Market 23

Mercado 23 (Market 23) is a traditional Mexican public market on Calle Jabin in downtown Cancun's Supermanzana 23. Unlike the heavily touristed Mercado 28, Market 23 serves primarily local families, which means lower prices, more authentic merchandise, and a genuine window into daily Mexican commercial life.

The market is organized into sections covering produce, meat, prepared food, household goods, clothing, crafts, and specialty items. For families, the crafts and goods section offers handmade Mexican souvenirs at prices significantly lower than the Hotel Zone or even Mercado 28: woven hammocks, embroidered textiles, leather goods, pottery, wooden carvings, and silver jewelry.

Kids are drawn to specific items that are iconic Mexican purchases: lucha libre masks (the colorful wrestling masks that are a Mexican cultural icon), piatas in every shape and character imaginable, traditional wooden toys, Mexican candy in bulk, and handmade dolls. These items cost a fraction of what tourist shops charge, and the quality from market artisans is often better.

The food stalls at Market 23 are a destination on their own. The cocinas (kitchens) at the back of the market serve complete traditional meals — comida corrida (set lunch) with soup, main course, drink, and dessert — for $3-$5 per person. The food is authentic, freshly prepared, and represents what local Cancun families actually eat.

For adventurous families, a market lunch is one of the best food experiences in Cancun.

The market atmosphere can be intense for very young children — it's noisy, crowded, and there are strong smells from the produce and meat sections. But school-age kids and older typically find it exciting rather than overwhelming. The vendor interactions are friendly, and most sellers are charmed by foreign children showing interest in their goods.

Navigating the market requires some spatial awareness. Aisles are narrow, strollers are challenging (though not impossible), and you need to watch your belongings in crowded areas. Common-sense street smarts apply — keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.

Market 23 is in Supermanzana 23, walking distance from Parque de las Palapas and the main downtown commercial area. A taxi from the Hotel Zone takes about 15 minutes and costs $5-$8 USD.