×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange - The Insider's Guide to Cancun 2024
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In


The Insider's Guide to Cancun

By Betsy Burlingame

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

Summary: Our Guide to Cancun: Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Plus, Tips on Making Connections with the Locals and Finding Fun Recreational Activities

Welcome to Cancun! If you're planning to move to Cancun, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Cancun has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Cancun.

Cancun, is a paradise for tourists and locals alike, offering a plethora of sites of interest. The city is renowned for its beautiful beaches, such as Playa Delfines and Playa Tortugas, where visitors can relax on the white sands and swim in the crystal-clear waters. For those interested in history and culture, the El Rey Ruins, an ancient Mayan site, is a must-visit. Here, you can explore the remnants of this ancient civilization and even spot some local wildlife. The Interactive Aquarium Cancun is another popular attraction, especially for families, where you can interact with marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles.

For a unique experience, visit the Cancun Underwater Museum, which features over 500 life-sized sculptures submerged under the sea. The Tulum Ruins, located a short drive away from Cancun, are another fascinating historical site. This ancient Mayan city overlooks the Caribbean Sea and offers stunning views. Nature lovers should not miss the chance to visit the Isla Contoy, a protected nature reserve and bird sanctuary. Lastly, the vibrant Mercado 28 is a bustling market where you can buy local crafts, jewelry, and traditional Mexican food.

Cancun's restaurant and nightlife scene is as vibrant and diverse as its natural beauty. Lorenzillo's is a famous seafood restaurant known for its lobster dishes and stunning views of the lagoon. La Habichuela Sunset offers a unique dining experience with its Mayan-inspired cuisine and magical garden setting. For those craving Italian, Casa Rolandi delivers with its delicious homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas.

When it comes to nightlife, Coco Bongo is a must-visit. This nightclub offers a unique blend of concerts, shows, and disco. The City Nightclub is another popular spot, known as the largest nightclub in Latin America, it hosts world-class DJs and performers. For a more relaxed evening, La Destileria offers a wide selection of tequilas and traditional Mexican food in a charming setting.

Recreational activities in Cancun are centered around its natural beauty and vibrant culture. Water sports are incredibly popular, with snorkeling and scuba diving sites scattered around the city. The MUSA Underwater Museum is a popular diving spot, while the Great Mayan Reef offers stunning coral formations. Aquaworld Cancun offers a variety of water activities, including jet-skiing, parasailing, and fishing.

For those who prefer land-based activities, golfing is a popular pastime, with top-notch courses like the Iberostar Cancun Golf Club and the Riviera Cancun Golf Club. Adventure seekers can explore the jungle on an ATV with Selvatica, an adventure park offering zip-lining, bungee jumping, and more. Finally, Xcaret Park is a popular destination for families, offering a mix of natural attractions, cultural exhibits, and water activities.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico
Connect

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Insider Tips from Expats in Cancun: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"Expats in Cancun often join various clubs and activities to meet new people and immerse themselves in the local culture. These include language exchange groups, where they can practice their Spanish and help locals with English. They also participate in sports clubs such as golf, tennis, or sailing, which are popular in the area due to the beautiful weather and outdoor spaces.Many expats also get involved in local charities and volunteer organizations, which not only allows them to give back to the community but also provides opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. There are also cooking classes and wine tasting groups that cater to the expat community, offering a fun and relaxed environment to socialize.In addition to clubs and activities, expats often meet people through their work or their children's schools. Networking events and business meetups are common, especially in a tourist-driven economy like Cancun's. Similarly, school events and parent-teacher meetings provide opportunities to connect with other families.Expats also meet people by simply participating in the local culture and community events. This could be anything from local festivals and markets to concerts and art exhibitions. These events provide a great opportunity to meet locals and other expats alike, and to immerse oneself in the vibrant culture of Cancun.Finally, there are also numerous online forums and social media groups specifically for expats in Cancun. These platforms provide a space for expats to ask questions, share experiences, and arrange meetups, making the transition to life in Cancun a little easier," said one expat living in Cancun.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico
Connect

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Cancun is often described as vibrant and exciting. The city offers a mix of modern amenities and rich cultural experiences, making it an attractive destination for those looking to work remotely. The cost of living is relatively low compared to many Western countries, allowing expats to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.Cancun is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and friendly locals, providing a relaxed and enjoyable environment for expats. The city is also home to a large expat community, making it easier for newcomers to settle in and make friends. For digital nomads, Cancun offers reliable internet connectivity and a variety of coworking spaces, making it easy to work remotely. The city's location in the Eastern Standard Time zone also makes it convenient for those who need to coordinate with colleagues or clients in North America.Despite the many benefits, living in Cancun also comes with challenges. The language barrier can be a hurdle for those who do not speak Spanish, although many locals and businesses do speak English. Safety can also be a concern, particularly in certain areas of the city, and it's recommended that expats take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.Overall, Cancun offers a unique blend of work and play for expats and digital nomads, with its beautiful scenery, rich culture, and modern amenities," commented an expat living in Cancun.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico
Connect

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Mexico Network Contribute
Help others in Mexico by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Mexico.

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides