Everything in Mexico will switch you to total vacation mode. From the jubilant crowds in Mexico City to the sumptuous beaches in Tulum, there is so much to explore in Mexico. Find yourself dancing to the beat of sizzling Latin music, gulping down a shot of mezcal, and marveling at the glorious centuries-old Mayan ruins as you travel to Mexico. Then, do you want to get the best out of the country? We will show you the 15 best places to visit in Mexico and guaranteed, they will leave you stunned!
Best Places to Visit in Mexico – Summary
- Playa del Carmen
- Cancún
- Mexico City
- Tulum
- Guadalajara
- Oaxaca
- Merida
- Cozumel
- Chiapas
- La Paz
- Los Cabos
- Puerto Vallarta
- Chichén Itzá
- Palenque
- Huasteca Potosina
1. Playa del Carmen
Put your sunglasses on as we are checking out the hottest tropical paradise in Mexico! Playa del Carmen is a beach town nestled in the Yucatan Peninsula, or usually called as Riviera Maya. Playa del Carmen is home to the most exquisite scenes in Mexico, from world-class beaches with flour-like sand to bustling towns with classic European-style architecture. With its wholesome features, Playa del Carmen is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Whether you are crazy about beaches, love history, or always go out to parties, Playa del Carmen is for you. The town offers sunny beaches with brilliant turquoise waters and fine sand. Not to mention, the beaches are adorned with trendy beach clubs and quirky restaurants. Then, you can also blend in with the crowds of La Quinta Avenida, a town as well as the hotspot of Playa del Carmen. In a nutshell, the town is one of the best vacation spots in Mexico that you can’t get over!
Places to Visit in Playa del Carmen: La Quinta Avenida, Rio Secreto, Xel-Ha, and Parque de Los Fundadores
Things to Do in Playa del Carmen: Beach-hopping, going to a party and nightclubs, shopping, scuba diving, snorkeling, doing water sports, and strolling around the charming La Quinta Avenida,
2. Cancún
This seaside town never sleeps and is always bursting with exciting experiences. Often considered the Miami of Mexico, Cancún adds up a little bit of spice to Mexico’s renowned nightlife scene. There is no shortage of feisty nightclubs, hype bars, and never-ending parties in Cancún. For that reason, Cancún is one of the best places to visit in Mexico for young adults. Of course, parties in Cancún make you feel like you are forever young!
Besides its jubilant nightlife scene, Cancún is proud of its beaches and lively local culture. The beaches in Cancún are gorgeous, with flawless sand and glimmering turquoise waters. Thus, Cancún’s local culture is blending perfectly with the bustling modern life of the city. You can stroll through traditional markets and get a taste of authentic Mexican flavors for another side of Cancún.
Places to Visit in Cancún: Playa Delfines,
Things to Do in Cancún: Beach-hopping, exploring the city, visiting the traditional quarter of the city, sampling Mexican dishes, shopping, and going to parties and nightclubs
3. Mexico City
You have not visited Mexico if you don’t stop at the charming capital. Mexico City is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Mexico. It offers a brilliant mixture between the old and the new. You can see the centuries-old buildings from the colonial era standing proudly between the skyscrapers. Therefore, Mexico City is the gateway to Mexico’s remarkable tourism.
Thus, Mexico City is one of the best places to go in Mexico for art lovers. The charming setting of the city, with its dramatic baroque-style architecture and lovely neighborhood, will be a nice frame for your camera. Moreover, Mexico City boasts a lot of art galleries and museums that will leave you stunned. One of them is Palacio de Bellas Artes or Museum of Fine Arts, which stands elegantly in the heart of the city.
Places to Visit in Mexico City: Plaza de La Constitucion, Ruins of Templo Mayor, Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Frida Kahlo Museum, and Chaputelpec Castle
Things to Do in Mexico City: Go for walking tours, explore the historical sites, marvel at art pieces in museums and art galleries, feast on local food, go to bars and have a specialty cocktail, and chill at the parks
4. Tulum
With its ravishing beaches, stunning cenotes, and luxurious resorts, Tulum shows us what a tropical paradise looks like. This remarkable region in Yucatan Peninsula will remind you of Bali, as it is dotted with lush forests, a glimmering coastline, and aesthetically-pleasing places. Moreover, Tulum is an emerging digital nomad hub and a striking lifestyle center. For that reason, Tulum is one of the best places to visit in Mexico both for vacation and coworking.
Furthermore, Tulum is the perfect destination for both indoor fans and adrenaline junkies. Those who love to stay indoors will love to explore El Pueblo, Tulum’s main center, and go for cafe-hopping. Meanwhile, outdoor lovers will be crazy about the variety of activities in Tulum. From spectacular jetskiing experience to heart-pumping ziplining adventures, there are so much to do in Tulum!
