What to do in downtown Cancun? Many tourists who visit the Mexican Caribbean just stay in hotels, missing out on a great opportunity to experience the real Mexico.
Tourism in Cancun attracts Brazilians because of the beauty of its turquoise blue sea and the grandeur of its all-inclusive hotels.
On the other hand, outside the Hotel Zone , downtown Cancun offers a lot of culture and "hides" excellent places to shop, eat, and even stay.
Plus, it’s a great way to connect with the local culture, with the real Mexico. After all, you didn’t travel 9 km to stay locked up in a hotel, did you?
Downtown Cancun has numerous shopping centers, craft markets, excellent restaurants, bars and squares, as well as banks, currency exchange offices, cultural venues, cinemas and hotels.
The center begins when Boulevard Kukulcán intersects with Avenida Bonampak at KM zero of the Cancun Hotel Zone.
Want to get straight to the point and start researching the best hotels in Cancun? Check out this quick selection I've put together to make your life easier.
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What to do in downtown Cancun?
In the center of Cancun you will find several craft markets; such as Mercado 28, Mercado de 23 or Kihuit on Av. Tulum.
Some of the most interesting places to visit in downtown Cancun and get to know the local culture are: Plaza Bonita, Mercado 28, the city's Planetarium, Parque de las Palapas, Plaza de Toros, Malecón Americas, among others.
Below I have chosen some of my favorite places to make your visit to downtown Cancun complete. I have also chosen a bonus place near downtown Cancun that most tourists, both Brazilian and foreign, have no idea about.
To find out everything, read this text until the end. Let's go?
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Ceviche
It is a distinctive monument of the city of Cancun. It is a collection of marine species created by New York artist Lorraine Pinto, who became popularly known as “El Ceviche”, the name of the traditional seafood dish from the region.
This monument has been the stage for celebrations, strikes, marches and parades, as well as interventions, such as when it was painted pink to support the campaign against breast cancer.
It is located at the point where Tulum and Cobá Avenues intersect.
Mercado 28
Mercado 28 is a favorite among Brazilians who love to shop during their vacations. And it's no wonder, as Mercado 28 offers a wide variety of items at excellent prices. It's definitely worth haggling and leaving with lots of bags and gifts for everyone.
Buying souvenirs and typical Mayan objects is one of the best things to do in Cancun.
Located just a few meters from Plaza Bonita, it has numerous cheap clothing and jewelry stores, temporary tattoo studios, hair braiding shops and, above all, many craft shops, souvenir shops and gift shops made by locals, most of whom are descendants of the Mayan culture. In short, it is a great way to support the local economy and return home with authentic and affordable items.
Another advantage of Mercado 28 is that you can try authentic Mexican cuisine in the various restaurants on site. A good option is to have a Mexican breakfast and the dish I recommend is Chilaquiles (you will have to try it and share your experience).
Remember, if you are not used to chili peppers, ask for your dishes “sin chile, por favor”, as in Mexico most traditional dishes contain chili peppers.
To get to Mercado 28 from the Hotel Zone, you can take the R2 bus. It is usually written on the bus “Market 28”.
It is open every day from 9:00 to 20:00.
Address: Av. Xel-ha s/n, Mz. 13, SM 28
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Park of the Palapas
Parque de las Palapas is another great place to experience the local culture. Here you will find a small market with lots of crafts, art exhibitions, theater plays and several restaurants.
It's an excellent place to enjoy with your family. You can try other delicious Mexican dishes such as esquites, tamales and marquesitas.
Open every day from 9:00 to 20:00.
Address: Av. Xel-ha s/n, Mz. 13, SM 28
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Plaza Bonita
Plaza Bonita is a shopping mall in Cancun that was built in 1987. It is located at Supermanzana 28, which has typical Mexican colonial architecture.
It is the setting for cultural and recreational events and also offers many craft shops and restaurants with typical food from Yucatán and Mexico.
It remains open all week from 10am to 20pm
Address: Xel-ha Avenue, lot 1
Plaza Las Americas Cancun
Plaza Las Américas is the main shopping mall in downtown Cancun and is the ideal place to buy clothes, shoes, perfumes, electronics and much more. Look carefully at the shop windows and you will surely find good deals and offers.
