The Complete Downtown Cancun Travel Guide: Things to do, Attractions, Safety & Tips

Downtown Cancun is the less charming side of Cancun that’s mostly ignored, unless you are traveling on a budget. Although it’s not as pretty as the typical Mexican colonial towns, I still believe it’s worth visiting, and in this post, I will tell you all the reasons why.

I have lived in Cancun since 2010, and I believe there are areas with some charm. I am talking about the Malecon, the markets, the colorful murals, and the local eateries where you will find authentic Mexican cuisine.

There are also some shady areas in Cancun that you should avoid, and in this post, I will tell you where to go and how to visit.

You can also download the pdf of this post and read it later. When you finish reading this article, I invite you to browse my beautiful site (yes, I am very proud of it 😃), where you will find all the information you need to travel to Cancun like a pro.

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Downtown Cancun at a Glance

Cancún is divided into two main areas: Downtown, where locals reside, and the Hotel Zone, located directly on the beautiful beachfront of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Downtown was initially built to provide housing for the workers of hotels and restaurants in the Hotel Zone.

Since then, it has continued to grow, and it’s now an interesting place to visit. They are also trying to make it more appealing for tourists.

If you want to see how locals live, try authentic (and cheap) food, and stroll around a Mexican city, you should plan a visit to Cancun Downtown. It is cheap and easy to get from the hotel zone to downtown.

The R1 and R2 buses run constantly from the Hotel Zone to Cancun’s city center, and you can hop on one and take it there.

Where is Downtown Cancun?

Downtown Cancun is 12 kilometers from the Cancun airport. The Cancun Hotel Zone is a long, thin peninsula shaped like the number 7.

Downtown Cancun is right at the top tip of the 7, just slightly off the waterfront. Depending on where you are staying in the hotel zone, it can take between 15 and 45 minutes to get downtown depending on where you are staying in the Hotel Zone.  

Things to do in Downtown Cancun

1. Explore Downtown Cancun Street Arts

Spend some time exploring Cancun on foot. While walking around, look up at the buildings- you will find some amazing murals. Cancun’s walls are home to murals from a variety of local and international artists. You will find murals that feature wildlife, Mayan and Mexican culture, and abstract and graffiti murals. 

You can also join this excellent food tour, which takes you to visit the murals as its final stop. I enjoyed it very much, but make sure you go on an empty stomach.

2. Visit Avenida Tulum

Avenida Tulum is one of the main roads in Cancun. It has wide sidewalks, and you can comfortably go for a walk and check out the city center.

Along Avenida Tulum, you will find the Palacio Municipal- the city hall, shops, markets, galleries, and plenty of cafes and restaurants.

The avenue also has several hotels and supermarkets. This is a great area to visit if you want to wander around and discover the treasures it has to offer. 

The stretch of Avenida Tulum, from the Ado Bus Terminal to the Ibis Hotel, is lined with restaurants and shops, including Las Americas Mall, which is also worth a visit. Below the Ibis hotel, you will find a delicious French bakery and a cute coffee shop where you can take a break and get a snack or lunch.

Be vigilant for pickpockets.

3. Take a stroll at Malecon Tajamar

Located just a few blocks from Plaza Las Americas, Malecon Tajamar is a lovely walkway along the Nichupte Lagoon.

It is a great spot to go for a stroll and enjoy views of the Cancun hotel zone.

There are plenty of shady areas with tall palm trees, and many locals take advantage of this outdoor area. You will often see people exercising, running, and walking their dogs here. 

4. Immersing with the locals at Parque de las Palapas

Parque las Palapas is situated just a few blocks from Avenida Tulum, in the heart of downtown Cancún.

Parque las Palapas has long been one of the main parks in Cancun, and one of the oldest churches in the city is located on the edge of the park.

There are food stalls around the park offering a variety of delicious treats to try. If you want something sweet, you can get an ice cream or make-to-order marquesitas. You can find local artisans selling handicrafts here.

This park is a favorite for families. There is a jungle gym, and people rent small, motorized cars for children to drive. The park features a large stage, hosting various music and cultural events. 

5. Go souvenir shopping at Mercado 28

Look for treasures in this huge market filled with shops and stalls. You can find all sorts of souvenirs and Mexican handicrafts here, including textiles, handmade clothes, pottery, and artisanal products.

