Cancún

DESTINATIONS cancun

Cancún

Cancún's white sandy beaches and warm, crystal waters make it a paradise for all beach and water sports enthusiasts. Add a vibrant nightlife and the closeness to the breathtaking Mayan ruins, and you have Mexico's most popular tourist hotspot. Caring for four million tourists every year, it's hard to understand how this beautiful resort was a sleepy fishing village just a few decades ago. Its colourful buzz and ancient traditions co-existing with ultra-modern developments enchant everyone, from backpackers to luxury travellers.

The City Top 10

The City

Today, Cancún is known worldwide for its turquoise-blue water beaches, luxurious resorts, and bustling nightlife. But before this Mexican city became a major tourist destination, the region, which was once home to the Mayan civilisation, was mostly wetlands, mangroves, jungles, and untouched beaches. After it was left abandoned for centuries, the Mexican government finally realised in 1968 its true potential as a holiday hotspot. Currently, Cancún is divided into two distinctive districts, the famous Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera), a beachfront strip of hotels, resorts, eateries, shops, bars, and nightclubs, and the actual city of Cancún, known as El Centro. The Hotel Zone, which is surrounded by 25 kilometres of pure white sandy beach, is linked to the city via the four-lane Boulevard Kukulcán.

Top 10

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Apart from its dreamy beaches and energetic nightlife, Cancún offers a myriad of activities to fill your day. From historical sites where you can learn more about Mexico’s rich history and culture to breathtaking and unique natural spots to thrilling water sports and even the chance to swim with dolphins—or sharks for the courageous ones.

Mayan Ruins

A visit to Cancún is not complete without a trip to the famous Mayan ruins. Many of them have not yet been excavated and are waiting to be explored. Chichen Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is an absolute must. Whilst you are there, don’t miss out on the stunning …

Dolphinaris Cancún

Is swimming with dolphins a dream for you? Then make it a reality at the Dolphinaris Cancún. Here, you get to interact with these beautiful and smart creatures, become a trainer for a day, or take a day to follow the daily routines in a dolphin's life. An unforgettable experience for both the kids …

Cenotes

Cenotes (sinkholes) are deep wells with crystal clear water that can be accessed when the roof of a cave collapses. Fed by underground rivers, the cenotes were the main source of freshwater for the Mayans and therefore are considered sacred. They are unique to the Yucatán peninsula, and still to this day, the underground …

Hotel Zone

Most hotels in the Hotel Zone or Zona Hotelera are located directly on Cancún's beautiful beach. The Hotel Zone itself is divided into kilometre-long sections, which make it easy to navigate. The heart of the area is undoubtedly Cancún's famous buzzing party zone (km 8), where the bars and nightclubs draw both young and …

Isla Mujeres

A 20-minute boat ride from Cancún lies the small island of Isla Mujeres with its laid back Caribbean ambience, tiny streets lined with stalls and street cafes in pastel-coloured houses. Golf carts and mopeds dominate the streets, and although the island is only 5 miles long and half a mile wide, it still offers …

Eco Parks and Tours

If you are looking for a great family day out, don’t forget to visit the eco-parks of Xel Há or Xcarét. With shows and adventures set in stunning lush tropical vegetation with exotic wildlife, these parks offer a truly wonderful entertaining, educational, and fun day out for the young and old alike. For the …

Parque de las Palapas

The lively and friendly atmosphere of Parque de las Palapas is worth a visit, especially on the weekend evenings. Watch a local performance on the open-air stage, browse around the artisan stalls, visit one of the bars and cafes around the park, or just come here to observe and soak in the atmosphere. Just …

Puerto Cancún

Puerto Cancún is a mixture of residential, commercial, and tourist areas. An 800-acre upscale development next to the ocean featuring a large marina, a golf course, a waterside promenade with a luxurious outdoor shopping complex, eateries and cafes, as well as …

Las Coloradas & Río Lagartos

Discover candy-coloured lagoons, high salt hills and capture beautiful photos of the resident flamingos on this fun day trip from Cancun. First, visit Las Coloradas, Yucatan's famous pink-algae salt lakes. Then, ride a boat through the Río Lagartos reserve, looking for local species including flamingos, pelicans, eagles, and crocodiles. Plus, learn how salt is made, enjoy …

Rotating Scenic Tower

To fully appreciate the beauty of Cancún and its surrounding area, do ride the 360° rotating scenic tower where you will get a spectacular birds-eye view of the entire Hotel Zone and beyond from the 100-metre tall tower. A different experience during the day and night time, the view is …

Cancún Theatre & Mexican Folk Art Museum

Mexican folklore dance shows and plays are advertised at the theatre and at hotel concierges, where you also buy tickets. Discover one of Cancún’s little treasures, the Mexican Folk Art Museum brimming with excellent examples of Mexican folk art and crafts. You can experience the traditions and culture of Mexico at the Xcaret Park, which …

