Cancun is one of the most sought-after travel destinations, known for its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-packed vacation, there’s something for everyone in this Mexican paradise.
As someone who has spent years exploring Cancun, I can confidently say that this destination offers more than just sun and sand. From the stunning Mayan ruins to the underwater caves, you’ll find countless things to do in Cancun that cater to all kinds of travelers.
If you’re a history buff, exploring the ancient Chichen Itza or the nearby Tulum ruins will transport you back in time, revealing the secrets of the Mayan civilization. For those who crave a more active experience, Cancun offers exhilarating activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and zip-lining. And let’s not forget about the Cancun Hotel Zone, where you can enjoy world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
With my years of experience in navigating Cancun’s offerings, I’ve handpicked the best activities that promise an unforgettable vacation. From cultural exploration to high-energy fun, I’ll share insider tips and expert recommendations on how to make the most out of your trip. So, let’s dive in and explore the best things to do in Cancun that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
What to see and do in Cancun
First, let us tell you that Cancun is divided into two parts . The first is the city of Cancun , where the common people live and which offers more authentic places. And to the south of the city there is a 25 km road, bordered by a lagoon on one side and by long stretches of beach on the other. This is what is known as the Hotel Zone and where most of the accommodations and hotels are concentrated.
→ We tell you how to get to Cancun (downtown and Hotel Zone) from the airport.
Now, here are the 20 essential plans that cannot be missed on your trip to this top destination in Mexico:
1. Enjoy the best beaches in Cancun
All travelers (or almost all) come to Cancun with one mission: to enjoy its beaches (if the sargassum allows it). Ok, but what are the best beaches in Cancun?
- Dolphins Beach
- Caracol Beaches
- Turtle Beach
- Linda Beach
- Best nude beaches in Cancun
And there are surely many more, since Cancun has about 20 km of beaches (not to mention the nearby islands). On our first trip we stayed in the northern part and on the second in the southern area… and hey, although both are good options, we think that the beaches in the south are more impressive .
2. Staying at an all-inclusive resort, an experience to live in Cancun
Experience staying at one of their famous all-inclusive resorts , even if it's just for a day. We're not big fans of these resorts, but treating yourself to one of these once in a while doesn't hurt anyone, you only live once! Here you can find some very interesting offers .
But… Where to stay in Cancun ? Finding a good hotel that meets all our requirements (whether it is to be surrounded by luxury or to have 4 walls, a bathroom and wifi hehe) will be essential to enjoy a spectacular holiday in Cancun. We stayed at the Beachscape Kin Ha Villas Suites (when we went it cost us about €40 per night but now the prices have gone up quite a bit!)
⭐ To help you choose the perfect accommodation, we have prepared a post where we tell you about the best areas to stay in Cancun, the best boutique hotels in Cancun, with a selection of accommodation for all types of budgets and perfect locations. If you're a gourmet with a stong appetite, your must discover the best all inclusive resorts for foodies in Cancun.
3. Palapas Park
But don't make the mistake of not leaving the resort. Give the city of Cancun a chance , the least touristy area is possibly the most authentic and you should also visit it. A good place to breathe the local atmosphere is the Parque de las Palapas , where you can also eat well and very cheaply.
Take out IATI travel insurance with a 5% discount here . Whatever your destination, save yourself trouble and don't take any chances.
4. CocoBongo, a legendary night spot in Cancun
If you like going out at night, a legendary place is CocoBongo . We are a long way from our clubbing days and we didn't go, but it's a good plan if you like that vibe. Ok, we are two old people, but we still don't play cards in the village bars. But time will tell.
5. Archaeological sites to see in Cancun
Not many people know this, but there are three archaeological sites in Cancun : San Miguelito , El Rey and the Temple of the Scorpion Yamil Lu'um (free). If you are planning to visit other Mayan ruins such as Chichén Itzá or Cobá and Tulum , we think it is not worth the trip. However, if you are only going to spend a few days in Cancun, we do think it is an interesting plan.
