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.
Do Cancún the way locals do: start slow at Extreme Adventure Cancun, eat where the regulars do at Ilios | Greek restaurant in Cancun, let the evening run long at Coco Bongo Cancun.
Top things to do in Cancún Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Dolphins Beach
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.8 (29,567 reviews)
Long white-sand beach featuring shallow waters plus umbrellas, restaurants & dolphin sightings.
Check tours & tickets 2
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 3
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 4
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 5
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 6
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 8
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 9
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 10
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 Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Ilios | Greek restaurant in Cancun
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (10,530 reviews)
Website 12
Harry's Steakhouse & Raw Bar | Cancun
Steak House · ★ 4.9 (9,267 reviews)
Website 13
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Cancún
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (11,238 reviews)
Family-friendly restaurant offering shrimp & classic southern fare in a casual setting.
Website 14
El Huerto del Edén
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (8,585 reviews)
Website 15
Tacos Los Chachalacos Party Center | Zona Hotelera | Los Mejores Tacos y Restaurante Mexicano
Taco Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (11,782 reviews)
Website 16
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 17
Mermelada Cocina Que Reconforta.
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (5,887 reviews)
Elevated pastries, coffee & sandwiches in a contemporary restaurant with outdoor tables.
Website 18
El Timón De Cancún
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (7,078 reviews)
Website Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Cancún
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
24
Jungle Tour Adventure Cancun: Speedboat Tour & Snorkel
Tour Agency · ★ 4.7 (1,749 reviews)
Check tours & tickets Get outside 25
Extreme Adventure Cancun
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (5,348 reviews)
Website 26
Parque Ecológico Kabah
Park · ★ 4.5 (5,422 reviews)
Small urban park featuring a variety of vegetation & wildlife, plus running paths & a playground.
Website 27
Cenote Zapote Ecopark
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.8 (1,230 reviews)
Website 28
Mayan Jungle Rush
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (803 reviews)
Website 29
Jardín del Arte
Garden · ★ 4.5 (927 reviews)
After dark 30
Coco Bongo Cancun
Night Club · ★ 4.4 (12,265 reviews)
Website 31
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 32
Mandala Nightclub
Bar · ★ 4.5 (3,110 reviews)
Energetic nightspot featuring splashy lighting, bottle service, DJs & wet T-shirt contests.
Website 33
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.
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