Downtown (El Centro) is the actual backbone of Cancún. What it lacks in history, it makes up for being a true melting pot — an exciting mix of the old traditional Mexico and an ultra-modern urban sprawl. Avenida Tulum, the main street, passing through the heart of the city, is easy to reach by public transport. The street is lined with shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants. Be sure to stop by Parque de las Palapas, on the market square, where locals come to chat and watch the entertainment provided by various local groups. The lively atmosphere and the sound of Mexican music are infectious, and any worries will quickly be postponed to "mañana." Browse around the artisan stalls and try some of the local sweet delicacies or visit the "Hippie Market" around the corner. In the evenings, the place to be is Avenida Yaxchillan with its lively restaurants and bars, popular with locals and tourists alike.

A destination of Christian pilgrimages for centuries, this church sits on the place where Jesus is said to have been killed, buried and resurrected. Some of the most riveting parts of the church are the richly decorated Calvary or 'Golgotha', where Jesus was crucified, and the Stone of Anointing, where the preparation for his burial was held. The huge complex was built by the emperor Constantine in the 4th century and was damaged and restored several times.

Built in the early 14th century in Norman Gothic style, Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri, one of the symbols of Palermo, bears witness to a multifaceted history as both a tribunal and prison under the Inquisition from 1600 to 1782. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the University of Palermo, offering visitors a glimpse into history through its marvellous lecture halls adorned with intricate 14th-century wooden ceilings. The Inquisition Museum within its walls unveils the poignant narratives of prisoners through haunting graffiti and artworks, etching their stories onto the very cells that once confined them.