It has a large area with fast food outlets of all kinds and a very modern and well-equipped movie theater. It is located on Tulum Avenue. To get there, just take the bus with the sign “Plaza las Américas”. It is open from 10 am to 22 pm.
Tip: It gets busy on weekends, so try to go early or visit during the week.
Address: Av. Bonampak Mz 1 lot 1, SM 6
Bullring
The Plaza de Toros is a very interesting place to visit in Cancun. Although it has no connection to Mayan culture, it hosts important and large events, such as bullfights and international shows.
It is also famous for its varied offerings within the restaurants in the center of Cancun and in the bars located in its surroundings, where the party is endless, with the presence of mariachis and different live shows and bands.
Founded in 1989, it quickly became one of the most iconic and visited places in Cancun. It is a favorite among locals.
Address: Bonampak Avenue and Sayil Avenue
Cancun Planetarium
It is a very interesting modern space to visit with your children, as in recent years it has become one of the main tourist destinations in Cancun. It has sessions with astronomical and scientific projections that tell the story of the universe. The sessions start at 11 am and have several hours available.
There is also a Water Museum, an auditorium and an observatory.
Admission costs approximately 35 reais. The planetarium tour lasts approximately 2 hours in total. Learn while having fun with your family, don't miss this fun and educational space.
It remains open from 11:00 to 19:00.
Address: Av. Palenque s/n, M05, Lt 1, SM21
Malecón Americas
Located in front of Plaza Las Américas, Malecón Américas is a great place to take a stroll along the Nichupté Lagoon. Every evening, the place is filled with people taking walks, walking their dogs or just admiring the beautiful view. It’s worth a visit to take a souvenir selfie.
Mexico Guide Tip – Where to watch the sunset in Cancun?
In Cancun, the sun rises over the sea, so Nichupté Lagoon is the ideal place to enjoy this natural wonder. Whether you’re staying at your hotel (if it has a view of the lagoon) or at a restaurant in the hotel zone, you can’t miss the opportunity to enjoy it.
Best restaurants in downtown Cancun
There is no shortage of good and cheap food in downtown Cancun. There is a wide range of options and variety, so I have chosen some of my favorites that I am sure you will like. Check out these top 5 restaurants in downtown Cancun and choose the one you like the most.
If you prefer to experience the local cuisine with a native guide, this gastronomic tour offers excellent options.
1 – El Pocito
At first glance, you might be suspicious of the place, as it is a very simple restaurant hidden away in the streets of downtown Cancun. But don't be fooled by appearances, because at El Pocito you will taste authentic Yucatan food, and honestly, no other restaurant in Cancun offers such quality.
The main dish offered is Queso Relleno, which is a traditional regional cheese (cheese ball) stuffed with meat. They put the cheese in the oven and it turns into a kind of melted cheese and meat soup.
Really wonderful and very cheap. Another typical dish you can try is lime soup. Don't miss this place!
It is located at Calle 31 Norte Lte 23 Mz35 SM 63, Centro Cancun
2 – The Little Pier
Want to eat a lobster pizza and drink a cold beer? Then Muellecito is the ideal place. This restaurant is located close to KM zero of the Hotel Zone and is the perfect place to try, in addition to pizza, other delicious Mexican dishes.
The seafood tacos are out of this world and you can't miss them. Another delight is the tuna tartare, I'm sure you've never tasted anything like it. And if you're feeling brave, try it all with some of the spicy sauces that the restaurant offers.
It is located at Av. Bonampak 61 Smz 3.
3 – Los Aguachiles Cancun
You may think I’m exaggerating, but at Los Aguachiles you’ll have the opportunity to try the best fish and seafood tacos and tostadas of your life. I’m not exaggerating, travelers. The place offers a wide variety of tacos, each one better than the last, at very affordable prices.
For an unforgettable experience, start by trying some tacos (shrimp with cheese and breaded fish are good options) and then move on to the fresh tuna tostada.
To finish, eat an authentic shrimp ceviche. You will surely end up eating much more than you want.
