Mexico, a land of vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, offers an unforgettable escape for every traveler. From ancient ruins to sun-kissed beaches, bustling cities to tranquil islands, Mexico’s diverse attractions are waiting to be explored. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for relaxation, this guide will walk you through the best Mexico Tourist Places that should be on your travel list.
1. Mexico City: A Metropolis of Art and Culture
Mexico City, the nation’s capital, is a dynamic and sprawling metropolis that serves as the perfect introduction to the wonders of Mexico. A city of contrasts, it seamlessly blends modern skyscrapers with historic landmarks, offering a rich tapestry of experiences.
For art enthusiasts, a visit to the iconic “Casa Azul,” the Frida Kahlo Museum, is essential. Explore the life and art of this celebrated Mexican artist within the walls where she lived and breathed creativity. Mexico City is also a mural capital, showcasing masterpieces by Diego Rivera in the Palacio Nacional and José Clemente Orozco in the Palacio de Bellas Artes, reflecting powerful social and historical narratives.
Immerse yourself in the local culture by taking a tranquil boat ride through the ancient canals of Xochimilco, serenaded by mariachi music. Indulge in the city’s vibrant street food scene, savoring authentic tacos before experiencing a captivating performance at one of the city’s numerous theaters. For a truly unique experience, witness the high-flying excitement of a Lucha Libre wrestling match at Arena México.
Planning Tip: Extend your Mexico City adventure with a day trip to Teotihuacán, an awe-inspiring pre-Columbian archaeological site located just a short distance northeast of the city. Visiting during the vernal equinox offers a special experience, celebrating the spring season amidst ancient wonders.
2. Isla Holbox: Island Paradise of Bioluminescence and Wildlife
Escape to Isla Holbox, a serene island paradise off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. This small island, only a mile wide and 26 miles long, is a biodiversity hotspot, offering unique natural spectacles.
Witness the breathtaking sight of bubblegum-pink flamingos in their natural habitat at Punta Mosquito. From mid-May to mid-September, you can have the incredible opportunity to swim alongside gentle whale sharks. As night falls, prepare to be mesmerized by the bioluminescent phytoplankton that light up the waters, creating a magical underwater fireworks display, best viewed on moonless nights.
Isla Holbox offers a laid-back atmosphere with sandy streets and no cars allowed, ensuring tranquility. Its shallow, warm waters are perfect for relaxation. While Wi-Fi can be unreliable, this encourages visitors to disconnect and fully embrace the island’s peaceful charm.
Woman admiring the parish church in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Admire the stunning architecture of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel in San Miguel de Allende, a top Mexico tourist place known for its craft shops and folk art.
3. San Miguel de Allende: A Haven for Art and Craftsmanship
San Miguel de Allende is a captivating city renowned for its artistic spirit, pleasant climate, and stunning architecture. Its reputation as a creative haven has drawn artists and retirees for decades.
Since the opening of its first art institute in the 1930s, San Miguel has become a hub for art workshops, galleries, and craft shops. The city’s allure also attracted literary figures like Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Neal Cassady in the 1960s.
Wander through the cobbled streets, lined with boutiques and cafes adorned with colorful ribbons. The historic district’s buildings, painted in warm hues of saffron, orange, ochre, and yellow, create a picturesque, postcard-like ambiance. For panoramic city views, head to a rooftop bar like Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende.
Planning Tip: Located a three-hour drive north of Mexico City in Guanajuato state, San Miguel de Allende is especially beautiful in spring when the jacaranda trees are in full bloom, adding a vibrant purple hue to the cityscape.
4. Bacalar: The Lagoon of Seven Colors and Mayan Magic
Bacalar, a designated “Pueblo Mágico” (Magic Town), enchants visitors with its ethereal beauty and laid-back atmosphere. Its crown jewel is the Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the “Lagoon of Seven Colors,” famed for its mesmerizing gradient of blues and greens.
This serene destination offers a bohemian vibe, with unique experiences like dining at El Manati, a restaurant-gallery with vibrant murals and live music, and wellness retreats like Casa Hormiga, offering traditional Mexican healing rituals.
The lagoon is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat trips to fully appreciate its stunning colors. Explore the town’s 90-meter-deep cenote and the historic Spanish fortress. Often called “the Maldives of Mexico,” Bacalar is an ideal Mexico tourist place for relaxation and natural beauty.
Planning Tip: Bacalar is situated in Quintana Roo, near the Belize border. Easily accessible by ADO bus from major Yucatan Peninsula destinations like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
5. Guadalajara: The Heart of Mariachi, Tequila, and Mexican Flavors
Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, is a vibrant cultural center in Jalisco state, the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila. This dynamic city celebrates its traditions while embracing modern gastronomy.
