Despite the surrounding natural splendor, shopping has become a favorite activity. Cancún is known throughout Mexico for its diverse shops and festive malls catering to a large number of international tourists. Visitors from the United States may find apparel more expensive in Cancún, but the selection is much broader than at other Mexican resorts. Numerous duty-free shops offer excellent value on European goods. The largest is UltraFemme, Avenida Tulum, Supermanzana 25 (tel. 998/884-1402 or 998/885-0804), specializing in imported cosmetics, perfumes, and fine jewelry and watches. The downtown Cancún location offers slightly lower prices than branches in Plaza Caracol, Plaza Kukulcan, Plaza Mayafair, Flamingo Plaza, and the international airport.
Handicrafts and other artesanía works are more limited and more expensive in Cancún than in other regions of Mexico because they are not produced here. They are available, though; several open-air crafts markets are on Avenida Tulum in Cancún City and near the convention center in the Hotel Zone. One of the biggest is Coral Negro, Paseo Kukulkán, Km 9.5 (tel. 998/883-0758; fax 998/883-0758), open daily from 7am to 11pm. A small restaurant inside, Xtabentun, serves Yucatecan food and pizza slices, and metamorphoses into a disco from 9 to 11pm.
Cancún's main venues are the malls -- not quite as grand as their U.S. counterparts, but close. All are air-conditioned, sleek, and sophisticated. Most are on Paseo Kukulkán between Km 7 and Km 12. They offer everything from fine crystal and silver to designer clothing and decorative objects, along with numerous restaurants and clubs. Stores are generally open daily from 10am to 10pm, with clubs and restaurants remaining open much later.
The Plaza Kukulcan (tel. 998/885-2200; www.kukulcanplaza.com) offers the largest selection -- more than 300 -- of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. There's a branch of Banco Serfin; OK Maguey Cantina Grill; a theater with U.S. movies; an Internet access kiosk; Tikal, which sells Guatemalan textile clothing; several crafts stores; a liquor store; several bathing-suit specialty stores; record and tape outlets; a leather goods store (including shoes and sandals); and a store specializing in silver from Taxco. The Fashion Gallery features designer clothing. In the food court are a number of U.S. franchise restaurants, including Ruth's Chris Steak House, plus one featuring specialty coffee. For entertainment, there's a bowling alley, Q-Zar laser game pavilion, and video game arcade. There's also a large indoor parking garage. The mall is open daily from 10am to 10pm, until 11pm during high season. Assistance for those with disabilities is available upon request, and wheelchairs, strollers, and lockers are available at the information desk.
Planet Hollywood anchors the Plaza Flamingo (tel. 998/883-2945), which has branches of Bancrecer, Subway, and La Casa del Habano (Cuban cigars).
The long-standing Plaza Caracol (tel. 998/883-1038) holds Cartier jewelry, Guess, Waterford Crystal, Señor Frog clothing, Samsonite luggage, Gucci, and La Fisheria restaurant.
Maya Fair Plaza/Centro Comercial Maya Fair, frequently called "Mayfair" (tel. 998/883-2801), is the oldest mall. The lively center holds open-air restaurants and bars, and several stores sell silver, leather, and crafts.
The entertainment-oriented Forum by the Sea, Paseo Kukulkán, Km 9 (tel. 998/883-4425), has shops including Tommy Hilfiger, Levi's, Diesel, Swatch, and Harley Davidson. Most people come here for the food and fun, choosing from Hard Rock Cafe, Coco Bongo, Rainforest Cafe, Sushi-ito, and Santa Fe Beer Factory, plus an extensive food court. It's open daily from 10am to midnight (bars remain open later).
La Isla Shopping Village, Paseo Kukulkán, Km 12.5 (tel. 998/883-5025; www.cancunmalls.com), is an open-air festival mall that looks like a small village. Walkways lined with shops and restaurants cross little canals. It also has a "riverwalk" alongside the Nichupté lagoon, and an interactive aquarium and dolphin swim facility. Shops include Zara clothing, Benetton, Guess, Swatch, H. Stern, UltraFemme, and the Warner Bros. Studio Store. Dining choices include Johnny Rockets, the Food Court (actually an Anderson's restaurant), and the beautiful Mexican restaurant La Casa de las Margaritas. There's also a first-run movie theater, a video arcade, and several nightclubs, including Max-O's and Alebrijes. It's across from the Sheraton, on the lagoon side of the street.
