Best Things To Do in Cancun, Mexico

Are you looking for what to do in Cancun?

What To See

·  Beaches: The main tourist attraction of Cancun is its fabulous coastline. The beaches like the Playa Totugas and the Playa Delfines are a definite must visit. There are also quite a few others to be explored.

·  Chichen Itza and Tulum: Other than that, it being a tourism hub, several popular tourist sites like the Chichen Itza and Tulum are within accessible distance of the city. Since the Mayan Culture is very prevalent in Mexico the Museo Maya in Cancun has also become a very popular tourist spot.

·  Adventure Activities: The Dolphin, Whale and Shark Tours of different kinds are must activities to do in Cancun. Scuba Diving is extremely exciting in the crystal clear blue waters of Cancun. The fishing tours and especially the eco-logical fishing tours where you learn the art of fishing without harming the fish is also a very unique experience to be had here.  Also try out parks like Xcaret and Xel Ha for eco-tours.

·  Xel- Ha- Park: Visit this commercial aquatic theme park for a fun filled day.

·  Coba: Make a day tour to Coba and climb the steep stairs up the highest pyramid in Mexico's Maya world to watch breathtaking vista. At more than 130 feet in height, Nohuch Mul, which means “large mound” in the Mayan language, is the tallest pyramid at Coba archaeological site and in the Yucatán Peninsula. Coba, an easy half-hour drive inland from the coastal city of Tulum, is well worth a visit.

Nightlife:

The nightlife in Cancun is bright and festive. Lazer shows, confetti, and a festive, eclectic atmosphere is seen in almost all the clubs.

  • Coco Bongo: The Coco Bongo in Cancun is a very popular nightlife spot. This fascinating place has acrobats, dancers and the most festive environment anyone has ever seen for a club. Whether you go there to get a drink or to dance, a great time is guaranteed.
  • Other interesting clubs to check out are Daddy O, Senor Frogs and Mandala, each with their own very unique style.

Below we have a list of things to do in Cancun and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Cancun getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Cancun with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Cancun

Here is the list of things to do in Cancun and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Isla Mujeres

    Outdoors, Island, Water Sport, Picnic Spot

    Literally translated “the island of women”, Isla Mujeres is actually named after the several statues of the goddess Ixchel found here. What makes this island important to visit is that it is a part of the Mayan history of Mexico. About 13 kilometers away from Cancun, it lies in the same state as the city; Quintana Roo. Understand how to see Isla Mujeres. This island is the perfect ...Read more
  2. Xplor Park

    4.8 (2286 Votes)
    Xplor Park

    Park, Adventure

    With 14 zip-lines and activities that include swimming and rafting in the river while you admire stalagmites and stalactites in the caves, the Xplor Park is an underground adventure park designed to shoot your adrenaline levels to the moon! The park has a forest area which is part of the zip line before it sends you zooming into the caves. There are also amphibious cars that you can drive aroun...Read more
  3. Xcaret

    4.8 (5662 Votes)
    Xcaret

    Outdoors, Park, Picnic Spot

    The Xcaret area has an interesting past. It is believed to be what was formerly known as the ancient port of Polé. The Maya would come to this area to purify themselves before visiting Cozumel to worship Ixchel- the goddess of fertility. Even today, you can find ancient remains of the Maya civilisation here. The Xcaret Eco Theme Park covers an area of 200 acres of this historic place. Wh...Read more
  4. Chichen Itza

    4.8 (3832 Votes)
    Chichen Itza

    Outdoors, Historical Site

    Mexico’s historical legacy is rich and varied and the Mayans have left a stunning mark on the country with their beautiful stone structures. To travel to Cancun and to not see one of these magnificent constructions would be certainly missing out on the essence of this destination. Luckily, the Chichen Itza, one of these stunning relics of the Mayan period lies at a very accessible distan...Read more
  5. Xel - Ha Park

    4.8 (3525 Votes)
    Xel - Ha Park

    Outdoors, Theme Park, Food And Drinks, Leisure

    Xel Ha Park is the ideal tourist attraction near Cancun for those of you traveling with a family. Not to be mistaken with a historic site of the same name Xelha which lies within the same premises, this theme park is an aquatic eco-tourism venue. However, do also check out the archeological site while you are here. The park offers wonderful scuba diving, snorkeling and boating opportunities wit...Read more
  6. Tulum

    Beach, Walking Area, Nature, Snorkeling

    Located at a distance of around one and a half hours from Cancun, Tulum is one destination that leaves its visitors spellbound with its spectacular coastline and bright sun. A visit to Tulum from Cancun will include watching its beautiful coastline, sugar sands, jade-green water, and balmy breezes. Thanks to its pristine nature, this beach is, in fact, one of the top beaches in Mexico. Apa...Read more
  7. El Rey Ruins

