Cancún: what's actually worth it
In the 1970s, a government survey accidentally found white sand and turquoise water, sparking a tourism boom that transformed this sleepy fishing village into a global destination. Today, the city feels like a vibrant playground where luxury resorts coexist with bustling street markets, creating an energy that is both polished and authentically Mexican. It is now a place of stark contrasts, offering pristine beaches for relaxation alongside a lively nightlife scene that pulses well into the early morning hours.
Top things to do in Cancún
Dolphins Beach
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.8 (29,567 reviews)
Long white-sand beach featuring shallow waters plus umbrellas, restaurants & dolphin sightings.
Check tours & tickets →La Isla Cancún
Shopping Mall · ★ 4.6 (37,145 reviews)
Bustling, open-air shopping complex with clothing stores, restaurants & a Ferris wheel.
Check tours & tickets →Mercado 28
Market · ★ 4.2 (59,572 reviews)
Long-running flea market with food stalls & lots of shops offering souvenirs, apparel & other goods.
Check tours & tickets →Parque de las Palapas
City Park · ★ 4.4 (34,356 reviews)
Paved city park with playground structures, shaded tables & an open-air stage for performances.
Check tours & tickets →Xoximilco Cancún
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.8 (11,833 reviews)
Theme park built around Mexican culture, customs, music & food on gondolas through the Mayan jungle.
Check tours & tickets →Mayan Monkey Cancún
Hotel · ★ 4.6 (8,500 reviews)
Vibrant waterfront hotel & hostel offering a funky bar & a communal kitchen, plus an outdoor pool.
Check tours & tickets →Ferris Wheel Cancun
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.5 (8,253 reviews)
Upscale seafront promenade dominated by a Ferris wheel & lined with restaurant terraces & boutiques.
Check tours & tickets →Museo Maya de Cancún y Zona Arqueológica de San Miguelito
Museum · ★ 4.5 (7,918 reviews)
Important collection of Mayan archaeological artifacts housed in a sleekly designed setting.
Check tours & tickets →Interactive Aquarium Cancún
Aquarium · ★ 4.3 (8,097 reviews)
Many sea creatures are displayed at this aquarium offering unique interactive experiences & shows.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Ilios | Greek restaurant in Cancun
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (10,530 reviews)
Website →Harry's Steakhouse & Raw Bar | Cancun
Steak House · ★ 4.9 (9,267 reviews)
Website →Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Cancún
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (11,238 reviews)
Family-friendly restaurant offering shrimp & classic southern fare in a casual setting.
Website →El Huerto del Edén
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (8,585 reviews)
Website →Tacos Los Chachalacos Party Center | Zona Hotelera | Los Mejores Tacos y Restaurante Mexicano
Taco Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (11,782 reviews)
Website →Fred's | The best seafood in Cancun
Seafood Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (7,730 reviews)
Stylish venue with a rustic vibe, offering seafood, cocktails & Mexican classics by a lagoon.
Website →Mermelada Cocina Que Reconforta.
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (5,887 reviews)
Elevated pastries, coffee & sandwiches in a contemporary restaurant with outdoor tables.
Website →El Timón De Cancún
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (7,078 reviews)
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Get outside
Extreme Adventure Cancun
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (5,348 reviews)
Website →Parque Ecológico Kabah
Park · ★ 4.5 (5,422 reviews)
Small urban park featuring a variety of vegetation & wildlife, plus running paths & a playground.
Website →Cenote Zapote Ecopark
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.8 (1,230 reviews)
Website →Mayan Jungle Rush
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (803 reviews)
Website →Jardín del Arte
Garden · ★ 4.5 (927 reviews)
After dark
Coco Bongo Cancun
Night Club · ★ 4.4 (12,265 reviews)
Website →Monkey Business Cancún
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (3,131 reviews)
Burgers, quesadillas & beer, plus shisha & live music, in a vibrant, informal locale with a terrace.
Website →Mandala Nightclub
Bar · ★ 4.5 (3,110 reviews)
Energetic nightspot featuring splashy lighting, bottle service, DJs & wet T-shirt contests.
Website →Mandala Beach Club
Bar · ★ 4.4 (3,246 reviews)
There's a party vibe at this beach club with a pool, DJs, a bar & a restaurant.
Website →More guides
Amsterdam Aruba Asheville Athens Atlanta Austin Bali Banff Bangkok Barcelona Berlin Boston Cabo San Lucas Charleston