From Pacific surf towns to jungle-wrapped ruins, Mexico delivers big on adventure and culture. Think beach days, ancient temples, raucous street parties, and cities packed with baroque churches and street food that slaps. The food alone is worth the trip to Mexico – fiery, complex, and endlessly regional. If you're after unforgettable things to do in Mexico, this list has you covered.
Taxco is a small city located in the Mexican state of Guerrero © Shutterstock
Taxco isn’t just Mexico’s silver capital – it’s a town that pulls you in with its charm. Whitewashed houses cling to steep hillsides, balconies spill with bougainvillea, and narrow cobbled lanes wind past old churches and lively plazas.
What draws people here, though, is the silver. Taxco’s platerías (silversmith shops) sell everything from chunky rings to delicate filigree earrings. Skip the chain stores and hunt for pieces made by local artisans – quality is high, and haggling is expected.
There’s no rush here. Take your time, duck into a few workshops, then grab a cold drink and watch the town roll by. It’s easy to see why Taxco remains one of the best pueblos mágicos in Mexico – a place where tradition, craft, and character come together in one photogenic, walkable package.
Buses run regularly from Mexico City’s southern terminal (Terminal Taxqueña) – the trip takes around 3 hours. You can also travel from Cuernavaca in about 2 hours.
Come in November during the National Silver Fair for markets, exhibitions, and parades. Otherwise, weekdays are quieter for browsing, especially outside holiday periods. Avoid Semana Santa unless you’re into massive crowds and processions.
Mangrove tree in the Caribbean Sea in the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve © Jess Kraft/Shutterstock
If you’re building a Mexico itinerary that includes nature, Sian Ka’an belongs on it. This vast UNESCO-listed reserve stretches from dense jungle to mangroves, lagoons, and coral reefs – all packed with wildlife.
It’s a hotspot for birdwatchers, with over 300 species including toucans, herons, and the elusive jabiru stork. You might also spot manatees in the lagoons or dolphins along the coast.
Boat tours from Punta Allen or Muyil get you closest to the action. Avoid the so-called “eco-resorts” along the edge – many aren’t as sustainable as they claim.
From Tulum, head south to either Muyil (for inland jungle and lagoon tours) or Punta Allen (for coastal trips). Tours often include transport, but the roads are rough – a 4WD helps.
Dry season (November to April) is best – trails are clearer and wildlife is easier to spot. Bird activity peaks in February and March, when migratory species pass through.
Bonampak murals, Mexico © AntonBkrd/Shutterstock
Tucked deep in the Lacandón jungle, Bonampak is compact, but it packs a serious historical punch. What sets it apart isn’t its pyramids or plazas, but what’s painted inside its Temple of the Murals.
Here you’ll find the only complete set of Maya murals still intact. Vivid scenes burst with detail: royal rituals, musicians, dancers, and some shockingly graphic battle sequences. These aren't faded remnants either – the colors are still intense, centuries later.
For a raw, unfiltered glimpse into Maya life, Bonampak is easily one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Bonampak is remote. The closest hub is Palenque – from there, take a bus or drive to the town of Frontera Corozal. You’ll need to hire a Lacandón guide to access the site via jungle road.
Visit between November and April to avoid the worst of the rain. Go early in the day to beat the heat – and the tour groups from Palenque.
Cruising the Sea of Cortés coast is hands down one of the best things to do in Mexico. This stretch around Bahía Concepción is where you’ll find some of the best beaches in Mexico – think calm turquoise water, powdery sand, and barely anyone else around.
Top spots include Bahía Concepción, Loreto, La Paz, and the wild East Cape. You can camp right on the beach, kayak into quiet coves, or dive with sea lions off Isla Espíritu Santo. It's Baja at its best – remote, raw, and unforgettable.
Fly into La Paz or Loreto, then rent a car – you’ll want wheels to explore the beaches along Highway 1. Roads are good, but fuel up often.
Go between October and May for cooler temps and calm seas. Summer can be sweltering, and hurricane season hits between August and September. Whale watching is best from January to March.
Seeing a gray whale surface just meters from your boat is one of the wildest things to do in Mexico – and one of the most memorable experiences if you're traveling in Mexico with kids.
Each winter, thousands of gray whales migrate from the Arctic to the warm, shallow lagoons of Baja California to breed and give birth. They arrive mostly between January and February, but sightings are possible from December to April. Some lagoons, like Laguna San Ignacio and Bahía Magdalena, are so full of whales that you’ll lose count.
You might also spot whale sharks, sea turtles, or even blue whales if you're lucky.
Fly into La Paz, Loreto, or Los Cabos. From there, drive or join a tour to lagoons like Bahía Magdalena, Laguna San Ignacio, or Guerrero Negro.
Peak whale watching season is January to March. February usually offers the highest number of sightings and the calmest weather.
