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.

Cala Llonga is a wide, family-friendly beach surrounded by hills and pine trees. The water’s shallow and clear, so it’s perfect for swimming or just floating around. There’s plenty of space to spread out, plus shops, cafés, and all the basics nearby. It can get busy in summer, but it’s easy and convenient if you’re staying nearby.

This tall building is a symbol of Cambodia's freedom from France, gained in 1953. This Angkorian-style tower is mostly used as a landmark now, but the parks surrounding it are popular for picnics.

Cala d’en Serra is a small, quiet cove up in the north, surrounded by steep cliffs and pine trees. The water’s clear, the sand is soft, and it feels a bit off the radar—even in summer, it’s usually not too crowded. An old, unfinished hotel looms above the beach—locals joke it’s been ‘under construction’ since the ’70s. Bring what you need, though—there’s not much in the way of facilities.