Exploring Cancun Where to stay Where to eat How to get around How to get there Favourite stays
Cancun has become famous all across the world as one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico. And a quick glimpse at the picture-perfect beaches will tell you exactly why that is!
Cancun has over 13 miles of coastline to explore, made up of stunning white-sand beaches lined with luxury resorts, beach clubs and bars. Venture into the turquoise sea and you’ll discover the second-largest coral reef in the world.
And when the sun sets, the city turns into one of the best nightlife destinations in North America. Whether you chose to spend your night in one of the high-end restaurants or at the (in)famous clubs, Cancun will deliver an unforgettable night.
If you’re visiting Cancun soon, you’ve come to the right place. After reading this guide, you’ll know which area to stay in, where to find the best restaurants and how to get around this popular beach paradise in Mexico.
Also, check out our list of the best activities in Cancun!
Is Cancun worth visting?
To many, this place is the perfect oasis to escape all your worries.
In a way, Cancun has formed its own bubble. It has everything you could possibly need. Exactly the reason why so many travellers spend their entire trip to Mexico in Cancun, barely poking their nose out to do a day trip.
Now as perfect as Cancun may sound, it doesn’t feel like the real Mexico. It has moulded itself around its consumers, turning itself into an Americanised city.
How long should you spend in Cancun?
We think it would be a shame to spend all your time in Cancun. Mexico has so much more to offer! If you want to experience authentic Mexican culture and enjoy the most incredible things the country has to offer, then we wouldn’t recommend staying in Cancun for too long. One or two nights would be perfect!
Where to stay in Cancun
Cancun is a hectic city that can be slightly overwhelming, so we’ll keep where to stay simple for you!
Effectively, Cancun can be split up into two areas — the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun. Despite being right next to each other, the difference between the two areas is pretty vast.
The Hotel Zone is where you’ll find the all-inclusive resorts with beautiful sea views that Cancun is famous for. Downtown is more modest, offering a more local vibe and the usual city hustle and bustle.
Location #1: The Hotel Zone — tons of beach-front all-inclusive resorts
The Hotel Zone is the strip of land reaching out into the sea right in front of downtown Cancun.
Lined with luxury all-inclusive resorts, restaurants, bars, clubs and shops, this strip offers pretty much anything a tourist would need. You basically would never have to leave if you didn’t want to!
The Hotel Zone area is perfect for those looking for a relaxing holiday, whether you’re a couple, with friends or as a family. No matter which hotel you pick, you’ll only be a stone’s throw away from the glorious white-sand beaches that Cancun is so well-known for.
Accommodation in the Hotel Zone
Of course, this premium location comes at a cost. The Hotel Zone is more expensive than downtown Cancun, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t score a steal. If you book far in advance, you can find some lovely hotels from $40 a night. Or if budget isn’t an issue, it’s easy to splash $200 per night!
Location #2: Downtown Cancun — a more local feel and lower prices
For some people, Cancun’s touristy Hotel Zone is the idea of hell. If this is you, then downtown Cancun offers a more local feel with small restaurants, markets and local businesses.
If you want to explore the Hotel Zone from downtown though, it’s only a short bus ride away that costs only 12 MXN ($0.70).
Another reason to stay in Downtown Cancun is that you’ll be close to the ADO bus station. If you’re just staying for one night, this makes it easier to get to your next destination in Mexico.
Accommodation in Downtown Cancun
In downtown Cancun, you can get a good deal for the night and be close to the bus station for the next day. The price for a private room in downtown Cancun starts from $20 per night.
When looking for accommodation in Downtown Cancun, try to pick one around Avenida Tulum or Las Palapas. These are the safest areas.
Where to eat in Cancun
Cancun is a city built for tourists. Top chefs have flocked to the city to fill the demand that has grown over the years. This means you can find an impressive gastronomy scene here.
With so many to choose from, here are some of our favourites:
Lorenzillo’s — delicious seafood on the water
This is the place to go if you want to try the best lobster in Cancun! They serve it whichever way you want it, and they do it perfectly.
In general, the restaurant does seafood really well. Couple this with the romantic atmosphere and stunning views, and you’ve got yourself a night out to remember.
Set on the water in the Hotel Zone, Lorenzillo’s is a bit more upmarket and pricey compared to the two recommendations below.
Surfin’ Burrito — you can’t go wrong with burritos
Surfin’ Burrito is a laidback hole-in-the-wall kind of restaurant situated in the middle of the Hotel Zone. It’s easy to walk past this place, but make sure you don’t!
A popular choice is their ‘build-your-own’ burrito where you have to choose the type of wrap, meat and veggies that you want. Plus they’re HUGE! If you’re not in the mood for burritos, you can try the ceviche or tacos.
The Bowl Bar — a slice of healthy heaven in downtown Cancun
If you’re looking for some healthy food, The Bowl Bar is where you’ll find it in downtown Cancun.
Smoothie bowls, poke bowls, delicious wraps, sandwiches, plus fresh juices — if it’s packed with vitamins, they serve it.
