If you’re planning a trip to Cancun or Mexico’s Riviera Maya, we insist that you visit the glorious  Playa Del Carmen. Located less than an hour’s drive south of Cancun, it is incredibly easy to spend a day in this ocean-side town, which has something to offer for the entire family! Here are our recommendations on top things to do in Playa del Carmen in one day.

Leave sunny Cancun and travel to Playa Del Carmen. We recommend hiring a car for the day (as well as for your entire vacation in Mexico) to provide you with the highest level of freedom in your itinerary. 

However, if you would prefer, you could take a taxi or a bus from the Bus Station ADO. If you want to save some money, this is the best option. The price per person per ticket is 60 mexican pesos and they depart every 15 minutes.

Upon arrival in Playa Del Carmen, you’ll stretch your legs with a walk down the colorful La Quinta, or ‘5th Avenue’, which you’ll find just one block from the seafront. 

As the city’s main avenue, La Quinta is a no-cars zone making it perfect for a walk. Stroll around this avenue, full of bars, restaurants, boutique shops, food stalls, and souvenir stands.

Marvel at delicate, hand-painted trinkets celebrating Day of the Dead, and authentic hand-crafted treasures such as jewelry and dream-catchers. La Quinta is also home to Playa Del Carmen’s Frida Kahlo Museum and the 3D Museum of Wonders. Both of which are well worth a visit! 

If you want to visit Frida Kahlo Museum, the fee entrance is around 15 USD and it is open from 9 am to 11pm everyday. Inside this museum, you'll find out  a series of exhibits dedicated to the life and history of this iconic mexican artists, however, normally there aren't original works on display.

One of the iconic things to do in Playa del Carmen is visiting Parque Los Fundadores. 

It is a beachside park filled with beautiful sculptures, including the astonishing  Portal Maya archway, which has become a symbol of the city. This is  the perfect place for a photo op! You’ll also be mesmerized by street musicians and performers, while the kids will be enthralled by the public playground here.

We recommend you to admire the aereal show of 'Los Voladores de Papantla', a mexican tradition that worth watching. If you decide on taking a look, It is performed every hour.

If you ask to a local what are the best things to do in Playa del Carmen, they will definitely answer-visit a cenote.

Cenotes are mainly sinkholes formed where limestone bedrock leading to underground rivers.

In the Mayan Riviera you'll be able to find plenty of cenotes. Some of them are open and some have a "cavern type" look.

Our favorite option is Cenote Azul, where you will be able to snorkel too and appreciate crystal clear waters. To get here take the shuttle bus in Calle 2 or a taxi. It will take around 25 minutes to get here.

After a busy day working up an appetite, indulge in a one-of-a-kind dinner at Alux. A first-class restaurant located in a gently-lit underground cave! We recommend their King Crab, but any meal from their mouth-watering menu will be highly enjoyed in this unique dining atmosphere!

Finish your wonderful day in Playa Del Carmen with cocktails and live Latin music at Zenzi – you won’t regret it. 

This place has an amazing vibe and has a beautiful beachfront location with lighted palm trees during the nights. It is the perfect place to end up your journey day in Playa del Carmen while drinking some cocktails and listen to live bands. In case you are a Salsa lover, Thursdays is the perfect day to visit as it is normally Salsa night.

Here ends our itinerary for a jam-packed day of exciting things to do in Playa Del Carmen! 

To see the best accommodation options in Cancun don’t forget to take a look at our vacation rentals and visit our blog for more travel tips.