It's hard to imagine that Cancun was just a small fishing village surrounded by dense forests in the late 1960s when it first gained attention. Recognizing the potential of its pristine natural beauty, the Mexican government initiated a tourism development project that would forever reshape this area of Quintana Roo. Today, Cancun is a globally recognized travel destination—and it’s clear why.

With its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear oceans, and vibrant nightlife, it's the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. For those seeking a more thrilling getaway, there’s no shortage of activities. The Yucatán coast is home to the world’s second-largest offshore coral reef, offering abundant opportunities for both diving and snorkeling. Picture yourself on a diving or snorkeling tour, exploring hidden underwater caves and vibrant coral gardens. Exciting, right?

So, if you are looking for the best things to do in Cancun, we have got you covered. Here is a list of 9 of them. Let’s dive in!

Near the southernmost point of Zona Hotelera sits the El Rey Archaeological Zone, an ancient Mayan site that offers a glimpse into a civilization centered around fishing and marine trade. The ruins feature around 45 stone structures, including a Mayan temple and the tomb of a significant figure. After paying a small entrance fee, visitors can explore these fascinating remnants of the past. Just a short walk away, the Mayan Museum of Cancun provides deeper insights into the rich history and culture of this ancient civilization.

Hotel Zone is one of the most popular Cancun attractions also known as Zona Hotelera and offers a nice selection of hotels with views of the Caribbean Sea. There are many stunning beaches to explore, but for a more tranquil experience, Playa Delfines, located at the southern tip of the main strip, is an excellent choice. Furthermore, the southern tip of Zona Hotelera is home to the tiny archeological monument of El Rey.

Located around 6 kilometers northeast of Cancun's Hotel Zone, Playa Tortugas is merely a tiny stretch of beach. The coastlines are sufficiently shallow for kids to swim safely, and the beach is open year-round for free. On the pier, thrill-seekers may experience a bungee jump from the high point of a 25-meter-tall tower. Furthermore, daily ferry services are offered from Playa Tortugas towards Isla Mujeres.

One of the best activities in Cancun is water sports, particularly snorkeling on the massive Mesoamerican Reef, among the world's biggest reefs. Garrafon Natural Reef Park on Isla Mujeres serves as one of the most well-liked snorkeling locations. During your underwater adventure, you may see more than 500 different fish species and 100 different types of coral. Additionally, visitors to Garrafon Natural Reef Park who prefer to stay above the water can rent kayaks for a scenic and relaxing adventure.

The tranquil island of Isla Mujeres is only 20 minutes away by boat from Cancun's Hotel Zone. Embarcadero Pier, Playa Caracol, and Playa Tortugas are the three places from which ferries depart. Palm trees line the island’s pristine beaches, many of which have hammocks gently swaying between them. Particularly at Playa Norte, there are a lot of outdoor eateries and bars. The Garrafon Natural Reef Park provides zip-lining above the Caribbean Sea, snorkeling, and kayaking excursions for those who enjoy daring sports. When it comes to the best things to do in Cancun for couples, Isla Mujeres serves as a must-see combining romance, leisure, and thrill in one breathtaking location.

The Mayan culture frequently used temazcal, an ancient steam bath. Locals believe that sweating in this dome-shaped structure—similar to a sauna or sweat lodge—enhances physical endurance, flushes out toxins, and boosts blood circulation. While you massage your body using aloe vera plus natural herbs for twenty minutes to one hour, water is filled in a pit with heated pebbles to produce steam. In a Mayan forest, Temazcal Cancun offers sandstone steam rooms. Moreover, traditional Mayan treatments are on the spa menu of the Ritz-Carlton's Kayantá Spa, which also has a seaside patio.

About five hundred lifelike sculptures are on show at the Cancun Underwater Museum. These one-of-a-kind installations were made in 2008 in support of the efforts to preserve the Mesoamerican reef system while encouraging the growth of new coral species in Cancun. With their surreal ambiance, the three underwater galleries—spanning a total of 420 square meters—attract both divers and snorkelers. Moreover, located in the Cancun Underwater Museum, The Bankers in Salon Manchones stands as an eerily captivating artwork.

With its traditional boats and charming surroundings modeled after a World Heritage Site of UNESCO, Xoximilco provides an opportunity to experience what a true Mexican celebration is like. Vegetables, fruits, flowers, as well as other goods, were once transported from port to their destination on these classic trajinera boats. Step aboard one of these boats and indulge in authentic local cuisine and traditional beverages while enjoying lively mariachi music. Departing from the Hotel Zone, this experience offers a unique take on Cancun’s nightlife and is just a short 25-minute drive from downtown.

In downtown Cancun, along Avenida Sunyaxchen, lies a local crafts market called Mercado 28 (Market 28), which has more than 100 booths. In addition to sunglasses and tourist-ish T-shirts, you can peruse exquisite handicrafts crafted from leather, glass, and silver. Services like henna tattoos and hair braiding may be enjoyed for a few pesos. To locate eateries offering real Mexican food, go to the center of the market. Must-try dishes include papadzules (Mayan-style enchiladas), Panuchos Yucatecos (tostadas featuring refried beans), as well as cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork).

At Cancun's Party Center Plaza, a boulevard inside Zona Hotelera, you can take advantage of open bar specials and loud music any night of the week. While there are several relaxed bars for individuals who would rather have a quiet drink, many nightclubs are frequently crowded with partygoers between 11 p.m. and dawn. Perhaps the most famous nightclub in Cancun is Coco Bongo. Enjoy free-flowing beverages from 10.30 pm till 3.30 am, as well as amazing live performances and celebrity impersonators, for around $75.