Playa Del Carmen Shopping in 2023: Everything You Need To Know

Planning some shopping in Playa del Carmen? Look no further! In this post, I will tell you all about it.

While living in Cancun, I would rather go shopping in Playa for two main reasons: better quality of clothing and accessories and I could find everything in one place, the Quinta Avenida, where I could also stop for a coffee or meal.

Playa del Carmen, friendly and called “Playa” by us locals, has everything you need; multiple shopping centers, long walking streets, movie theatres, and so much more.

This makes Playa del Carmen a walkable city, and an excellent place for shopping and strolling. You can find anything you’re looking for without much hassle.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know (and more) about shopping in Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen shopping: At a glance

With a population of about 305,000 people, Playa del Carmen blends extensive city amenities with an intimate and comfortable vibe.

It is much smaller than Cancun but larger than nearby Tulum or Puerto Morelos.

Playa del Carmen is about 42 miles (68 kilometers) from Cancun, or one hour by car. Therefore, you can easily get there and travel around the small city.

People like shopping in Playa because it has almost everything you might need, without the overwhelming nature surrounding some larger cities.

The famous 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen

5th Avenue (in Spanish, Quinta Avenida) is the main walking street in Playa del Carmen.

It parallels the primary beach and is packed with bars, restaurants, tequila tastings, tourist agencies, souvenir shops, jewelry shops, dive shops, small malls, and so much more.

It can get slightly crowded at night and during holidays, but it isn’t overwhelming.

You can easily walk along 5th Avenue and spend hours looking at the endless shopping spots and handicrafts while grabbing some drinks and great food, although some restaurants may be too touristy.

If you don’t have enough time to shop in Playa Del Carmen, 5th Avenue is the perfect place to start and probably all you need.

5th Avenue Playa del Carmen shopping map and other shopping centers

Where To Go Shopping on 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen?

5th Avenue Playa del Carmen shopping is easy, fun, and lively because you can find everything you want on one walking street.

Here are ten places, markets, and shopping centers you should know about before beginning your shopping in Playa del Carmen:

1. Paseo del Carmen

Paseo del Carmen is located at the start of Playa del Carmen, close to the Playcar neighborhood, the main ferry to Cozumel, and Benito Juarez Street.

It is a more luxurious shopping area with a Starbucks, fountains, fashion stores, jewelry shops, and restaurants.

Paseo del Carmen is an enjoyable place to stroll through. During the day, it is entirely shaded by beautiful, large trees. And at night, most of the walkways are lit up by mood lighting and soft signs.

Paseo del Carmen is open from 7 am – 11 pm; however, the shops and restaurants may have different hours.

Most shops don’t open until 9 am or 10 am. If you’re looking for a specific shop in the shopping plaza, check the hours beforehand on their official website.

2. Rosalia

Rosalia Mercado (Rosalia Market) is the place for local fashion and authentic styles.

It is a sizeable warehouse-style shop on 5th Avenue specializing in clothing for all ages and sizes inspired by the region’s indigenous culture.

Rosalia Mercado is located on 5th Avenue, across from Bath & Body Works, between 12th and 14th Street.

3. Sol Jaguar

Sol Jaguar is another large shop on 5th Avenue specializing in Mexican decor ranging from handicrafts to high-end souvenirs.

Each piece captures the colors and vibrancy of Yucatan history and culture.

Sol Jaguar is located on 5th Avenue, between 38th and 40th Street, and is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm.

Calle (street) 38th is a beautiful entrance down to the public beach in Playa Del Carmen; it is covered with stunning trees and flowers and is lined with trendy restaurants and bars. So from here, hopping over to Sol Jaguar should be easy.

4. Calle Corazón

Calle Corazón is a small, hip shopping area in the middle of 5th Avenue.

It is small but home to higher-end boutiques, a Starbucks with a quiet garden, and a few popular restaurants and steakhouses.

Calle Corazón is located between 12th and 14th Street. It is open from 11 am to 11 pm.

Although, if you are looking for a specific shop or restaurant within the petite shopping plaza, try to check beforehand.

5. Hacienda Tequila

Hacienda Tequila translates to “Tequila Farm” in English. And while it has plenty of tequila, it has even more.

Hacienda Tequila is one of the most well-known souvenir shops on 5th Avenue because it is relatively large, colorful, and diverse.

Hacienda Tequila does have an entire wall dedicated to different tequilas and mezcals but also has rows and rows of other Mexican specialties like traditional clothing, blankets, and typical Mexican souvenirs.

Hacienda Tequila is located on 5th Avenue, between 14th and 16th Street. It is open from 8:30 am to 11:30 pm every day.