Mercado 28 may appear a bit touristy and it is, but it’s still an interesting place to visit where you will find all sorts of souvenirs. You will not find prices listed for items, so be prepared to haggle a bit with the vendors.

Many shops sell similar items, so you can walk around and get an idea of the price of an item you are interested in.

This busy market also has food stalls and small restaurants where you can find some truly authentic food for great prices. 

6. Buy Fresh Fruits and Produce at Mercado 23

You will find Mercado 23 at the intersection of Avenida Tulum and Avenida Chichen Itza. Here, you can get a real view of where locals shop for food. This market is not very touristy, although you can find some souvenir shops around the outside.

Inside, you will find vendors selling meats, cheeses, and fresh produce. This is the place to go if you want to find some local, in-season fruits.

The market also has plenty of food stands to get tacos, tortas, and fresh juices. 

7. Shop at Malecon Americas Shopping Center

Spend some time hanging out at one of the most popular shopping centers for locals.

Two shopping centers, Malecon Americas and Plaza Las Americas, are right next to each other. Here, you will find regional and international stores, as well as other fun activities.

There is a trampoline park, a movie theatre, and an arcade.

The mall features a large food court and numerous restaurants, offering a diverse selection of food to try. 

8. Work out at Urbano Kabah Park

The Urbano Kabah Park comprises 41 hectares of meticulously maintained natural areas, situated in the heart of downtown Cancun.

The park, which opened in 1995, was established to preserve the delicate flora and fauna of the area and has since become a popular destination for people to escape the city and reconnect with nature.

This park is a great place to exercise, offering nature trails for walking or running, a sports circuit, and an area equipped with exercise equipment.

There is also a play area for kids and a small museum. You can explore the park on your own, and on the weekends, there are organized educational activities for children and adults. It is open daily and free! 

You may also meet a family of Coatì, some of the most popular animals you can find in Cancun. They will come to you to look for food and will eat anything.

I don’t usually support feeding wildlife, but I believe it’s now part of their routine.

9. Take a self-guided walking tour 

Cancun’s history dates back to the Mayan Empire. Coconut plantations covered much of the area that is now Cancun before it became a major tourist destination, and the city’s population exploded.

Take a self-guided walking tour to learn about the history and enjoy the sights. Download the GPSMyCity app to your phone here to take a tour at your own pace.

This app serves as your tour guide, utilizing GPS navigation to guide you through the city. One of the best features is that the app works offline, so it won’t consume all your data. 

10. Experience Downtown Cancun Nightlife

Go out and party with the locals. Downtown Cancún is home to amazing bars and restaurants where locals congregate. Whatever atmosphere you want, you can find it. If you wish to listen to live music, dance, or hear local DJs play, you’ll find a spot to have a good time in downtown Cancún. 

Top Tours in Cancun Downtown 

Exploring a city alone is fun, but sometimes, nothing beats the local knowledge you can get from a tour. Downtown Cancun Tours will help you find the best food, experience the culture, and have a great time. Here are some to check out:

11. Cancun food tour and Local Market

I took this tour, and I had so much fun discovering local places where I had never been myself despite living here. We had so much food I couldn’t eat for the rest of the day.

The guide was very knowledgeable and shared some interesting information on locals’ favorite places, food names, and eating habits. I cannot recommend it enough.

Besides eating, we also took a quick walk through Mercado 23 and stopped by the spectacular giant murals, a project commissioned by the Cancun Municipality to revitalize old, tired buildings. They did indeed a great job!

12. Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors

With this tour, you’ll visit five different spots with a local foodie. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of different restaurants and food stands.

They will teach you the background of different regional dishes and local history while you get to enjoy authentic food.

This tour will help you find places you might not have been able to find on your own and includes enough food to be a satisfying meal. The tour lasts 3 hours. 

13. Cancun City Tour and Shopping

On this Cancun City tour and Shopping, you will learn about the culture and history of Cancun and have time to shop.

You will pass by several Cancun sites, including a stop at Mercado 28, where you can negotiate a good deal on souvenirs.

You will also stop at Playa Delfines, one of the most popular beaches in Cancun, to get the must-have photograph with the colorful Cancun sign.

Your tour will end with a tequila tasting at La Isla shopping center. The tour lasts 5-6 hours. 

14. Cultural Cancun City Tour Experience! Round Transportation in Cancun

Learn about Cancun beyond the beaches. You will learn about Cancun from a local’s point of view on this city tour where you will visit an archeological site and see Mayan ruins, shop for Mexican products at the iconic Mercado 28, and visit Playa Delfines for great views and pictures with the colorful Cancun sign.

