Things to Do in Cancun, Mexico - Cancun Attractions
Things to Do in Cancun
Outside of the beaches and all-inclusive resorts, Cancun is packed with adventure and history. Snorkeling, swimming in a cenote, day trips to Chichen Itza—there’s so much to discover. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Cancun.
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)$59- fromper adult$69
Day Tripsfromper adult$61
Archaeology Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$129- fromper adult$69
- fromper adult$166
Theater Showsfromper adult$84- fromper group (up to 15)$274
On the Waterfromper adult$60- fromper adult$183
Sail to Isla Mujeres
Tacos, tequila, & more
Beaches
Sun-kissed beach featuring crystal blue waters and white sands, dotted with sun shelters. Popular for photography, with nearby historical ruins and waves favored by enthusiasts.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Shopping Malls
Open-air shopping center with high-end to moderate retail and dining, complemented by a scenic boardwalk and sunset views. Features a Ferris wheel and aquarium for family entertainment.
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Amusement & Theme Parks
Vibrant cultural boat tours feature live traditional Mexican music, dance, and unlimited drinks, complemented by authentic local cuisine in a festive atmosphere. Perfect for evening entertainment.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Amusement & Theme Parks
Water Parks
Water park with a mix of dry and aquatic activities, including go-karts and virtual reality. Highlights include a rollercoaster and dolphin encounters, amid a backdrop of slides and pools.
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Speciality Museums
Admission tickets from $12
Museum with pre-Hispanic Mexican culture and Mayan artifacts, displaying a blend of bilingual and Spanish-only descriptions. Nearby ruins add to the historical exploration.
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Ferries
Quick and scenic ferry transit with live music and panoramic views from the top deck. Offers indoor air-conditioned seating and the convenience of on-board activity ticket purchases.
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Aquariums
Aquarium with intimate sea life encounters, including interactive dolphin swims and unique underwater treks. Showcases a variety of marine species with hands-on activities.
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Historic Sites
Mayan ruins set in the Hotel Zone, highlighted by ancient structures, a self-guided or informative guided tour, and abundant iguanas. Nearby Museo Maya enriches the historical exploration.
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Beaches
Beach destination with clear waters and activities like snorkeling and swimming. Chairs and umbrellas cater to comfort while the locale tends to be lively.
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Other Top Attractions around Cancun
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
A mini guide to Cancun
Joan S
Destination Expert
Cancun resident since 2007
- What’s one thing visitors shouldn't miss?There are so many great tours in Cancun, but the gorgeous turquoise water and pristine beaches are huge draws. Coming here and not spending the day at one of the beaches is like going to Disney and not seeing Mickey Mouse. For Isla Mujeres, a visit to Playa Norte is a must. Year after year, it’s ranked one of the top five beaches in all of Mexico. You can take a food tour and visit people's homes for a meal better than you'll have at any restaurant. And don’t miss the sunrise.
- What do you wish tourists knew about Cancun?All-inclusive resorts in Cancun are nice, but you don't really get the authentic feel of Mexico. Get out and explore! Visit the locals-only mercado and try food from different regions of the country. Check out the museums and get a real feel for how the Mayans lived. Do something off-the-beaten-path. On Isla Mujeres, don't stay in El Centro. Head out to the colonias, where the locals live. Eat at small places that are truly authentic. Visit Punta Sur. Take the bus like a local.
- Let us in on your favorite restaurants—what makes them great?In Cancun, La Habichuela is the oldest restaurant, and the cantinas in the bullring are the most authentic. On Isla Mujeres, local places like Chili Y Maiz, Raúl Y Delsey, Tonichos, Chef-Cito, and El Trono Loco are all great spots. Don’t miss the small places to eat near the mercado, or the food trucks and food carts. Definitely try cochinita.
- Are there any activities that are better done on weekends vs. weekdays?Not really! Everything is open seven days a week.
- Which top tourist attraction is worth the hype?In Isla Mujeres, head to Punta Sur to watch the sunrise. In Cancun, a visit to Playa Delfines is a must. Or take a daytrip from Cancun to the ruins at Chichen Itza.
- AboutI started vacationing here in the 1990s and finally moved here in 2007. I live in Cancun but Isla Mujeres is only 25 minutes away by ferry and we go monthly.
What travelers are saying
- Mare524Windsor, Canada345 contributionsWe stayed in Playa Morelos, but managed to visit Cancún beach early one more before handing back in our rental car. We drove the whole strip and ended up stopping at Playa Delfines. At 7am there was LOTS of free parking and barely anyone on the beach. It was absolutely gorgeous. With the soft sand, blue water and the beautiful sunrise. It was a little windy when we went so the waves were quite large and we didn’t end up swimming as planned, since we had kids with us. We walked a bit of the beach looking at the shells that had washed ashore. And fully plan to return with life jackets for our kids so we can swim and enjoy the waves/beach. It was absolutely stunning.Written November 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cary MPonce Inlet, FL126 contributionsMy wife and I have been there many times over the past ~10 years. It’s right on the middle of the zona hoteleria so ready for tourists. The shops and restaurants are usually excellent. We still miss LaMadonna! The shopping is high end with many boutiques available. There are several restaurants on the lagoon which are excellent also.
Since 2020, there has been a significant expansion of the mall. It’s honestly a great place for shopping and restaurants.Written August 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
