Acapulco is not just a tropical paradise; it’s also a haven for shoppers. From luxurious jewelry and designer clothing to unique handicrafts and art, the city offers a diverse shopping experience. Whether you’re strolling along Costera Miguel Alemán, Acapulco’s main boulevard, or exploring local markets, you’ll find something to suit every taste and budget.
Top Shopping Malls in Acapulco
Acapulco boasts two leading malls that cater to both locals and tourists:
Plaza Bahia
Located next to the Costa Club on Costera Miguel Alemán, this two-story mall is one of Acapulco’s premier shopping destinations. It features a mix of high-end boutiques, local shops, and dining options.
Gran Plaza
Acapulco’s largest shopping center, Gran Plaza, dominates the Costera with its striking bright blue exterior. Here, you’ll find a variety of stores, including:
Salinas y Rocha (a Mexican department store chain)
American Express
Foot Locker
Radio Shack
The mall also houses several art galleries showcasing works by Mexico’s best painters and sculptors. Remember, art brought back to the United States is duty-free!
Local Markets: A Taste of Authentic Acapulco
To clear Acapulco’s beaches of vendors, the local government has set up several markets. These markets offer a more authentic shopping experience and are perfect for picking up souvenirs and handicrafts.
Diana Monument Market: Located at the entrance to the highway from Mexico City, this market is a great spot to shop for local goods.
Costera Markets: Scattered along the Costera, these markets are ideal for finding unique items at bargain prices.
Clothes shopping in acapulco
Acapulco is home to a variety of clothing stores, offering everything from casual resort wear to finely tailored evening attire.
Aca Joe
Locations: Plaza Marbella, Acapulco Princess hotel, and other spots.
Specialty: Popularized T-shirts in Mexico. Offers active wear for men, including shorts, pants, jackets, and sweaters in quality cotton.
Armando’s
Locations: Costera M. Aleman 1252-7 and Hyatt Regency hotel.
Specialty: Finely embroidered light cotton jackets, dresses, and other garments for women in tropical colors and styles. A unique addition to any wardrobe.
Contact: Tels. 484-5111 (Costera), 484-0827 (Hyatt).
Esteban
Location: Costera M. Aleman 2010.
Specialty: Exclusive and finely tailored evening wear for men and women, plus ready-to-wear apparel and accessories. Also features Huichol Indian beaded artwork.
Extras: Includes a small café and gallery with interesting paintings and sculptures.
Contact: Tel. 484-3084.
Other Notable Stores
KOS: Offers a large selection of Gottex brand swimwear.
Macarena Gutierrez: Specializes in attractive swimwear and beach accessories.
Martha Riestra: Features casual and dressy resort wear for women.
Handicrafts shopping in acapulco
Acapulco is a great place to shop for authentic Mexican handicrafts. Here are some standout stores:
AFA
Location: Horacio Nelson, corner of James Cook, behind the Baby’O disco.
Specialty: A supermarket of Mexican handicrafts.
Arte Para Siempre
Location: Costera M. Aleman, near Oceanic 2000.
Specialty: Handicrafts from Guerrero, including embroidered shawls, beaded trim, and waist-loomed fabrics by the Amuzga Indians.
Artes de Guerrero
Location: At the convention center.
Specialty: Fine samples of Guerrero workmanship, including lacquered wood boxes, embroidered dresses, shawls, and silver items.
Jewelry: Sparkling Gems and Silver
Acapulco is renowned for its exquisite jewelry, particularly gold and silver pieces.
Astrid
Location: Fiesta Americana hotel.
Specialty: Exclusive designs in 14k and 18k gold jewelry with precious and semiprecious stones. Also offers silver jewelry from Taxco.
Contact: Tel. 484-2828.
A.u. Studio
Location: Jardin del Puerto, Locale 31 (at the new cruise terminal).
Specialty: Contemporary sterling silver jewelry from Taxco.
Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact: Tel. 480-0851.
Minett
Location: Acapulco Princess hotel.
Specialty: Stunning gold jewelry and silver-inlaid ceramic dishes by Emilia Castillo.
Contact: Tel. 469-1000.
Suzett’s
Location: Hyatt Regency hotel.
Specialty: Exquisite 14k and 18k gold jewelry, as well as sterling silver table settings and candle holders.
Contact: Tel. 469-1234.
Tane
Locations: Las Brisas and Hyatt Regency hotels.
Specialty: Handmade reproductions of antique silver pieces, fine jewelry, and contemporary sculptures.
Contact: Tel. 469-1234.
Art Galleries: A Cultural Experience
Acapulco’s art scene is vibrant, with galleries showcasing works by renowned Mexican artists.
Galeria Espacio Pal Kepenyes
- Location: Costera Guitarron 140, on the road to the Radisson hotel.
- Specialty: Enigmatic works by artist Pal Kepenyes, including interactive sculptures and jewelry with pre-Hispanic motifs.
- Contact: Tel. 484-3738.
Galeria Rudic
- Location: Yañez Pinzon, just off the Costera.
- Specialty: Paintings and sculptures by leading Mexican artists.
La Coleccion de Sergio Bustamante
- Location: Costera M. Aleman 120-9, at Galerias Picuda.
- Specialty: Whimsical anthropomorphic sculptures and jewelry by Sergio Bustamante.
- Contact: Tel. 484-4992.
Specialty Stores in acapulco
Marti
Locations: Plaza Bahia and Plaza Marbella.
Specialty: Mexico’s leading supplier of sporting goods, including sneakers, swimsuits, and camping gear.
Contact: Tels. 485-1735 (Bahia) and 484-5733.
Sanborns
Locations: Costera M. Aleman, downtown; Calinda hotel, and Oceanic 2000.
Specialty: An all-purpose store with an excellent pharmacy, handicrafts, and English-language magazines and books.
Shopping Hours in Acapulco
Most stores in Acapulco operate on a unique schedule:
- Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Conclusion
Shopping in Acapulco is an experience like no other. Whether you’re hunting for luxury jewelry, unique handicrafts, or stylish resort wear, the city has it all. Don’t forget to explore local markets and art galleries for a truly authentic taste of Acapulco. Happy shopping!