Last Updated
Many travelers include weekend days when vacationing because it gives them extra days without using vacation time.
While this is a great way to maximize the use of time off, there is something to be said about traveling on weekdays.
Doing so usually means better prices on flights and accommodations, as well as smaller crowds at the most popular attractions. Here are the busiest attractions near Cancun that you might want to visit on a weekday.
Markets
There are some really great markets to visit in Cancun, namely Mercado 28 and Mercado 23, the latter of which is frequented more by locals.
Because both tourists and locals want to visit the markets, it can get pretty busy on weekends when locals have days off to do their shopping.
If you want to mingle with the locals, then visit on the weekend, but if you want a less crowded shopping experience, you might want to visit on a weekday.
@porqueyoamoacancun El tradicional mercado 23 de #Cancún 😎 llevele, llevele. #fypシ ♬ Cumbia Buena – Grupo La Cumbia
Mayan Ruins
The Mayan ruins in and around Cancun aren’t just enjoyed by tourists but locals as well, many of which will visit the ruins on weekends when the kids are out of school. And since many tourists vacation on weekends too, you’ll find that Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest days at these sites.
Visiting popular sites like Chichen Itza on a weekday will give you the opportunity to explore the ruins without all of the crowds.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
@digital.teacher Momento exacto del equinoccio #chichenitza #equinox #maya #mayan ♬ chichen itza – zecki
Cenotes
Cenotes, which are naturally formed swimming holes, are far from just being a tourist attraction. They are also frequented by locals looking to have a little fun and cool off during the summer months too.
And although there are plenty of them throughout the Riviera Maya region, they can still get pretty packed on the weekends, so if you want to swim in solitude the weekdays are a great time to visit.
@sarah_janexox Incredible experience 😍 #cancun #mexico #traveltiktok #thingstodoinmexico #travelbucketlist ♬ Feels Like Summer – Samuel Jack
Beaches
Locals love Cancun’s beautiful beaches just as much as tourists do, particularly the ones not right in the Hotel Zone that are frequently packed with tourists. On the weekends is when many local families can be found enjoying beaches like Playa El Nino.
And if you add a huge influx of tourists to that too you can expect it to get a little crowded, whereas on weekdays they’ll be much more secluded, and some beaches you may even have almost to yourself.
@kingsesay01 They definitely had me dancing out there too but ig somebody else probably posting that somewhere 😂————–#cancun #cancunmexico #imonvacation #vacation #minivlog #travelvlog #cancunhotels #cancunbeach #thingstodoincancun #thingstodoinmexico #tulum #tulummexico #boatparty #boatpainting #boatparties #beachparty ♬ original sound – kingsesay01
Authentic Restaurants
Touristy restaurants like Senor Frogs and Bubba Gump’s are not where you’ll find locals dining on their days off. These places are also not where you’ll find an authentic Mexican dining experience, which is a must when visiting Cancun.
Since locals are going to the more authentic restaurants too, a weekday may be a less busy time to visit these places.
@arianaj.4 CANCUN RESTAURANTS | if you’re looking for an authentic meal try Casa Bea in Cancun #cancunmexico #cancunrestaurant ♬ pushin P (feat. Young Thug) – Gunna & Future
Parks
Visiting local parks is a popular activity for local families on the weekends when they get a little downtime, so some of the more popular parks can get pretty busy.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in local culture, the weekends are the best time to visit. But if you’re looking for a little more peace and quiet in nature, you might want to visit during the week.
@jan.mend Experience Cancun as a local at Parque de las Palapas! From cheap and authentic mexican food to cheap souvenirs, this place is the closest to experiencing local life in Cancun as a tourist. Go support small street vendors at Parque de las Palapas! ✨ #cancun #cancunmexico #thingstodoincancun #experiencelocallifeincancun #cancunlocal #parquedelaspalapas #cancunfood #cancunlifestyle #mexicotravel #cheapthingstodoincancun #familythingstodoincancun #thingstodocancun ♬ Lapiz Labial – Los Felinos
Weekdays Vs. Weekends In Cancun
It’s important to note that some attractions in Cancun might not be open on the weekdays, but those that are will typically be less busy.
Also, some popular attractions may be impossible to even get into on busy weekends, so if you have your heart set on something you should plan accordingly by either booking in advance or planning to have a couple of weekdays to explore. Doing so will allow you to get the most out of your Cancun vacation.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.