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My quick and easy guide to the best places to visit in Mexico – based on multiple visits and months of travelling the country…
Mexico is easily one of my favourite countries in the world! It has it all: ancient ruins surrounded by jungle, colourful colonial cities, food so good you’ll want to eat six meals a day, and two long coastlines dotted with beaches to suit all vibes! With so much variety, choosing where to go can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first visit or you’re travelling solo.
This guide pulls together the very best destinations across the country. It’s not a ranked list, but a curated selection of places that are beautiful, culturally-rich, and easy to visit. Whether you’re dreaming of white sandy beaches, epic natural landscapes, or all the tacos you can eat, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here!
Use the map below to get a feel for where everything is, then dive into the destinations for quick, at-a-glance info to help you plan your trip. ¡Buen viaje!
Quick Picks
- Best for first‑timers: Mexico City, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta
- Best for solo travellers: Mérida, Oaxaca City
- Best for beaches: Riviera Maya, Baja California Sur, Isla Holbox
- Best for history: Chiapas, Campeche
- Best for food: Oaxaca City, Mexico City, Mérida
- Best for adventure: Copper Canyon, Baja California Sur
- Off‑the‑beaten‑path: Michoacán (Morelia), Querétaro & Bernal
Places to Visit in Mexico: Map
13 Best Places to Visit in Mexico
Mexico City
Best for: Food | Culture | Museums
Why go: A vibrant capital packed with world-class cuisine, historic neighbourhoods, and incredible museums.
Highlights:
- Centro Histórico
- Frida Kahlo Museum
- Teotihuacán (an archaeological site within day-trip distance of the capital)
Good to know: Mexico City is huge, so plan your days by neighbourhood! Safety-wise, it’s best to stick to well-known neighbourhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Coyoacán.
Oaxaca City
Best for: Food | Culture
Why go: A colourful, creative city known for exceptional cuisine, mezcal, and lively festivals – especially the iconic Dia de Muertos celebrations.
Highlights:
- Monte Albán (archaeological site)
- Markets like Benito Juárez, 20 de Noviembre
- Food tours and mezcal tastings
Good to know: Oaxaca gets very busy during festivals like Guelaguetza and Day of the Dead. Book accommodation well in advance if you’re visiting at those times.
Riviera Maya (Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Akumal)
Best for: Beaches | Relaxation | Nightlife
Why go: An area on the Caribbean coast, known for its turquoise water, soft-sand beaches, cenotes, and Tulum’s boho-chic vibes.
Highlights:
- Tulum ruins
- Xcaret & Xel-Há
- Cozumel Island
Good to know: Public transport is easy along the coast.
Baja California Sur (La Paz, Loreto, Todos Santos & Cabo San Lucas)
Best for: Beaches | Wildlife | Adventure
Why go: An ideal road trip destination, where desert landscapes meet the Sea of Cortez, with pristine beaches and world-class water activities.
Highlights:
- Balandra Beach
- Whale watching (December-April)
- Isla Espíritu Santo
Good to know: La Paz is quieter and more authentic, while Cabo offers resort comforts and easy tours.
Mérida
Best for: Food | Culture
Why go: An elegant city with colonial architecture, fantastic museums, and fantastic Yucatán cuisine.
Highlights:
- Paseo de Montejo
- Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
- Nearby cenotes
Good to know: This is one of Mexico’s safest cities, so it’s an ideal choice for solo travellers.
MORE INFO: Things to do in Merida
Copper Canyon
Best for: Adventure | Nature | Hiking
Why go: A vast canyon system four times the size of the Grand Canyon, best explored by a scenic train.
Highlights:
- El Chepe railway
- Divisadero viewpoints
- Tarahumara culture
Good to know: The weather can vary dramatically, so pack layers!
Chiapas (San Cristóbal de las Casas & Palenque)
Best for: Culture | History | Nature
Why go: A lesser-explored state where you can explore jungle ruins, indigenous culture, and colourful highland towns.