6. Quinta Alegría

Quinta Alegría is a shopping center in the middle of 5th Avenue, near the crossroads with Constituyentes.

It’s hard to miss Quinta Alegría, as it is one of the most significant buildings on 5th Avenue.

Quinta Alegría is home to well-known international brands, like Forever 21, American Eagle, Hurley, and Pandora.

Quinta Alegría is located on the corner of 5th Avenue and Constituyentes Avenue. It is open from 9 am to 9 pm.

However, some shops inside the mall may have different hours.

7. Weekend Artisan Market

The weekend Artisan Market is not on 5th Avenue but is only a few blocks away. It is located at the Municipal Park, where the government buildings are found.

The market is usually in front of the Palacio Municipal de Playa del Carmen, next to Riveria Grand Casino, and a block before the Walmart.

However, this specific park is under construction as of June 2023.

While the park is under construction, the weekend Artisan Market is behind the Palacio Municipal de Playa del Carmen, right next to Walmart.

The weekend market is in the evenings Friday-Sunday.

It has small street food stands with an emphasis on regional cuisine. It also has handicraft stalls, jewelry, books, souvenirs, and other small shopping stands.

8. Tianguis Market

Tianguis Market, or the Sunday Market, is a lesser-known secret within Playa.

It is located at the end of 5th Avenue, just one or two blocks back.

It takes up several blocks and is more local than 5th Avenue shopping. You can find used clothing, shoes, hats, household appliances, plants, and other small trinkets.

This market does not cater to tourists or foreigners but is more of a fun Bazaar full of local families and goods.

The Sunday Market is located between 10th and 15th (just one block back from 5th Avenue) and begins between 54th and 56th Street.

9. Benito Juarez

If you want a taste of more local shopping but can’t make it to the Sunday Market, you can always walk up Benito Juarez.

Benita Juarez is a street that runs perpendicular to 5th Avenue (the beginning is toward the front of 5th Avenue, near Paseo del Carmen).

All types of shops along Benito Juarez, from local clothing to electronic and jewelry stores.

Prices are more affordable on Benito Juarez, as it is more of a local stomping ground.

However, it can sometimes be much more chaotic and crowded than 5th Avenue.

10. Local Shopping Centers

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, you can venture further away from Playa del Carmen’s main shops for more variety.

Several malls and plazas are located in Playa del Carmen, and only a short taxi ride out.

👉🏽 Centro Maya and Plaza Las Americas

Centro Maya and Plaza Las Americas are about a 10-minute car ride from 5th Avenue (on opposite sides of the main highway).

They are your traditional shopping malls with food courts, popular clothing stores, and other shopping needs.

👉🏽 Liverpool

Liverpool is a large department store about a 10-minute car ride from 5th Avenue.

It is a great place to buy home furnishing, but it lacks the traditional Mexican feel some might seek.

Playa del Carmen Souvenir Shopping

Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue is a great place for souvenir shopping, as it has a large and diverse assortment of products. You can find anything you want here.

While some of it may be of questionable quality, if you know what you’re looking for and where to find it, you’ll find fantastic deals on some good souvenirs!

✔️ Textile Souvenirs

Textile souvenirs are among the most fun gifts because you can find so much variety.

While Playa del Carmen isn’t as known for textiles or jewelry as other towns, like San Cristobal in Mexico, many options remain.

Rosalia Mercado is one of the best places to buy textile souvenirs, as they have many different styles and prints of clothes and fabrics.

Some of the most common textile souvenirs are the following:

👉 Woven rugs

👉 Handmade blankets

👉 Colorful tapestries

👉 Huipiles (traditional Mexican blouses)

But in a place like Playa del Carmen, you can find almost anything you can imagine, with a wide range of quality.

✔️ Glassware & silverware

Playa is home to talented artisans worldwide, making it easy to find glassware, silverware, and other handcrafted goods to bring home.

Vidrio Soplado owns and operates a well-known and well-respected glass-blowing factory.

The factory is located between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. You can try a glass-blowing workshop or browse some of his unique masterpieces.

According to an article from The Playa Times, Soplado is influenced by all the tourists and cultures in the region.

✔️ Cacao & chocolates

Did you know that many historians believe Mayans invented chocolate?

According to this article from History.com and many other reputable sources, chocolate and cacao can be first traced back to the Mayans.

So, it should be no surprise that you can find plenty of rich, high-end chocolate around Playa del Carmen and other culturally significant regions.

You can find fresh, pure varieties of chocolate throughout many tourist stores and shops on 5th Avenue.

Ah Cacao is a famous coffee shop with many locations well-known for coffee and chocolate products.

If you want to make a day of it, you can also drive about an hour from Playa del Carmen to Pasión de Cacao.