Downtown

Downtown (El Centro) is the actual backbone of Cancún. What it lacks in history, it makes up for being a true melting pot--an exciting mix of the old traditional Mexico and an ultra-modern urban sprawl. Avenida Tulum, the main street, passing through the heart of the city, is easy to reach by public transport. The …

Aquaworld

What better way to enjoy water sports than in the warm, crystal clear turquoise waters of Cancún? Whether you choose to go swimming, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, kite sailing, jet-skiing, parasailing, diving, or snorkelling along the second largest reef in the world, you will not be disappointed. Maybe you prefer to stay on the surface …

Interactive Aquarium

Unlike most aquariums, at the Interactive Aquarium of Cancún, you will get a chance to get up close to sea creatures and even interact with some of them. Here, you can touch starfish and sea urchins, swim with dolphins or watch them put on a show, and even walk underwater. There are over 140 species …

Swim with Whale Sharks

Do you dare to swim with these ocean giants? From around May to September, sharks appear close enough to the coast of Cancún, and several tour operators let you observe them and even swim and snorkel with them (all safety precautions, naturally, in …

Cancun Golf Club at Pok Ta Pok

A paradise for golfing enthusiasts of all abilities, Cancún is a golfing Mecca. The 10 top quality 18 hole golf courses in the area are all created by world-class designers such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and P.B. Dye to name a few. Be sure to make your reservation in …

Dining

Mexican cuisine is very versatile and best known for its intense and varied flavours, colourful decoration and variety of spices. Tacos, nachos and guacamole are only a small part of Cancún’s culinary repertoire beside the large palette of foreign cuisine. Whether you fancy a quick snack on the trot or a gourmet meal in stylish settings, Cancún has a fantastic selection of restaurants featuring dishes from all over the world.

La Pizzarra

Come for the view, stay for the food! Right on the bayside at La Isla Cancun Shopping Village, La Pizzarra offers Neapolitan style pizza, wine, and pasta in a beautiful and romantic location that gets even more spectacular around …

Umami

Located in the Hotel NYX, Unami is a Japanese style restaurant with a hibachi table, where you share seating with other diners while a chef cooks right in front of you. But if you wish to have a more private dining experience, they also have separate dining tables. The food here is rated among the …

Casa Tequila

Picturesque bar and restaurant serving authentic Mexican dishes from around the country, especially the Maya area, as well as an expansive assortment of tequilas and Mexican craft beers. Plus, a mariachi band to bring the entire experience …

La Parrilla

Vibrant Mexican restaurant in downtown Cancún serving a large selection of Mexican seafood and meat dishes accompanied by a Mariachi band and skilful waiters--some of them can even carry stacked cocktails on their heads without dropping them. The portions at La Parrilla are generous, and the food is quite tasty, but this place does tend …

La Palapa Belga

A hidden gem in Cancún's Hotel Zone, La Palapa Belga offers traditional French and Belgian specialities in a gorgeous and romantic location overlooking the lagoon. Plus, friendly and welcoming staff and reasonable prices. The mussels served in a cooking pot come highly …

La Troje

Tucked away from the busy streets of Cancún, La Troje is a quaint restaurant with outdoor seating specialising in Italian cuisine. On the menu, homemade pasta, pizzas, and crepes, as well as meat and fish dishes, and an extensive and quite popular salad menu. Plus, substantial dessert offerings with many homemade classics like …

La Dolce Vita

Consistently rated as one of the top restaurants in Cancún, La Dolce Vita serves fresh seafood, homemade pasta, pizza, and Italian desserts in a warm and welcoming setting with a garden terrace. The food here is outstanding, the wine list exquisite, and the service …

Peter's Restaurante

Small and intimate restaurant serving fresh, flavourful, and creative seafood, steaks, and international dishes in a low-lit setting. Do not leave without trying the chef's coffee and their signature key lime …

Bovino's Churrascaria

Bovino's Churrascaria is a high-end all-you-can-eat Brazilian-inspired steak house serving Brazillian barbeque on skewers that is carved tableside, as well as an extensive buffet of side dishes and salads--a true meat lovers …

Puerto Madero

Spacious Argentinean restaurant serving Prime quality cuts, seafood dishes, and a great selection of wines in a beautiful setting. At Puerto Madero, the food presentation is wonderful, and so are the service and the lovely waterfront views. Be sure to save some room for their mouth-watering …

Thai

In this traditional Thai style establishment, every table setting consists of an individual stylish palapa with its own unique table and sofa, giving the restaurant a serene and elegant ambience. Enhancing the experience is dolphins swimming gracefully on one side and a fantastic view over the lagoon on the other. Classic Thai specialities and …

Señor Frog's

Señor Frog's is both a fine dining establishment and an upbeat bar, combining a family-friendly atmosphere with events and parties that fear no rivals. Gratify your taste buds with delicious Mexican specialities or pop in at night, when the dance floor fills up with people, Señor Frog's is an unbeatable component of Cancún's …

Hard Rock Cafe Cancún

Nestled amongst the shops at Forum By The Sea is Hard Rock Café, a perfect place to stop for lunch, dinner, a cold beer, or listen to live music. There is a bar and tables outside on a patio overlooking the beach and, of course, a chance to buy memorabilia from their …

Cafes

Home to some of the best coffee worldwide, Cancún's cafe culture is somewhat different from that in most countries. Most people prefer to take their coffee inside with air conditioning rather than outdoors, and because all bars double as cafes, "European style" street cafes is a relatively new phenomenon but gaining fast in popularity.

