For market 23 just get on the R1 bus from the HZ and get off at the stop past Mcdonalds at the little carnival park where you will exit the bus. Then cross to the other side of Tulum Ave and its just up the side street with all the vans and small buses. Be sure to stop at Papa Gayos bar. Someone else will have to help you with 28.
For Market 28, take the R2 bus into downtown. Tell the driver where you are going, but they normally announce Market 28 and Walmart. He SHOULD drop you off at a street called Tankah. Just follow that. If you miss that stop, and you end up at the the Walmart stop, just walk back to Tankah, it's one block back. Keep in mind, when going back to the HZ, to get to the bus, you have to get it on Av Xcaret, not Av Coba, where you will get dropped off. Cross over Coba, and it the next street. A basic downtown map that you can pick up anywhere will make it easier to understand. It's very easy but my first time there, I didn't have that advice and it took us 2 hrs to find the bus.
You may find this interactive map helpful: Cancun Map - Detailed Google Map of Cancun Click on 'Shopping' then 'Handicrafts and Markets'. you can then click on the map to zoom in closer and get the street names.
Thank you guys , it is my understanding that these are more the traditional mexican markets , not like some of the shops in the HZ. Is that correct?
Market 23 is unlike anything you will find in the HZ....I think Market 28 is just like the Flea Market @ Coral Negro across from Carlos & Charlies...full of annoying shop keepers. And I found better prices in either the Hotels or at the Plaza La Fiesta which is across from the Convention Center. But you are going for the atmosphere, so do it all!!
How big are these markets? From what little I saw on the videos I watched it looked kind of like a crowded alley or something.
Mercado 28 is a whole rabbit warren full of little alleys, it's big and confusing. And it's pretty tourist-oriented, but worth a look.
Sorry for all the questions guys , I relly appreciate all the help. I do have one more , wifey seems to think these places may be a bit dangerous for non locals . Are they safe ? Thanks again. 5 more sleeps ,,,,woo hooooo
In would avoid Mercado 23, not because it is unsafe or anything like that, simply because its not to interesting for tourist & tends to smell. I go there regularly, maybe twice a month just to pick up vegetable for my parrots & plastic bags.