Places to Visit in Tulum: Playa Paraiso, Laguna De Kaan Luum, Ven de La Luz sculpture, Gran Cenote, Casa Cenote, Cenote Taak Bi Ha, Santa Fe, Tulum Archaeological Site, and El Pueblo
Things to Do in Tulum: Sunbathing and relaxing on the beaches, swimming, doing water sports, visiting archaeological sites, cenote-hopping, shopping and strolling in El Pueblo, taking yoga and wellness classes, cafe-hopping, and jungle-touring
5. Guadalajara
Although Guadalajara looks like a city in Europe, it screams authentic Mexico. Listen to the sound of mariachi music as you stroll around the baroque-styled buildings and central square. Moreover, don’t be surprised if you find top-notch tequilas in the Europe-inspired bars on Guadalajara’s avenue. Therefore, the perfect blend between Mexican culture and European-styled buildings makes Guadalajara so special.
Beautiful and diverse – the reason why Guadalajara is one of the best places to visit in Mexico. This capital of Jalisco will carve a lasting impression on everyone who visits. Spend your time exploring Plaza de Armas, the central square, and walk around the elegant centuries-old buildings. Meanwhile, at the same time, you can take a peek at the fascinating Mexican culture in the form of mariachi or jarabe tapatio performances.
Places to Visit in Guadalaraja: Plaza de Armas, Guadalajara Cathedral, Government Palace, Expiatory Temple, and Los Jaliscienses Ilustres
Things to Do in Guadalaraja: Go for walking tours, see a mariachi street performance, sample traditional foods, have a shot of authentic tequila, watch a charreria rodeo show, and visit museums and historical buildings
6. Oaxaca
Foodies and art lovers will go crazy if they hear about Oaxaca. This Mexican state is the cultural hotspot of Mexico, as traditions and indigenous arts are greatly preserved by the citizens. Moreover, Oaxaca has secured its place as Mexico’s culinary capital. The vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisines, and distinctive traditions in Oaxaca make this city one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Another thing that makes Oaxaca popular is Dia de Los Muertos or the Day of the Death celebration. Amazing parades, colorful ornaments, and sugar skulls light up the city during the prominent day. In fact, Oaxaca holds the biggest Dia de Los Muertos celebration in Mexico. So, if you want to immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of traditional Dia de Los Muertos, you can fly to Oaxaca at the end of October.
Places to Visit in Oaxaca: San Pablo Villa de Mitla, Yagul Ruins, Downtown Oaxaca, Hierve del Agua Waterfall, Santo Domingo Church, and Monte Alban
Things to Do in Oaxaca: Feast on local cuisines, go outdoors and see Oaxaca’s diverse natural landscapes, mezcal-tasting, shopping, visit historical sites, check out Oaxaca’s archaeological sites, see festivals, and see the grand Dia de Los Muertos celebration
7. Merida
Head to this enchanting gem in Yucatan state and get ready to be mesmerized. Merida is a small city that keeps a lot of treasures. Cobblestone streets, bright-colored buildings, and a small portion of European architecture make this town a lovely place to see. Moreover, Merida is deeply rooted in the Mayan culture, way before the Spanish came to Mexico. Merida secures an important history and we are glad to put it on the list of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Merida is an amazing city to visit in Mexico if you are looking for a tranquil getaway. The White City is relatively quiet and has a pleasant atmosphere. Thus, visiting Merida is the best way to indulge in the local atmosphere in Mexico. You can spend a lot of time in cantinas, munching on hearty Yucatan cuisines and mingling with locals.
Places to Visit in Merida: Plaza Grande, Cathedral San Ildefonso, Pasaje de la Revolution, Palacio de Gobierno, Parque de Santiago, and Mayan World of Museum Merida
Things to Do in Merida: Stroll around the city and sightseeing, visit museums, cafe-hopping, feast on Mexican food in award-winning restaurants, shop at Sunday markets, and relax at Merida’s parks.
8. Cozumel
Guaranteed, you won’t take your eyes off Cozumel’s crystal clear ocean and unspoiled coastline. Nestled off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel offers the most pristine scene in Mexico. Travelers crowd to the spectacular area on cruise ships and glass-bottom boats, looking forward to seeing the visibly gorgeous coral reefs. Thus, the beauty of Cozumel matches the gorgeous scene in the Caribbean Islands.
Fairly small and serene, Cozumel is a perfect destination for relaxing getaways. Thus, there are lots of resorts and hotels on the island for you to stay and relax. You can also head to the plazas and downtown Cozumel for shopping, entertainment, and bars. Therefore, Cozumel is one of the best places to visit in Mexico for a summer vacation.
Things to Do in Cozumel: Cruising, snorkeling, scuba diving, shopping, staying in hotels or resorts, swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the beach.
9. Chiapas
Tucked between the borders of Mexico and Guatemala, Chiapas is one of the most unique places to visit in Mexico. The mountainous region is bursting with history and culture. Chiapas is home to ancient Mayan ruins and Spanish colonial towns, making it an exquisite history center of Mexico.
Besides the centuries-old structures, Chiapas becomes popular due to its gorgeous natural landscape. Rivers, waterfalls, canyons, and valleys adorn the region. Moreover, the lush nature of Chiapas is home to diverse species and remarkable ecosystems. It is one of the best places to visit in Mexico for nature lovers.