4 – Fish
Los de Pescado is another great option for cheap and tasty food in downtown Cancun. The restaurant is located just a few minutes from the Hotel Zone exit and offers delicious dishes. Our suggestions are: Breaded shrimp tacos or Breaded fish tacos; simple, delicious and very cheap.
5 – Chester
This is a great option for a cheap and large meal after shopping at the Cancun Outlet. Cheester is an Italian restaurant frequented mainly by locals and the food is very plentiful, good and cheap.
Most of the dishes, even though they say they are for individuals, are meant to be shared. The pizza is very good and the Don Corleone pasta is amazing. Don't be afraid to go!
Best hotels in downtown Cancun
If you're looking for an affordable hotel in Cancun , away from the main tourist areas, hotels in the city center are ideal for families and business travelers. Downtown Cancun is relatively safe and well-connected to the rest of the city.
In the area you can find very typical hotels, with decoration, art and traditional Mexican food. To make your life easier, I have put together a top 5 of the best hotels in downtown Cancun.
The Ibis Centro Cancun is located in the business district, a 25-minute drive from the airport. It has a 24-hour bar, breakfast, and stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi.
The Ibis restaurant serves traditional Mexican cuisine, while breakfast combines continental and regional elements.
One Cancun Centro is located 1,5 km from Plaza Las Americas shopping mall and 6 km from Playa Tortugas . It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Rooms include cable TV, air conditioning, private bathroom with shower and free toiletries, desk, bed linen and breakfast.
Restaurants and cafes are 1 km away and Mercado 28 is 3 km away. This is an excellent hotel option in Cancun.
Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Four Points Cancun by Sheraton is located in central Cancun. It offers free Wi-Fi. The rooms are air conditioned and feature a coffee machine.
The Four Points Cancun by Sheraton Hotel offers a 24-hour reception, bar, meeting facilities and free parking.
The hotel is 4 km from ADO Bus Station, 15 km from La Isla Shopping Mall and a 25-minute drive from Cancun International Airport.
The Smart Cancun by Oasis is located in the center of Cancun and offers a 24-hour reception and free WiFi.
The rooms are spacious and equipped with air conditioning, balcony, flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, iPod dock and private bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries.
The hotel has several bars, cafes and restaurants, including Japanese and Mexican food. There is also a lounge bar and a lounge bar.
Located in the heart of Cancun, the Hotel Xbalamqué Resort & Spa is decorated in Mayan style and offers an outdoor pool and spa. If you want an authentic Mexican hotel, this is the best option in Cancun.
Rooms at Hotel Xbalamqué Resort & Spa include cable TV and air conditioning.
Additionally, Hotel Xbalamqué is home to the 4 Elementos bar, which serves drinks and snacks and offers room service. There is also a tourist information service, a car rental service and a reception with a safe and Wi-Fi access.
Xbalamqué Resort & Spa is 500 metres from ADO Bus Station, a 5-minute drive from the hotel zone and a 30-minute drive from Cancun International Airport.
How to ride buses and taxis in Cancun
Cancun offers an excellent urban transport service with high frequency and 24-hour taxis available.
Buses, also called “trucks”, are the cheapest means of transport in Cancun, with which you can travel from any beach or hotel in the Hotel Zone or Downtown to many places for a price between 8 and 12 Mexican pesos, depending on the route you take (they only accept pesos).
Buses going from the Hotel Zone to downtown Cancun have a sign that says “Downtown,” while those going from downtown to the hotels have a sign that says “Hoteles.”
Cancun also has a good taxi service to get around. Prices vary depending on the area you are in. For example, the price of a taxi ride in downtown Cancun is much cheaper than within the Hotel Zone.
Is downtown Cancun dangerous?
In recent years, crime has increased in the city of Cancun, due to drug trafficking. However, the tourist part of downtown Cancun is very quiet.
You can go without any problems and see everything, whether by bus, taxi or on foot. During the day it is even quieter. At night, take precautions, especially in more isolated places.
What to do in Cancun at night
After the sun sets, it's time to enjoy Cancun's nightlife , which is anything but cheap. There are options for all tastes, from nightclubs with higher prices to more relaxed bars.