Your tour also includes a tequila tasting. The tour lasts 5 hours. 

Top Restaurants in Downtown Cancun

There are so many great restaurants in Cancun Downtown that it’s difficult to choose. I thought I would share my favorite ones. ( You will also find them on the map below)

1. El Socio Naiz

El Socio Naiz serves modern Mexican cuisine. The menu offers tacos, ceviche, and mole dishes with fresh ingredients and creative flavors.

The restaurant has a lively atmosphere with simple, modern decor. Service is fast and friendly. The bar features cocktails, mezcal, and tequila. Drinks pair well with the food. El Socio Naiz is ideal for casual dining or drinks with friends or alone, like I usually do.

The tacos are juicy and delicious.

2. La Funda de Zancudo

La Funda de Zancudo offers an interesting combination of Mediterranean dishes and Mexican flavours.

The setting is in a charming garden, with vintage decorations that give a cozy and unpretentious feel, providing a relaxed dining experience. The staff is attentive, ensuring quick service.

3. EL Pocito

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, El Pocito is the place to go. It offers traditional flavors made with local ingredients. The menu features dishes like cochinita pibil, relleno negro, and handmade tortillas.

The restaurant boasts a casual, welcoming atmosphere that emphasizes cultural authenticity. The staff provides friendly and efficient service.

El Pocito is an excellent choice for those who want to explore the rich culinary heritage of the Yucatán region in Cancun.

Mind that it’s located in quite a shady area in Cancun so I would recommend you go with a reliable taxi and let the driver know at what time they should pick you up. I wouldn’t go out for a walk and wait in the restaurant.

4. Mar Bella

Mar Bella is a fish shop and casual restaurant offering the freshest catch of the day. If you love fish and seafood, that’s where you must go.

The menu features simple, flavorful dishes, including grilled fish, ceviche, and seafood tacos. Everything is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Mar Bella offers a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for savoring freshly prepared seafood in a casual setting.

It’s located in Puerto Juarez, right before the ferry to Isla Mujeres. You get there by taxi, or if you rent a car, there is a parking space right in front.

5. Mu Burger house

Mu Burgerhouse offers a creative burger menu with high-quality ingredients and bold flavors. The restaurant has two locations in Cancun, both known for their casual and welcoming atmosphere.

The menu features classic beef burgers, chicken, and fish options, as well as vegan-friendly choices such as plant-based patties and fresh salads. Sides, such as fries and onion rings, are made fresh to complement the meals.

With a focus on variety and accommodating different dietary preferences, Mu Burgerhouse is an ideal spot for burger lovers seeking a relaxed dining experience.

I love the cozy ambiance and the wooden decor.

6. Al Chimichurri

Al Chimichurri serves authentic Argentine cuisine with a focus on grilled meats. The menu features dishes like empanadas, choripán, and a variety of cuts cooked on the parrilla (grill).

The restaurant offers a cozy, rustic setting with friendly service. Guests can also enjoy Argentine wines to complement their meals.

Al Chimichurri is a top choice for meat lovers seeking a traditional Argentine dining experience.

7. Yamamoto

Sushi lovers consider Yamamoto one of the best Japanese restaurants in Cancun w offers authentic Japanese dishes with a focus on quality and flavor. The menu includes sushi, sashimi, ramen, and teppanyaki, prepared with fresh ingredients.

The restaurant provides a calm, minimalist atmosphere with attentive service. Yamamoto is known for its consistent quality and attention to detail.

For more restaurant options check out my post about all restaurants in Cancun.

Is downtown Cancun worth visiting?

Yes! It is worth visiting if you want to see the other side of Cancun, away from the beaches. You can learn about the area’s history and culture there. Plus, downtown Cancun has lots of great shopping, galleries, restaurants, and bars. 

Is downtown Cancun safe?

Yes, it is relatively safe for you to visit downtown Cancun. You may have seen reports of unpleasant incidents in downtown Cancún in recent years. Unfortunately, there is violence between rival gangs; however, you can still visit the city safely, as it should not impact you at all.

When you visit a big city anywhere in the world, you should pay attention to your surroundings and watch out for pickpockets.

Tips for Visiting Downtown Cancun

 ✔️ Get to Cancun Downtown by local buses

It is easy to get to downtown Cancun from the hotel zone. You can hop on the R1 or R2 buses. The cost is 11 pesos.

