The social heart of downtown Cancun and the obvious place to see the city as locals see it. The large central plaza is ringed by palapa-roofed food stalls (marquesitas — crispy filled crepes — are the speciality, alongside elote, tacos and aguas frescas) and surrounded by family-friendly bars and small shops on the surrounding streets.
Evenings bring live music from local cover bands and clowns or marionette artists performing for children. Weekends often see organised cultural events — folkloric dance, traditional music, occasional craft markets. It is busiest from around 7 p.m. through midnight and is a far cheaper, more authentic night out than anything in the Hotel Zone.