CANCUN
Where our Mexico adventure began.
Quick facts
Quintana Roo
Mexico
2 Nights
2 days
ADO bus
from Airport
June
2026
Food
incredible
Jet lag
kicking in
Cancún is a popular coastal destination on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, known for its turquoise waters, long sandy beaches, large hotel zone and easy access to the Riviera Maya. The city is divided between downtown and the Zona Hotelera, with plenty of restaurants, shops and accommodation options spread across both areas.
Our Experience
Cancún was our first stop in Mexico, and we arrived early in the morning on the 9th, completely destroyed by jet lag after the long journey. We had two nights here, so our first day was mostly about getting some rest, adjusting to the time difference and slowly getting into the rhythm of the trip.
We didn’t have particularly high expectations for Cancún, and honestly, we didn’t get to enjoy much of the city. Between the jet lag and only having a couple of days, we mostly stayed around our area rather than spending time exploring the different parts of Cancún.
Sargassum had also taken over the beaches while we were there, so the turquoise Caribbean waters we had imagined weren’t really waiting for us.
What surprised us, in the best possible way, was the food. We ate a lot, tried so many new things and quickly realised that Mexican food was going to be a very important part of this trip. From our first tacos to the different flavours and ingredients we were discovering, Cancún gave us our first real taste of just how incredible Mexican food can be.
It wasn’t the start we had imagined, but it was the start we needed!
Our Map
This map includes the places we visited, along with a few recommendations we received from our accommodation and other travelers. Unfortunately, when we visited in June, we experienced a lot of sargassum. The beaches were heavily affected, so we couldn’t really enjoy Cancún’s famous coastline the way we had hoped.
We hope this map still helps you discover some great spots and makes planning your trip a little easier.
All our favorite places in Cancún. Save it to your Google Maps!
Restaurants we enjoyed
El rinconcito
Right in the centre. We tried the enchiladas with salsa verde and tacos, and everything was really good. A little pricier than elsewhere in Mexico, but pretty normal for Cancún.
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La 4:13 taqueria
We loved this place so much that we came back for both lunch and dinner. We tried pretty much everything, ate a lot of tacos and especially enjoyed the gringas. Great food, generous portions and very easy to keep coming back to.
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Marquesitas Lopez
Located in Parque de las Palapas, this spot is known for marquesitas, but we went for the churros instead. Julia had been missing them, and these were really good, crispy, sweet and very affordable.
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Price guide: $ = very cheap · $$$ = very expensive
Places we stayed
Grand City Hotel
Basic · Convenient · Centric
A convenient central option with spacious rooms, comfortable beds and good AC. The small pool was quiet and pleasant, and beach towels and water were provided. It’s around a 10–15 minute walk to downtown, with Walmart nearby, and there are plenty of food options for delivery.
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Our Cost
2 nights · 2 days · 2 people
| Category | Total (2 People) | Per Day (2 People) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🛏 Accommodation | 78 AUD | 39 AUD | Hotel |
| 🚌 Local Transport | 24 AUD | 12 AUD | Buses |
| 🍽 Restaurants and cafes | 60 AUD | 30 AUD | Mix of local spots & restaurants |
| 🛒 Groceries | 45 AUD | 22.50 AUD | Daily basics |
| 🎟 Attractions | – | – | – |
| 🧺 Extras | 16 AUD | 8 AUD | Laundry, pharmacy & misc. |
| Total | 223 AUD | 111.50 AUD | – |
* Accommodation is calculated per night, while the other categories are calculated per day. All prices are approximate.
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Would we recommend Cancun?
Yes, but…
Cancún isn’t our favourite place in Mexico, but it can be a useful starting (or ending) point for your trip.
– Great for arrival or departure (airport is super convenient)
– Good place to rest after a long flight
– You can eat really, really well
– Beaches can be hit or miss because of sargassum
We wouldn’t come just for Cancún, but as part of a route? Absolutely!
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