These buses run continuously throughout the day and will take you to the center of Cancun. From there, you can stroll around, find some cheap and delicious tacos, and soak up the city atmosphere.

 ✔️ Eat in local eateries

Want to find the best food? Ask locals, or just look at what places seem to be the busiest. If you come across a taco cart or food stand with long lines of locals, chances are they are serving up something delicious! Join a food tour to find the best places to eat.

 ✔️ Be open

Do not be afraid to try something new. Downtown Cancun offers more authentic and regional food than your hotel serves. 

 ✔️ Take cash with you (preferably Mexican Pesos)

It’s a good idea to take cash with you, as smaller stands and stores may not accept credit cards. If you have small-denomination bills, try to take those with you, since it seems like no one ever has enough change.  

 ✔️ Dress appropriately

While it is impossible to “blend in like a local” when you are, in fact, a tourist, you can still try to dress like one.

In downtown Cancun, you will find people dressed for work, with many people wearing pants and nice shirts. It is rare to see locals walking around in beachwear.

You want to be comfortable and not overheat, but just know, you will stand out like a tourist if you wear your swimsuit and cover up all over downtown. You can still dress casually, though; shorts and a shirt are just fine. 

Useful shops and facilities in Cancun Downtown

Coworking places

There are a few coworking spaces in Cancun, although I don’t think it’s ready to welcome digital nomads yet. I love to work from the Mercado Negro Plaza because there are a few restaurants with great starting areas and good WIFI.

Organic products

If you are looking for organic and/or vegan products, look no further than Sirena Morena in the Avenida Nader.

They have a lot of choice, both for home and personal care and food, including vegan options. They also have a great restaurant in the backyard for breakfast, lunch, or snacks.

Best Supermarkets

I usually shop at Walmart on the Avenida Bonampak or the one below the Ibis Hotel. These were previously called Sperama, but they are now rebranded as Walmart Express because they are smaller than the usual store. If you want a bigger supermarket, you can go to the Walmart in downtown.

Other choices are Soriana and Chedraui, but are not my favorite for some reasons.

Cosco, Sams, and City Club are also available in Cancun.

Mac Repair

You can take your Mac or iPhone to iGeek for cleaning or repair.

Best Hairdresser

I love to go to Domenico DeMeo, an Italian hairdresser who’s been in Cancun forever. He has now created his own beauty shop with different stylists to help him. He still does the cuts. He’s awesome! Costs are a bit above the averag,e but worth the money.

Best Immigration lawyer

My immigration lawyer is the best, Durvin Alcocer. She’s an expert in helping foreigners who want to come and live in Cancun, like I did. So if this is your goal, you should contact her. Her rates are fair and she’s always on to of her game.

Best Spa

I always go to Dharma Spa, in Gallerya Infinity. They have been there forever, and so has the staff. They can do anything from massages to mani, pedi, and waxing. There is also a beautiful clothing and accessory store on the top floor.

Bus Station

The ADO bus station is the place to go if you want to get anywhere on public coach buses from Cancun. However, right in front of the ADO entrance, you can find the Playa Express Colectivos, a small van that takes you to Playa del Carmen.

On the opposite side of the road, you can also find another collective minivan that takes you to Playa del Carmen. And a more random one that takes you to Chiquila to get to Holbox.

The small vans leave continuously as soon as they are full, which happens very fast. Those drivers drive quite recklessly, though, so prepare yourself for a roller coaster drive. Also, they stop anywhere along the road, so it’s the best option if you want to stop anywhere that is not a bus station.

The ADO bus only stops at the designated bus stops that you can find in the itinerary.

Places for Jogging

When I lived and worked in Cancun, I would often go jogging. The best places to enjoy a good run are either Malecon Tajamar (if you don’t run long distances) or Parque Kaba.

However, if you love longer runs, consider heading to the Boulevard Kukulcan, also known as the Hotel Zone road, where a bike lane is available.

Locals usually go jogging there early in the morning or late in the evening when the heat is not so unbearable.

Did I miss anything? Please let me know, I am just an email away.

Ferry to Isla Mujeres

From downtown Cancun, you can get to Isla Mujeres using Ultramar Ferries. It leaves Puerto Juarez every 30 minutes from Early morning to late at night. You can get there by taxi or Uber

Uber in Cancun Downtown

In Cancun, you can’t get an Uber from the airport but the Uber app works Downtown. However, I discourage you from using it because taxi drivers still manifest a lot of hate.

A safer way to move around is by the DIDI App because taxi drivers also use it, so you will be safe.

I wouldn’t hail a random taxi on the street.

Please note that you can only use this app if you are not near a taxi stand. Although you can use it to get from Downtown to the Hotel Zone, you cannot use it from the Hotel Zone to Downtown. I know it’s weird, but it’s an unwritten law on the street!

Downtown Cancun Map

Downtown Cancun: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cancun downtown called?

Locals refer to downtown Cancun as “El Centro” or “Cancun Centro.” Locals call the hotel zone the “zona hotelera.” 

Where can I walk around downtown Cancun?

Avenida Tulum is a great place to walk around downtown Cancun. You will walk past city hall, galleries, shops, and tons of cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Avenida Tulum is one of the main roads in Cancun and has wide sidewalks to stroll on.

If you want to experience nature in downtown Cancun, check out the Urbana Kabah Park, which has trails for walking or running.

I also love Avenida Nader, which is full of great restaurants and cafes. At Mercado Negro especially, you will find a great pastry shop and cafe’.

What is there to do in downtown Cancun at Night?

The Cancun hotel zone is famous for its nightlife, but there is plenty of great nightlife in downtown Cancun, too.

You can find all sorts of bars and restaurants serving great food and drinks, and all sorts of good music.

You can find live music and DJs playing all over the city. You can find a lot of popular bars near Plaza Toros and Plaza Solare.

The new and trendy Puerto Cancun area also boasts numerous great bars to explore. 

In Parque de Las Palapas, you will always find a great local vibe with food stalls and music. It is also one of the best Mexican restaurants in Cancun, La Habichuela, and you should definitely try it.

What is the main street in Cancun Downtown?

Avenida Tulum is the main street in downtown Cancun. Here, you can find all sorts of hotels, bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries, in addition to large supermarkets. This is a great place to start your exploration of Cancun. 

Is it good to stay in downtown Cancun?

Downtown Cancun is not right on the beach, but staying there has some advantages.

In general, you can find better deals on accommodations downtown.

Plus, everything is cheaper outside of the hotel zone, so you will save money on your food and drinks. If you plan to travel around, downtown Cancun has a large bus station that you will use to get around. 

How much is a taxi from downtown Cancun to the Hotel Zone?

A taxi from downtown Cancun to the hotel zone will cost at least $14 or 250 pesos, or more, depending on where in the hotel zone you go. A much cheaper option is to take the R1 or R2 public buses, which cost around 12 pesos. 

However, keep in mind that you can’t ask any taxi to come and pick you up in the Cancun Hotel Zone as you must use the taxi designated in the area where you are at that moment (Taxi de Sitio).

Also, keep in mind that taxis from the Hotel Zone to Downtown or the Airport are way more expensive, starting from 450 MXN

How far is downtown Cancun from the beach?

Public beaches are all along the hotel zone. The road has kilometer markers that count the distance from downtown.

The closest public beach to downtown Cancun is Playa Las Perlas at kilometer 2. You will come to several public beaches as you continue along the route throughout the hotel zone.

Public buses make it easy to get from downtown Cancun to the beach, and parking is not a problem.

Is it better to stay in the Hotel Zone or downtown Cancun?

It depends on what you are looking for. The hotel zone is filled with large, beachfront hotels and resorts. You can find all-inclusive resorts with all the on-site amenities you could dream of.

The hotel zone boasts the best beaches in Cancun, and the area is also home to numerous restaurants and shopping options.

Downtown Cancun is a great place to stay if you want a city feel, mix with locals more, and save some bucks.

Public buses leave from downtown and easily take you to the hotel zone and to other towns in the Riviera Maya. 

Downtown Cancun: Final Thoughts 

If you have made it to the end of this article, you may have realized that Downtown Cancun is worth visiting and can be an exciting detour from your fancy Hotel Zone Hotel.

Whether you book a tour to take you downtown, show you great food and shopping, or plan to explore on your own, it can be an exciting way to spend your time in Cancun and see the other side of the popular Mexican beach resort.

Downtown Cancun will give you a glimpse into how locals live, let you learn more about the culture, and deepen your appreciation for the greatness of Cancun. So, yes, if you travel to Cancun, I would definitely recommend spending half a day exploring downtown.