Top 10 Places to Visit in Mexico: A Comprehensive Guide

Mexico is an incredible nation, with a stunning taste of music, color, and scenery at every turn. There is always something fresh and fascinating to discover in this great nation, whether it is your first vacation, or you are a seasoned traveler. There is something for everyone in this country, Mexico’s culture, cuisine, places to visit in Mexico, things to do and much more than that.

There are multiple reasons to visit this stunning country than a single list could ever include, that is why we’ve compiled a list of some of the finest Mexico tourist attractions.

Best Time to Visit Mexico

For a regular traveler, any time is ideal, but between December and April is the best time to go to Mexico for its perplexing location. Generally speaking, when there is little to no rain. However, since the beginning of the year, celebrations and festivities have been ongoing.

10 Places to visit in Mexico

Here are the best 10 places to visit in Mexico. Our experts have combed through thousands of articles and gathered insights from travelers who have experienced the wonders of Mexico firsthand. Drawing from their collective wisdom, we’ve curated a list of places that showcase the diverse attractions and best places.

1. Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, or simply Playa, is one of the beauties of the whole Yucatán Peninsula, and it is one of the newest areas where you can discover the hippest culture. Playa showcases just the Mexico’s nightlife whether you want to find busy bars or just relax with a cup of coffee at a stylish café. You may find both timeshares and all-inclusive resorts that are accessible around the city.

Things to do: Swimming, Snorkeling, Sunbathing by the beach
Top Attractions: Rio Secreto, Xenses Park by Xcaret, 3D Museum of Wonders, Chikin Ha
Pro Tip: There is this most common misunderstandings about Mexico and Playa del Carmen in particular, that it’s Tex-Mex and second that it’s all tacos. However, the best restaurants aren’t even on 5th Avenue (the main strip).

2. Cabo Pulmo

Discover world-class diving off Cabo Pulmo, the only substantial reef on the west coast of North America, and one of the biggest and most prosperous marine protected areas in the world. This will help you rediscover the magic of ancient Baja.

Things to do: Shore Excursion, Scuba and Snorkeling, Swim with whale sharks, mountain biking
Top Attractions: Cabo Pulmo Marine Reserve, Dive House, Eco Adventures
Pro Tip: Swim with whale sharks is a popular activity in the area, you may need to reserve your position on the trip well in advance.

3. Tulum

Where should you go if you love the beach in Mexico? Choose Tulum, one of Mexico’s top beach vacation spots, where you may choose from some of the region’s greatest beaches! Discover the beaches with white sand and the mysterious ocean.

Things to do: Snorkeling, Extreme Sports, Caverns & Caves, Ziplining, Scuba diving, Kayaking
Top Attractions: Tulum Archealogical Sites, Cenotes Dos Ojos, Playa Paraiso, Ziggy Beach
Pro Tip: Businesses in Tulum accept US currencies and Mexican pesos. But because of currency rates, using dollars is expensive, therefore, choose to withdraw pesos from an ATM at a nearby bank for a better deal.

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4. Isla Cozumel

If you’re in Playa and want to get away from the crowds, then head to the island of Cozumel, which lies just off the coast of Playa del Carmen. The island is well-known across the world, and it also happens to be one of the top scuba diving locations in the whole Western Hemisphere.

Things to do: Reefs, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling
Top Attractions: Isla Pasion, Cozumel Pearl Farm, Palancar Reef, Sanata Rosa Wall
Pro Tip: It is common rule that visitors should refrain from consuming tap water in Mexico. This law also applies to Cozumel, so visitors are advised to find out where their hotel or resort’s water comes from.

5. Izamal

Izamal, a unique city and one of the greatest locations to visit in Southern Mexico, has its own appeal; it glances back at you and will linger in your mind. The town is affectionately known as “Ciudad Amarilla” (Yellow City), and it is. Every building in this town has been painted yellow.