The hotel zone is framed to the east by the sea and to the west by the Nichupté lagoon, so the sunset does not occur next to the beautiful beaches ; however, the magical sunset can be experienced at the lagoon.
To watch the sun disappear over the horizon, head to La Isla Shopping Mall, where you can sit on a bench in front of the lagoon with an ice cream or a beer.
Of course, you should take the opportunity to do some shopping, visit the Interactive Aquarium or the Wax Museum and discover the wide range of dining and entertainment options offered by this mall. It's a great way to start your evening!
For a romantic evening, board the Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise, a Spanish galleon that sails on the Nichupté Lagoon and offers a delicious dinner and live music.
You can book this Cancun cruise at sunset or at nightfall. If you’re traveling with your family, enjoy a pirate night aboard the Jolly Roger, which offers a show full of acrobatics and battles.
What to do in Cancun for 7 days
Many travelers have several questions when deciding what to do in Cancun during their vacation. Putting together an itinerary can be a bit complicated, as each traveler has different tastes. However, I'll give you some great options, and you can choose what best fits your plans.
Remember that these are just ideas of places that I think are unmissable, you can adapt your itinerary according to your time and needs.
Day 1:
- Explore Cancun hotel zone
- Visit to Plaza La Isla and Puerto Cancun shopping malls
- Mingle with the local culture at Parque de las Palapas
Day 2:
- Spend the day at Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres
- Enjoy the nightlife in Cancun at Plaza Forum
Day 3:
- Walk to Chichén Itzá and Valladolid
- Dinner at Lorenzillo's (the best lobster in Cancun)
Day 4:
- Enjoy the day at Xcaret Park and see the night show (not to be missed)
Day 5:
- Enjoy a pleasant day in Playa del Carmen
- Watch the show Joyà by Cirque du Soleil
Day 6:
- Archaeological site of Cobá
- Tulum Archaeological Site
- Cenote Dos Ojos
Day 7:
- Maya Museum in Cancun
- Purchases in downtown Cancun
- Enjoy the beach at your hotel
What to do in Cancun for 5 days
If you have a little less time or want to make the most of your hotel, I'll give you some tips for what to do in Cancun and the surrounding area in 5 days. There are a lot of options and I don't want you to rush through everything, so just follow what suits your needs.
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
- Chichen Itza and Valladolid
Day 4:
- Playa del Carmen and Cenote Azul
Day 5:
What to do in Cancun in 4 days
Four days is the minimum amount of time to enjoy some of Cancun’s best attractions and also relax on the white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. With a few days in your destination, I’ll tell you what you can do.
Day 1:
- Photo on the Cancun sign at Playa Delfines
- Lunch at Tortugas Beach
- Clubbing in Cancun at Plaza Forum
Day 2:
- Shopping at Plaza Puerto Cancun and Plaza La Isla
- Visit to the Maya Museum
- Dinner at Lorenzillo's
Day 3:
- Chichen Itza and Valladolid
Day 4:
What to do in Cancun in 3 days
Many travelers prefer to stay at all-inclusive resorts (it’s not a sin). However, if you want to take a little trip and not be stuck in paradise, check out this 3-day itinerary.
Day 1:
- Chichen Itza and Valladolid
- Nightlife in Cancun
Day 2:
- Unmissable tour to Isla Mujeres
- Dinner at Elephanta in Plaza La Isla (Indian food)
Day 3:
- Swimming with turtles in Akumal
- Strolling and dining in Playa del Carmen
What to do in Cancun when it rains
No one likes rain ruining their vacation, but this can happen during your trip to Cancun. So, I've put together some tips for you to enjoy the month if it's raining:
- Enjoy a day at the hotel's SPA
- Be shopping in Cancun malls
- Visit the Interactive Aquarium in Cancun
- Discover the Maya Museum
- Organize a romantic dinner
What to do in Cancun in February
February is an excellent time to travel to Cancun as a couple, as Valentine's Day is celebrated this month and there are several romantic options to enjoy in the Mexican Caribbean.
Furthermore, the climate at this time of year is very pleasant, ranging between 26°C and 28°C, perfect for enjoying the region's beaches and cenotes. The best thing is that there is no sargassum at this time of year.