Although possibly the most important in this area is the archaeological zone of El Meco , north of Cancun, where the ruins of "El Castillo" stand out, a 5-level pyramid with a height of 17 meters. The visit can be done perfectly on your own, although it is also included in this complete tour of Cancun with a guide.
Please note - Archaeological sites were closed due to the pandemic and are still closed at present. If you are going to visit, check on Google Maps beforehand if they are open or not (and let us know so we can update the post, thanks!).
6. Shopping in Cancun
If you want a break from the beach and fancy doing some shopping (even if it's just visual) you can head to one of the shopping centres, such as Plaza las Américas (in the city of Cancún) or La Isla Shopping Village (in the hotel zone) where there are restaurants right by the lake (watch out for the crocodiles) and a huge panoramic Ferris wheel . The truth is that it's a pretty nice shopping centre, and the food on offer is very interesting.
Remember to get the Revolut card ( with a €10 promo ) to avoid commissions when paying and withdrawing money abroad
7. Cancun Sign, the place to see in Cancun if you want to take an Instagram photo
Take a city bus (more info below) and go to Playa Delfines to take a photo with the famous colorful “Cancún” sign with the sea in the background.
Tip: If you don't want to wait in long lines, arrive early, as crowds form throughout the day.
8. MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art)
It's not very cheap, but if you're into diving, you might want to check out the Museo Subacuático de Arte (Underwater Museum of Art ). It's located underwater between Cancun and Isla Mujeres and features over 500 submerged sculptures. It's certainly an original site and one of the most unique things to do in Cancun.
Fun fact: the sculptures are made of a special marine material, which easily allows the proliferation and growth of corals. If you don't dive, you can visit it on a glass-enclosed boat like this one.
9. Water sports, an alternative plan in Cancun
There are many water sports to do both on the lake and in the sea . The tides and waves in Cancun are generally not the best for surfing, but you can always rent a paddle board, a jet ski or see Cancun from above by parasailing. Or why not try a scuba diving test to discover the seabed of this area of Mexico.
10. Eating, one of the best things to do in Cancun
Take advantage of your stay in Cancun to try one of the most delicious cuisines in the world . In Cancun there are quality restaurants and, although the prices are higher than in the rest of Mexico, you will see that it is worth trying the local specialties.
One option is to join a food tour or take a self-tour choosing where to try some of the tastiest typical Mexican dishes.
⭐ These are our recommendations for restaurants where to eat in Cancun.
Extra: the best excursions in Cancun
Don't stay too far away... Cancun is a perfect base for some of the best excursions in the Riviera Maya . The best one? The tour to Chichen Itza and the Sacred Cenote . Don't miss it! Although the best thing about Cancun is that in its surroundings you can enjoy other spectacular places to complete a super complete trip to the Riviera Maya.
Other places to visit on a day trip are: Tulum , Chichen Itza , Isla Mujeres , Cozumel , Valladolid , Coba …
⭐ In this post we talk in detail about the best excursions in Cancun.
More things to see in Cancun (and not)
Do you have more time? Here are a few more ideas of things to do in Cancun:
- If you want to have a view from above, but don't want to risk getting soaked to the skin, you can go up the Cancun Scenic Tower . It is located at km 4.5 and its platform that rotates 360 degrees reaches up to 80 meters, from where the sunsets must be amazing. The price is 18.50 dollars.
- An original way to say goodbye to Cancun is to board a replica of a Spanish galleon and sail out into the Caribbean at sunset. These cruises usually include dinner (and what a dinner it was!) and, although it may seem like a tourist trap, it can be a good end to your visit. More information and reservations .
- Finally, we recommend something NOT to do in Cancun (and in the Riviera Maya in general). We have seen that there are many activities with animals on offer … don’t be part of this business! This is precisely why, despite the fact that many people recommended Xcaret park to us, we decided not to go.
We hope you enjoyed these things to see and do in Cancun and the recommended excursions. Have you been to Cancun? What did you think? If you need more information, we are here for you.
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