Hotels near Mercado 28 & Downtown Cancún

For a break from the resort strip, take the R1 bus to Mercado 28 in downtown Cancún. This sprawling market mixes souvenir stalls of silver, hammocks and Talavera pottery with some of the city's best-value loncherías serving cochinita pibil, tacos and fresh juices to locals. The surrounding Avenida Yaxchilán and Parque de las Palapas come alive in the evening with street food, marimba music and families. It is the most authentic, affordable slice of Cancún.

Pro Tip: Prices in the craft stalls are negotiable, so haggle politely; eat where the locals queue, and carry small-denomination pesos as many stalls do not take cards.