Your Guide to Acapulco’s Traditional Markets
Part of the fun of visiting Acapulco is to visit the many open-air marketplaces around town, where you can find everything from souvenirs and vacation accessories to clothing, jewelry, food, and even furniture, housewares and works of native art and artisanry. Here is a listing of the main traditional markets you will find on or fairly close to the Costera Miguel Alemán.
Acapulco boasts a variety of traditional markets where visitors can immerse themselves in local culture and craftsmanship. Here's an overview of some notable markets:
Mercado de Artesanías Dalia
Located across the Costera from the Plaza Bahía shopping mall, this market houses over 60 establishments in a historic building. Shoppers can find a wide array of souvenirs and Mexican folk art, including distinctive coconut or guava candies. It's also convenient for purchasing beach essentials like bathing suits and sunblock. The on-site restaurants offer inexpensive and clean options for a different sort of breakfast or a typical Mexican lunch.
Mercado de Artesanías Parasal (El Tepito)
As Acapulco’s oldest and perhaps largest arts and crafts market, El Tepito features hundreds of stalls offering leather goods, ceremonial masks, alebrijes, ceramics, pottery, shell-based decorative items, hammocks, various types of jewelry, silver items, wood carvings, embroidered clothing, sandals, sombreros, onyx chess sets, and a vast selection of T-shirts. While many items are of good quality, it's advisable to shop discerningly. The market is situated on Calle Cinco de Mayo in the Centro area.
Mercado de Artesanías La Diana
Situated near the Diana Traffic Circle, this outdoor market is similar to Mercado de Artesanías Dalia but focuses more on contemporary needs like sandals, beachwear, and sports clothes. It has a flea market ambiance, with numerous stalls selling a variety of merchandise, from fine leather goods to trinkets. Its location makes it convenient for those staying in the La Condesa area or visiting nearby bars and restaurants. The market tends to stay open later due to its bustling surroundings.
Mercado de Artesanías Noa Noa
Located near Playa Tamarindos, Noa Noa is a more relaxed and less bustling market compared to others in the Old Town. It offers a range of crafts and folk art, including wood, onyx, and alabaster carvings, woven goods, ceramics, and clothing. Prices are negotiable, and it's a good place to try local coconut sweets known as "cocadas."
Mercado Papagayo
Near Parque Papagayo, this market primarily offers modern souvenir products like T-shirts, beachwear, clothing, and toys. There's also a selection of homemade jewelry, including shell necklaces and bracelets. Prices are reasonable and open to negotiation. Additionally, indigenous vendors from upland villages sell their crafts in a small plaza east of the Hotel Ritz Acapulco, offering woven fabrics, colorful baskets, ceramics, pottery, leather goods, silver, and jewelry.
Mercado del Campesino
This open-air market comprises booths and tables spread around, offering a variety of folk arts and crafts. Ceramics and woven fabrics are usually the best value. Located in the Progreso neighborhood, between the traditional part of downtown and the Parque Papagayo area, it's advisable to take a taxi if unfamiliar with the area. Visitors praise the tasty sweet rolls and "Chilapa Bread," originating from a nearby town of the same name.
Mercado Central
Also known simply as "the Market," Mercado Central is Acapulco's largest, most active, and best-stocked commercial center for fresh food of all kinds. Early in the day, it's where people come to buy meats, poultry, produce, and seafood. Later on, over 400 booths open up with wares for visitors, including crafts and folk art, woven textiles, embroidered clothing, leather goods, ceramics, and bright piñatas. Prices are low and subject to bargaining. Several stands sell tacos, tortas, churros, and other prepared foods.
Please note that some markets, such as La Diana, La Dalia, Papagayo, and El Parazal, have faced structural challenges and are at risk of closure due to deterioration. It's advisable to check the current status of these markets before planning a visit.
