Is Cancun worth visiting?
Yes, you'll find numerous reasons to visit Cancun, and it's a city that everyone should see. We had an amazing time here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the fantastic nightlife and spectacular resorts.
Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Visitors come for the beautiful beaches and wild party scene. Years ago the city created a name for itself as a spring break destination, but today you'll find families, honeymooners, and vacationers all enjoying the setting.
Cancun, Mexico
9 Reasons to Visit Cancun
1. Nightlife
It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.
2. Resorts
You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.
3. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.
4. Beaches
There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.
Playa Delfines is known for its breathtaking turquoise waters, expansive sandy shore, and iconic Cancun sign for photos. (Free)
Isla Mujeres is known for pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling spots, and vibrant marine life. (Free)
5. Museums and Attractions
It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.
Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA) is known for its extensive collection of underwater sculptures designed to promote coral reef growth and marine life. ($70 USD)
Museo Maya de Cancun is known for its extensive collection of Maya artifacts and interactive exhibits about the ancient Maya civilization. (MXN 80)
Bonampak Museum is known for the preservation and display of ancient Maya murals depicting historical and ceremonial scenes. (MXN 70)
6. Food
If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.
7. Hiking
There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.
8. Shopping
While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.
La Isla Shopping Village is known for its combination of shopping, dining, and an interactive aquarium in an open-air setting. (Free)
Kukulcán Plaza is known for shopping, dining, and nightlife in the heart of Cancun's hotel zone. (Free)
9. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Cancun might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Cancun here or see if Cancun is expensive here.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Cancun
Lots of Tourists
Cancun sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Related
What is Cancun most famous for?
Cancun is most famous for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. People visit this impressive city for its great nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. It's also known for museums and attractions. And many travelers come for the food, hiking, and shopping, as well. It is often described as adventurous, wild, party-hard, tropical, and active.
How touristy is Cancun? Is it a popular city to visit?
Cancun is a very touristy city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Adrenaline Adventure, Zip Line, ATV and Cenote Maya: $149
- Private Evening Taco and Beer Tour with Transportation Included: $237
- Sunset Catamaran Tour with Transportation in Riviera Maya: $89
- LDS Tour to Tulum Ruins + Cenote: $215
- Speedboat tour to a Virgin Beach: $138
- Tour Herpetologico: $100
- Beachfront Tequila tasting Experience: $50
- Amazing Mayan Tour Xenotes from Cancun: $165
How long should I spend in Cancun?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Cancun is at least four or as many as seven days. Since Cancun has a variety of activities such as resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cancun?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Cancun?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Cancun?.
More Things to Do in Cancun
- Is Xcaret Park Worth Visiting?
- Is Cenote Ik Kil Worth Visiting?
- Is Chichén Itzá Worth Visiting?
- Is Playa Delfines Worth Visiting?
- Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Cancun.
Why would you recommend Cancun to budget travelers? Or, why not?
We found an affordable hotel that was a bit back from the beach from the larger hotels and resorts, so we saved a lot. We also ate at the cheaper restaurants and had some of the fast food and street food as much as possible.