Not even peak season chaos can keep travellers away from this country. Here are the top attractions and experiences in Mexico.
One place that piques our interest is Mexico. The fact that it’s listed as one of the top destinations to visit in 2024 does the country more favours. If your knowledge of Mexico is limited to tacos, tequilas, and sombreros, it’s time to look past the stereotypes and discover what the United Mexican States offers. We’re talking ancient pyramids, a technicolour reef, happening nightlife, and more.
Before you get excited, here’s what you need to know about Mexico. The best time to visit is between November and February when it’s cooler and less likely to rain. Unfortunately, this period is also when tourists flock to the country. June to October is shoulder season, though you have to contend with the humidity. If you’re fine with that, summer’s a great time for surfing and spotting white sharks. Dia de los Muertos, aka Day of the Dead, is celebrated in early November; festivities usually occur in Oaxaca and Mexico City.
Without further ado, here’s our travel guide to Mexico. Vamos!
Mexico travel guide: Top cities and regions to visit
1. Mexico City
The country’s capital, the fifth-largest city in the world, is a feast for the senses. This urban jungle is filled with everything from sprawling green spaces to ornate colonial buildings. Visitors can also look forward to bars and restaurants that often rank in the world’s best lists, scrumptious street food, flea markets for the best bargain finds, and more. Mexico City is truly a globetrotter’s paradise.
What’s worth checking out here? Obviously, you need to visit Museo Frida Kahlo; its cobalt blue exterior is reminiscent of Jardin Majorelle, the gorgeous garden attraction in Morocco. The museum houses paintings done by the great artist alongside her husband, Diego Riviera, and other contemporaries. See if you can spot Frida’s corset collection, which she wore to support her body after her accident. Other museums we recommend exploring are Museo Nacional de Antropología and Museo Anahuacalli.
If you’ve always wanted to watch a Lucha Libre wrestling match live, make your way to Arena Coliseo. Anyone into fresh blooms? You’ll love the sights and smells of Mercado Jamaica, the city’s prime flower market. Or, go back in time by visiting the Mesoamerican pyramids of Teotihuacán. Wrap up your day with a few tipples at Patrick Miller before hitting the dance floor.
2. Cancun
We don’t know about you, but we typically associate Cancun with college kids spending their summer breaks here. Our assumption is probably not far off, thanks to this tourist destination’s white sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and nightlife. But of course, there’s more to the city than meets the eye.
Cancun is said to be the best place for snorkelling and diving. Located near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, here’s where you can marvel at beautiful corals and marine life. Don’t forget to check out Museo Subacuático de Arte, one of the world’s largest underwater museums. Officially opened in November 2010, it features 500 sculptures across three galleries.
You can also consider spending a day at Isla Mujeres, a laidback island known for its shimmery water and gorgeous beaches. If soaking in the sun is not your thing, we suggest exploring the archaeological sites of Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, and El Rey Ruins. Otherwise, gather your posse and hit up the various adventure parks. Xcaret is where you can swim through meandering canals, go on a jungle hike, and immerse yourself in cultural presentations.
Anything good to eat in Cancun? Seafood lovers can enjoy freshly caught seafood at Marbella Fish Market & Raw Bar, which we reckon is Mexico’s equivalent of Tsukiji Market. Those craving Italian cuisine can make reservations for Siete Cielos Pizzeria by Frontoni or Cenacolo.
3. Puebla
If Mexico City is too crowded (and overwhelming) for your liking, you can consider heading to Puebla 100 kilometres away. The country’s fourth-largest city is good for a day trip. It’s an unforgettable experience worthy of your visit, so set aside some time in your Mexico travel guide to drop by.
Cuexcomate is an attraction you shouldn’t miss. Standing 13 metres tall, this inactive geyser is known as the world’s smallest volcano. It was previously used to dispose of dead bodies, but nowadays, the site hosts cultural events. Bibliophiles will want to go to Biblioteca Palafoxiana, the first public library in the Americas. The bookshelves, which span three levels, hold 45,000 books and manuscripts. Continue your tour to Chapel del Rosario, hidden in the Church of Santo Domingo. It’s often regarded as the world’s eighth wonder.
