Cancun is known for its luxury resort-lined Hotel Zone that’s bordered by beautiful white sand beaches and aqua-blue water, but there’s more to see beyond that.
In the downtown area of Cancun, there are more opportunities to explore and enjoy culture, authentic food, and local goods.
So, if you want to experience more of Cancun, you’ll be glad to hear about 3 ways that downtown is improving for tourists.
1 – Turning Market 28 Into A Tourist Attraction
Market 28, known locally as Mercado 28, is a street market in downtown Cancun that is similar to a flea market.
The streets are lined with shops, stalls, and booths selling everything from authentic food to handmade goods.
Market 28 has been there for a long time, but many tourists don’t know about it, so the city is going to relaunch the market with a focus on turning the area into a tourist attraction.
Getting To Market 28
Market 28 is easily accessible even if you won’t be staying in the downtown area of Cancun.
The public bus service drops off just a few blocks from the entrance of the market and is a very inexpensive option, costing no more than a couple of dollars.
You can also take a taxi or Uber to the market, which will cost a bit more, but you have the added benefit of being dropped off directly at Mercado 28.
2 – Improving Security
Cancun is pretty safe, the safest areas being those that are known as tourist areas.
This includes the Cancun Hotel Zone, the marina area, and, generally, the downtown area.
Because downtown is where many of the bars and clubs are, it does require a little more security.
This is why officials are planning to enhance security in the area even further with the use of uniformed officers.
3 – Renovating And Opening New Shops
Existing shops in the downtown area will be renovated as part of the overall project to improve the area, and new shops will be added.
This includes different types of shops, restaurants, and boutiques.
This will not only improve the image of the downtown area but also give tourists more options.
What Makes Downtown Cancun Different From The Hotel Zone
Downtown Cancun is very different from the Hotel Zone and its surrounding area.
The Hotel Zone is more touristy.
It’s where all of the sprawling all-inclusive resorts and hotels are, where the most popular beaches are located, where you’ll find the touristy corporate restaurants, souvenir shop after souvenir shop, and tourist attractions.
Downtown, on the other hand, is the more authentic part of the city, where you’ll find real Mexican food, local markets, and traditional handicrafts.
Things To Do In Downtown Cancun
There’s plenty to do in downtown Cancun.
In addition to Market 28, Market 23 is also a great place to experience local culture.
It’s very similar but a bit smaller and more laid back. Other things to do in downtown Cancun are:
- Stroll Through Parque de las Palapas
- Take a Walk Along Nichupte Lagoon
- Visit Bars, Restaurants, and Shops on Avenida Tulum
- Take a Street Art Tour
- Listen to Live Music
Downtown Cancun Safety Tips
Even though Cancun keeps the downtown area pretty safe for tourists, there are still some safety measures you should take when visiting.
After all, this is where the nightlife takes place, locals and tourists hang out, and where all of the action is.
That’s why it’s important to:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid displaying signs of wealth.
- Be careful around strangers.
- Not leave your drink unattended.
- Not walk around alone at night.
Other than following these tips, there’s really not much you need to do to have a good time in downtown Cancun.
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