✔️ Leather goods

Believe it or not, Playa del Carmen is also an excellent place for leather shopping.

So whether you’re looking for new shoes, bags, purses, or other leather-laced styles, you can find something here.

It is essential to watch for excellent and authentic quality. One of the best places for leather products is Rogers Boots, located on 10th Avenue (one block back from 5th Avenue), and Benito Juarez.

✔️ Mexican hammocks

Playa del Carmen shopping wouldn’t be complete without perusing some Mexican hammocks.

Because hammocks are such an integral part of the local lifestyle and the Caribbean way, there are many options for high-quality hammocks at a relatively low cost.

If you have extra space in your luggage, consider grabbing one or two of these for yourself or a friend.

They are much more comfortable and practical than most hammocks online.

Several stores along 5th Avenue sell Mexican hammocks, or you can venture out past Tulum and stop at a local roadside artisan stall for even more affordable options.

✔️ Weaved baskets

Weaved baskets are one of the most common traditional souvenirs you’ll find while shopping in Playa del Carmen. There are small ones, medium-sized ones, and huge ones.

In addition, you’ll often discover women sitting on the curb weaving baskets or other woven materials right before you.

Weaved baskets are not only functional but also culturally significant. Woven baskets are a staple in traditional living and serve many different purposes.

One of the most common woven baskets you’ll find is tortilla baskets. These are round, homemade baskets that are designed to hold hot tortillas. This is a great souvenir to support local artisans while bringing back a piece of history.

You can find weaved baskets all around Playa, especially along 5th Avenue. But you can walk up Benito Juarez for more variety and possibly better prices.

✔️ Local arts and decorative items

In addition to the above, Playa del Carmen has many other local arts and decorative items. The handicrafts and decorative items are endless.

In addition, large tourist shopping centers like Hacienda Tequila and Sol Jaguar have many decorative options.

You can also walk along 5th Avenue and explore the small cross streets. Sometimes, you’ll find local vendors with small carts or stalls with more beautiful Mexican handicrafts.

Playa del Carmen swimwear & clothing stores

Playa del Carmen is right on the beach and surrounded by cenotes. So, unsurprisingly, you can find endless swimwear and clothing stores for your vacation, holiday, or travels.

Because there are so many stores, Playa del Carmen has some affordable options for swimwear and clothing stores. Let’s look at some of the most popular choices.

👍🏼 Alas Olas

Alas Olas is a well-known boutique on 8th Street between 20th and 25th Avenue (near the Municipal Palace). It is open from 9 am – 8 pm.

Alas Olas specializes in swimwear and beachwear, but the boutique has a few other styles and clothing items. It is high-quality and known for being a reputable handmade brand in Playa.

👍🏼 Sandmade Swimwear

Sandmade Swimwear is another small but trendy boutique in Playa.

There are two locations; one on 5th Avenue between 4th and 6th Street. And the other is on 1st Avenue, closer to the beach and near the ferry to Cozumel.

The shop on 5th Avenue is open from 11 am to 9 pm.

👍🏼 La Bikineria

La Bikineria is a boutique with a larger focus on high-end, handmade bikinis and swimsuits. The costs are higher here, but the quality is top-notch.

You can also find a few cute, beachy dresses, tops, and accessories for your vacation.

La Bikineria is located on 5th Avenue and Constituyentes, near the Quinta Alegría shopping mall in Playa del Carmen. It is open from 9 am to 10 pm.

👍🏼 Zingara

Zingara is another beach boutique with five locations around Playa del Carmen and many more throughout Mexico.

The prices are relatively affordable, and there are many different styles and options regarding swimwear and beachwear.

Each location has different opening hours, so check the official website for the one closest to you.

👍🏼 Beach House

Finally, we have Beach House. Beach House has many locations in Playa del Carmen, on 5th Avenue, and all the major shopping stores.

It is a beach-oriented retail store with well-known “surfer” brands, like Billabong, Roxy, and Rip Curl.

Because these are name-brands, they will be a little more expensive than local options.

Again, there are many Beach House locations in Playa and throughout Mexico. You should check for the closest one near you and their opening hours.

Buy jewelry in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen shopping is only complete with a walk through one of the many gold and silver jewelry stores.

Playa is home to many large, upscale gold and silver shops. Most of the reputable stores are located right on 5th Avenue, and they are easy to notice.

These stores are generally more luxurious on the outside (and the outside) and are filled with shining gold and silver.

The most prestigious silverware and jewelry come from Taxco, a cute Pueblo Magico from Guerrero with an ancient tradition of silver mining and silversmithing.

How to get to 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen

5th Avenue Playa del Carmen is straightforward to find, no matter where you are in Quintana Roo or town.