Experience the passion of charrería, Mexico’s national sport, and immerse yourself in the sounds of mariachi, especially during the annual International Mariachi and Charrería Festival in September. Explore cultural landmarks like a lienzo (charrería arena) and the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, adorned with striking frescoes by José Clemente Orozco. Don’t miss the Mercado San Juan de Dios, Latin America’s largest indoor market.
Guadalajara has also emerged as a culinary hotspot, recognized on the World’s 50 Best lists. Indulge in upscale Mexican cuisine and innovative cocktails at acclaimed restaurants like Alcalde and El Gallo Altanero.
Planning Tip: Guadalajara serves as a gateway to explore the surrounding region. Discover Lake Chapala, the tequila heartland of agave fields, and charming “Pueblos Mágicos” like Tlaquepaque and Tapalpa.
Jimador or Mexican farmer, skilled at harvesting agave for tequila on an agave plantation, Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. Heavy, manual work, chopping the leaves from the body of the plant.
Learn about the traditional process of agave harvesting for tequila production in Jalisco, a unique cultural experience for tourists in Mexico.
6. Puerto Vallarta: Beaches, Adventures, and a Welcoming Spirit
Puerto Vallarta, nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, is a popular vacation destination for both Mexicans and international visitors. Its stunning scenery and adventurous activities make it a diverse and appealing location.
Thrill-seekers can explore rugged terrain and rappel down waterfalls, while families can relax on beautiful beaches like Playa Conchas Chinas, Playa Las Gemelas, and Playa Mismaloya. Puerto Vallarta is also known for its welcoming LGBTQ+ scene, with numerous gay-friendly hotels, bars, and restaurants in the Zona Romantica.
Enjoy romantic alfresco dining, stroll along the Malecon boardwalk with its sculptures and street performers, and witness marine wonders like humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Planning Tip: For a memorable experience, visit Puerto Vallarta between July and December to witness baby turtle releases. Some hotels, such as Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, participate in these conservation efforts.
7. Playa del Carmen: Where City Life Meets Beach Bliss
Playa del Carmen offers the perfect blend of city excitement and beach relaxation. This thriving city on the Riviera Maya boasts stunning white-sand beaches, some even connected to cenotes, and a vibrant city center.
The Quinta Avenida, a palm-lined pedestrian avenue, is the city’s bustling heart, filled with shops, street performers, and international restaurants. Playa del Carmen attracts a diverse crowd, from families to digital nomads and solo travelers. The nightlife scene on Calle 12 is legendary, with popular clubs like Mandala, La Vaquita, and Coco Bongo. Rooftop bars such as UMI Rooftop and Tokyo Kitchen and BeRoof offer stylish settings to enjoy the city views.
Playa del Carmen is also a convenient base for exploring the Riviera Maya. Take day trips to Akumal to swim with turtles or hop on a ferry to Cozumel Island.
8. Chichén Itzá: Unveiling Ancient Mayan Wonders
Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a must-see Mexico tourist place for history and archaeology enthusiasts. This ancient Mayan city dates back to the 5th century and is renowned for its impressive pre-Columbian architecture.
Marvel at the iconic El Castillo pyramid, where during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the shadow of the serpent god Kukulcán appears to descend the staircase. Explore the Sacred Cenote and the El Caracol observatory, showcasing the advanced knowledge of Mayan astronomers.
Planning Tip: Enhance your visit by booking a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history and legacy of the Mayan civilization. To avoid heat and crowds, visit early morning or late afternoon. Consider staying for the post-sunset sound-and-light show for a unique evening experience.
Temple of a thousand warriors at Chichen Itza.
Explore the vast archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, a top Mexico tourist place showcasing the impressive Temple of a Thousand Warriors and other Mayan ruins.
9. Zihuatanejo: Discovering Old Mexico Charm
Zihuatanejo, located near the resort town of Ixtapa, offers a glimpse into a more traditional and relaxed side of Mexico. While Ixtapa was developed as a modern resort destination, Zihuatanejo retains the charm of a sleepy fishing village.
Enjoy the tranquility of this Guerrero town, known for its beautiful beaches like Playa La Ropa, home to Thompson Zihuatanejo resort. Explore uniquely named beaches like Playa Las Gatas (Cat Beach) and Playa La Ropa (Clothes Beach), each with its own story and appeal for surfing, diving, fishing, and enjoying fresh seafood.
10. La Paz: Tranquility on Baja California Sur’s Coast
La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, is a haven for beach lovers seeking peace and natural beauty. Located on the Sea of Cortez, it’s a gateway to marine adventures and stunning coastal landscapes.
