Attractions

Underwater Museum

Link: https://musamexico.org/  Address: Cerrada Las Golondrinas, Alfredo V. Bonfil # 24, 77560 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Choose from four trips including, snorkeling, diving, a glass bottom boat excursion or a jungle tour, and be immersed in the Carribean’s turquoise blue water and over 500 sculptures to explore! You’ll find sculptures created from materials that encourage coral reef development such as huge hands, statues of locals, VW Beetles and more! Book your tours early to make sure you get to experience an adventure of a lifetime!

Cenotes

Link: https://annaeverywhere.com/best-cenotes-tulum/  Address: Multiple Locations

The Cancun area is famous for their jaw-dropping cenotes (natural pools formed in limestone caves). There are thousands of cenotes that you can explore, and many of them offer tourists the opportunity to dip inside. Some of the best Cenotes can be found along the Ruta de Cenotes (Cenote Route) near the city of Puerto Morelos. Hint: take the time to research which Cenote matches your personality, some are known for their beauty, others for swimming or snorkeling, and some even contain fun activities like zip lining!

Beaches

Address: Multiple Locations

You can’t visit Cancun without enjoying the world-famous beaches! Cancun offers 13 miles of white sand, teal-blue water beaches. Some top choices include: Playa Delfines, one of the largest beaches in Cancun known for its iconic Cancun sign and no hotels or resorts; Playa Tortugas, one of the best beaches for families with kids because it offers small waves and a swimmable water; Playa Chac Mool, great for those that love water sports; and Playa Forum, which offers the Cancun’s most popular nightclub (the Coco Bongo) and is filled with restaurants and bars.

Chichen Itza

Link: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g150808-d153407-Reviews-Chichen_Itza-Chichen_Itza_Yucatan_Peninsula.html   Address: Yucatan, Mexico

A ruined ancient Maya city, Chichen Itza is a must-see while in Cancun. It’s located in the Yucatan state and spans about 4 square miles. The Temple of Kukulkan is one of the most impressive structures of the city and is a 98-foot tall pyramid that symbolizes the belief in heaven with nine levels. The area is well preserved and you can get a glimpse of how the Maya people lived. Hint: craving history? Take a tour, and let you tour guide share historic facts and tidbits about the area.

Cancun Scenic Tower

Link: https://www.xcaret.com/en/   Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 4.5, Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Open from 9am – 9pm daily, the Cancun Scenic Tower offers amazing views of the Caribbean coast. Learn more about the history in the 360° spinning tower and get a view of the entire Hotel Zone from 100 meters up. art lovers and historians, connect with them and chat over the remarkable pieces of art!

Museums

Mayan Museum of Cancun

Link: https://www.inah.gob.mx/red-de-museos/313-museo-maya-de-cancun   Address: Blvd. Kukulcan km 16.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

The first Archaeological Museum of Cancun, it was inaugurated in 1982 with the aim of spreading the culture of pre-Hispanic Mayans to national and foreign visitors. Some rooms you will find within the museum include the archaeology of Quintana Roo and general aspects of the Mayan civilization. Come prepared expecting to learn more about the local history!

The Old Car Museum

Link: http://museodelautomovilantiguodelsureste.com/   Address: Av. Puerto Juárez entre Calle 89, Mza 116, Calle Manzana 102 Lote 14 16, Col, 92, 77516 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

An unusual museum, The Old Car Museum houses antique cars, including models from 1917 to 1992. You’ll find yourself in room after room of classic cars. Hint: as each tour is private, you will have to call in advance to get a spot!

Mexican Folk Art Museum

Link: https://www.xcaret.com/en/attractions/mexican-folk-art-museum/   Address: Solidaridad Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, 77710, Mexico

You will find crafts and creations from Mexican artisans at the Mexican Folk Art Museum. There is no shortage of bright colours, and many sculptures tell the story of the Mayan heritage. One of the most notable pieces is the museum’s collection of Los Dias De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) dolls. Get immersed in the diverse Mexican culture!

Activities

Downtown Cancun

Step outside of the tourist zone and explore the local wonders that Cancun has to offer. Downtown Cancun (or Ciudad Cancun) is the main residential area for locals and offers a wide taste of local culture, including delicious street food, shopping, parks and even Mexican Wrestling! Hint: Take a trip down Avenida Tulum to experience the “real” Cancun!

La Isla Shopping Village

Link: http://islacancun.mx/ Address: Blvd Kukulkan km 12.5 Zona Hotelera, Cancun 77500 Mexico

A large, outdoor, shopping village including over 100 stores, restaurants, an aquarium and even a ferris wheel. La Isla Shopping Village contains a large mix of shops, including duty-free shops, a fine chocolate parlour and much more. Open until 10pm every day, it’s a great destination for the whole family.

Urbano Kabah Park

Link: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g150807-d3320430-Reviews-Parque_Urbano_Kabah-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula.html   Address: Yaxchilán, Sin Nombre, Cancún, QROO

A natural oasis perfect for a stroll, jog or picnic, and includes a two-kilometer trail that cuts through tall palm trees and lush gardens making for an inspiring walk. A great family destination, Urbano Kabah Park also includes a playground and petting zoo. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch some of the wildlife like iguanas, coatis, deer, peccary or spider monkeys!

Explore Tulum

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulum

Just 90-minutes south, you’ll find the fortified Mayan coastal town famous for its cliff-top location. Tulum contains many unique structures in addition to its tall, wide walls – most noticeably its Temple of the Frescos with its sculptures depicting seated figures with elaborate headdresses. Go on a tour alone, or take part in Tulum discovery tours that provide informative adventures, transportation and a traditional Mexican lunch.

Dining

La Destileria Cancun

Link: http://www.ladestileria.com.mx/   Address: Blvd. Kukulcan, La Isla, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Start by enjoying some delicious Mexican food including some of Mexico’s best guacamole, and finish off by visiting the tequila museum that teaches guests the origins of tequila including the distilling process. Hint: make sure to stay until the end of the tour, there is a tequila tasting you won’t want to miss!

Hacienda Sisal

Link: http://haciendasisal.com/   Address: Blvd. Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

One of Cancun’s top restaurants offering mouth watering Mexican food and a collection of tequila perfect for even the finest connoisseur. The menu includes food from north to south Mexico and from the Caribbean to the Pacific-coast. Open for brunch or dinner.

Tempo

Link: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g150807-d4464070-Reviews-Tempo_by_Martin_Berasategui-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula.html   Address: Paradisus Cancun Resort, Blvd. Kukulcan Km 16.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Voted in the top 30 restaurants in Cancun, and highlighted by articles in Eater and TripSavvy, Tempo offers a unique dining experience in the heart of Cancun. Created by eight-Michelin-star chef Martin Berasategui, Tempo offers dishes such as flavourful seafood and lavish desserts. Hint: make sure to opt in to the nine-course tasting menu for a delightful surprise for your tastebuds!

Tora Cancun

Link: https://toramexico.com/es   Address: Blvd. Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Looking for something a little bit different? Why not try one of Cancun’s best Japanese restaurants! Tora offers Japanese haute cuisine, bringing you the highest quality, gourmet ingredients to bring you this modern dining experience. This award-winning restaurant also offers a wide selection of Japanese sake and whiskey, combined with creative cocktails to keep you satisfied.

Taqueria Coapeñitos

Link: http://www.coapenitos.com/   Address: Av Carlos Nader 25, Bancos, 2, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

This casual dining spot is the place to go for your taco fix! From steak to chicken to chorizo and even vegan options, you won’t go hungry at this traditional restaurant. Make sure to finish off your meal with a cold beer or satisfying Horchata.

Marakame Café

Link: http://marakame.mx/   Address: Av. Xpujil Sur, 19, 77505 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

A treehouse café like no other offering both traditional Mexican food and international options. Go for brunch and enjoy the buffet served until noon loaded up with Mexican favourites like barbacoa, quesadillas and fresh corn tortillas or head over in the evening to get treated by live music and delicious drinks.

Lorenzillo’s

Link: http://www.lorenzillos.com.mx/   Address: Kukulkan Km 10.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

A Cancun staple serving lobster for the past 30 years, Loernzillo’s is the destination for live lobster. You get to choose how you want your lobster served – grilled, broiled or steamed. Or just go big and order the jumbo lobster taco with rice, beans, and guacamole – we guarantee you won’t go wrong!