Important Cancun Tips (Bonus)
There's a place just ten minutes from the exit of Cancun's hotel zone that most foreign tourists don't even know exists. Taking a taxi from downtown Cancun, you can reach the El Meco archaeological zone, which is near the port of Puerto Juárez (one of the departure points for Isla Mujeres ).
In addition to visiting this Mayan ruin, you can eat seafood at Flamingos Restaurant, a hidden gem just minutes from downtown Cancun.
At Flamingos you can try grilled octopus and lots of seafood. Everything is very fresh, tasty and much cheaper than the restaurants in the Hotel Zone. Flamingos is located on the seafront with views of Isla Mujeres.
Discover Cancun, the Vibrant Mexico City
If you’re planning a visit to Mexico, you can’t miss out on including Cancun on your itinerary. Cancun, often referred to as “Cancun City,” is a stunning tourist destination known for its breathtaking beaches, lively nightlife, and a variety of exciting activities. Here are some cool things to do in Cancun, a true Mexican gem:
Explore Cancun: What to Do in and Around the City
- Cancun, Mexico: Discover the magic of Cancun and discover the best places to stay.
- Cancun: What to do: Plan your trip with our guide about what to do in Cancun to make the most of your stay.
- City of Cancun: Know the map from the city of Cancun and become an expert before traveling.
Cool Things to Do in Cancun, the Pearl of the Caribbean
- Paradise Beaches: Relax in the stunning Cancun beaches and enjoy the warm sun and crystal clear water of the Caribbean.
- Diving and Snorkeling: Explore coral reefs and incredible marine life while diving or snorkeling in the waters off Cancun.
- Mexican Cuisine: Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine at local restaurantstry traditional Cancun dishes.
- Lively Nightlife: Experience the vibrant Cancun nightlife, with bars, clubs and parties that last until dawn.
- Art and Culture: Explore Cancun's rich arts and cultural scene by visiting museums, art galleries and live performances.
Important tip for buying tours to Cancun and Riviera Maya
One tip we always emphasize is about buying tours. There are many places that sell tours, and we always do a lot of research before buying. On our last trip, we discovered a fantastic agency , which is Brazilian and offers all the tours.
They are a different kind of agency from conventional agencies, as they offer specialized advice and personalized itineraries in Cancun and the surrounding area for those who want to choose the best tour options, the best suppliers, and the best way to explore a place (it may not even be through tours; they create exclusive itineraries for those renting a car). With them, we made much better use of our time!
You can check their references: They are the number 1 travel agency in Cancun on TripAdvisor , have won the award for consecutive years, and are among the best in the world!
Specializing exclusively in Cancun and the surrounding area, they provide you with advice on PLANNING and throughout your trip: from tips on what to visit and the ideal tour for your profile to HOTEL ADVICE IF YOU HAVEN'T YET CHOSEN where to stay, ALL based on the same itinerary. AS WELL AS FINANCIAL PLANNING SO YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR TRIP WITHOUT WORRY AND NO UNFORTUNATE SURPRISES.
The service is really excellent, personalized, in Portuguese and they help with everything. They pick you up at the airport to welcome you, accompany you to the hotel, and are available for any unforeseen circumstances (whether it's a medical emergency, missing a ride, anything at all, you can call them!).
All the tours we took were excellent, with great infrastructure and everything was reliable. It was much better than buying through foreign websites or in Cancun itself. If you WANT TO LIVE A UNIQUE, PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE, WITH SUPPORT AND EVERYTHING ORGANIZED WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT THE DETAILS, just click here and you will be directed to their website. IMPORTANT: TO SPEAK WITH THE CANCUNERS TEAM, YOU NEED TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT; THEY PROVIDE SERVICE VIA VIDEO CALL. IT'S VERY PERSONALIZED! WHEN REGISTERING ON THE WEBSITE, FILL OUT ALL THE STEPS UNTIL YOU REACH THE SCHEDULING STAGE (IT'S QUICK AND I GUARANTEE IT WILL BE WORTH IT).
If you enjoyed these tips about Cancun and want to know more about Mexico, leave your comment here or write directly to Guia México on Instagram.
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