What to do and see in Cancún

Last Updated on October 27, 2021

Cancun is a wonderful destination that you have to visit if you want to see the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. One of the reasons why people decide that Cancun is the perfect holiday destination is because of its incredible location: Cancun is located near many of the attractions that you will be interested in visiting to learn a little more about the Mayan culture, and of course its stunning white beaches. There’s more to Cancun than Maya culture and beach, though, so read on to find out the best things to do in Cancun.

Cancun is also a great base for day trips to some of the best places to visit in the Yucatan: Marvel at one of the seven wonders of the modern world – the pyramid of Kukulcan in Chichen Itza, get to know Playa del Carmen, a city with a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, or take a bike ride through Tulum, one of the most stunning places in the Riviera Maya.

Hundreds of tourists arrive in Cancun every day with the sole purpose of spending an incredible vacation, and I can assure you that you will see places that will leave you breathless. So without further ado, here are the best things to do in Cancun:

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Mayan Museum of Cancun

If you’re a history buff, one of the best things to do in Cancun is visiting the city’s Mayan Museum, where you will learn everything about the Mayan culture in the interactive rooms and the small archaeological zone inside.

The Mayan ruins of San Miguelito are known for their authenticity and the important role they play within the Mayan culture.

How to get there

This museum is located in the hotel zone, so if you are staying in one of the nearby hotels, it will be very easy to get there, either walking or by taxi.

Scenic Tower of Cancun

In the hotel zone, just after the Calinda bridge, you will find Cancun’s Scenic Tower, which offers stunning panoramic views of the hotel zone, the Nichupté lagoon and of course the Caribbean sea that surrounds Cancun and made this city so popular.

Ferris Wheel

The Ferris Wheel, “La Gran Rueda”, is one of the best things to do in Cancun if you have children – but not just kids love the spectacular views over Cancun from 60 meters above the city! Each of the 42 cabins offers space for up to 6 people, and it’s easy to get there, since it’s located right in the heart of the hotel zone. Tip: For an especially romantic moment, take a ride during sunset.

Plaza La Isla

One of the most famous places in Cancun is Plaza La Isla, a beautiful open air shopping mall with a unique feature: canals! You can experience a trip through Venice-like canals in Cancun and at the same time enjoy of the views over the Nichupte lagoon that this place offers.

Inside the mall, you can enjoy activities such as swimming with dolphins at the local aquarium and visit restaurants, a wax museum, a movie theater, boutiques and souvenir shops as well as a number of coffee shops. There’s something for everyone at La Isla, and you can easily spend an entire day here.

Ka’yok Planetarium

The Ka’yok Planetarium is the most sophisticated planetarium in the area, and a must-visit place for anyone with an interest in astrology. You can even take a simulated space trip during which you learn about the orbits, the planets, and the entire solar system with a detailed explanation.

Places to See Near Cancun

Isla Mujeres

Don’t miss the best experience of your life in one of the most beautiful paradise islands in the world! Only a few kilometers long, Isla Mujeres promises to seduce anyone who visits the island, no matter if they’re spending a day there or an entire week.

How to get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

You can take a ferry from the Cancun pier near the Calinda Bridge and next to the scenic tower. Ferries depart every 30 minutes to sail to this beautiful island. Make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Tulum

Tulum is one of the most beloved destinations on the Riviera Maya. The bohemian beach town is famous for its paradisaical beaches, the Mayan ruins overlooking the ocean, and its many boutique hotels. You can visit Tulum as a day trip from Cancun or you can spend a night there if you’re planning to visit more than just the Mayan ruins. There are also several cenotes (underwater sinkholes) around Tulum that are worth checking out and deserve more than just a quick visit.

How to get from Cancun to Tulum

If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can book a transportation service from Cancun to Tulum. Roads are excellent though, so I recommend to rent a car in Cancun and take a road trip to Tulum. That way you have more flexibility and can make some stops along the way – for example in Playa del Carmen (see below).

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen has it all. It has picture-perfect beaches, pedestrian streets lined with bustling shops and restaurants, and plenty of entertainment. It’s easy to explore the main area of the city quickly since it is not very big – no matter how much time you spend in Playa, don’t miss Quinta Avenida (the main pedestrian street) and the 3D Museum of Wonders.

How to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

It takes only 30 minutes to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen by car. There are several shuttle services that cover this route, or the ADO bus.