Cancun: a Mexican city renowned for its beautiful beaches, bustling nightlife and luxury resorts.
And it’s also a popular location for American universities’ spring break period.
Before my second tour around the US with my sister in 2016, I’d never been to Mexico. That said, I’d always wanted to visit Cancun because various friends and acquaintances told me how amazing it was.
My verdict? Chac Mool beach is exceptionally pretty. The nightlife is enjoyable. And I can’t comment on the luxury resorts because I stayed in a budget hotel.
However, I still had a great time during the few days that we spent there!
First things first, getting to Cancun from the UK is relatively easy.
You can grab a direct flight regularly with TUI Airways from London, Manchester and Birmingham all year round.
Seasonally, you can also fly there from Bristol, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Newcastle.
Once you’re in Cancun, most of your time will probably be spent in the resorts located in the Hotel Zone, or “Zona Hotelera” – and this is super walkable!
You can find the other transportation methods that are handy to know below.
Wondering where to stay during your time in Cancun? Lucky for you, there are various options.
Then there are a couple of areas close to Cancun worth considering.
The choice is yours!
If you’ve never been to this Mexican city before, I’ve got you covered with these 5 things to do in Cancun if you’re a first-timer.
Things to do in Cancun 101: head to Chac Mool Beach.
This is in the prestigious Zona Hotelera region. And I’ve never seen the colours so rich on a beach before in my life!
I remember seeing my friend’s photos when she visited Cancun and the backdrop looked unbelievable, like it had been painted on. The sea, in particular, just looked the most incredible colour.
In real life, it was just as blue – SO blue, in fact, that it looked like it’d been applied with its own personal Instagram filter. Not to mention, the sand was lovely and golden. And soft on the tootsies.
Needless to say, I instantly fell in love.
Cancun has a decent nightlife with the ultimate highlight being the Coco Bongos club.
You mean, there’s a place on earth that’s a cross between a nightclub and a theatre show where you can dance on tables and play with balloons? Sold.
Seriously, even if you don’t do anything else in Cancun, go to Coco Bongos. You buy your ticket ahead of time which includes entry and drinks all night – and it’s one of the best nights out I’ve ever had in my entire life.
Coco Bongos is situated in a rather touristy area where you can find plenty of bars, restaurants and even a McDonald’s. There’s even a shopping mall should you feel the urge to grab a bargain or two.
It’s great to walk around as and when you can stand the heat, of course (Cancun gets notoriously hot and humid).
In fact, we found that sunset was the perfect time to explore as it wasn’t too hot and we got to see some stunning skies in the process. Bliss.
Another of the top things to do in Cancun is eat at one of their many restaurants. The food is as cheap as chips and it’s seriously better than you can ever imagine.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with how much things would cost in Cancun, but I was honestly pleasantly surprised. The exchange rate from pounds to pesos is better than dollars to pesos at the moment, so we found that food was less expensive than we imagined (which meant that we could have more of it!). #Winning
I’d always wanted to have an authentic Mexican meal as I’m a big lover of fajitas, quesadillas and enchiladas – and, trust me, it was SO worth the wait!
Lastly, be sure to try a Mexican Margarita while you’re in Cancun.
Quick disclaimer: the tequila will be strong and you’ll have to be careful if you have more than one, but it’s got to be done.
After all, holidays are for relaxing and having fun! Right?
All in all, my sister and I really enjoyed our week in Cancun.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m glad I had a budget-friendly, single traveller experience.
That said, I would consider returning to Cancun when I’m older as a part of a couple. In fact, it’d be such a treat to stay in one of their five star resorts!
And go back to Coco Bongo’s, of course.
Have you been to Cancun before? What are the top things to do in Cancun, would you say?
Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded The Trendy Tourist. In the last three years, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.