Things to do in downtown Cancún and nearby

Downtown Cancún has fewer postcards and more life than the Hotel Zone. These places are worth a visit, near Hotel Plaza Kokai or a bus ride away.

Near the hotel

Parque Las Palapas (1.2 km)

Downtown’s meeting point. In the evening it fills with families, music and food stalls.

Mercado 28 (2 km)

The city’s best-known craft market: hammocks, textiles, pottery, silver and souvenirs, with small eateries inside. Compare before buying and bargain politely.

Mercado 23

Smaller and more local than Mercado 28: fruit, spices, piñatas and home cooking.

Cathedral (2 km) and bullring (1.5 km)

Two downtown landmarks you can include in a walk around the area.

In the Hotel Zone

Cancún Maya Museum and San Miguelito

The museum displays pieces of Maya culture and shares its grounds with the San Miguelito archaeological site. Reachable by city bus from Avenida Tulum.

El Rey archaeological site

Maya ruins right in the Hotel Zone, also reachable by city bus.

Nichupté lagoon

The large lagoon between the city and the Hotel Zone. Best enjoyed from the lookout points and on the water activities offered there.

Isla Mujeres

The classic day trip: ferry from Puerto Juárez, north of downtown, or from Playa Tortugas. A small island with calm beaches and a relaxed pace.

To plan your trips, see the downtown guide and the beaches guide.