Mexico City, the capital of a diverse country © Shutterstock
This place doesn’t do anything quietly. With over 25 million people, Mexico City is vast, bold, and packed with energy. You’ll find ancient ruins wedged between sleek museums, street food stalls outside high-end restaurants, and music everywhere – from mariachi in the plazas to underground techno in late-night clubs.
Planning a solid Mexico City itinerary helps. Start in the historic center at the Zócalo, flanked by the cathedral and Templo Mayor. Then move outward to explore Roma, Condesa, or Coyoacán, where the pace slows and local culture shines.
For the best places to stay in Mexico City, look to Roma Norte, Polanco, or Centro Histórico – each offers something different, from boutique hotels to colonial-era guesthouses.
Fly into Mexico City International Airport (MEX) – the city is well-connected to major global hubs. The metro is cheap and fast, but crowded. Use Uber or taxis from authorized sitios for convenience.
March to May is ideal – the weather’s pleasant and the jacaranda trees are in bloom. October and November are also great, especially around Día de Muertos for vibrant celebrations and parades.
Mayan Ruins Besides Caribbean Sea © DC_Aperture/Shutterstock
Visiting Tulum easily ranks among the top things to do in Mexico – and not just for the ancient Maya ruins perched dramatically above the sea.
What draws people in is the beach. With powdery white sand and turquoise Caribbean water, Tulum regularly lands on lists of the best beaches in the world. The coast is lined with everything from rustic cabanas to high-end eco-resorts, though these days, you’ll pay a premium for the view.
The town itself is full of contrasts: craft cocktails, boutique shops, wellness retreats – and some of the best Yucatán tacos around, if you know where to look. Skip the hotel strip and head into the town center for smoky cochinita pibil and slow-roasted lechón served on plastic stools.
Fly into Cancún International Airport and head south – it’s a 2-hour drive or bus ride. Use taxis or rental bikes to get between the beach, ruins, and town.
November to April brings sunny skies and warm temperatures. Skip December holidays and Semana Santa if you want fewer crowds and better deals.
Valladolid's sink holes and other highlights © lunamarina/Shutterstock
Valladolid might be small, but it’s packed with character – a slow-paced town where colonial streets meet Mayan heritage. This is real Yucatán: locals selling embroidered huipiles in the plaza, ranchers on their daily rounds, and food that hasn’t been tamed for tourists.
The town is also surrounded by some of the most spectacular Yucatan cenotes. Cenote Zací, right in town, is semi-open and dramatic – tree roots twist down into the water, and sunlight streams in from above. Others like Cenote Suytun and Cenote X’kekén are just a short drive away.
Valladolid is about a 2-hour drive from Cancún or Mérida. Buses run frequently from both cities, and it’s a convenient base for visiting Chichén Itzá too.
Go between November and March for cooler temperatures and easier cenote swims. Arrive early at the popular cenotes if you want to avoid crowds and tour buses.
Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico © Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico that includes history, Palenque should be high on your list. Tucked deep in the Chiapas jungle, this ancient Maya city still feels hidden – a place where moss-covered temples rise from the undergrowth and howler monkeys echo through the trees.
At its height under Pacal the Great in the seventh century, Palenque was known for its advanced architecture and intricate carvings. Today, it’s one of the most evocative archaeological sites in the Americas. Most of the city still lies buried beneath dense forest, which only adds to its appeal.
Often listed among the famous lost cities in the world, Palenque delivers more than just ruins – it offers atmosphere, mystery, and a sense of discovery. Exploring this site is one of the best things to do in Mexico for anyone with a taste for ancient civilizations or jungle-clad adventures.
Fly into Villahermosa or Tuxtla Gutiérrez, then take a bus or shared van to Palenque town – from there it’s a short ride to the ruins. You can also visit as a stop between San Cristóbal de las Casas and the Yucatán.
Visit between November and March for cooler temperatures and clearer skies. Go early in the day – the heat builds fast, and the site is quieter before tour buses arrive.
Playa del Carmen © DisobeyArt/Shutterstock
Once just a sleepy stopover for backpackers headed to Cozumel, Playa del Carmen has transformed into one of the liveliest towns on the Riviera Maya – and one of the best vacation spots in Mexico if you're after beaches by day and parties by night. These days, it’s packed with clubs, cocktail bars, and late-night taco joints – a natural add-on to any Cancún itinerary.
Most of the action is on or just off Quinta Avenida, the pedestrian strip that runs parallel to the beach. You’ll find rooftop lounges with mezcal flights, sweaty salsa bars, beach clubs, and DJs spinning until sunrise. Even the traditional taco stands stay open late. Want to go local? Join a street food tour and eat your way through the backstreets – the late-night al pastor is worth the wait.
Playa is just over an hour south of Cancún by bus, colectivo, or car. It’s also the ferry hub for reaching Isla Cozumel.
November to April brings dry weather and cooler evenings – ideal for nightlife. Avoid Spring Break and Holy Week unless you’re here for the chaos.
