Downtown Cancún offers a more cultural aspect, there are cuban/salsa type bars/restaurants, especially along Yaxchilan Ave, which hosts several bars and discos. More often than not you will find Cancun residents enjoying the night in downtown as opposed to the Hotel Zone. THIS is where the locals hangout and party until the sun comes up!

Downtown is home to less expensive places to shop, including many supermarkets such as four Walmarts, two Comercial Mexicanas, at least seven large Chedraui's and three Sorianas, not to mention several flea markets like Market 28. Downtown, is a well-known shopping place both for locals and visitors.

Downtown also hosts a number of American franchises such as Office Depot, Office Max, the afore mentioned Walmarts, Sears, Sam's Club, Costco, BlockBuster, and a number of Starbucks (also located at the Hotel Zone) just to name a few.

It also contains countless smaller hotels that can be had at a fraction of the price for similar accommodations in the Hotel Zone. International brands in Downtown area include Radisson Hacienda Cancún, Best Western Plaza Caribe, Oasis America.