I first visited Mexico in 2019, just before the world changed. Back then, the tourist spots were packed with travelers from all corners of the globe, each hoping to experience a slice of Mexican culture. When I returned in 2023, I found myself falling in love with the country all over again, but in completely different ways.
What makes Mexico special is how it manages to be many things at once. From the crystal-clear waters of the Riviera Maya to the desert landscapes of Baja California, from the busy streets of Mexico City to the quiet colonial towns where time seems to stand still – each visit reveals something new to discover.
So, what are the best places to visit in Mexico? I’ve combined my personal experiences from multiple trips with advice from local friends I’ve made along the way to create this carefully curated list of destinations you won’t want to miss.
- Best tourist destination: Cancun’s Hotel Zone
- Underrated hidden gem: San Miguel de Allende
- Best for families: Puerto Vallarta
- Best for couples: Tulum’s beaches
- Best for solo travelers: Mexico City
- Best for history buffs: Chichen Itza
Cancun, Quintana Roo
When it comes to Mexico’s vacation hotspots, Cancun tends to steal the spotlight – and for good reason. This coastal paradise along the Caribbean Sea has transformed from a tiny fishing village into one of North America’s most popular beach destinations. The city’s Hotel Zone stretches across a 14-mile sandbar, packed with all-inclusive resorts where travelers can split their time between white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Beyond the tourist strip, you’ll find authentic Mexican culture in Downtown Cancun, where local markets and street food vendors serve up the real flavors of the Yucatan Peninsula. For those willing to venture out, it’s also a perfect base for exploring ancient Mayan ruins, swimming in hidden cenotes, and island-hopping to nearby spots like Isla Mujeres.
Tulum, Quintana Roo
Perched along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Tulum stands as one of the Riviera Maya’s most talked-about destinations. Unlike the high-rise hotels of Cancun or the busy streets of Playa del Carmen, Tulum maintains a more laid-back, bohemian feel. You’ll find ancient Mayan ruins sitting atop seaside cliffs, with the turquoise waters of the Caribbean creating a perfect backdrop. The town has gained popularity among yoga enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers, leading to an interesting mix of thatched-roof beach clubs and locally-owned taquerias. Because of its location near the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, you can spend your mornings exploring underground cenotes, afternoons lounging on white sand beaches, and evenings sampling mezcal at one of the many rustic beach bars.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean lies Puerto Vallarta, a coastal gem in Mexico’s Jalisco state. Like many Mexican beach towns, it offers sun-soaked beaches and fresh seafood restaurants, but there’s something different about this place. Walk through the cobblestone streets of the Zona Romántica, where local artists sell their work and mariachi bands fill the air with traditional music, and you’ll feel what sets it apart. Thanks to its role in the 1964 film “The Night of the Iguana,” Puerto Vallarta transformed from a quiet fishing village into a sought-after destination, yet it’s managed to keep its authentic Mexican charm. You’ll find old-world architecture mixing with modern beach clubs, and street vendors serving tacos alongside upscale restaurants in the historic downtown area.
Mexico City
Ever wondered what it’s like when ancient pyramids and modern skyscrapers share the same skyline? That’s daily life in Mexico City, where pre-Hispanic traditions blend seamlessly with contemporary culture. The heart of Mexico draws food lovers to its colorful street markets and high-end restaurants, where you can taste everything from classic tacos al pastor to innovative Mexican fusion cuisine. Walk through the historic centro, where the massive Metropolitan Cathedral towers over the remains of the Aztec Templo Mayor, or escape to the peaceful canals of Xochimilco, where painted wooden boats drift past floating gardens that date back centuries. For art fans, Frida Kahlo’s Blue House in Coyoacán offers a glimpse into the life of Mexico’s most famous artist.
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
Ever spotted sea lions playing in turquoise waters while you sip a margarita? That’s just another day in Cabo San Lucas, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez at Mexico’s southern tip. This former fishing village turned beach paradise is famous for its iconic stone arch, El Arco, which stands proudly at Land’s End. From December to March, you can watch humpback whales breach the surface during their annual migration, while luxury resorts dot the coastline offering front-row seats to fiery sunsets. The marina buzzes with fishing boats heading out for the day’s catch, and the nearby desert hills provide perfect spots for ATV adventures and horseback riding along empty beaches.
Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
Ever wondered what it’s like to bite into a mole sauce made from a 300-year-old recipe? You’ll find out in Oaxaca City, where ancient cooking traditions live on in busy local markets and family-run restaurants. This colonial gem in southern Mexico combines indigenous culture with Spanish architecture, creating a place where colorful street art sits next to 16th-century churches. The city’s food scene draws visitors from around the globe – especially for its seven different types of mole sauce and street-side tlayudas (think Mexican pizza). Beyond the food, you can explore Monte Albán, an ancient Zapotec city sitting high above town, or wander through the local mezcal distilleries where artisans still make the smoky spirit the old-fashioned way.
Little-Known Fact:
Oaxaca City’s historic center is where culinary magic happens, as it’s considered the birthplace of modern Mexican cuisine and home to the famous seven moles (complex sauces made with dozens of ingredients including chocolate). The city’s outdoor markets overflow with unique ingredients like chapulines (grasshoppers) and tejate (a chocolatey corn drink), which locals have been enjoying since pre-Hispanic times.
Merida, Yucatan
Many travelers head to Merida for its rich Mayan heritage and colonial architecture, but this Yucatan capital can also be considered Mexico’s cultural heart. The city center features some of the country’s best-preserved Spanish colonial buildings – including the San Ildefonso Cathedral and Casa de Montejo – while the surrounding area offers easy access to ancient ruins like Uxmal and Chichen Itza. The city comes alive on weekends with free concerts and traditional dance performances in Plaza Grande, but you’ll find plenty to experience in Merida any day of the week, from local markets selling handmade crafts to restaurants serving authentic Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil and papadzules.
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
I first visited San Miguel de Allende in 2018, drawn to this charming colonial city nestled in central Mexico’s highlands. Set among the Sierra Madre mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage site feels like stepping into a living museum of Spanish colonial architecture. The city’s cobblestone streets wind through neighborhoods filled with ochre and terra-cotta buildings, leading to the gothic-spired Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel that rises from the main plaza. Artists and culture lovers flock to its many galleries and craft markets, while the nearby Botanical Gardens offer paths through native desert landscapes. The rooftop bars scattered throughout the historic center have become local institutions, offering perfect perches to watch the sun paint the sky in oranges and pinks as it sets behind the city’s distinctive church spires.
Guanajuato City, Guanajuato
Step into a kaleidoscope of color in Guanajuato City, where winding cobblestone streets lead you through a maze of rainbow-painted buildings. This colonial gem sits nestled in a valley, with houses stacked like building blocks up the surrounding hillsides. Take a stroll through the historic center to discover hidden plazas and centuries-old churches, or hop on the funicular to the El Pípila monument for sweeping views of the city below. Don’t miss the famous Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), where balconies are so close that lovers can share a kiss from opposite sides. For a unique experience, join the city’s beloved tradition of following student musicians, called callejoneadas, as they lead musical tours through the narrow alleyways.
Interesting Fact:
Guanajuato City’s underground tunnel system was originally built in the late 1800s to prevent flooding, but today these former river channels serve as roads and walkways beneath the city’s core. The tunnels are so extensive that locals joke about having two cities – one above ground and one below – making it easy to dodge traffic by ducking underground to get around town.
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
I always tell beach lovers heading to Mexico’s Riviera Maya to make Playa del Carmen their home base. Located just an hour south of Cancun, this laid-back coastal town combines beautiful Caribbean beaches with a charming downtown area centered around Fifth Avenue – a pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and beach clubs. The nearby Mayan ruins of Tulum and cenotes (natural swimming holes) make perfect day trips for when you need a break from the sand and surf.
Sayulita, Nayarit
About an hour north of Puerto Vallarta sits the bohemian beach town of Sayulita. Like many coastal spots in Mexico, Sayulita has its share of surf breaks, fish tacos, and sandy beaches. But unlike the others, it feels like a secret hideaway that’s managed to keep its laid-back soul. Just watch the mix of barefoot surfers and local fishermen going about their day, and you’ll see what I mean. Thanks to its popularity with artists and craftspeople over the years, the town has developed a unique personality – you’ll find colorful street art, indie boutiques, and authentic Mexican handicrafts around every corner.
