Explore Mexico’s top destinations! From bustling cities to serene beaches, uncover the best places to visit in Mexico for your next adventure.
Looking for the best places to visit in Mexico? Our epic Mexico bucket list features the 11 top places to visit in Mexico for travelers of all kinds. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture vulture, a foodie, an adventure enthusiast, or a beach lover, we have you covered.
Mexico is a beautiful country, full of historical landmarks, cultural experiences, natural wonders, and gorgeous white sand beaches. From ancient ruins to colorful colonial towns and beautiful beach resorts, the top travel destinations of Mexico have a lot to offer.
Here’s the ultimate guide to the top vacation spots in Mexico that are ideal to visit with family, friends, and solo.
11 Best Places To Visit In Mexico
1. Mexico City
Mexico City, or Ciudad de Mexico, is the capital of Mexico and home to over 20 million people. It was the center of the ancient Aztec Empire and, later, the administrative center of New Spain. With centuries of history behind it, Mexico City offers lots of exciting things to do.
The Historic Center, or Centro Storico, is a fantastic place to visit in Mexico City. It is home to some of Mexico’s most famous landmarks, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Templo Mayor Museum, the National Palace, and the Palace of Fine Arts.
One of the best places to visit in Mexico City is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan. Home to three massive pyramids from 2,000 years ago, Teotihuacan provides rich insights into the history and culture of the ancient Teotihuacan civilization. Whether you book a guided tour of Teotihuacan from Mexico City or visit on your own, this ancient city will not disappoint you.
You cannot miss the famous Casa Azul or the Blue House, where the renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo spent much of her life. Frida Kahlo lived with her husband, Diego Rivera, and died at Casa Azul in the Coyoacan neighborhood of Mexico City. Today, Casa Azul is the Frida Kahlo Museum, where you can get a sneak peek into the artist’s life, creations, workplace, and gardens.
Speaking of museums, Mexico City has nearly 200 museums dedicated to all kinds of things. The National Anthropology Museum, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Templo Mayor Museum, and the MUCHO Chocolate Museum are some of the best ones to visit.
2. Cancun
If you’re traveling to Mexico and love beaches, you cannot miss Cancun, the best beach vacation spot in the Mexican Caribbean.
Dotted with picturesque white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, Cancun is every beach lover’s dream destination. Playa Delfines and Playa Chac Mool are Cancun’s most popular beaches. Staying in a beach resort in the Cancun Hotel Zone or the Zona Hotelera gives you access to the best beaches in town.
Adventure seekers should not miss the chance to dive into the Cancun waters, which are filled with all kinds of aquatic animals. Sharks, rays, and turtles abound. The best place to snorkel and dive is at the Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA), which has 500 life-size sculptures forming an artificial reef.
However, there’s so much more to Cancun than beaches and coral reefs. History buffs will love that there are several Mayan ruins in Cancun and nearby, including the renowned Kukulkan Pyramid of Chichen Itza and the lesser-known Mayan sites of San Miguelito, El Meco, and El Rey.
Hop on a ferry to Isla Mujeres, a slice of paradise in the Caribbean Sea. This tiny island, just 5 miles long, has some of the best Mexican beaches, nature parks, and even an ancient Mayan temple. The island is filled with colorful murals, and one of the best things you can do on Isla Mujeres is take a golf cart tour to explore these vibrant paintings.
3. San Miguel de Allende
With its cobbled streets and colorful mansions, the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende in Central Mexico is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico.
San Miguel de Allende Historic Downtown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many gorgeous churches from colonial times. The Parish Church of San Miguel Arcangel, or La Parroquia, is one of the most iconic attractions of San Miguel. La Parroquia is a 19th-century church featuring intricate Gothic-style architecture. Its tall spires and eye-catching pink color make it truly unmissable.
The beautiful Sanctuary of San Atotonilco, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only 20 minutes from the city center of San Miguel de Allende. Magnificent murals depicting biblical stories in ochre, rust, and blue colors fill up the church’s walls. The frescoes are so beautiful that the church has often been called the Sistine Chapel of Mexico.
If you love unique museums, visit Museo La Esquina or the San Miguel de Allende Toy Museum. Featuring over 3,000 handmade toys, Museo La Esquina does an excellent job of showcasing Mexican culture and heritage through toys.
Since San Miguel de Allende is full of picturesque colonial streets, make sure to click a few pictures on Instagram-friendly Aldama Street. The best way to experience the colors and culture of San Miguel de Allende is on this walking tour, where a local guide shows you the best attractions.
4. Puebla
If you’re looking for a beautiful colonial town in Mexico, head to the city of Puebla. The capital of a Mexican state of the same name, Puebla City, is full of exciting things to do.
The Historic Center of Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the massive Puebla Cathedral, a beautiful example of Mexican Baroque architecture.