Places to Visit in Chiapas: San Cristóbal de las Casas, Palenque, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Sumidero Canyon, Agua Azul Waterfall, Zinancatan Town, and Las Nubes Waterfall
Things to Do in Chiapas: Visiting archaeological sites, seeing waterfalls and springs, jungle-trekking, strolling around towns and old quarters, and hiking
10. La Paz
Make your dream tropical vacation come true in La Paz! This coastal town in Baja California Sur has everything for a perfect vacation. From thrilling water adventures to glimmering coastlines, La Paz is hard to pass. Thus, you can find unique activities in the town as it is home to pristine nature and conservation sites. Don’t be surprised if you can easily find glorious whales and adorable sea lions in the area.
The sunny town lures everyone to visit, from adrenaline junkies to town explorers. Lots of outdoor activities, from hiking to surfing, are available in La Paz. Thus, central La Paz and the famous Malecon promenade also call you to stroll around. With all that is going on in La Paz, it is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Places to Visit in La Paz: Malecon La Paz, Playa El Coromuel, Playa Balandra, Isla Espiritu Santo, and Sierra de La Laguna Mountain
Things to Do in La Paz: Relaxing on the beach, swimming with whale sharks, kayaking, hiking, whale watching, sightseeing, and doing water sports
11. Los Cabos
Located on the southern tip of Baja California Sur, Los Cabos is renowned for its gorgeous ocean view. However, it is more than that. Los Cabos offers tons of interesting stuff, from antique historical towns to breathtaking rocky islands. The surrounding sea is also perfect for cruise tours, as it is stunning and fairly mild.
There is no shortage of things to see in Los Cabos. From picturesque beaches to limestone islands, everything in Los Cabos will captivate you. If you miss the city, you can head to Cabo San Lucas, which offers party and fancy experiences. Besides that, you can also explore the classic Mexican village of Todos Santos and fall in love with its friendly atmosphere. For that reason, Los Cabos is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Places to Visit in Los Cabos: Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos, San Jose El Cabo, and Cabo Pulmo
Things to Do in Los Cabos: Sail on a catamaran or cruise ship, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, whale watching, swim with dolphins and whale sharks, beach hopping, enjoy the nightlife, and hiking.
12. Puerto Vallarta
Mexico never runs out of gorgeous and glamorous coastal towns. Puerto Vallarta is one of them, as well as one of the best places to visit in Mexico. This seaside city on the Pacific coast shares a similar vibe with Cancun and Playa del Carmen. However, Puerto Vallarta offers brilliant attractions that make it hard to forget the city.
Luxurious beach resorts, charming hotels, and sophisticated beach clubs are lining the beaches and promenades of Puerto Vallarta. Thus, catamarans and yachts are sailing along the sparkling turquoise waters. Moreover, fancy restaurants serve sumptuous seafood and delightful dishes for all-day dining. You can enjoy those extraordinary experiences while looking at the Sierra Made mountains, which complement the white-tinted city. In a nutshell, a vacation in Puerto Vallarta will be fabulous and glam!
Places to Visit in Puerto Vallarta: Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos, San Jose El Cabo, and Cabo Pulmo
Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta: Sail on a catamaran or cruise ship, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, whale watching, swim with dolphins and whale sharks, beach hopping, enjoy the nightlife, and hiking.
13. Chichén Itzá
If you ask what is the most iconic place to visit in Mexico, we will answer Chichén Itzá. This ancient Mayan archaeological site attracts travelers from around the world. Its unique architecture, magnificent history, and interesting legend are unmissable. Moreover, Chichén Itzá has been considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonders of the World. It is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Chichén Itzá site consists of a few different structures. Thus, the main structure is El Castillo, or the Pyramid of Kukulkan. The 30-meter-high pyramid is adorned with traditional Mayan murals and long stairs, looking majestic in both real life and photos. Thus, to visit the site, you can take a day-trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
Learn more about Chichén Itzá in the official website here.
14. Palenque
Shrouded in the thick, verdant jungles of Chiapas, Palenque stands elegantly. The untouched Mayan ruins have been unheard of, but it keeps a fascinating story for you to discover. Thus, visiting Palenque will make you feel like you are entering an Indiana Jones movie.
The site of Palenque features multiple pyramids and stone temples. It dates back to around 1,000 years ago and was built by the ancient Mayan people of the Palenque kingdom. The most famous structure in Palenque is the Temple of Inscriptions, which is an ancient, pyramid-shaped temple with hieroglyphs and murals on it. Due to its mysterious beauty and important history, Palenque is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
15. Huasteca Potosina
Do you want to escape the busy, touristy side of Mexico? Then, Huasteca Potosina is a place for you to visit! This region is blessed with lush nature, ranging from deep canyons to cascading waterfalls. It is also home to thick and misty rainforests, veiling beautiful flowering plants inside them. For that reason, Huasteca Potosina is one of the best places to visit in Mexico for outdoor fans.
Besides its spectacular nature, you can also check out San Luis Potosi. The city is lined with classic, colorful Mexican-styled buildings and well-manicured gardens. Thus, it also features centuries-old colonial buildings that nicely complement the bright colors of the city.
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