Thai Lounge Cancun

Link: http://thai.com.mx/   Address: Blvd. Kukulcán Km 12.5 La Isla Shopping Village, Zona Hotelera Cancún, México

Located right in the Shopping Village, Thai Lounge Cancun is a popular spot that serves up Thai classic dishes within palapa-roof huts that overlook the Nichupte Lagoon. Hint: for an extra-special evening, try and book a reservation for sunset to see the magic of the location. And don’t forget to head over to the bar for the restaurants famous pre-dinner coconut martini’s!

Bars

Las de Guanatos

Link: https://www.facebook.com/lasdeguanatos/    Address: Av. Bonampak | Lote 1 Local 9, Cancun 77500, Mexico

Serving margaritas made with a house recipe, Las de Guanatos uses only aged tequila with hints of orange, and salt or tamarind on the rim. Not feeling like a margarita? Give the famous Micheladas a try – a mixture of beer with unique fruit flavours like pineapple and gooseberry.

Nebrina Gin & Cocina

Link: https://www.facebook.com/NebrinaCancun/Address: Av Huayacán SM 313, 77533, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

This bar specializes in gin cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine. Popular with the locals, Nebrina offers a wide variety of gin cocktails, a DJ in the evening and makes for a great starting off point when bar-hopping the night away!

La Terraza del Vino

Link: https://la-terraza-del-vino.business.site/   Address: Av Huayacán SM 313, 77533, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

This open-air air wine bar offers intimate, acoustic guitar entertainment, a large selection of wines and delicious pizza. It’s a low-key and casual spot close to Parque de las Palapas, and one of the top spots in Cancun to catch the sunset!

Los Arcos

Link: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g150807-d2638215-Reviews-Los_Arcos-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula.html   Address: Avenida Yaxchilan Mz. 23, Cancun 77500, Mexico

Located on Avenida Yaxchilán, a street well-known for dive bars, Los Arcos is one of Cancun’s oldest and most iconic bars. You’ll be immersed in classic live Mexican rock music and can quench your thirst with a lengthy menu of beer options.

La Playita

Link: https://www.facebook.com/LaPlayitaRestauranteCancun   Address: Bonampak S/N, Manzana10, Lote 60-62, 4, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Known for the large selection of Mexican beers (including one-liter beers!) as well as tasty bar snacks including tangy ceviche and Yucatecan tikin xic fish, this covered terrace bar offers views of the nearby bullring and Malecon buildings. Not feeling like a beer? No worries, give their multi-flavoured mojitos a taste!

Hidden Gems

Du Mexique

Link: http://www.dumexique.com/  Address: Av. Bonampak 109, esq. Calle Pargo, Mz 17, SM 3, Zona Centro, C.P. 77500, Cancún, Q. Roo., México

This French infused Mexican restaurant offers a unique experience where the menu changes daily. Reservations are a must, as there are only seven tables available in this tight-knit and intimate dining spot. Expect personal attention from owner Sonya Grimond and chef Benjamin Ferra y Castell while you dine on personalized and exciting combinations.

Amarula Con Acento Tropical

Link: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g150807-d10092082-Reviews-Amarula_Con_Acento_Tropical-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula.html  Address: Av Nader 104 Mza. 5 Lote 114 Loc 6 SM 13, Cancun 77500 Mexico

You’ll have to pay close attention when searching for Amarula – it’s Identified from the street only by a doorway and a neon sign. This bar blends dark and sultry architecture with an old Cancun house. Take the curved stairway upstairs to a chic bar area and an open, outdoor patio. Known for their extensive cocktail menu, the signature drinks include tropical flavours through ingredients such as hibiscus flowers, regional fruits and chili peppers.

Route 666 Bikers Bar

Link: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g150807-d11913272-Reviews-666_Bikers_Bar-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula.html  Address: Av Yaxchilán Mz. 17 Lt. 100, 20, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

This bar is like no other in Cancun! Route 666 is a dive bar for rockers and bikers alike. Live tribute bands sing English and Spanish covers of rock groups, including Motley Crue, Molotov and Aerosmith. A great place to rub shoulders with locals while sipping on beer and munching on some wings.

We’re not sure about you but with so many options, we don’t even know where to start! Wishing fun in planning for your visit and we look forward to seeing you at ICANN 67 in Cancún soon.

Your CentralNic Team