From beaches to nature walks, here are the best free things to do in 䲹Գú. Pola Damonte/Getty Images
With its glitzy all-inclusive resorts and glamorous nightclubs, 䲹Գú may not be the first place that leaps to mind when you think about taking a low-cost vacation to Mexico.
But if you're willing to venture beyond the hotel pool, you'll find a world of free-to-visit beaches, open-air markets and inviting green spaces just waiting to be explored, perfect for travelers on even the tightest of budgets.
While many attractions in 䲹Գú charge an entry fee, all the beaches are open to the public for free. Plus, 䲹Գú has an excellent public bus network that makes getting around easy and affordable.
If you roam beyond the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) – and you should – you’ll find a plethora of street food markets, bustling squares and local hangouts that are easy on the pocket. For the budget-conscious traveler seeking authentic local experiences, here are our favorite things to do in 䲹Գú that don’t cost a penny.
1. Enjoy Isla Blanca all to yourself
A secret whispered amongst locals and 䲹Գú residents, Isla Blanca is a stunning, virtually untouched sandbank that stretches for 23km (14 miles) to the north of the city. On the map, it looks like a narrow peninsula jutting out into Laguna Chacmochuk, almost reaching the uninhabited national park island of Isla Contoy.
In reality, Isla Blanca is immense, with spearmint water and pearly white sand stretching for miles in every direction. This sublime sandbank – free from crowds and commercial activities – is a throwback to what 䲹Գú looked like in the 1960s, before the city exploded into a tourist destination. It's a lovely spot to relax, bask and swim.
Planning tip: The easiest way to get to Isla Blanca is by rental car; follow Avenida Bonampak north from the city for about an hour. There are several beachfront parking lots where you can stop to enjoy the sand.
2. Frolic in the waves on Playa Delfines
In the south of the Zona Hotelera, you'll find the powdery white sands, stunning light green water and inviting surf of Playa Delfines. It’s one of the few beaches in 䲹Գú’s hotel zone that’s not fronted by a resort, and the wide, sweeping beach is dotted with palapas (thatched-roof sun shades) that are free to use. You'll also find public restrooms, a playground, and a colorful “䲹Գú” sign that tourists line up for photos with.
At weekends, locals flock here and splay out under the palapas between refreshing dips in the cerulean waters, but the beach rarely feels crowded as the sand spreads out over a large area.
Planning tip: To get here, catch bus R1 or R2 from Avenida López Portillo or Avenida Tulum. There are no snack bars behind the sand, but you’ll find vendors selling fruit salads and mango-on-a-stick on the beach.
3. People-watch at Parque de las Palapas
For a dose of local flavor, head to the bustling Parque de las Palapas in downtown 䲹Գú, between Avenida Tulum and Avenida Yaxchilán. At sundown, this leafy park buzzes with life as street food stalls open for business, serving a smorgasbord of authentic, affordable Mexican treats, from syrup-drenched nieves (snow cones) to esquites (corn topped with mayonnaise and spicy sauce) and cochinita pibil (pork slow-roasted in axiote spice).
There’s a convivial atmosphere here – couples stroll hand in hand, cowboy-hat-toting singers belt out country music on their guitars, while kids squeal in delight on old-school carnival rides. If you’re looking to buy some souvenirs, there are also handicraft stores here that sell artisan work and traditional clothing.
Planning tip: If you visit on a weekend or holiday, there’s a chance you’ll get treated to free performances on the park stage. Bus R1 will get you here from the hotel zone.
4. Wander around the Sunday market
Like most cities in Mexico, 䲹Գú plays host to a series of tianguis (open-air markets that pop up on certain days of the week) and the biggest is the Tianguis de la 100, which sets up along Avenida Pórtillo Lopez.
Every Sunday, vendors start piling in with their goods at sunrise and hawk their wares all the way through till sundown (around 7pm). The market is a dizzying sprawl of makeshift stalls selling everything from fresh produce to sizzling tacos, secondhand clothes and imitations of brand name goods.
Browsing is free, but it’s almost impossible to resist the temptation of trying the local tacos de tripa (tripe tacos). Come hungry, bring cash (small notes), put on comfy walking shoes and expect to get lost in this intoxicating labyrinth.
5. Admire street art in Downtown 䲹Գú
Street art has become increasingly popular in Mexico in recent years, and 䲹Գú has embraced this creative phenomenon. In October 2023, Mexico hosted the , an international event for graffiti artists, and the streets of downtown 䲹Գú became canvasses for renowned street artists, such as Areuz, Paola Delfin and It’s a Living.
To admire their works of art, a good starting point is the Fovissste apartment towers along Avenida Bonampak, where the walls are splashed with colorful, larger-than-life paintings. Look out for Spanish artist Spok Brillor’s masterpiece, Game Over, depicting turtles and dolphins swimming in a gumball machine, drawing attention to the cruelty of keeping marine animals in captivity. There's more mural art along Avenida Yachilán and Uxmal in downtown 䲹Գú.
Planning tip: Book a guided graffiti tour with to take a deep dive into the world of street art and learn how to identify different graffiti techniques.
6. Drink in panoramic views from the Torre Escenica
If you already have plans to visit Isla Mujeres from 䲹Գú, your ferry tickets will give you a free ride on the . Standing at the northern end of the Zona Hotelera, the rotating tower is located right by the Xcaret ferry terminal.
As the capsule slowly rises 80m (262ft) above the sea, prepare to feast your eyes on jaw-dropping views of the Caribbean waves and the mangrove reserve of Laguna Nichupté.
7. Immerse yourself in nature at Parque Ecológico Kabah
In 䲹Գú, you don’t have to go far to be surrounded by nature. The green lung of the city, Parque Ecológico Kabah spills along Avenida Nichupté in the heart of 䲹Գú. Covering an area of 41 hectares (101 acres), this compact but verdant patch of jungle provides a great alternative to the beach for outdoorsy types.
A small network of hiking trails crisscrosses the protected area, including a 2.1km (1.3-mile) loop trail that takes just 30 minutes to complete. The tree canopy offers welcome respite from the blazing sun, making a walk here pleasant even on hot days.
Planning tip: Along the way, look out for coatis, spider monkeys, iguanas and various species of birds that call this place home. Mornings and late afternoons are best for wildlife sightings.
8. Unwind in the evening along Malecón Tajamar
Snaking along the western shore of Laguna Nichupté, Malecón Tajamar is a palm-fringed boardwalk designed for leisurely evening strolls. Sunset is arguably the best time to amble along the waterlily-lined waterfront and spot crocodiles and egrets.
As the sun fades into the distance, you’ll find locals jogging or rollerblading along the boardwalk and kids zipping around in toy sports cars. It's an agreeable stop for a pre-dinner stroll.
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