Shopping in Cancún

With several locations in Cancún, this upscale liquor store shelves a fine selection of tequila, mezcal and Mexican wines. For tequila, if available grab a bottle of Cascahuin Tahona, Tierra Noble or El Tequileño. If you prefer the smoky taste of mezcal, you might try Oaxaca-produced Los Danzantes or Alipus San Baltazar. Many of the domestic wines hail from Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s equivalent of Napa Valley. Among the reputable wineries from the Baja California region, Monte Xanic and Casa Magoni produce quality wines that won’t break the bank.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan 12.5, Hotel Zone

In addition to popular shops such as Prada, Hugo Boss and Zara, this ultra-modern shopping center, also known as Puerto Cancún Marina Town Center, stands out for its fine culinary offerings. After a leisurely browse around the boutique shops, do lunch or early dinner at the excellent Italian restaurant Cenacolo, or sample top-shelf tequilas in Cantina La No. 20. The IMAX theater, nine-hole miniature golf course and zip-line above the marina serve to keep uncooperative shopping companions out of your hair.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan 1, Hotel Zone

For local flavor, hit this traditional downtown market for shopping and affordable eats. Look for the stalls selling huipiles (colorful embroidered dresses) and guayaberas (iconic Yucatecan men’s shirts). After perusing the aisles, take a break in the small eateries selling everything from castacan (pork belly) tacos and tortas to regional specialties such as panuchos (corn-based snacks). If you’re visiting on the first days of November, the market vendors sell colorful Day of the Dead skull candy and crafts.

Address: Jabin 9, Cancún Centro

Die-hards and apathetic shoppers alike will usually find something to hold their interest in this open-air mall on the Nichupte Lagoon. Fun stores such as Plaza La Fiesta sell everything from spicy habanero salsas and cheesy T-shirts to locally produced chocolate and crafts. What’s more, entertainment options abound in La Isla: ride the 230-foot Ferris wheel, visit an interactive aquarium or watch Mexican wrestling matches at Luchatitlan, a new arena for professional lucha libre bouts. For shoppers with refined tastes, mosey over to the adjacent Harbor Island, a row of high-end shops selling luxury brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan 12.5, Hotel Zone

To buy Mexican crafts in the tourist center, take a stroll around Mercado Coral Negro. It clearly targets tourists so you’ll come across a lot of corny knick-knacks but you can also score Mexican wrestling masks, Day of the Dead crafts and decent handbags. After the haggling session, wrap your fingers around some tacos al pastor (spit-cooked pork) in the mercado’s small eateries.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan 9.5, Hotel Zone

These two adjoining malls boast a slew of small shops, large department stores, a supermarket and a sizeable food court popular with fast food junkies. The downtown shopping centers get very busy on weekends when locals come out in droves to hit the movie theaters and buy groceries. For a breath of fresh air, the newer Malecon Americas has more open spaces.

Address: Avenida Tulum SM 7, Cancún Centro

This market certainly feels more touristy than Mercado 23 but it’s worth visiting if you’re interested in buying alebrijes (colorful folk art animal sculptures), lovely embroidered dresses, beaded costume jewelry and much more. The casual restaurants and food stalls specialize in seafood and homestyle Yucatecan fare.

Address: Xel-ha MZ 13, Cancún Centro

If you find yourself in the nearby beach town of Puerto Morelos, drop by this excellent crafts market and check out the high-quality hammocks, ceramics and wooden cooking utensils. While in town, wander over to Alma Libre, a store with a large selection of new and used English-language books.

Address: Avenida Rafael Melgar SM 1, Puerto Morelos

The best hammocks are made in the neighboring state of Yucatan but you can come across some decent ones in the downtown markets and at the Puerto Morelos Artisans Market. The tightly woven cotton hammocks are more comfortable than those of the nylon variety.

Most markets and some clothing stores sell these traditional dresses, most of which are adorned with vivid embroidery work.

These brilliantly painted wooden sculptures are Mexican folk art at its best. You’ll find the ubiquitous little creatures in Mercado 28 and elsewhere around town. The carvings depict mythical animal figures, often in psychedelic fashion.

Iconic shirts from the Yucatan region, often with pretty embroidered designs and four pockets.

A distilled agave drink similar to tequila but usually with a higher alcohol proof. The best mezcals are pure blancos – avoid the flavored ones.

The bulk of Mexico’s most popular distilled agave spirit hails from the central western state of Jalisco but you’ll find it all over Cancún. Reposados and añejos are aged in oak barrels longer than the younger joven tequilas.