An all-inclusive stay doesn’t have to mean staying in one place. At Amàre Cancún, part of the Curio Collection by HiltonTM, your experience extends beyond the resort, with culture, cuisine, and the city’s energy just moments away.
Venture into Downtown Cancun to find colorful markets, bold local flavors, and lively community gathering spaces. Then, discover a different side of the city in the Hotel Zone, where ancient Maya sites and underwater art galleries sit alongside the beaches and modern resorts.
If you’re wondering what to do in Cancun, follow your curiosity to these cultural hotspots, then return to a vibrant atmosphere, thoughtful design, and elevated moments at our Urban Beach Resort.
Discover Local Flair at Mercado 28
For a colorful glimpse of local life, head to Mercado 28 in downtown Cancun, at Xel-ha Supermanzana 28, Manzana 13, 77509 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. The market is open every day from approximately 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is approximately a 10-minute taxi ride from Amàre Cancún.
Expect a lively, colorful maze of stalls filled with handmade crafts, woven textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. Then follow the aromas to the food stalls and discover the flavors of the Yucatán.
Order cochinita pibil, a classic Yucatecan pork dish slow-roasted with citrus and spices. Try fresh ceviche, tacos, or a marquesita, a crisp, sweet-and-savory treat. Don’t be afraid to ask vendors what they recommend. You may find a new favorite or hidden gem as you browse handmade treasures and sample local fare. Allow 1-2 hours for a visit, depending on how much time you spend shopping and eating. Be sure to come hungry!
A visit to Mercado 28 is one of the best things to do in Cancun, Mexico, for those who want to taste the destination, not just see it. Mercado 28 also makes a convenient starting point for exploring more of downtown Cancun. From the market, Parque de las Palapas is roughly a 15–25-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi ride. These two attractions, along with the surrounding downtown streets, can easily be combined into a half-day of shopping and exploring the local food scene.
Feel the Energy at Parque de las Palapas
Parque de las Palapas is a local gathering place where Cancun’s social and cultural scene comes together. The park is located at Tulipanes LB, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico, and is approximately 11 minutes from Amàre Cancún by car. This bustling downtown plaza is a hub for cultural events, live music, street food, shopping, and community entertainment.
Expect a lively, welcoming atmosphere, especially in the evenings. Families gather, friends meet, and music and entertainment fill the air during regular events and cultural performances.
Stroll through the vendor booths offering crafts and souvenirs. Then make your way to the food stalls for more delicious Mexican street food. Around the plaza, amusement rides and playgrounds add a playful touch to the scene.
There is always something happening here. Stop by for a snack, stay for the music, and take in a cultural performance if one is on the schedule. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in life in Cancun as it unfolds.
Parque de las Palapas pairs well with a visit to Mercado 28, which is about a 15-25 minute walk away. Visit the market first, then stroll through downtown to the park.
Uncover the History of the Maya
Cancun’s modern identity is only part of its story. At the Museo Maya de Cancún, learn about artifacts that tell the story of Maya civilization in Mexico. Then step outside to discover the San Miguelito archaeological site just behind the Museo.
The Museo and San Miguelito are located at Km 16 of the Hotel Zone, about 15-20 minutes by car from Amàre Cancún. Admission to the Museo costs about $12 USD and also includes access to San Miguelito. The contrast between exploring the museum’s collection and walking through the ancient Maya structures while surrounded by the modern Hotel Zone buildings makes for a unique historical experience.
You can also visit El Rey Archaeological Zone, located just a few minutes further south at Km 17.5 on Boulevard Kukulcan. Walk through 47 ancient structures, including stone plazas and pyramid temples, while spotting the iguanas that have made the ruins their home. Admission for this site is about $8.50 USD.
For another perspective, head to the El Meco archeological site. It is located at Carretera Puerto Juarez, López Portillo, 77520 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico, about a 15-minute drive from Amàre Cancún. Admission costs about $9 USD. Its location just north of the Hotel Zone makes it feel quieter and more removed than the other sites. El Meco is known for its well-preserved central pyramid, El Castillo, one of the tallest structures on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Collectively, these sites offer a wonderful glimpse into ancient Maya society and architecture right in the heart of the city. It’s a great way to gain a better understanding of Cancun’s rich history and culture if you aren’t able to take a full-day excursion to sites like Chichen Itza that are farther out.
Visit the MUSA Underwater Museum
For a truly one-of-a-kind Cancun experience, visit the Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA). This underwater museum features more than 500 sculptures in the waters of the Cancun National Marine Park. Over time, coral and marine life have grown around the artwork, creating a unique underwater display.
See the sculptures with a snorkeling, diving, or glass-bottom boat tour. A guided tour with a licensed operator is required to visit MUSA. The site is protected, and visitors cannot access the galleries on their own. Plan on 2–3 hours for the experience. Prices range from around $58 to $160 USD, depending on the activity. The MUSA galleries are located across three sites out in the water, so travel time to reach the site depends on the tour you select.
Explore More at Amàre Cancún
One of the best things about Cancun is how easy it is to combine city adventures with a resort stay. Local buses connect the Hotel Zone with downtown and are an affordable way to get around. Taxis and car services are useful for direct trips. Amàre Cancún’s location along Boulevard Kukulcán makes it an ideal base for these explorations, as Downtown Cancun, northern Cancun, and the Hotel Zone are all nearby.
When setting out to explore, carry pesos and plenty of water, and wear comfortable shoes. Keep your plans flexible enough to follow a new recommendation or discover a spot you did not expect.
Spend the day discovering Cancun’s markets, local neighborhoods, art, and Maya heritage. Then return to Amàre to spend time on the beach or enjoy the resort’s dining, wellness, and entertainment.
Back at Amàre, the experience shifts from urban discovery to a sophisticated Cancun all-inclusive adults-only retreat. Chef-led menus take you around the world with international cuisine. Mediterranean-inspired spa rituals and wellness activities provide new ways to feel your best. Music is the rhythm of the resort, with daily live performances adding an energetic soundtrack from day to night.
Book your stay and enjoy the culture, flavors, and character of the Mexican Caribbean, with Amàre Cancún as your launchpad for discovery.
Note: Prices shown for attractions, admission fees, and activities are indicative and may change. Please check the official website or authorized tour operator for the latest rates before visiting or booking.
