It’s not one of the essential spots in Mexico, but the vast majority of travelers who visit the Riviera Maya spend at least one or two nights here. If this is also your plan, in this article we tell you the best 20 things to see and do in Playa del Carmen.

The reasons for being based in Playa del Carmen are essentially three:

1. It has beaches with turquoise waters that  travelers appreciate very much (as long as the sargassum allows)
2. Being a top destination there are many hotels and has all the amenities to enjoy your stay
3. And finally its location will allow you to explore (almost) the entire region and its main attractions on excursions during the day.

Stroll along Fifth Avenue, the heart of Playa del Carmen’s nightlife. It is a pedestrian street full of shops, bars and restaurants and it is undeniable that it is the great artery of Playa del Carmen and that leaving without passing through here would be a crime.

If you want to have a drink in a cool place, with good prices, we recommend the  Tropical restaurant, where there is an offer of 2 beers for $ 61 in happy hour. We tell you other restaurants where to eat in Playa del Carmen (good and cheap).

A good way to get to know the city is to join a free tour of Playa del Carmen, which will take you to know the main tourist spots with local experts. The tour is free but remember to leave a good tip. You can book it here.

If you travel to Playa del Carmen in February, you can enjoy its Carnival. They say it’s one of the best places to celebrate it in all of Mexico.

Xpu-ha beach  is a good alternative to Playa del Carmen, although when we went we didn’t find any free public access. In this part of Mexico there are many people who take advantage and charge for access to the beach, the fact is that the beaches are free, but if you have to cross a private property to get there, they can ask you for some money.

Playa del Carmen is the perfect place to enjoy the good Mexican life: try the typical dishes of the local gastronomy and eat one (or two) margaritas. And if you want to end the evening dancing, an almost legendary place is the Salsanera Raíces Hall.

Another thing to do in Playa del Carmen is to pass through the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, a typical completely white Mexican church, the small lighthouse on the main beach, with its characteristic external staircase, or, of course,  the sign of PLAYA DEL CARMEN, in Parque Fundadores.