Downtown Cancun
Downtown is the real heart and soul of Cancun lies in its vibrant, bustling downtown area, known as El Centro.
That’s where you’ll find the true essence of Mexico, away from the touristy glitz.
Where to Stay at Downtown Cancun
Selina Downtown Cancun
A place to stay that perfectly captures the eclectic vibe of downtown Cancun, Selina Downtown Cancun.
It’s a brand of boutique hostels and coworking spaces that’s taking the world by storm. And trust me, their Cancun location is no exception.
When I first checked into Selina Downtown Cancun, I was blown away by the sprawling complex. It’s made up of several buildings with room types ranging from chic dorms to spacious suites with personal kitchenettes.
Whether you’re a solo traveler on a budget or looking for a bit more luxury, Selina has got you covered. The best part?
The whole place is centered around a large pool, bar, and restaurant, making it the perfect spot to chill out after a day of exploring.
One of my favorite features of Selina is the community vibe. There’s a lobby with a café, a coworking space for those of us who can’t completely disconnect, a movement studio, a movie room, and even a small spa.
Even if you’re not staying there, the restaurant is open to non-guests, so you can still enjoy their delicious food and drinks.
Activities and Entertainment at Downtown Cancun
Street Art Tours
One of the coolest things about downtown Cancun is its vibrant street art scene. I highly recommend taking a street art tour to truly appreciate the talent and creativity on display.
We wandered through colorful streets, learning about different styles of street art and the history of Cancun.
Even if you usually prefer exploring on your own, a guided tour adds so much context and depth to the experience.
Downtown Cancun Dining Experiences
Local Favorites
La Habichuela
La Habichuela is a Cancun institution that’s been around for over 30 years. It’s popular with both tourists and locals, and for good reason.
The food and service are top-notch, and the decor is lovely, with a softly lit garden area for outdoor dining.
The menu features seafood, steaks, and traditional Mexican dishes. Be sure to try the Caesar Salad, made table-side, and their signature dish, Cocobichuela.
It’s a fantastic spot for a special occasion, but honestly, any night can be special when you’re dining at La Habichuela.
El Socio Naiz Taqueria
For a more casual but equally delicious meal, head to El Socio Naiz Taqueria on Nader Avenue.
This trendy spot serves up tacos with a twist, along with amazing cocktails and churros.
The vibe is fun and lively, making it a great place to grab a bite and enjoy some people-watching.
Trendy Spots
Fresco Habito
If you’re looking for something fresh and healthy, Fresco Habito is your spot. This stylish eatery on Carlos Nader Avenue serves up smoothie bowls, superfoods, wraps, and buddha bowls in a charming open-air plaza.
The swing seats add a playful touch, and the whole place is just so Instagram-worthy.
Selina Downtown Restaurant
Back at Selina Downtown, their restaurant is worth a visit even if you’re not staying there. The menu features a variety of food and drinks, and you can enjoy your meal poolside.
It’s a great spot to relax with a frozen drink and soak up the laid-back atmosphere.
Romantic Venues
La Fonda del Zancudo
If you’re in the mood for a romantic night out, La Fonda del Zancudo is the place to be. This enchanting outdoor restaurant features fairy lights, crumbling stone walls, and distressed white furniture that looks straight out of a movie set.
The menu focuses on hearty dishes made from local ingredients, and the cocktail and wine list is impressive.
It’s a perfect spot for a memorable dinner with that special someone—or in my case, my two best travel buddies.
El Tigre Y El Toro
For a similar vibe but a slightly more casual experience, check out El Tigre Y El Toro. This sister restaurant to La Fonda del Zancudo specializes in pizza, but you’ll also find plenty of other Mediterranean Italian fusion dishes. It’s a great place for a relaxed yet delicious meal.
Downtown Cancun Nightlife
Live Music Venues on Yaxchilan Avenue
If you’re a fan of live music, downtown Cancun has some fantastic spots for you. Along Yaxchilan Avenue, you’ll find several bars where live bands perform most nights of the week.
The music usually starts around midnight and goes on until 4 am—or even until dawn, depending on the crowd.
El Asador
El Asador is one of my favorite spots for live rock ‘n roll. The bands here play covers of songs by major Latin acts as well as American and British bands like Metallica and Led Zeppelin.
Occasionally, you’ll even hear some original tunes.
Los Arcos
Another great venue on Yaxchilan Avenue is Los Arcos. The lively atmosphere and fantastic music make it a must-visit for any night owl.
El Chikito
El Chikito is another hotspot where you can enjoy live music and dance the night away. The energy here is infectious, and it’s a great place to meet locals and fellow travelers.
Ruta 666
Last but not least, Ruta 666 is a bikers’ bar with a rock ‘n roll vibe. The bands here play a mix of covers and original songs, and the crowd is always up for a good time.
Shopping
Mercado 28
No trip to downtown Cancun is complete without a visit to Mercado 28. This large, maze-like flea market is packed with handicrafts, pottery, t-shirts, souvenir shops, and Mexican restaurants.
Bargaining is expected, so get ready to haggle for the best deals. The salespeople can be aggressive, but there are plenty of treasures to be found if you’re willing to negotiate.
Mercado 23
For a more relaxed shopping experience, head to Mercado 23. This smaller market offers local goods, including crafts, souvenirs, fruits, and veggies. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in Yucatan culture and pick up some unique items at lower prices than the touristy areas.