Things to do: Horse drawn carriage riding, biking, snorkeling
Top Attraction: Cenote Chihuan, Plaza Izamal, Centro Cultural y Artesanal Izamal, Piramide de Kinich Kak Moo
Pro Tip: Izamal is renowned for producing hammocks. Think about getting one as a special present or keepsake.

6. Mazatlán

Mazatlán is the next stop on your itinerary. This was a well-known town during the mid-twentieth century. Its 20 km of sandy beaches have traditionally drawn vacationers. Because of its historical significance, it has been restored to its former splendor.

Things to do: Historical tour, beach tour, water sports
Top Attractions: Catedral Mazatlán Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción, Old Mazatlan, Observatorio 1873
Pro Tip: Embrace Mexico’s local cuisine by trying traditional dishes. Street food can be delicious and a great way to experience the local flavors.

7. Acapulco

It was previously Mexico’s most renowned go-to destination. Before the prominence of the two cities, Cancn and Ixtapa, the location reached its pinnacle. It was all about Acapulco back then. This was Frank Sinatra’s, John F. Kennedy’s, Elizabeth Taylor’s, and Elvis Presley’s playground.

Things to do: Hiking, Water activities, Spa and wellness
Top Attractions: Punta Diamante, La Quebrada, Isla La Roqueta Playa, Pie de la Cuesta
Pro Tip: Explore local markets like Mercado Municipal for a taste of Acapulco’s culture and to find unique souvenirs like handicrafts, clothing, and artwork.

8. Guadalajara

It is the country’s second largest city and is rich in Mexico historical attractions, with an abundance of museums and cultural places committed to preserving Mexican cultural history. This attraction gets under your skin with lofty churches, and wonderful craft shopping in the arty suburbs.

Things to do: Hot air balloon ride, hiking, craft beer tasting, explore suburbs
Top Attractions: Acuario Michin Guadalajara, Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento, Teatro Degollado, Bosque Los Colomos
Pro Tip: The easiest approach to learn how to get somewhere in Guadalajara is to ask tapatos (Guadalajara locals), as Google Maps is not connected to the city’s public transit system.

9. Los Cabos

The desert and the sea converge at Los Cabos, where the sun shines for 350 days out of the year! The two cities of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo make up the municipal authority, and the connecting Resort Corridor runs between them.

Things to do: Wild Canyon Adventures, Snorkeling, Whale watching, photography tours
Top Attractions: Playa del Amor, Medano Beach, Marina Cabo San Lucas, Bay of Cabo San Lucas
Pro Tip: Although Uber is available in Los Cabos, it does not accept customers at the airport. You won’t be able to simply call an Uber when you arrive, so prepare accordingly.

10. Mexico City

The regal Mexico City is here upon us. Large multinational brands are dotting the streets of Mexico City as the city enters its major makeover phase. Restaurants and a quickly developing cultural scene are bringing life back to the urban landscape. If you want to explore more of Mexico’s historical attractions, check out one of the many museums in this city that provide views into its past.

Things to do: Film screening, art workshops, photography walk, hiking
Top Attractions: Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Chapultepec Castle, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe
Pro Tip: As a general rule, you will have to tip a minimum of 10 percent to servers and anyone else who has to bring the bill to your table.

Places to Visit in Mexico FAQS

1. What are the top 5 tourist attractions in Mexico?

For anyone who enjoys seeing new places and wants to seek adventure in Mexico, this country is a worth visiting place. There are countless attractions to select from, some of them include: 1. Playa del Carmen, 2. Cabo Pulmo, 3. Tulum, 4. Isla Cozumel, 5. Izamal

2. Which are the best tourist spots in Mexico with family?

The best places to visit Mexico with Family are Izamal and the beach town Tulum

3. What are the famous places to visit for shopping in Mexico?

La Isla, Fabrica La Aurora, Casa de los Venados, are the famous places to shop in Mexico

Tboacademy Team