Free things to do · Cancún · Mexico
6 free things to do in Cancún
Cancún without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Xe3osc, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
You can fill at least 2 days in Cancún without paying an entry fee: Playa Delfines (El Mirador), Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas, Mercado 28 and Parque de las Palapas are all free. All beaches in Mexico are public, so you can use any Hotel Zone beach via the public access paths.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 6
- Low-cost extras
- 3
- Cost level
- Moderately priced
- Lowest hotel prices
- September
Free sights and experiences
Beach · Southern Hotel Zone
1.Playa Delfines (El Mirador)
Check the flag colour before swimming and stay on the sand on red-flag days; bring shade, as there is little natural cover.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Photo spot
- Views
Beach · Northern Hotel Zone
2.Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas
Head here when the east-facing beaches fly red flags or are affected by seaweed.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
Market · Downtown Cancún
3.Mercado 28
Bargaining is expected; start well below the first price and settle with a smile.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- Free
Experience · Downtown Cancún
4.Parque de las Palapas
Come after sunset when the stalls are busiest, then walk to nearby Avenida Yaxchilán for dinner or a drink.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- After dark
- Kids
Beach · Costa Mujeres
5.Isla Blanca
Bring water, food and shade; facilities are basic, and a high-clearance car or taxi helps on the access road.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
- Outdoors
- Active
Beach · Punta Cancún
6.Playa Chac Mool and Playa Gaviota Azul
Use the public access paths between hotels, and swim only where lifeguards are posted.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Hotel Zone | Playa Delfines (El Mirador) | 2–3 hours |
| Northern Hotel Zone | Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas | Half a day |
| Downtown Cancún | Mercado 28 and Parque de las Palapas | 1–2 hours + 1–2 hours |
| Costa Mujeres | Isla Blanca | Half a day |
| Punta Cancún | Playa Chac Mool and Playa Gaviota Azul | 2 hours |
Worth a small ticket
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Island · Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres
Take the ferry from Puerto Juárez for the lower fare, rent a golf cart to circle the island and stay for sunset at Playa Norte.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Kids
- Couples
- Outdoors
- Views
Museum · Southern Hotel Zone
Museo Maya de Cancún and San Miguelito
Visit in the heat of the afternoon or on a cloudy day; the galleries are air-conditioned.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Kids
Historic site · Southern Hotel Zone
El Rey archaeological site
Combine it with Playa Delfines across the road; go early or late to avoid the strongest sun.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Kids
- Off the beaten path
More ways to save
- All beaches in Mexico are public, so you can use any Hotel Zone beach via the public access paths.
- Pay in pesos and withdraw cash from bank ATMs inside banks or malls rather than using airport exchange counters.
- Eat downtown, where Yucatecan food costs a fraction of Hotel Zone prices, and use the R-1 bus instead of taxis.
- May, June and November usually offer good-value rates outside the main holiday weeks.
- Turn down 'free' tours offered at the airport or on the street; they usually require attending a timeshare presentation.
- Take the Isla Mujeres ferry from Puerto Juárez, which is cheaper than departures from the Hotel Zone.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Cancún expensive to visit?
Cancún is moderately priced for most visitors, but 6 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Cancún?
Playa Delfines (El Mirador): Check the flag colour before swimming and stay on the sand on red-flag days; bring shade, as there is little natural cover.