The centre of Isla Mujeres, commonly known as El Centro, is situated at the northern end of the island, right next to the ferry terminal.

It is not a typical town full of historical sights. The whole centre consists of just a few streets lined with restaurants, bars, hotels and souvenir shops.

However, it is very convenient for visitors. From the ferry terminal, it takes just a few minutes to walk to the main pedestrian street, Avenida Miguel Hidalgo, and around 10 minutes to reach Playa Norte.

How to find your way around

Ferries from Cancún arrive right in the city centre on the coastal Avenida Rueda Medina. Taxis, golf buggy hire companies and tour operators are waiting outside the terminal, but you don’t need any transport to visit the city centre.

After crossing Avenida Rueda Medina, continue one or two short streets inland. You’ll come to the main square and the pedestrianised Avenida Miguel Hidalgo, which continues northwards towards Playa Norte.

On the western side of the centre lies the harbour, Playa Centro and the calmer waters facing towards Cancún. The eastern side is lined by the Malecón, offering unobstructed views of the rougher Caribbean Sea.

You can walk from one end of the centre to the other in just a few minutes.

Avenida Miguel Hidalgo

The pedestrianised Avenida Miguel Hidalgo is the main street in the city centre and the place where most of the restaurants, bars and shops are concentrated.

During the day, the street is full of tourists from the ferries and organised tours. In the evening, the restaurant terraces fill up, live music starts playing and the atmosphere is much more pleasant.

However, don’t expect an authentic Mexican market or a historic street. Hidalgo is very much a tourist area, and the prices reflect this. Restaurants in the side streets or near the Mercado Municipal tend to be cheaper.

The main square and the church

The small main square lies between the town hall, the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción church and the start of Avenida Hidalgo.

There isn’t much to see here during the day, but in the evening locals gather in the square, children play there, and small cultural events are occasionally held.

The church is simple and a visit takes only a few minutes. Think of the square more as a natural part of a stroll than as a standalone attraction.

The Malecón and the east coast

On the eastern side of the city centre, the Malecón coastal promenade runs along the Caribbean Sea.

The sea here is considerably wilder than at Playa Norte. The waves crash against the rocks and from the promenade you’ll have an unobstructed view of the horizon. This part of the coast is not suitable for swimming.

The Malecón tends to be less busy than Avenida Hidalgo and is particularly suitable for a morning or early evening stroll. Thanks to its east-facing position, you can also watch the sunrise from here.

At the southern end of the promenade, you’ll find the colourful ‘Isla Mujeres’ sign, which is one of the most popular photo spots in the town centre.

Mercado Municipal

If you’re looking for a cheaper meal than on Avenida Hidalgo, pop into the small Mercado Municipal.

Inside, you’ll find stalls selling fruit, juices and simple Mexican dishes. The widest selection is usually available in the morning and early afternoon, whilst some stalls may already be closed by late afternoon.

It’s not a large market or a major tourist attraction. It’s mainly worth a visit as a place for a cheap breakfast or a quick lunch.

Is it worth staying in the city centre?

For most travellers, yes.

We’d particularly recommend the town centre if it’s your first visit to Isla Mujeres or if you’re staying for one to three nights.

Within walking distance, you’ll find:

• the ferry terminal
• Playa Norte and Playa Centro
• the widest selection of restaurants and bars
• shops and a supermarket
• taxi rank and golf trolley hire

You can hire a golf trolley just for the day when you want to explore the rest of the island. You won’t need any other transport for the rest of your stay.

Compare hotels in the centre

The downside is that it’s quite busy. If you’re a light sleeper, I wouldn’t choose a room right on Avenida Hidalgo or above any of the bars.

Conversely, the centre isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a quiet resort, a private beach or want to spend most of your stay by the hotel pool. In that case, you’re better off choosing somewhere in the southern half of the island.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Isla Mujeres.