The large central plaza, or Zocalo, where the cathedral is located, is always full of activity and celebrations. Remember to attend the Cinco de Mayo festivities in Puebla if you’re visiting Mexico in May. It is the time when the Zocalo is all lit up, and there are light and sound shows depicting the battle of Cinco de Mayo and the Mexican victory over the French.
Puebla is full of churches. Some of the beautiful churches that you should definitely visit in Puebla are the Rosary Chapel (known for its breathtaking baroque interior) and the ex-Convent of San Francisco.
Did you know that Puebla is one of Mexico’s best foodie cities? The city has produced many iconic Mexican dishes, including mole poblano, chiles en nogada, and the local cemita sandwiches. Remember to try the traditional sweets of Puebla called the dulce tipicos. Puebla has an entire street dedicated to sweet shops; it is called Calle de los Dulce.
There are many excellent museums to visit in Puebla. The Amparo Museum, the Museum of Mexican Revolution, and the Puebla Railway Museum are just a few.
It’s easy to travel to Puebla from Mexico City. You can take the bus, rent a car, or join a guided tour.
5. Oaxaca
Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca in short, is another beautiful city that needs to go into your Mexico bucket list. Its rich history, colorful traditions, vibrant food scene, and spectacular landscapes make Oaxaca a unique vacation destination in Mexico.
A famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico, the Historic Center of Oaxaca is home to many impressive landmarks. Do not miss the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman, the Oaxaca Cathedral, and the Plaza de la Constitucion called the Zocalo.
Another great place to visit in Oaxaca is the Archeological Site of Monte Alban. Dating to the 5th century BCE, the UNESCO site of Monte Alban was inhabited by several indigenous peoples in ancient times, including the Olmecs, the Zapotecs, and the Mixtecs. History buffs will love exploring the expansive ruins dotted with pyramids, altars, and grand plazas. Monte Alban also offers stunning views of the lush green valley that it is located in.
Did you know that Oaxaca is often called the Land of Seven Moles? Made with different combinations of spices, chilies, nuts, and fruits, the seven Oaxacan mole sauces are every foodie’s delight. Oaxaca is also known for other Mexican dishes such as tlayudas, memelas, chapulines, and empanadas. One of the best ways to enjoy these delicacies is on this authentic Oaxaca food tour and eat exactly like a local.
Oaxaca is also the craft capital of Mexico, with every village in the state specializing in a different kind of handicraft. From the unique black pottery of San Bartolo Coyotepec to the fancy wooden carved animals or alebrijes of San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca is full of exotic handicrafts for you to sample and purchase.
6. Merida
CNN listed the prettiest colonial city in Mexico, Merida, as one of the best places to visit in 2024. Merida’s colonial charm and its ancient Mayan heritage make it one of the top places to visit in Mexico.
The best thing to do in Merida, Mexico, is to walk through Paseo de Montejo, a tree-lined street dotted with historic mansions, unique museums, chic galleries, and atmospheric cafes. Some of the best Merida museums are the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, the Museum of Popular Art of Yucatan, and the Gastronomic Museum of Yucatan (MUGY).
When visiting Merida, check out the Merida Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. Spend some time appreciating the beautiful colonial architecture of Merida’s Historic Center and relax in Plaza Grande.
Stay in a luxurious hacienda hotel because Merida is full of them. Hacienda Xcanatun is the closest to downtown Merida. Temozon and Sotuta de Peon are a couple of other grand haciendas to check out near Merida.
Merida is located right in the center of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Therefore, it is the perfect location for day trips to Chichen Itza, archeological sites of Coba and Uxmal, and the Magical Town of Izamal.
7. Playa del Carmen
With over 75 miles of pristine white beaches, Playa del Carmen is another dreamy Mexican getaway. With its laidback vibe, spectacular beaches fringed with coconut palms, and bustling nightlife, this beautiful resort town is a less touristy version of Cancun.
Laze on the beach all day in Playa del Carmen or go snorkeling and diving in the reefs. Parque Fundadores, Calle 10 Beach, Playacar Beach, and Coco Beach are some of the most popular beaches in Playa del Carmen.
Head to La Quinta Avenida or Fifth Avenue, Playa del Carmen’s main shopping street and a popular tourist attraction. The street is chockfull of art galleries, boutiques, and cafes and is the perfect place to shop, unwind, and relax.
If you’re spending a few days in Playa del Carmen, be sure to visit the ancient ruins of Tulum and the lost Mayan city of Coba; both can be quickly done as day trips. Or head to Cenote Dos Ojos for an exciting snorkeling adventure.
8. Valladolid
The magical town of Valladolid in the Yucatan Peninsula is one of Mexico’s prettiest towns. Filled with colonial buildings, colorful streets, and many cenotes, Valladolid offers travelers many exciting things to do.