Highlights:
- Palenque ruins
- San Cristóbal’s markets
- Sumidero Canyon
Good to know: Roads between towns can be winding (and occasionally blockaded). Allow extra travel time.
MORE INFO: Things to do in Palenque
Isla Holbox
Best for: Beaches | Wildlife | Relaxation
Why go: A laid-back island with sandy streets, calm water, and seasonal whale sharks.
Highlights:
- Enjoy the beaches on Holbox
- Swim with whale sharks (mid-May to mid-September)
- Rent a golf cart to explore the island
Good to know: There are (almost) no cars on the island. Golf carts and bikes only!
MORE INFO: Isla Holbox Travel Guide
Campeche
Best for: History | Architecture | Food
Why go: One of Mexico’s oldest Colonial cities with colourful streets, fortifications, and a relaxed coastal vibe.
Highlights:
- Walled Centro Historico
- Edzná (Mayan ruins)
- Malecón (seafront promenade) and nightly fountain show
Good to know: The historic centre is very safe and walkable, especially around the walled city. Use taxis or rideshares for longer distances.
MORE INFO: Things to do in Campeche
Michoacán (Morelia and Lake Patzcuaro)
Best for: Culture | Architecture | Day of the Dead
Why go: A less-explored region with rich traditions, excellent regional cuisine, and a stunning capital city with pink-stone architecture.
Highlights:
- Morelia Cathedral
- Lake Patzcuaro & surrounding towns
- Tzintzuntzan (ancient ruins)
Good to know: Sadly, not all of the state is safe for tourists. Stick to well-visited areas like Morelia and Pátzcuaro.
MORE INFO: Michoacan Travel Guide
San Miguel de Allende
Best for: Architecture | Culture
Why go: A famously beautiful city of cobblestone streets, art galleries, and striking baroque architecture.
Highlights:
- Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
- Artisan markets
- Rooftop bars
Good to know: Weekends can be very busy, so visit midweek for quieter streets.
Querétaro (Santiago de Querétaro & Bernal)
Best for: Colonial towns | Food | Nature
Why go: A charming central-Mexico state known for its elegant colonial capital, colourful towns, and wine region.
Highlights:
- Querétaro’s historic centre
- Peña de Bernal (a huge rock monolith)
- Local wine region
Good to know: Easy to combine with San Miguel de Allende.
Puerto Vallarta
Best for: Beaches | Nightlife | LGBTQ+ travellers
Why go: A lively coastal city with great food, beaches, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Malecón (seafont promenade)
- Zona Romántica
- Boat trips to hidden beaches
Good to know: One of Mexico’s most LGBTQ-friendly destinations (more info here).
Suggested Itineraries
Classic First-Timer (10-12 days)
Route: Mexico City → Oaxaca City → Riviera Maya
Vibe: Culture, food, beaches
Why it Works: Easy transport links and a perfect intro to Mexico.
Yucatán Highlights (7-10 days)
Route: Riviera Maya → Holbox → Mérida → Campeche
Vibe: Culture, coast, relaxed exploring
Why it works: Combines cities, beaches, and easy day trips. Again, great transport links
Culture & Colonial Cities (10-14 days)
Route: Mexico City → San Miguel de Allende → Santiago de Querétaro & Bernal → Morelia
Vibe: Architecture, history, colourful towns
Why it works: A beautiful central-Mexico loop with short travel times.
Adventure & Nature (10-14 days)
Route: Baja California Sur → Copper Canyon → San Cristóbal de las Casas → Palenque
Vibe: Wildlife, landscapes, jungle ruins
Why it works: A more offbeat route for active travellers
More Travel Guides for Mexico
- Mexico Solo Female Travel Guide
- 27 Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Mexico
- Yucatan Food Guide
- Mexico Travel Tips
Where are your favourite places to visit in Mexico? Share your tips in the comments below!
