Cancun: The party city
Cancun is the famous party city, perfect if you’re traveling with friends and want to go out, especially to places like Coco Bongo. Most people you’ll meet here are American tourists, so it’s not the best place to experience authentic Mexican culture, but if you’re looking to party, this is the place to be.
In Cancun, most of the beaches are only accessible if you’re staying at the hotel in front of them. But one great beach that’s open to everyone is Playa Delfines. It’s a beautiful public beach and a perfect spot if you’re not staying at a beachfront resort.
Coco Bongo: It’s cheaper for girls from Monday to Wednesday, otherwise expect to pay at least $90 USD per person—it’s not cheap. It gets super packed on weekends, so go early to avoid the crazy line. The shows are really impressive, but definitely not kid-friendly. If you’re with a good group of friends, you’ll have a blast.
Other nightclubs to check out: Señor Frog, La Vaquita, and Mandala Beach Club, all solid spots for a fun night out.
If you’re looking for something more chill, head to Parque Las Palapas at night. There’s a fun night market with tons of street food and games, great if you’re traveling with kids.
Isla Mujeres
If you’re in Cancun, take a day trip to Isla Mujeres. It’s a super cute island you can reach by boat, I personally really enjoyed it. North Beach is one of the best spots on the island. They might ask you to pay for a lounge chair, but it’s not too expensive, especially if you’re a group.
I recommend renting a little golf cart or mini car, it’s around 20 euros for an hour. You can drive around the whole island, and it’s a really nice ride. Just make sure to check prices at a few places before renting, some spots can be pricey. Don’t rent from the first ones you see when you get off the boat. Walk a bit more, especially toward the north part of the island, and you’ll find better deals.
There’s also many excursio you can do such as catamaran excursion that includes a few hours on a catamaran, snorkeling, and even spotting dolphins. Those kind of excursion are obviously quite expensive on such touristic island.
Playa del carmen
Playa del Carmen is about 2 hours from Cancun and is a great spot to visit if you’re looking for a mix of beach, shopping, and nightlife. The city has its own version of Cancun’s party scene with 5th Avenue, a lively street lined with clubs, bars, shops, and restaurants. You’ll find places like Coco Bongo, Señor Frog, and tons of other spots to keep the party going.
The cheapest way to reach Playa del Carmen from Cancun is ADO bus. You can also book a private shuttle but they might be quite expensive.
But Playa is more than just nightlife. You can spend time relaxing on its beautiful beaches, like Playa Mamitas or Playa Punta Esmeralda. Both are great for a day in the sun, with some cool beach clubs and good spots to grab a drink or snack.
For a more local experience, take a stroll through the fruits and crafts market near Calle 30. It’s a nice spot for souvenirs and trying fresh tropical fruit. If you’re into eco-tourism, check out Xcaret, an eco-archaeological park nearby, where you can explore caves, snorkel, and learn about Mexico’s culture and wildlife.
Another cool day trip is visiting Cozumel, a short ferry ride away, where you can dive or snorkel in some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean.
Conclusion of Cancun
Partying and going to the beach are definitely the two main reasons you’d go to Cancun. The nightlife here is nonstop, with parties every night of the week. But if you’re looking to mix things up, there are still some really nice spots nearby, like Isla Mujeres and Playa del Carmen, that are worth checking out. Both offer a different vibe and give you a little break from the party scene.