Discover Playa El Saltito, a serene beach that comes alive with bioluminescence at night. Visit Playa Balandra, often acclaimed as one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, with its distinctive mushroom-shaped rock formation. Don’t miss Espíritu Santo Island, a UNESCO-listed island, where you can camp under the stars, snorkel with sea lions, and observe blue-footed boobies.
Paddle boarding (SUP) off the island of Espiritu Santo, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in the Gulf of California, Mexico.
Experience the clear waters and diverse marine life around Espíritu Santo Island in La Paz, a fantastic Mexico tourist place for paddleboarding and water activities.
11. Tulum: Boho Vibes, Wellness, and Ancient Ruins
Tulum, once a secluded beach town, has evolved into a world-renowned destination for wellness, bohemian culture, and stunning coastal scenery. Located in the Riviera Maya, Tulum attracts honeymooners, wellness seekers, and those looking for a unique and stylish getaway.
Embrace the wellness scene with cacao ceremonies, sound healing, and rooftop yoga classes. Tulum offers a range of accommodations, from eco-chic shacks to luxury resorts and boutique hotels like La Valise Tulum.
Relax on postcard-perfect beaches, including Playa Ruinas, overlooked by remarkably preserved Mayan ruins perched on a cliff. Explore nearby attractions like the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and the Cobá ruins.
Planning Tip: Tulum Pueblo (town center) offers more budget-friendly options for dining and accommodation, but it’s a short bike or taxi ride to the beach area. Plan ahead for beachside lodging if that’s your preference.
12. Los Cabos: Glamour, Parties, and Desert Landscapes
Los Cabos, encompassing Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, is synonymous with glitz, glamour, and vibrant nightlife. Cabo San Lucas is known for its party atmosphere, while San José del Cabo offers a more relaxed vibe with art galleries and luxury resorts.
These sister cities at the southern tip of Baja California Sur are top Mexico tourist places for those seeking sun, luxury, and entertainment. Enjoy world-class golf courses, surfing, deep-sea fishing, and whale watching (mid-December to mid-April).
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The marina bay. marina, Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, boats
Experience the luxury and vibrant atmosphere of Cabo San Lucas marina, a popular Mexico tourist place for boating, nightlife, and deep-sea fishing.
13. Pico de Orizaba: Conquering Mexico’s Highest Peak
For adventurous travelers, Pico de Orizaba, also known as Citlaltépetl, presents the ultimate trekking challenge in Mexico. This dormant, snow-capped volcano, the highest peak in Mexico and third-highest in North America, is located on the border of Puebla and Veracruz states.
While a serious climb to the summit requires technical skills and is popular among professional climbers, the town of Orizaba at its base offers its own attractions. Explore a riverside walk, museums, galleries, and the unique “Iron Palace.” Take a cable car up Cerro del Borrego for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountainous landscape, including Pico de Orizaba’s snow-capped peak.
14. Copper Canyon Railway: A Scenic Train Journey Through Mexico’s Grand Canyon
Embark on an unforgettable train journey through the Copper Canyon on the Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico, also known as Chepe Express. This remarkable rail trip is one of Latin America’s finest, traversing the dramatic landscapes of the Copper Canyon, often called “the Grand Canyon of Mexico.”
The train climbs from sea level at Los Mochis to Creel, offering breathtaking vistas of alpine forests, subtropical valleys, Tarahumara villages, and the depths of the canyons. Extend your experience with overnight stays in lodges overlooking the canyon, and explore the area through hiking, horseback riding, and zip-lining.
Enjoy a spectacular train ride through Copper Canyon on the Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico, a top Mexico tourist place for scenic views and adventure.
15. Oaxaca City: Mezcal, Culture, and Festive Celebrations
Oaxaca City, the historical capital of the Zapotec civilization, is now celebrated as Mexico’s mezcal heartland. Explore the city’s vibrant mezcal scene at atmospheric establishments like La Popular and El Destilado, and consider joining a mezcal tour to delve deeper into this smoky spirit.
Oaxaca City is also renowned for its colorful cultural celebrations. Experience the moving Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities in early November and the unique Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) competition on December 23 in Zócalo.
Planning Tip: Take a day trip to Hierve el Agua, a stunning petrified waterfall formation located a couple of hours outside of Oaxaca City, offering mineral-rich infinity pools with breathtaking views.
Mexico’s diverse range of tourist places ensures an enriching and memorable travel experience. From bustling cities to tranquil beaches, ancient ruins to natural wonders, Mexico welcomes you to discover its magic.
