10 Best Markets in Puerto Vallarta

Held every second Saturday on the Lazaro Cardenas Park esplanade, Olas Atlas Farmers’ Market showcases over 100 local traders that hawk their wares under white tented canopies. Visit for the Mexican folk art, hand-dipped candles, woven bracelets and bohemian fashion or shop for a range of organic produce like veggies, fruit and eggs.

Arrive around midday to enjoy flavourful paella in the warm Jalisco sunshine before perusing artisan chocolates, musical instruments and bright bouquets of flowers. Don't forget to wander Lazaro Cardenas Park afterwards to see its beautiful mosaics, part of an art installation project helmed by artist Natasha Moraga.

Situated in Puerto Vallarta's downtown, Mercado Municipal de Rio Cuale is a hotbed of kaleidoscopic folk art, woven Mexican blankets and Day of the Dead keepsakes that make perfect souvenirs. Shop for brightly beaded jaguar skulls and vibrantly painted horses, as well as figurines of desert cacti and venerated Catholic saints.

The 2nd floor of the market is home to a little collection of no-frills eateries that serve some of the tastiest street food in Puerto Vallarta. We love Comida Don Toño for its chorizo quesadillas and scenic river views and Lonchería Don Jorge for its delicious torta Cubana.

Set between the Romantic Zone and Old Town Puerto Vallarta, Cuale Island Flea Market entices with its hand-thrown pottery, woven raffia bags and hippy-flavoured must-haves like psychedelic wind chimes. Wander the leafy paths and encounter resident iguanas, as well as hundreds of wild parrots, who vie for visitor attention any chance they can.

When you’re ready to refuel, stop by Oscar’s Restaurant for top-notch tequila that’s distilled onsite and dishes like whole-grilled lobster and vegan huarache. You can reach this idyllic sandbar by crossing over the pedestrian bridge from the popular Gringo Gulch, a residential neighbourhood that was home to Elizabeth Taylor.

Showcasing over 200 vendors, Art & Market Marina Vallarta is an atmospheric night bazaar that sells trendy home decor, brightly patterned beachwear and an impressive selection of local tequilas. Foodies flock here for the epic selection of organic fruit and vegetables, as well as stalls serving homemade ice cream and tasty Mexican baked goods.

Pick up leather huaraches and hand-rolled cigars before dancing to costumed mariachi bands and taking in performances by local folkloric dance troupes. Afterwards, grab dinner at one of Marina Vallarta’s chic waterfront restaurants like Porto Bello Italian and El Coleguita Mariscos.

If you're an art enthusiast, the Art Tianguis of Nuevo Vallarta (or Nuevo Nayarit) is a haven for discovering captivating artwork by talented Mexican artists. Situated near the beautiful beaches of Nuevo Vallarta, this exciting market showcases a variety of artistic styles, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics and jewellery.

The artists love to engage with visitors and show you how the magic happens. Learn about their creative process and find a unique piece that resonates with you to bring home as a cherished memory.

For fresh fruit and vegetables, succulent meat and seafood and exotic Mexican treats, nothing beats a visit to Mercado Emiliano Zapata. It’s situated in the backstreets of the Zona Romantica neighbourhood. Here, local merchants hawk all types of treats from their trestle tables and plastic crates like juicy Jalisco mangoes and just-baked sourdough bread.

When you’re not rubbing shoulders with Puerto Vallarta’s culinary elite, you can sip freshly blended juices or stop for a meal at La Fonda De Marina, one of Mercado Emiliano’s unpretentious eateries. We love the chile rellenos, roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and fried until golden, and the caldo de pollo, homemade chicken soup.

A short drive north from central PV, you'll find Nuevo Vallarta Rivera Farmers’ Market: a popular fresh-food retail event that’s set inside a sprawling marquee. Hosted every Tuesday, throngs of visitors come here for the Mexican pastries, home-baked breads and organic fruit and veg that are grown across the region.

Those looking for a quirky gift or speciality item will adore the market’s chunky gemstone rings, carved Indigenous idols and woven cowboy hats. When you’re feeling peckish, stop by a friendly street food vendor for a generous plate of local fare. Try the Comida Azteca tacos and the smoky barbecue ribs.

If you're looking for the freshest seafood in Puerto Vallarta, swing by Mercado del Mar in the 5 de Diciembre neighbourhood. It’s located in front of the municipal cemetery which is decorated with colourful street art. Here, you'll find whole fish on ice, king prawns and squid, as well as a glossy range of fruits and vegetables that are sourced from Jalisco’s farmers.

Visit the market's laidback eateries for fried mojarras and red snapper fritters or stop at the popular corn tortilla shop to buy bags of crispy flat bread. Prices are set here, so forget about haggling. However, plenty of bargains are still to be had.

At the Bucerias flea market, or Mercado de Bucerias, you’ll find traditional Mexican items and souvenirs to take home and remember your vacation by. It’s situated on the corner of Dr. Abraham González Street and México Avenue in the downtown area (Centro). The traders are happy to engage in friendly banter with their customers and they’re not too pushy. Their stalls are primming with beautiful glass pieces, Talavera, Huichol art and other colorful Mexican crafts that are worth checking out.

If you’re looking for funny beach t-shirts or sandals (huaraches), you can shop for the here. Or have a custom license plate plaque made, just the way you like it.