Originally a quaint fishing village that served as the site of ferry service to Cozumel, a world-famous spot for divers, Playa del Carmen is now a bustling tourist destination in Mexico in its own right, with luxury hotels - like Palace Resorts - boutiques, restaurants and lively nightlife.
While visitors to this bustling beach town will have no shortage of things to do, for those travelers looking to stay within a budget or who just want to while away an afternoon, Playa del Carmen offers a multitude of free activities. Here is our list of the top five things to do in Playa that won't break anyone's bank.
1. 5th Avenue doesn't have to be expensive, at least not while you're in Playa del Carmen. Spend an afternoon - or the day - wandering this 22-block pedestrian street that cuts through the heart of town. Needless to say, there are tons of shops in which to browse, but the street also offers some of Playa's best people-watching opportunities. The combination of street performers and fellow tourists can make for an afternoon more interesting than any Bravo! reality show. If you are lucky enough to spend the holidays in Playa, you're in luck as 5th Avenue really comes into its own for Carnival, Day of the Dead, Halloween, Christmas and New Year's, as well as the traditional Mayan holiday of Hanal Pixan.
2. Cool off in a nearby cenote. Just to the north of town there is a beach visited mostly by locals, featuring a freshwater cenote that flows into the ocean. The water bubbles up to create a shallow river that is perfect for young children to play in and for adults to cool their feet and enjoy a snack and some drinks from one of the local food carts.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Soothe Yourself On Isla Mujeres [/READMORE]
3. Tequila! It's more than a song Pee Wee Herman danced to oh those many years ago, it's a national treasure. In recent years, tequila has gained traction in the United States as a drink meant for sipping and not just throwing back with a lime chaser, so take the opportunity to see how it's made. And while you're at it, you should probably taste a few samples. After all, you wouldn't want to be rude.
4. Learn more about Mexico's Mayan heritage (and you don't have to leave Playa to do it). Playa is home to three sites of ruins, two right in the middle of town. The first is a small building located on 2nd Street, between 5th Avenue and the beach. The second in-town site is just off 5th Avenue in the center of town. While very small, the ruins sit on a small park that features a small fresh-water cenote. A larger display can be found close to the entrance of the Playacar development in the south part of town.
5. Spend the day in a rather unconventional art gallery-Playa itself. The town is filled with hundreds of murals many of which are gallery-worthy in quality. Offering up everything from stunning portraits to colorful Day of the Dead-inspired graphics, it's definitely worth a stroll.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
