24 Hours in Cancún: Where to Eat, Sleep and Shop

We know, we know – as soon as you’re out of the airport, all you want to do is to hit the beach! That’s everybody’s dream, and probably the reason why many tourists even change into their swimming suit directly in the airport’s bathrooms (not a bad idea if you only have 24 hours).

Before you begin though, you need a place to stay for the night – but where? It depends on what you’re looking for. Bearing in mind you’ll only be spending one night, try a hostel or a small hotel. If you’re interested in the former, try The Hipstel Youth, close to the heart of the tourist zone and with two stores close by to buy what you need. Moloch is also nice, and only 20 minutes from the main avenue and close to the bus station, while in downtown, Kukulcan Hostel & Friends is also close to the bus station and in the middle of two main avenues. If you prefer a hotel, however, then LQ Hotel by La Quinta Cancún has the comfort you need and a good location.

Freshen up with a quick shower at your accommodation of choice, and get ready to continue the journey with a shopping visit. You have two options in Kukulcan Avenue: one is Isla Shopping Village, where the waters of Nichupté Lagoon cross the mall in the form of little canals alongside the boutiques and exclusive stores along the halls. At dinnertime, eat in one of the restaurants on the shore of the lagoon to enjoy the view and watch the sunset. The other option is Plaza Forum, where after shopping you can also have dinner with a nice view on the terrace.

Still on the same avenue, take a bus and go to the bar area, where just walking along the streets lets you feel the atmosphere and gets you in the mood to party. Grab cocktails in La Vaquita – the fashion place of the moment – and Cocobongo, number one in the top ten of night entertainment. Clubs are open until 2am, which gives you enough time to come back to rest and wake up in time for your flight.