Shopping in Cancun
Shopping in Cancun
The centros comerciales (malls) for Shopping in Cancun are fully air-conditioned and reminiscent of similar ones in USA and Canada. Like those malls, the ones in Cancun also sell a variety of (tourist-friendly) merchandise: designer clothing, beachwear (including raunchy T-shirts aimed at the spring break crowd), sportswear, jewelry, music, video games, household items, shoes, and books. Some even have the same mall food that’s standard north of the border. Prices for Shopping in Cancun are fixed in shops. They’re also generally—but not always—higher than in the markets, where bargaining is a given. Perfumes in Cancun are considerably less pricey than at home, and even the duty-free prices at the airport. No doubt, tequila is a bargain here as well, but make sure you buy at the supermarket rather than at a souvenir shop. Overall, Shopping in Cancun is a pleasant experience both for prices & to relax away from the sun.
Cancun to Havana
Cancun to Havana Tours
Since the mid 90´s, tours from Cancun to Havana have become very popular. The mixture of a beach vacation in Cancun and the visit to one the Caribbean’s most important colonial cities has proved irresistible for millions of visitors. With an average flight time from Cancun to Havana of just 30 minutes and, the convenience of regular daily departures from Cancun Airport to Havana Jose Marti Airport, a trip to Cuba has become one of Cancun´s most popular overnight or short stay vacation additions.
Havana was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and due to its strategic location it served as a springboard for the Spanish conquest of the continent becoming a stopping point for the treasure laden Spanish Galleons on the crossing between the New World and the Old World. King Philip II of Spain granted Havana the title of City in 1592. Walls as well as forts were built to protect the old city and are now called the Morro Castle.
Contemporary Havana can in essence be described as three cities in one: Old Havana, Vedado, and the newer suburban districts.
Havanatur offers complete trips online, including Flights from Cancun to Havana, Hotel Reservations in Havana and Car Rental in Havana for those wishing to discover some of the surrounding areas such as: Varadero, Eastern Beaches, Trinidad or Cienfuegos all of which are just a short drive from Havana.
Popular hotels in Old Havana range from the 24$ per night cheaper options to the most expensive luxury suites in the $400 range.
Havanatur is Cuba´s oldest and most recognized Cancun to Havana operator with flight, hotel and Cuba Car Rental packages available for less than $400 for a two night stay.
Plaza Las Avenidas Shopping Mall
Plaza Las Avenidas
Address: Av. Yaxchilán, Sm 35, N.C-2, El Centro, Cancun
Far from the Hotel Zone, this shopping area is most convenient for those staying in El Centro. There are gift shops, fast-food restaurants, cafés, nightclubs, and a karaoke bar. You’ll also find a drugstore and a bakery on the premises.
Plaza El Zocalo
Plaza El Zocalo
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan, Km. 9, Zona Hotelera, Cancun
It may look small from the entrance, but Plaza El Zocalo has about 60 stalls where you can find traditional Mexican handicrafts, silver jewelry, and handmade sandals. It also houses four restaurants—including Mextreme (where the Tom Cruise film Cocktail was made back in the late 1980s)
Gran Plaza Shopping Mall Cancun
Cancun Gran Plaza Shopping
Address: Av. Nichupté, Mza 18, Lote 1, Loc 24, 30 and 62A, Sm 51, El Centro, Cancún
Cancun Gran Plaza offers jewelry shops, fashion boutiques, and major department stores such as Sanborns and Wal-Mart. There are also cinemas, cafés, and restaurants in the shopping mall, which is mainly frequented by El Centro residents.
Mandala Nightclub Cancun
Mandala Nightclub Cancun
Address: Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 9.5, Hotel Zone, Cancun
Mandala Nightclub Cancun is a popular venue for the high rollers set who are looking for a trendy nightspot, as opposed to the oversized bars that double as a disco.
This club has an India-inspired interior, a huge dance floor, and VIP areas. Given that some of the high rollers are actually locals, the dance music played there is as likely to be Latin-flavored House music and Latin pop tunes (like Juanes and Shakira – in Spanish) as it is dance music in English.
The City Nightclub Cancun
The City Nightclub Cancun
Address: Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 9.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancun
If you’re looking for a sedate hangout spot, The City Nightclub Cancun is NOT that place. The City has a beachside spot during the day (known as the “Playa Cabaña Beach Club”), which turns into a disco at night, with plenty of bars to serve the often packed crowds here. Along with dancing, live shows are a major attraction here (such as Dutch Electro House DJ Hardwell). There’s also a Tuesday night beach party and bikini contests.
At the Playa Cabaña Beach Club, travelers can enjoy the full resort experience without booking into a hotel. (It’s also the only beach club open to the public.) Facilities include 32 beach cabanas, each equipped with misting machines and a personalized sound system. The $10 entrance fee also includes access to the multilevel swimming pool, sundeck, restaurant, and sushi bar at the The City Nightclub.
Yamamoto Restaurant Cancun
Yamamoto Restaurant Cancun
Address: Av. Uxmal 31, Sm 3, El Centro, Cancun
As the oldest Japanese restaurant in Cancun, Yamamoto has some of the best sushi in downtown Cancun. In addition to sashimi, there’s a menu of traditional Japanese dishes like chicken teriyaki and tempura for those who prefer their food cooked. Large groups can order combination platters of sushi, sashimi, kushikatsu, and gyoza. The dining room is tranquil, with Japanese art and bamboo accents, but you can also call for delivery to your hotel room.
Roots Jazz Club Cancun
Roots Jazz Club Cancun
Address: Avenue Tulipanes 26, Sm 22, El Centro (old Town), Cancun
Locals and tourists mingle at the Roots Jazz Club Cancun to enjoy contemporary jazz and flamenco music (piped in during the afternoon but live at night).
The performances are the main attraction, but salads, soups, sandwiches, and pastas are also served here. This candlelit venue also frequently hosts local art events – which means a more diverse crowd age-wise
La Habichuela Restaurant Cancun
La Habichuela Restaurant Cancun
Address: Av. Margaritas 25, Sm 22, El Centro, Cancun
Elegant yet cozy, the much-loved “Green Bean” has an indoor dining room, as well as an outdoor area full of Mayan sculptures and local trees and flowers. Open since 1977, the spot is named after the famous crema de habichuela (a rich, cream-based vegetable soup) or the cocobichuela (lobster and shrimp in a light curry sauce served inside a coconut). Seafood lovers will get their fix with Caribbean lobster tail or giant shrimp prepared ten different ways. The menu also features chicken, pasta, and grilled shish kabobs. Finish off your meal with Xtabentun, a Mayan liqueur made with honey and anise. If you prefer to stay in the Hotel Zone, La Habichuela Sunset recently opened to much tourist fanfare, but the food’s much better at this Centro location, and prices are slightly less.