Walk through the historic center of Valladolid and soak in the vibe at Francisco Canton Park. Do not miss the statue of La Mestiza, a mixed-race woman, in the center of the park. Be sure to step into the majestic San Servacio Church, a stunning example of late colonial architecture and Valladolid’s most iconic landmark.
If you want cool pictures for your Gram, head to Calzada de los Frailes, the prettiest street in Valladolid, chock full of colored buildings, art galleries, and boutique shops.
Most importantly, visit Chichen Itza as a day trip from Valladolid. Located 30 miles from Valladolid, Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven World Wonders. It is home to the majestic Pyramid of Kukulkan, a massive ball court, and an interesting platform of skulls.
Further, the region in and around Valladolid is full of natural sinkholes that double up as swimming pools. These pools, called cenotes, are extremely popular among tourists. Cenote Zaci, Ik Kil, and Suytun are the most famous.
9. Tulum
One of the best places to visit in Mexico, Tulum boasts powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The best things to do in Tulum are lazing on its pristine beaches and enjoying its vibrant nightlife. But there are so many not-so-conventional things to do in this Mexican beach town, like visiting the ruins of an ancient Mayan city and discovering an underground river.
Located just 10 minutes from the Tulum city center, the Mayan ruins of Tulum are well worth a visit. With a stunning backdrop of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Tulum ruins, perched on a cliff by the beach, are the most picturesque ruins in the world. Be sure to visit the small pyramid at Tulum, the Temple of the Descending God, and the Temple of Frescoes, which still retains a colorful mural. You can go down to the beach too, so be sure to pack your swimsuit and towels.
There are several beautiful natural spots near Tulum that you can easily see on day trips. The Si’an Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Nature Reserve, is less than 10 miles away. Kaan Luum Lagoon, famous for paddleboarding and snorkeling, is pretty close, too.
The highlight, however, is Rio Secreto, a gorgeous system of underground rivers and caves. Only accessible by a guided tour, Rio Secreto, with its mindblowing network of crystal caves and stunning collection of stalactites and stalagmites, is a magical place to be.
10. Cholula
Located just 10 miles west of Puebla City, the Magical Town of Cholula is a hidden gem and absolutely one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
The Great Pyramid of Cholula, dating to the 3rd century BCE, is the largest in the world by volume, even larger than the Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Covered with trees and shrubs, the Great Pyramid looks like a small hill now topped by a beautiful yellow church. This church, called the Church of Our Lady of Remedies, was built by the Spanish in the 16th century. Today, it is one of the most sacred sites to visit in Mexico.
Besides the Great Pyramid, Cholula is home to several beautiful churches with facades adorned with colorful Talavera tiles. Visit the San Francisco Acatepec and Santa Maria Tonantzintla churches for fascinating tilework on their exteriors and intricate plaster carvings in the interior.
It’s easy to visit Cholula as a day trip from Puebla. However, travelers often combine Puebla and Cholula on a full-day tour from Mexico City.
11. Guanajuato
The historic city of Guanajuato in Central Mexico is another beautiful Mexican city and a top vacation destination for culture enthusiasts.
The history of Guanajuato goes back to the early 16th century when the Spaniards founded it as a silver mining town. Over the next two centuries, Guanajuato grew, prospered, and became the world’s leading silver production center.
Some of Guanajuato’s finest baroque buildings were built during the prosperous silver mining era. You cannot miss the Templo de la Compania and La Valenciana Church, the best examples of Mexican Baroque architecture. The bright yellow façade of Basilica de Guanajuato makes it the most photographed building in the city.
Guanajuato is also home to the eerie Museo de las Momias, or the Mummy Museum, which displays over a hundred naturally mummified bodies. In the late 1800s, these bodies were exhumed from the local cemetery because of a new deceased tax law and displayed at the Mummy Museum. Today, they are a significant tourist draw.
Final Thoughts About The Best Places To Visit In Mexico
With a storied history, rich heritage, delicious cuisine, and stunning white sand beaches, Mexico is one of the best places to visit in the world. Mexican cities are brimming with cultural attractions, and the beach towns, lined with all-inclusive resorts, are full of adventurous things to do. Whether you’re a culture vulture, an adventure seeker, or a big-time foodie, this epic list of the 11 most beautiful places to visit in Mexico has something interesting for everyone.
About The Author Of “Best Places To Visit In Mexico: Must-See Destinations For Your Bucket List”
Soumya is a history and culture enthusiast who helps her readers plan immersive trips through her travel blog, Stories by Soumya. Her writings about travel and culture have been published in BBC Travel, Architectural Digest, National Herald, and many more. Mexico is one of her favorite places in the world, and she keeps coming back here for the history, the culture, and the food.
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