Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Best places to shop in Playa del Carmen
4 markets, malls and shopping districts in Playa del Carmen — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.
Last updated 2026-08-11
1. Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue)
Photo: holachetumal · CC BY 3.0 · source
The pedestrian strip running parallel to the beach — souvenirs, silver, tequila, boutiques and restaurants over some forty blocks.
Where: Street ShoppingMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 10:00–23:00Cost: Mid-rangeWatch out Timeshare touts pose as information booths and offer free tours, transport or snorkelling in exchange for a 'short presentation' that runs for hours. There are many of them on this street.
2. Mercado de Artesanías, Calle 4
Photo: Zahirazorrilla · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
The covered craft market off Quinta — hammocks, Talavera, embroidered blouses, alebrijes and silver.
Where: MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 09:00–21:00Cost: Budget
3. Quinta Alegría and Paseo del Carmen
Photo: hugoteconecta · Pexels License · source
The two air-conditioned malls on Quinta — international brands, duty-free and a supermarket.
Where: MallMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 10:00–22:00Cost: Mid-range
4. Tequila and mezcal shops
Photo: Maricela del Rio · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
The specialist agave-spirit shops along Quinta — tastings, and bottles that never reach export markets.
Where: LuxuryMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 11:00–22:00Cost: Mid–LuxuryTip: Look for '100% de agave' on the label. Anything labelled 'mixto' is up to 49% cane sugar and is not what you came for.
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