    4.5 (2984 Votes)
    El Rey Ruins

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site

    The El Rey ruins are a group of lovely old Mayan buildings existing at what used to be a fishing village in Cancun. These gorgeous relics of a magnificent era gone by are certainly worth a trip to make. The city was abandoned but was the center of activity till the 1500s. Today this place looks astonishing with its natural and architectural beauty blended together. The tiny place is surrounded...Read more
  8. Cancun Underwater Museum

    4.5 (3420 Votes)
    Cancun Underwater Museum

    Art And Culture, Museum, Sculpture

    The Cancun Underwater Museum refers to the beautiful and eerie sculptures made by the artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Today, sculptures by other artists have also been added to the mix of underwate art. These underwater statues have all been preserved by the MUSA (Museo Subacuatico de Arte). There is a series of varied figurines that have found a wonderful viewing place at the bottom of the ocea...Read more
  9. Isla Contoy

    Outdoors, Beach, Island, Walking Area

    Cancun is surrounded by natural beauty that makes up for an unparalleled travel experience. While you are in Cancun, you can make a guided tour to Isla Contoy. This island houses a number of species of birds and animals who live in a habitat full of mangroves and a beautiful beach. The tour operators will give you several hours of free time to explore the island's interpretive trails, climb a ...Read more
  10. Sistema Dos Ojos

    4.6 (1712 Votes)
    Sistema Dos Ojos

    Cave, Water Body, Adventure, Water Sport

    Dos Ojos is a snorkel and dive site on the Caribbean coast, located just north of Tulum. This site was discovered in 1987 and has been a popular tourist destination since then. Dos Ojos has one of the deepest known cave passages that runs 118 meters deep. This cave system has crystal clear water and visitors can see various shades of blue and green. Activities at Dos Ojos include cave diving, ...Read more
  11. Ik Kil

    4.5 (2215 Votes)
    Ik Kil

    Outdoors, Water Body, View Point, River

    Located about 190 Kilometers (120 miles) north and west of the world famous resort town of Cancun, the Ik Kil is a cenot that offers amazing experiences to those who visit it. cenotes are considered to be an integral part of any tour to Cancun and Yucatan. There are no surface rivers in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. All rivers are underground. A cenote is a spot where the limestone has coll...Read more
  12. Museo Maya De Cancun

    4.5 (1998 Votes)
    Museo Maya De Cancun

    Museum, History Museum, Cave

    Opened in 2012, this massive museum has three giant exhibition halls of more than 4400 square feet each. Inside this museum, the central attractions consist of 14000 year old skeletal that remains recovered from underwater caves, ancient artefacts and other excavated exhibits that beautifully outline the history of the Meso-Americans. Closeby, an outdoor trail leads to some fascinating Mayan r...Read more
  13. Playa Delfines

    4.7 (2670 Votes)
    Playa Delfines

    Beach, Walking Area, Picnic Spot

    Playa Delfines is a beautiful beach in Cancun. If you are looking for a place that is slightly off the beaten track, do visit this. It isn’t as popular as the other beaches and certainly isn’t as crowded which makes it a wonderful and relaxing place. The forgotten beach is described as a rather underdeveloped beach as it hasn’t been taken over commercially. As a traveler you ...Read more
  14. Parroquia De Cristo Resucitado

    Church, Religious Site, Historical Site

    Cancun’s nightlife and natural beauty might astonish you to a certain extent but those who are looking for some quiet spiritual corners should visit the Parraquia de Cristo Resucitado church. Recently established, this church has become one of the central attractions of Cancun that must be visited for sure. With open interiors and cool heights, this church is in close access from many res...Read more
  15. Interactive Aquarium

    4.3 (1956 Votes)
    Interactive Aquarium

    Aquarium

    Witness a wide range of aquatic life with a visit to the Interactive Museum in Cancun. Because of its astounding popularity, it is recommended to buy tickets for Interactive Museum in advance. Long lines and queues are common here. If you wish you can view Interactive Museum ticket prices before purchasing and also combine Interactive Museum tickets with a number of other tour options. One of ...Read more

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  • want to book chichen itza trip had a question

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  • I am from Vietnam and want to travel to Cancun, Mexico. Do I need a Visa to enter Mexico?

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    • Yes, a Mexico tourist visa is required for the citizens of Vietnam. However, if you have a valid United States visa, or have permanent resident status in Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, or Schengen countries, you may not require a visa. 

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  • is there a beautifully-landscaped square near the waterfront in downtown Cancun?

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    • As far as I know, Parque Las Palapas located in Downtown is one of the main parks. The square in which this park is established has turned into a bustling area as it has rides for kids, places to eat, and shops where you can buy souvenirs. 

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