You can take a seat at the front of the cafe and just watch as the world goes by along the main road.
Also read: Top 18 things to do in Cancun
How to get around Cancun
Cancun is an easy city to move around, especially because there are only two places you will really be moving between — Downtown and the Hotel Zone.
However, the two areas are about 12 km apart, so walking won’t be an option for most people. You’ll mainly find yourself using the local taxis and buses when moving around.
By foot
If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, then pretty much everything you need will be within walking distance.
The beach will only be a few minutes away from your accommodation. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in that area too.
There will be distances you won’t want to walk, particularly in the heat. The Hotel Zone to downtown Cancun and the length of the Hotel Zone strip are both around 12 km, well over 2-hour walks!
By taxi
There will be plenty of taxis roaming around the streets of Cancun, both in the downtown area and the Hotel Zone. You can recognise the taxis by their white exterior and turquoise stripe.
Taxis aren’t exactly cheap, especially when you compare them to the price of the bus. They know that they can charge higher prices. A ride from the airport to the Hotel Zone should cost between $40-50. Rides between downtown and the Hotel Zone cost between $10-15 for the 15-minute drive.
What about Uber?
Uber does operate in Cancun and is a cheaper option, but there’s a long-running disagreement between the local taxis and Ubers. This can make getting an Uber rather difficult.
There have also been incidents where Ubers have been stopped by taxi drivers if they see them driving passengers. Just keep this in mind if you do choose to use Uber.
By bus
The bus is one of the best ways to get around Cancun. They’re abundant and cheap!
There are 4 buses that run between downtown Cancun and the Hotel Zone — R1, R2, R15 and R27. You can either flag these down off the street or wait for them to stop outside the pharmacy by the ADO bus station downtown.
A 20-minute bus ride should cost you 12 MXN ($0.70). You pay the money to the driver and then just press one of the bells on board when you want to get off.
By car
If you’re just staying within the confines of Cancun, then a car isn’t really necessary. The bus network should do the job.
However, many tourists choose Cancun as a base to explore some of the attractions in the surrounding area. If you want to visit Chichen Itza or take a day trip from Cancun to Playa del Carmen or Tulum, then a car may be well worth it. Not only is it more comfortable than the bus but you’re also on your own schedule and can reach places that aren’t served by public transport (like some of the cenotes and Mayan ruins).
Car rental prices start from around $15/day on Kayak. Don’t forget to check out our article with 10 tips that will help you save money when renting a car.
Do keep in mind that most hotels will have parking fees. Factor all of this in to see what works out more cost-effective for you.
How to get to Cancun
In summary
Now that you’ve finished reading this guide, you’re almost ready for your adventure in Cancun. The next step is to create your personalised itinerary with our top picks of things to do in Cancun. Simply choose your favourite activities and places to visit, and you’re all set to make lasting memories in Cancun.
Our favourite places to stay in Cancun
Sina Suites - Treating Yourself
Resorts in Cancun can cost you a bomb! Sina Suites gives you that resort-style feel without the high prices. Ever wanted your own private marina in a hotel? No? Well now you probably do, and Sina Suites has one. It also has a large swimming pool set amongst gardens that overlook the lagoon.
Every day, enjoy a continental breakfast and delicious Mexican food in their poolside restaurant/bar that sits underneath a traditional thatched hut! You’ll also get more than just a room here, most suites also offer a kitchenette and balcony.
- Views overlooking Cancun lagoon
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Bar and restaurant
- Great location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Viento Suites - Mid Range
Viento Suites is an escape from the busy and hectic Cancun. Once you’re inside the walls of this hotel, chilling in the garden beside the swimming pool, you’ll forget about the outside world.
The location couldn’t be more perfect. It’s situated within Downtown Cancun, but also very close to the Hotel Zone and beaches. The rooms look like those found in a high-class hotel, but without the extortionate prices.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- BBQ facilities
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Yellow Capsule Hotel - Budget Friendly
Looking for a unique sleeping experience? The Yellow Capsule Hotel will definitely give you that. Instead of traditional rooms, you sleep in a pod. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the future when you clamber into your bright and spacious pod.
The capsules are clean and include everything you need for a comfy stay, a mirror, outlets, a safe and storage space. When you’re done hanging around in your pod, you can chill at the hotel’s terrace and enjoy their free breakfast.
- Cool capsule sleeping experience
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Great location
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Estancia Tulbayab 36 - Budget Friendly
If you’re looking for a more homely feel than a to hotel, then definitely stay at Estancia. The owners will instantly make you feel welcome and are always there to offer advice.
The homestay offers a very convenient location, close to the local markets and not too far from the ADO bus station. The rooms are clean and spacious, plus a steal for the price. If you fancy doing some cooking whilst in Cancun, you can make use of the communal kitchen.
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
- Helpful and friendly hosts
- You’ll feel at home
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.
Aleksandra is a writer and editor who recently moved from Hong Kong to London. She’s worked and studied in four countries (and counting) and picked up a new hobby in each of them. She’s a big fan of long train journeys so you can count on her to take the scenic route, finding a few hidden gems along the way.
