If you’re searching for the best places to visit in Mexico, you’re in for a country that can feel like several destinations in one: ancient civilizations, colonial-era towns, world-class food, and coastlines on two oceans.
From beach days and museum-hopping to street tacos and festival nights, this guide highlights top tourist destinations in Mexico travelers return to again and again—each with a distinct vibe, climate, and set of experiences. Start your planning early by comparing dates and routes for cheap flights to Mexico, then build your itinerary around the regions that match your travel style.
Mexico City: where ancient meets modern
In Mexico City, creativity and history sit side by side—from Aztec-era foundations to cutting-edge galleries and restaurants. It’s one of the must see places mexico has for culture lovers, with an unmatched concentration of museums, neighborhood markets, and iconic architecture.
Begin in the historic center (built atop the former Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán) to see the Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and monumental colonial facades. Then branch out to Coyoacán for the Frida Kahlo Museum and to Chapultepec Park for the National Museum of Anthropology.
Quick picks for first-timers:
- Stroll the Zócalo and surrounding streets for the city’s most famous landmarks
- Spend a few hours at the National Museum of Anthropology
- Eat your way through street-food classics (tacos al pastor, tamales, churros)
- Explore Coyoacán for crafts, cafés, and laid-back plazas
Cancún and the Riviera Maya: Caribbean paradise
Cancún is famous for sugar-white sand, turquoise water, and a resort scene that makes it easy to relax—or go all-in on nightlife. Beyond the Hotel Zone, the wider Riviera Maya blends beach time with jungle adventures and Mayan heritage.
The region is also a gateway to cenotes (natural swimming holes) and archaeological sites that reveal Mexico’s pre-Hispanic past. It’s ideal if you want a trip that mixes pool days, snorkeling, and history without long travel times.
Best add-ons from the coast:
- Swim in a cenote for a cool break from the heat
- Take a day trip to a major Mayan site (or pair two smaller ones)
- Snorkel or dive on the Mesoamerican Reef
- Visit a nature reserve for mangroves and wildlife spotting
Tulum: bohemian beach town with ancient ruins
Tulum’s clifftop ruins overlooking the Caribbean are among the most photographed scenes in the country—and they’re even better in person. Pair the archaeological site with sunrise beach walks, eco-minded hotels, and wellness-focused cafés.
For travelers who want variety in a compact area, Tulum stands out among Mexico travel destinations thanks to its mix of ruins, cenotes, and a design-forward, laid-back atmosphere that still feels connected to nature.
Oaxaca: cultural and culinary capital
Oaxaca City is a magnet for food lovers, craft collectors, and anyone curious about living Indigenous traditions. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with churches, colorful courtyards, and markets overflowing with textiles and handmade goods.
Come hungry: the local cuisine is renowned for mole, tlayudas, and mezcal. Plan around cultural highlights like Guelaguetza in July and Día de Muertos celebrations in late October to early November, when the city becomes especially vibrant.
Puerto Vallarta: Pacific coast charm
Backed by mountains and facing Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta balances beach relaxation with a walkable town center. The malecón promenade is the heart of the action, lined with sculptures, oceanfront restaurants, and sunset views.
It also makes a great base for day trips—whether you’re looking for hidden beaches, smaller surf towns, or marine adventures like whale watching (seasonal) and boat tours.
San Miguel de Allende: colonial jewel
San Miguel de Allende is a storybook city of cobblestone lanes, pastel facades, and a skyline dominated by the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. Art galleries, boutique hotels, and rooftop dining add modern comfort to a deeply historic setting.
Wandering the center at a slow pace is the point here: you’ll find courtyards, artisan shops, and cultural events that make the city feel both elegant and welcoming.
Guanajuato: colorful university city
Guanajuato’s hillside homes paint the city in bright layers, while a network of tunnels doubles as roadways—an unusual feature that makes exploring feel like an adventure. Its historic center is recognized for its silver-mining legacy and well-preserved colonial architecture.
If you enjoy performing arts, time your visit for the Cervantino Festival, when the city fills with music, dance, and theater, and the streets turn into a celebration.
Playa del Carmen: Riviera Maya gateway
Playa del Carmen offers a more urban beach vibe than its quieter neighbors, with restaurants, shops, and nightlife concentrated along Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue). It works well for travelers who want convenience—plus easy connections to nearby attractions.
From here, ferries run to Cozumel, and day trips to ruins, cenotes, and beach clubs are simple to organize.
Los Cabos: desert meets sea
At the tip of Baja California, Los Cabos combines dramatic desert landscapes with the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. Cabo San Lucas brings energy and nightlife, while San José del Cabo offers a calmer pace and a charming art district.
Don’t miss El Arco, the iconic rock formation at Land’s End, and consider adding a water-based day—whether that’s a boat ride, snorkeling, or (in season) whale watching.
Chichén Itzá: wonder of the ancient world
Chichén Itzá is one of Mexico’s most visited archaeological sites, known for the El Castillo pyramid and the area’s extraordinary Maya engineering. The design famously reflects astronomical precision, and the site’s plazas and ceremonial structures show how advanced the city once was.
Arrive early to avoid heat and crowds, and pair the visit with a nearby cenote swim for a full-day experience.
Mérida: gateway to Mayan culture
Mérida is a relaxed, culture-rich base in the Yucatán, with grand architecture along Paseo de Montejo and lively public squares hosting music and community events. Markets brim with hammocks, handicrafts, and regional ingredients.
It’s also perfectly positioned for day trips to sites like Uxmal and to the region’s many cenotes—ideal if you want history and nature without constantly changing hotels.
Isla Mujeres: island escape
Just off Cancún’s coast, Isla Mujeres delivers clear water, calm beaches, and a slower rhythm where golf carts are a popular way to get around. Playa Norte is a standout for swimming, especially if you want a gentle, family-friendly shore.
Add snorkeling or a visit to Punta Sur for sunrise views—and if you travel in summer, look into seasonal tours for swimming with whale sharks.
Puebla: colonial architecture and cuisine
Puebla is known for its Talavera-tiled buildings, impressive churches, and a food scene that deserves its own itinerary. Try classics like mole poblano and chiles en nogada, then explore the historic center at a leisurely pace.
Nearby Cholula adds an easy side trip, where a church sits atop an enormous pyramid and the surrounding views stretch across the valley.
Your next Mexico trip starts here
The best places to visit in Mexico span every kind of getaway—Caribbean beaches, Pacific bays, mountain towns, culinary capitals, and world-famous ruins. Pick two or three regions that complement each other, and you’ll get a trip that feels varied without becoming exhausting.
Whether you’re diving into street food, exploring UNESCO-listed historic centers, swimming in cenotes, or lingering on a quiet shoreline, Mexico rewards travelers who slow down and let each destination’s character unfold.