Cafe Antoinette

Cafe Antoinette will charm you with its cosy French atmosphere, freshly baked baguettes, homemade quiches, and its exquisite macarons. All their products are prepared according to traditional practices and guarantee authentic flavours and a real feel of timeless …

Rooster

Cute little coffee shop in downtown Cancún dishing up morning staples, like waffles, omelette, and avocado toast, as well as paninis, salads, and bagels at lunchtime. The eggs Benedict with smoked salmon comes highly …

Café Nader

Café Nader feels like the Mexican version of an American diner. So expect hearty meals such as enfrijoladas, tacos de barbacoa, and parrillada. It is a bit fancier than a regular cafe and therefore a bit more expensive. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and is a popular brunch place on Sundays. Café Nader is famous for …

Café con Gracia

Providing a lovely and welcoming outdoor seating area and cosy interiors, Café con Gracia is a perfect gathering point for a coffee, a tea, a frappe, or some homemade baked goods. On the menu: bagels, paninis, waffles, desserts, and cuernitos--the Mexican version of a …

Ah Cacao Chocolate Café

Located at La Isla Shopping Village, Ah Cacao Chocolate Café is the perfect destination to regain strength after an intensive day of shopping or sightseeing. Indulge in homemade baked goods, such as chocolate brownies and cake accompanied by some refreshing iced coffee, tea, or …

Bars & Nightlife

Whatever you are in the mood for, you will find it in Cancún. Shake your hips to Latin music, break it down to hip hop, pump it up to club music, or enjoy an extraordinary cabaret show - Cancún has developed around tourism and won't fail to fulfil your expectations.

Cuncrawl

Let some experienced guides take you to the hippest Cancún's bars and nightclubs and enjoy yourself with an open bar tab--you will have the chance to meet new people and discover new places from the viewpoint of a …

Monkey Business

Bar/restaurant in the middle of the Hotel Zone offering a great selection of drinks, tasty food--burgers, nachos, burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and skewers--as well as live music and karaoke nights. Great spot to drop by before hitting Cancún's …

Coco Bongo

Coco Bongo is not your typical nightclub. Instead of a dance floor and DJ acts, the venue, which is “a combination of Cirque du Soleil, a concert, a theater, and a disco”, hosts musical performances by local artists impersonating famous singers and actors. Plus, dancers, trapeze artists, and gymnasts, all work to create an …

Señor Frog's

The City Nightclub Cancun

The City is not only the largest but also one of the best nightclubs in Latin America. Boasting three levels that gather up to 6 thousand people, a 1,000,000-watt sound system, 650 sq. ft. of video screens, world-class acts, themed nights, foam parties, and a private beach club, The City is a guaranteed unforgettable …

Casa Tequila

Mambo Café

Caribbean themed nightclub with live Latin music. Get your dancing shoes ready, the upbeat music and hip vibes of Mambo Cafe create a most-loved destination of Cancún's club scene, where to mingle and have …

Forum By The Sea

In the heart of Cancun's Hotel Zone, Forum By The Sea offers visitors a little bit of everything, ranging from small shops with souvenirs and Mexican handicrafts to many restaurants and the best nightlife options in Cancún. In the surroundings of Plaza Forum, you will find the most popular bars and nightclubs in the …

Dady'O

Dady O's experienced DJs spin a mash-up of 80s, 90s, hip-hop, and dance tunes, paying homage to all styles and tastes. Boasting trendy interiors and showcasing laser effects, the nightclub is a major draw for tourists in …

Mandala

Upscale spot for nightlife in Cancún, Mandala features great music (mostly electronic), bottle service, and an open-air, vibrant atmosphere, which is enhanced by a young and cosmopolitan crowd that fills the dance floor till the early …

Congo Bar

Lively and intimate open-air venue playing all sorts of music and offering live DJs, lots of dancing, and drinks at reasonable prices. Join the conga line and get ready to socialize with tourists and …

Shopping

Amidst the beaches, jungle, and culture, Cancún also provides its visitors with every shopping experience imaginable. From traditional market stalls selling local handicrafts to modern indoor and outdoor shopping malls, Cancún's shops are as versatile and creative as its people, and the privileged tax status of Cancún (10%) makes it a popular destination for buying luxury items--you can still practice your bartering skills at the markets, although most shops have fixed prices. Mexico is the world's number one exporter of cowboy boots and is also famous for its silverware, tequila, hot chili sauces, and handcrafted pottery. Other popular souvenirs are vanilla essence, Aloe Vera products, blankets, and, of course, the famous Mexican sombreros.