Let’s review how exactly to get to 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen, depending on your mean of transportation.

In doubt, Google Maps is always helpful.

👉🏻 Walking

If you’re staying somewhere else in Playa del Carmen and want to walk to 5th Avenue, that would be even easier.

5th Avenue is one block from the beach. So all you have to do is walk toward the ocean, and you’ll find yourself on 5th Avenue.

There are three main roads in Playa Del Carmen that lead to the beach: Benito Juarez, Constituyentes, and CTM.

When in doubt, find one of these main roads and walk East along the road until it reaches 5th Avenue (and the beach).

👉🏻 Take a bus (ADO)

You might be on the ADO bus if you’re traveling from Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, or any other neighboring town to Playa del Carmen.

And if that’s the case, you are in luck. The ADO has a central bus station (ADO Terminal Turistica Playa Del Carmen) at the start of 5th Avenue.

👉🏻 Taxi

You can also easily take any taxi down to 5th Avenue. Most taxi rides in Playa del Carmen cost 60-100 pesos as of June 2023.

All you have to do is ask the taxi driver for 5th Avenue (in Spanish, Quinta Avenida), and they’ll drop you off at one of the main intersections.

👉🏻 Rent a car/drive

Driving to 5th Avenue is a little more complicated as it is a walking path (you cannot drive on the road).

However, you can drive down to 10th Avenue (one block before it) and find parking nearby.

All the parking near 5th Avenue will be paid to park, so check for meters and pay at the appropriate stand, if you are lucky enough to find a spot.

Otherwise, you can park on the 15th or 20th where it’s easier.

Pro tip – Keep in mind that Playa del Carmen is designed like a grid with perpendicular roads, which makes it very easy to navigate, especially if you compare it to the more chaotic Cancun. The roads that are perpendicular to the beach are called “Calle” (“Calles” for plural) the ones that are parallel to the beach and the 5 Avenida, are called, “Avenida” (“Avendias” for plural)

When is the best time to go shopping in Playa del Carmen?

The best time to go shopping is during the weekend of “El Buen Fin” (in English, “the good end”). It occurs the weekend before Mexican Revolution Day. El Buen Fin will be from November 17th to November 20th, 2023.

El Buen Fin is comparable to the U.S. Black Friday sales. Almost all stores and shops offer the year’s best sales, deals, and clearance.

If you plan to do a lot of souvenir shopping, the slow season might also be preferable.

The slow seasons in Playa del Carmen are from late January to February, late April to early June, and October.

These months may have better prices and easier haggling.

Playa del Carmen Shopping Tips

There are so many shops in Playa del Carmen. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. But just enjoy the endless entertainment, and have some fun shopping on 5th Avenue or even window shopping.

Here are a few shopping tips for your shopping in Playa del Carmen:

📌 Know when to bargain

You might have to negotiate if you are purchasing from a small street stall, local shop, or anywhere other than a well-established brand store.

I don’t usually do it, but knowing that the prices are quite inflated from the start, in Playa del Carmen it may be worth some bargaining.

Generally, if you show uncertainty about the purchase, the seller might give you a new, lower price.

📌 Purchase in pesos

If possible, always make purchases in pesos. This is because the exchange rate with USD or Euros could be better, and there are often additional fees on card purchases.

📌 Don’t be bothered by the pushiness

Many people and merchants in Playa, especially on 5th Avenue, are pushy and aggressive regarding sales.

And even if you buy something, you might hear something like “Don’t forget my tip.” Of course, this bothers a lot of travelers but just try not to pay too much attention to it.

📌 Understand things are more expensive on 5th Avenue

5th Avenue is created for tourists and travelers, so it is expected to have a higher price.

Simple things might be double the price on 5th Avenue. If this bothers you, walk back a few blocks and look for more local stores.

However, 5th Avenue exists for the convenience and comfort that some travelers prefer.

📌 Check for authenticity

Some cheaper stores around 5th Avenue might try to rip you off or sell fake products.

If you’re buying gold, silver, leather, or other specific products, try to go to a specialty store and confirm authenticity.

📌 Support local whenever possible

There are major chains and stores in Playa del Carmen, like Walmart.

However, try to support the local people and families whenever possible. After all, they are the ones to thank for sharing their beautiful home with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up: Playa Del Carmen Shopping Guide

Shopping in Playa del Carmen can be a fun and eventful experience, as there are endless shops and stores for anything you want. 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida) is the primary shopping street alongside the beach.

During the day, 5th Avenue is expansive and central to everything within the small city. During the evening, 5th Avenue is lively and buzzing, full of energy.

If you plan to pick up some Playa del Carmen souvenirs or just stroll through some of the many shops in Playa del Carmen, 5th Avenue is the place to be.