Chichen Itza, Yucatan
I always tell people interested in ancient Mayan civilization to visit Chichen Itza in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases one of the most important archaeological complexes in Mexico, with its iconic El Castillo pyramid standing proudly at the center. The site features remarkable structures like the Great Ball Court, the Temple of Warriors, and the Observatory, each telling stories of the sophisticated Mayan culture that thrived here over 1,000 years ago.
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
Like stepping into a colonial-era time capsule, San Cristobal de las Casas sits nestled in the highlands of Chiapas, where cobblestone streets wind between colorful buildings and local Maya culture thrives. This mountain town at 7,000 feet draws travelers looking to escape the heat of Mexico’s coasts and immerse themselves in indigenous traditions that have endured for centuries. The city’s heart beats strongest in its markets, where Tzotzil and Tzeltal vendors sell handwoven textiles and amber jewelry, while the surrounding pine forests and mountain trails beckon adventurers to explore beyond the city limits. It’s not the easiest place to reach in Mexico, but those who make the journey find themselves in a world where Spanish colonial history and living Maya culture create something entirely unique.
Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
Just eight miles off the coast of Cancun lies Isla Mujeres, a peaceful island paradise that feels worlds away from the mainland’s busy beaches. Float in crystal-clear waters at Playa Norte, consistently ranked among Mexico’s top beaches, where calm waves and powder-soft sand create the perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. Rent a golf cart to explore the island’s colorful streets, stopping at local restaurants to sample fresh seafood caught that morning. For an unforgettable experience, visit during whale shark season (June to September) when you can snorkel alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Guadalajara, Jalisco
Experience Mexico’s cultural heart in Guadalajara, the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila. Start your day at the historic center, where the twin-spired Guadalajara Cathedral stands tall among colonial buildings and lively plazas. Head to Mercado San Juan de Dios, one of Latin America’s largest indoor markets, to sample local dishes like tortas ahogadas and birria. For a taste of tradition, take a day trip to the nearby town of Tequila, where you can tour agave fields and learn how Mexico’s famous spirit is made. Don’t miss the charming Tlaquepaque neighborhood, known for its art galleries, craft shops, and outdoor cafes where you can watch folk dancers perform in the streets.
Puebla City, Puebla
Just two hours southeast of Mexico City lies Puebla, a city where colonial-era churches share streets with colorful food carts serving the legendary mole poblano. Like other Mexican cities, Puebla has its markets, plazas, and historic buildings, but there’s something different about this place – it feels like a perfectly preserved slice of Spanish colonial history. Look up at the hundreds of church domes dotting the skyline or run your hands along the blue-and-white talavera tiles covering building facades, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of its strategic location between Mexico City and the port of Veracruz, Puebla became a melting pot of European and indigenous cultures, and you’ll find this fusion everywhere – from the architecture to the food that made this city famous.
Bacalar, Quintana Roo
Bacalar is one of those places in Mexico that feels like a well-kept secret, even though word is starting to get out. This small town sits along a 42-kilometer lagoon known as the “Lake of Seven Colors” thanks to its crystal-clear waters that shift between different shades of blue. I’ve spent countless hours kayaking across its calm surface, passing by ancient mangroves and floating above the natural limestone formations that create underwater caves. The laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect escape from the busy resort towns of the Riviera Maya, where you can spend your days swimming in freshwater cenotes, lounging in overwater hammocks, or exploring the 18th-century Fort of San Felipe that once protected the lagoon from pirates.
Holbox Island, Quintana Roo
Step into a car-free paradise on Holbox Island, where sandy streets and colorful golf carts set the laid-back pace of life. This small island off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula offers plenty of ways to unwind, from swimming with whale sharks (June to September) to lounging in overwater hammocks at sunset. Head to Punta Cocos beach to try kitesurfing in the shallow waters, or take a boat tour through the mangroves to spot flamingos and other tropical birds. When hunger strikes, visit the local seafood restaurants along the beach for fresh ceviche and grilled fish tacos.