Creative types should stroll around Barrio del Artista, where the streets come alive with local artists at work. You can also make this a pit stop for coffee or bask in the afternoon sun. Oops, is that your stomach rumbling? After a day of walking, you can drop by Calle de los Dulces for sweet treats like muegano (a Mexican street candy), jamoncillo (milk fudge), borrachitos (rum balls), and cocadas (coconut macaroons).
4. Oaxaca
Located in the southern part of Mexico, Oaxaca (pronounced wah-hah-kah) is all about indigenous culture and celebrating Mexican heritage. There’s always a festivity in the streets, and you’re greeted with mezcal – more than you can drink, probably – wherever you go. Throw in pork tacos, mole, and tours of traditional ruins, and that’s Oaxaca in a nutshell.
One unmissable attraction is Hierve el Agua. The best way to describe this mesmerising natural landmark is it froze mid-spill. Of course, it’s not really frozen. This is the work of calcified mineral deposits. Hike to the top, where you can dip into the infinity pools and be dazzled by the panoramic views of the landscape. Make sure your phone is all juiced up for the photo ops!
If you can spare the time, take a trip to San Jose del Pacifico, where you can interact with shamans and the hippie community. You can also participate in temazcal, an ancient healing ceremony that relieves stress, aches, and injuries. Not keen on that activity? No worries, here’s a more relaxing option: printmaking at La Máquina Taller de Gráfica.
Continue taking it easy by wandering around the 5.5-acre Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca. Check out the red frangipani trees, a vanilla plant, and other endangered species. Remember to pop by Casa Viviana and get beeswax candles for your loved ones before leaving the state.
5. Merida
Another destination you must slot into your Mexico travel guide is Merida. Yucatan State’s capital has been flying under the radars for the longest time, but it’s fast becoming a locale for jet-setters to visit. Sure, it might be a little too rustic, but the location is also friendlier to your wallet. Plus, it’s regarded as one of the country’s safest cities. Are you enticed now?
Plaza Grande is the city’s busiest tourist hotspot, but if you’re not into crowds, head southwest to Parque de San Sebastián. This old neighbourhood has lively activities like Zumba classes, carnival games, and religious processions. When you’re done, move on to the Cathedral of San Ildefonso’s atrium, where Pok Ta’ Pok, an ancient ball game Mayans play for good harvest and protection, takes place on Saturdays at 8pm.
Did you know Merida has its own projection mapping shows, too? Dialogos del Conquistador takes place at Museo Casa Montejo on Wednesdays at 8pm, while Piedras Sagradas runs at 8pm on Fridays at the cathedral in Plaza Grande. Are you fascinated with the supernatural? Partake in walking through Cementerio General de Mérida before continuing at Museo Paranormal. Don’t be afraid of the dark!
6. Baja California
This Mexican state feels a world away from the country, given that it’s located on the Pacific coast and borders California. The expansive mountains, desert, and beaches offer travellers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Raise your hands if you’re into camping! Bahia de los Angeles is a magnificent campsite where you can pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. Don’t worry, modern amenities like hot showers and a cafe serving up large margaritas are available here. Speaking of alcohol, make time to visit Valle de Guadalupe, an up-and-coming wine region dubbed “the Napa of Baja”. There are plenty of wineries to tour, and you can sip everything they offer.
Ever wondered what it’s like at the border? Well, there’s only one way to find out. Pay Parque de la Amistad (aka Friendship Park) a visit, where you’ll find murals, gardens, and even music. Remember to stay safe! When you’re done, it’s time to refuel at Tijuana’s many taco places. Taco-N-Todo and Tacos El Franc are two highly-raved spots. Psst: do you know what makes everything go down? Tequilas!
We don’t know about you, but this travel guide makes us want to visit Mexico, stat.
