Cancún, Mexico: 10 Best Things to Do and See

Cancún, Mexico’s vibrant beach destination, is famous for its stunning Caribbean coastline and lively atmosphere. As the main gateway to the Yucatán Peninsula, it attracts numerous visitors, making it a top spot for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

While the city’s beautiful beaches are a major draw, there’s much more to explore. Here’s a guide to the best things to do and see in Cancún, from cultural attractions to hidden gems that make this destination truly unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit Cancun

Cancún’s peak season runs from January to March, attracting many Americans looking to escape the winter chill. This period offers some of the best weather, with sunny days and little rain—but it also comes with higher prices and crowded beaches.

For families or travelers on a budget, the ideal time to visit is between April and November. The most affordable rates are found from July to October, which is the rainy season in the Yucatán Peninsula, offering a quieter and more budget-friendly experience.

Best Hotels in Cancun

One of the top choices for luxury without breaking the bank in Cancún is Home’s Jungle 15, offering an upscale experience at a more accessible price.

For those seeking a more traditional luxury experience, Hyatt Ziva Cancún is a classic option, though it comes at a higher price point.

Top Places to Find Guided Tours Without Flying Solo

Browse the Invia portal, which aggregates offers from reputable travel agencies, allowing you to easily compare options from various providers. This makes it simple to find and select the best tour to Mexico.

Cancún security

The Yucatán is one of the safest regions in Mexico, making it a great choice for solo travelers. During our time living in Mexico, we never encountered any issues, so you can feel confident exploring on your own.

Map of the mentioned places in and around Cancun

You can find all the locations mentioned in this article on the map below. Simply click the “share” button to save it to your own Google Maps, so you’ll always have it easily accessible.

Things to see and do in Cancun

Now that you’ve booked your hotel and planned your travel dates, let’s explore the top things to see and do in Cancún!

1) Explore the hotel zone

Cancún is divided into two main areas: Downtown, where the locals live, and the Hotel Zone, known as “Zona Hotelera”.

The Hotel Zone is a tourist hub filled with resorts, stunning beaches, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. It stretches for 24 kilometers, forming a shape like the number seven on the map.

The only road running through this area is Kulkulcán Boulevard. We recommend using the local bus service, which runs frequently from downtown, so you’ll never have to wait long at any stop.

In the Hotel Zone, you’ll find nearly everything Cancún has to offer—pristine sandy beaches, luxurious hotels overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and aquatic centers where you can embark on a trip to the famous underwater museum.

2) The best beaches in Cancun

Cancún is best known for its stunning 20-kilometer stretch of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters.

Before booking your trip, it’s a good idea to check for seaweed conditions. In recent years, seaweed has become a more frequent issue affecting the beaches.

The Hotel Zone is home to numerous stunning beaches, but a few truly stand out:

Playa Delfines
One of Cancún’s largest beaches, Playa Delfines is famous for its iconic colorful “Cancún” sign. Unlike many other beaches, it remains free from hotels and resorts, offering a more natural setting. However, the waves here can be strong, so it’s not ideal for swimming.

Playa Tortugas
This beach is perfect for families with children, thanks to its calm, shallow waters. It also features a beachfront seafood restaurant, making it a great spot to grab a bite while enjoying the sea.

Playa Forum
Located right behind the popular Coco Bongo nightclub, Playa Forum is lined with restaurants and bars. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a lively evening, with plenty of options for food, drinks, and soaking in the local vibe.

Chac Mool Beach
Chac Mool Beach is perfect for water enthusiasts, offering various options for water sports. Several rental companies are available along the beach, providing equipment for those ready to dive into some aquatic fun.

3) Snorkeling at the MUSA Underwater Museum

Between Cancún and Isla Mujeres lies an underwater museum, MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte), featuring over 500 sculptures arranged in various scenes, such as a car or a person sitting in front of a TV.

The museum was created to help protect the local coral reefs by diverting some of the heavy tourist traffic. Each sculpture is made from marine concrete, providing an ideal surface for new coral growth.

The ever-evolving sculptures at MUSA create a unique underwater landscape, offering something new to discover with each visit.

Booking a tour to explore MUSA is easy through GetYourGuide, a reliable platform that works just as smoothly in Mexico as it does in Europe.

4) Mercado 28

Mercado 28 is a sprawling outdoor market with over 600 stalls offering just about anything you could imagine. It’s an ideal spot for picking up souvenirs, and you’ll find plenty of handmade items at reasonable prices.

Bargaining is a common practice here, giving you a chance to test your negotiation skills. In our experience, we managed to purchase items for at least 40% less than the seller’s initial offer.

5) Mayan ruins of Chichen itza

Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city with thousands of years of history, is a must-see destination. As the second most visited archaeological site in Mexico and one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into the rich culture of the Mayan civilization.

This well-preserved site is located nearly 200 km from Cancún, requiring about a 2.5-hour journey each way. You can reach it by car, bus, or Colectivo minibuses. If you’d rather avoid the hassle of car rentals or navigating local transport, booking a guided tour through GetYourGuide is a convenient option.

6) Nightlife in Cancun

While we might not be club-goers ourselves, Cancún’s nightlife is legendary, attracting party enthusiasts from around the globe. If you’re looking to experience the city’s vibrant party scene, be sure to check out these hotspots:

Coco Bongo
The most famous club in Cancún, Coco Bongo is known for its high-energy atmosphere. It’s a non-stop spectacle featuring acrobats, live bands, costumed performers, and top DJs, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable night out.

The City Nightclub
A favorite for spotting celebrities, The City Nightclub regularly hosts world-renowned DJs like Paul Van Dyk and Tiesto. With three floors, nine bars, and a capacity of up to 5,000 people, it’s one of the largest and most impressive clubs in the city.

Dady O
Perfect for techno enthusiasts, Dady O offers an electric atmosphere with five bars and nightly shows, featuring everything from professional dancers to stunning light displays.

7) Day trip to Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful Mexican island off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancún. It’s a favorite among tourists for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

If you’re looking for a break from the bustling atmosphere of Cancún, head over to Isla Mujeres and rent a golf cart to explore the island at your own pace. Be sure to visit the turtle rescue center, where you can see dozens of turtles and learn about their conservation efforts.

8) Visit the pink lakes of Las Coloradas

Las Coloradas is a small village in the Yucatán Peninsula, famous for its stunning pink lakes. Located within the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, this area is also home to diverse wildlife, including flamingos, crocodiles, jaguars, and sea turtles.

The pink lakes are part of the local salt production process, with artificial salt ponds that have been in use since the time of the Mayan civilization. While swimming in the lakes is not allowed, a visit to Las Coloradas makes for one of the best day trips from Cancún. The journey takes about three hours, offering a unique and picturesque escape.

9) Day trip to Tulum

When visiting Cancún, be sure to explore the nearby city of Tulum and its ancient ruins. Along with its charming coastal boutiques and boho-style restaurants, Tulum offers a variety of activities, including swimming in crystal-clear cenotes, exploring a natural aquarium, and visiting the expansive Kaan Luum Lagoon. It’s the perfect destination for a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

10) Swimming in the adjacent cenotes

Cenotes, natural freshwater sinkholes, are among the top attractions in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Many of these stunning cenotes are located near Cancún, particularly along the Ruta de Cenotes, about a 30-minute drive south of the city.

We highly recommend visiting Cenote Verde Lucero, Cenote Mojarras, and La Noria for an unforgettable experience. If you’d rather not rent a car, you can easily book a tour through GetYourGuide for a hassle-free visit.

Map of Cancun

Tips and tricks for travelling in the Yucatán