Playa del Carmen Shopping Guide
Playa del Carmen is a colorful, easygoing town, and shopping here is part of the fun. Fashion, souvenirs, handicrafts, international brands: there is something for every style and budget, and most of it sits within a few blocks of the beach. These are the best places to shop in Playa del Carmen.
1. Quinta Avenida: the commercial heart of Playa
Quinta Avenida is the most famous shopping street in Playa del Carmen. This pedestrian avenue runs for about four kilometers, from Calle 1 to Calle 40, one block from the sea, and it is lined end to end with shops, boutiques, restaurants and galleries. You can find anything from a handmade souvenir to an international fashion label. Worth a stop:
- Local fashion boutiques: small designer stores selling clothing, accessories and jewelry with the bohemian, tropical look of the region.
- Souvenir shops: handmade textiles, hats, magnets and ceramic figures, in every price range.
- Jewelry stores: Mexican silver has a worldwide reputation, and several shops on Quinta Avenida specialize in quality handmade pieces.
2. Paseo del Carmen: the open-air mall
At the southern end of Quinta Avenida, next to the ferry pier for Cozumel (Avenida 10 and Calle 1 Sur), Paseo del Carmen is an open-air shopping center that mixes international brands with local stores. It is a good place for an unhurried stroll and a coffee break between shops. Brands you will find include:
- Zara, Pull&Bear and Bershka for fashion.
- Tommy Hilfiger and Guess if you are after branded clothing.
3. Plaza Las Américas: local shopping and entertainment
Plaza Las Américas is one of the largest malls in Playa del Carmen and a favorite with locals. It sits away from the tourist strip, so it feels more like everyday Playa than a holiday resort. Here you will find:
- Department stores: Sears and C&A, with clothing, accessories and home goods.
- Cinema and food court: when you need a break from the shops, there is a Cinépolis and a food area to sit down in.
- Tech stores: gadgets and accessories, handy if you forgot a charger or need new headphones.
4. Calle Corazón: international brands on Quinta
If you want the international labels, head to Calle Corazón, an open-air development on Quinta Avenida between Calle 12 and Calle 14, right in the middle of the action. It mixes fashion stores with restaurants, bars and a hotel, so it works for a whole evening and not just a shopping run. Among the stores:
- Lacoste and other international fashion brands.
- Perfumeries and cosmetics stores.
- Restaurants and bars for when the bags get heavy.
5. Handicrafts: stalls and small shops
If you want to take home a real piece of Mexican craftsmanship, the handicraft stalls and small shops along Quinta Avenida and its side streets are the place. They sell textiles, ceramics, silver jewelry and art, and a bit of friendly bargaining is normal here, so you usually come away with something you will not find anywhere else. Look for:
- Handwoven hammocks.
- Traditional hats and embroidered clothing.
- Silver jewelry and stones from the region.
- Hand-painted ceramic and wooden pieces.
6. Art and galleries: a window onto local culture
Playa del Carmen has a lively art scene, with galleries and shops devoted to pieces by local and regional artists. If you collect art, or simply want something special for your walls, make time for:
- Galería de Arte 5ta Avenida: on Fifth Avenue itself, with a mix of contemporary and traditional work by Mexican artists.
- Riviera Art Gallery: in the center of town, with paintings, lithographs and photography by Mexican and international artists.
- Indigenous handicraft stores: textiles, masks and decorative objects made by indigenous communities across Mexico.
7. Parque Fundadores: artisan stalls by the sea
Parque Fundadores, the beachfront park at the southern end of Quinta Avenida where the Portal Maya sculpture stands, sometimes turns into a market: local artisans set up a tianguis with handmade clothing, accessories and home decor, much of it made from natural or recycled materials. It is a good option if you prefer to buy directly from the maker. Dates vary, so ask locally before you go.
Shopping tips in Playa del Carmen
- Bargain at the stalls: at handicraft stalls and small souvenir shops, haggling is part of the deal. Do not be shy about negotiating, especially if you are buying several items.
- Carry cash: most stores take credit cards, but many stalls and smaller shops prefer cash, ideally Mexican pesos.
- Explore beyond Quinta Avenida: it is the most famous street, and also the most touristy. Walk a few blocks inland and you will find quieter, more local shops.
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