're planning an extended stay in Cancun and require fresh produce, Mercado 23 is a worthwhile alternative to the supermarkets in town.