A cultural guide to Cancun

Your essential guide to the best things to see and do in Cancun. Find more travel inspiration for more amazing cities here.

Sunny year-round and skirted by the azure Caribbean Sea, it’s little wonder Cancun ranks as Mexico’s top vacation destination. Its major draw is, of course, the resort-driven beach scene. But beyond its densely packed strip of all-inclusive hotels, palm-fringed shores, and first-class diving, this lively city is a charismatic combination of hedonistic fun, modern hospitality, and culture.

How it got that way is an interesting tale. As recently as 1970, this barrier island was a settlement of about 100 Maya. But in a few short years, it morphed into a tourism powerhouse through the Cancun Project, a massive, years-long effort to create—from scratch—a supersized planned vacation city. And the plan worked: Cancun now draws over 30 million visitors each year. But if you intend to be among them, be sure to set aside time to explore what’s beyond the walls of your resort—from ancient ruins to an underwater museum.

Art & architecture

When you need a break from sun-soaked beach days, there’s a wealth of Mayan history to dive into, with the ruins of El Rey, El Meco, and San Miguelito settlements within easy reach (the latter includes the worthwhile Museo Maya de Cancún). Further afield is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chichen Itza, one of the largest pre-Columbian cities in the region. Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the site lets visitors explore the ancient city’s towering limestone-block temples and its imposing ballcourt. (Opt for a guided tour to learn about the fascinating but gruesome games played there.)

If your interest in pre-Columbian culture is piqued, consider booking a temazcal ritual, a shaman-led steam bath traditionally practised by Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica. The rejuvenating ceremony, thought to have healing benefits, is offered by several lodges in the area, with hotel pick-up available.

For a beautiful, otherworldly experience that combines art with time in the water, the captivating Isla Mujeres Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) is a must (see Hot ticket, below). Gorgeous photo opps also await at the many cenotes—or waterfilled sinkholes—surrounding Cancun: Follow the well-paved Ruta de los Cenotes near Puerto Morelos to explore them.

Meanwhile in the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone), elegant Porfirio’s cooks up modern Mexican dishes with lagoon views. For something especially romantic, book a table on a Spanish Galleon to watch the sun set over the water as you dine. If you like what you’re tasting in Cancun, take your favorite flavors home with you via a guided local market visit and cooking class.

Hot ticket

Part diving expedition, part art exhibition, and part conservation project, the otherworldly Isla Mujeres Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) is one of Cancun’s most memorable experiences, a muted alternate universe bathed in blue, where ghostly cement figures posed in thoughtful vignettes give shelter to darting, brightly colored fish.

The collection of 500-plus submerged statues by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor—who also founded the museum—are designed to naturally decompose, promoting coral growth and forming a habitat for the rich subaquatic ecosystem. The area’s clear water and shallow 30-foot depth make an easy dive for beginner scuba divers, as well as snorkelers.

Music

Cancun’s reputation as a party town is well justified, especially come spring break when college students arrive en masse, ready to gulp margaritas poolside by day and hit the Zona Hotelera’s thumping mega clubs at night. One of the most popular is the 5,000-plus capacity The City, featuring celebrity DJs and headliners like Ludacris, 50 Cent, and Snoop Dogg. Meanwhile, Coco Bongo offers over-the-top live performances that might include acrobats, DJs and cover bands.

For something a bit hipper—and much more subdued—Avenida Nader downtown is a burgeoning strip of street art, indie restaurants and bars. Sigfrido, set inside an old house, is one atmospheric option, where you can order a craft cocktail to the tune of live jazz and soul, or DJ-spun reggae beats, depending on the night. Hungry? Have your food sent in from the Japanese-inspired restaurant next door.

In Centro, don’t miss Mercado 28, offering traditional silver jewelry, pottery, embroidered clothing, and other Mexican handicrafts (also check out the food stalls for tasty eats at a great price). Also in Centro is Parque de Las Palapas, a paved public space with souvenir, clothing and jewelry stalls, plus occasional live music.