Things to do in Cancun
Contents
- Downtown Cancun
- Cancun Scenic Tower
- Kukulcan Boulevard
- Market 28
- Señor Frog’s Restaurant
- El Rey Archaeological Zone
- Isla Mujeres
- Ventura Amusement Park
- La Isla Cancun Shopping Mall
- Coco Bongo Nightclub
- Underwater Museum of Art, MUSA
- El Meco Archaeological Site
- Xoximilco Theme Park
- Playa Delfines Beach
- Iberostar Cancun Golf Club
- Chichen Itza
- Cenotes of Yucatan
- Ziplining at Xplor Theme Park
Cancun is one of the most popular Mexican resorts, favored by North American and European tourists. It can hardly be called a family vacation destination, as the emphasis here is on a busy nightlife and all kinds of entertainment. The resort has everything you need for an ideal vacation on the Caribbean coast — clean beaches with azure water, delicious Mexican food, numerous hotels, clubs, and amusement parks. You can mix it all up with a visit to archaeological sites. In this article, we will review 16 must-see attractions in Cancun.
Downtown Cancun
Downtown Cancun (Ciudad Cancun) is the dynamic heart of the city. This historic place is a must-see in Cancun to get a sense of the Mexican flavor. Here you will find the central park Palapas (Parque de las Palapas). The main square has a stage where various events are held, and there are numerous stalls with delicious street food nearby. You should also check out the stalls in Downtown Cancun selling fresh fruit, vegetables, and handicrafts.
Cancun Scenic Tower
The Cancun observation tower (Torre Escenica) is located on Kukulkan Boulevard. This tourist landmark is both an attraction and an observation platform. Visitors take an unforgettable 10-minute journey up and back down while enjoying spectacular views of the city and the Caribbean Sea. As the ride goes on, the cabin rotates on its axis, and the height at its peak reaches 80 meters. The audio guide gives brief historical, statistical, and geographical information about Cancun in the background.
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 4.5, Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Kukulcan Boulevard
Avenida Kukulkan is the city's main artery, passing through the resort area of the Hotel Zone (Zona Hoteliera) and the best place to explore Cancun. It got its unusual name after the feathered serpent of the ancient Mayan legends. The main tourist spots along this street are the popular all-inclusive hotels, restaurants with different price policies, luxury stores, archaeological sites, amusement parks, etc.
Market 28
Market 28 (Mercado 28) is the most popular marketplace in Cancun and one of the unique places to visit in the city. It is a unique place for handmade souvenirs, traditional clothes, accessories, and, of course, a vivid experience. Travelers must bargain when purchasing any goods. Otherwise, the amount spent will be several times greater than its real value. You can also find interesting excursions at bargain prices at Market 28. However, before making a deal, it is worth ensuring that the seller is reliable.
Señor Frog’s Restaurant
Señor Frog's is one of the most popular restaurants on Kukulсan Boulevard. It's a win-win choice to experience Mexican cuisine during the day and participate in a buzzing party after sundown. The menu features traditional dishes like guacamole, salsa, quesadillas, nachos, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. Beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, and mahi-mahi fish are used as protein bases here. Vegetarians will appreciate the vegetable dishes, and children will love the special menu (without spicy components) and delicious desserts.
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan km. 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
El Rey Archaeological Zone
The El Rey Archaeological Zone is located in the Hotel Zone and is the largest Mayan ruins found in Cancun. If you have a question about what to do in Cancun, you must visit this place. There are 47 structures and their remains and fragments of frescoes and drawings. It got its name from a sculpture discovered called the king (El Rey), which can be seen in the Mayan Museum. In the XIII century, it was one of the centers of maritime trade. The only inhabitants that can be seen in this area are large iguanas, who are happy to pose for the camera.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is an island located at the confluence of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, located 13 km from the Yucatan Peninsula. Isla Mujeres means "The Island of Women" in Spanish. In pre-Columbian times, this area was dedicated to the Maya goddess of child-bearing, Ixchel, an image of which is found everywhere. People come here for the activities — beach holidays and diving among the coral reefs in the Garrafon Natural Reef Park. You can also see sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Ventura Amusement Park
Ventura is a family theme park on Kukulcan Boulevard and one of the best places to visit in Cancun. The Wet'n Wild Water Park area features water slides, a wave pool, a playground with fountains, and an artificial river. Fun World provides visitors with a wide variety of rides — roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, and other types. Fans of fast rides should definitely check out the Grand Prix area with its go-kart track. There is a funny laser tag in Underworld. The most extreme attractions are ziplines and suspension bridges in the Aaah!Ventura.
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 25, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
La Isla Cancun Shopping Mall
La Isla Cancun is the most popular and most visited mall in Cancun. It is divided into three zones — Shopping Village, Entertainment Village, and Fashion Harbour Cancun. The first zone contains stores, pharmacies, restaurants of different world cuisines, The Wax Museum, and Interactive Aquarium Cancun, where more than 1500 species of animals live, and many exhibits can be touched. The second contains the Cancun Ferris Wheel, The Tequila Museum, and The Chocolate Factory. The third part of the mall contains designer boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Montblanc, Prada, and others) and haute cuisine restaurants.
Address: 5 Lt 18-10, Blvd. Kukulcan km 12.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Coco Bongo Nightclub
Coco Bongo is Cancun's party mecca and an excellent option for a fun time where hundreds of people come every day. It's a venue for colorful shows with professional artists, including tribute performances dedicated to famous musicians and unforgettable parties. You can often see aerial acrobats flying right above the dancefloor. At the climax, colorful confetti rains from the ceiling.
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan 30, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Underwater Museum of Art, MUSA
The Museum of Underwater Sculptures (Museo Subacuático de Arte) is located in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico between Cancun and Isla Mujeres. You can view the numerous exhibits while scuba diving, snorkeling, or booking a clear-bottom boat trip. The available exhibits vary with each type of tour. Tour groups gather in both Cancún and Isla Mujeres to see the place.
El Meco Archaeological Site
Xoximilco Theme Park
Xoximilco is a unique theme park located near Cancun International Airport. This is a must on the list of things to do in Cancun. Everyone can experience Mexican traditions, customs, and folklore here — all activities take place in the evening. At the beginning of the tour, visitors get to the carnival, where they can try their hand at traditional games, taste the national dishes and listen to music performed by a mariachi band. After that, a mini-cruise by boat through the scenic landscapes begins, where the tasting of food and hot drinks continues.
Address: Chetumal Km. 282, Juárez, 77580 Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico
Playa Delfines Beach
Playa Delfines is one of the best beaches in the city and a must-see in Cancun. It has everything you need for a perfect vacation — blue water, pure white sand, and wide open spaces. You can hide from the scorching sun under an umbrella or in the shade of trees. The famous multi-colored sign CANCUN is installed near Playa Delfines. It is a must to take a photo here. There are several surfing schools on the beach, and you can buy food from the vendors who ply the coast endlessly.
Address: Punta Nizuc - Cancún 335, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Iberostar Cancun Golf Club
The Iberostar Cancun Golf Club is located in the heart of the Hotel Zone. It is one of the best activities in Cancun. It is located between the Caribbean Sea and a beautiful lagoon surrounded by mangroves and jungle. The course consists of 18 holes and includes natural water hazards. Players have an unusual view of the ancient Mayan ruins of El Rey from the 16th hole.
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 17, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Chichen Itza
Cenotes of Yucatan
Ziplining at Xplor Theme Park