There are many interesting things to buy at Mexic's marcados © Tati Nova photo Mexico/Shutterstock
Exploring the markets is one of the most rewarding things to do in Mexico, and nowhere does it better than Oaxaca. This is one of the country’s most culturally diverse states, home to the Zapotec, Mixtec, and 16 other Indigenous groups – each with their own languages, crafts, and traditions.
Oaxaca’s markets reflect that richness. You’ll find everything from local cheeses and chapulines (fried grasshoppers) to handwoven rugs and naturally dyed textiles. Teotitlán del Valle, just outside the city, is known for its intricate weavings and is a great place to see traditional techniques in action – and buy directly from the makers.
Fly into Oaxaca Xoxocotlán Airport (OAX) or take a long-distance bus from Mexico City (approx. 6-7 hours). Teotitlán del Valle is about 40 minutes from Oaxaca City by car or colectivo.
October to March is best for market browsing in cooler weather. Time your trip for Día de Muertos (late October-early November) or Guelaguetza (July) for even more local color and celebration.
Teotihuacán, Mexico © Rafal Kubiak/Shutterstock
Just outside Mexico City lies one of the country’s most impressive archaeological sites: Teotihuacán, the ancient “place where men become gods.” Its scale still stuns. The Pyramid of the Sun towers 65 meters high, and the Avenue of the Dead stretches out for over 2km, flanked by temples and palaces.
At its peak, Teotihuacán was likely the largest city in the Americas, home to around 150,000 people. Today, you can walk the same ceremonial paths or take to the sky in a hot air balloon for a bird’s-eye view of the ruins.
Take a direct bus from Terminal del Norte in Mexico City – the journey takes about an hour. Taxis or guided tours are also easy to arrange from the city.
Arrive early, especially in the dry season (November-April). There’s little shade and the site gets hot fast. Weekdays are quieter than weekends or holidays.
Acapulco’s cliff divers © Ramunas Bruzas/Shutterstock
In La Quebrada, Acapulco’s legendary cliff divers leap from heights of up to 35m into a narrow, churning inlet below – somersaults optional, but often included. It’s been going on since the 1920s, and the crowds still gather four times a day to watch.
What makes it gripping isn’t just the height – it’s the timing. The divers wait for a wave to crash in, creating just enough water depth to avoid hitting the rocks. A split-second too early or too late, and the risk is real.
You’ll find plenty of spots to watch, but the best views are from the small viewing platforms – or the nearby restaurant terrace if you want a seat and a drink.
La Quebrada is in central Acapulco, about 10 minutes by car from the Zócalo. Taxis are cheap and easy, or walk if you're staying nearby.
Shows usually run four times daily, with the final dive after sunset lit by torchlight – easily the most dramatic. Check local listings for exact times.
Charreada © Leonardo Emiliozzi Ph/Shutterstock
For a deep dive into traditional Mexican culture – without the bloodshed of a bullfight – head to a charreada in Guadalajara, the birthplace of mariachi and Mexico’s cowboy traditions. Held in purpose-built lienzos charros (rodeo arenas), these events are equal parts sport, pageantry, and family gathering.
Skilled riders in embroidered suits compete in horseback events that mix roping, reining, and showmanship. The crowd’s into it, there’s usually live music, and the whole thing feels like a throwback to old-school ranch life.
The Lienzo Charro Jalisco, just south of the city center, is the best-known venue. Take a taxi or rideshare – it’s about 20 minutes from the Centro Histórico.
Charreadas usually take place on Sunday afternoons, especially from October to April, during peak season. Check local listings or ask at your hotel for times and tickets.
Archaeological sites of El Tajín © Noradoa/Shutterstock
If you’re into ancient cities and off-the-radar ruins, exploring El Tajín is one of the most rewarding things to do in Mexico. Tucked away in the hills of Veracruz state, this pre-Hispanic site is the most significant archaeological complex on the Gulf coast – and somehow, still under-visited.
The site is split into Tajín Viejo and Tajín Chico, with dozens of temples and ceremonial buildings spread across a forested plateau. The standout is the Pyramid of the Niches, with 365 carved recesses said to represent the solar calendar. Before heading in, stop at the on-site museum to get your bearings and check out delicate carvings rescued from the site.
Base yourself in Papantla, just 20 minutes away by taxi or colectivo. Buses run to Papantla from Poza Rica, which is a larger transport hub in the region.
Visit from November to March to avoid the worst of the heat and humidity. Come in late March for the Cumbre Tajín festival, a vibrant cultural event with music, dance, and Totonac rituals.
Mayan city of Calakmul © Rainer Lesniewski/Shutterstock
Hidden deep in the Campeche jungle near the Guatemalan border, Calakmul is one of the most remote and rewarding Maya sites you can visit. It’s the largest known archaeological zone in Mesoamerica, and getting there feels like an adventure in itself. @
The ruins rise from thick forest, with massive pyramids poking above the canopy. Climb to the top of Structure II, and you’re met with an uninterrupted sea of green – on a clear day, you might even spot El Mirador over the border in Guatemala.
Wildlife sightings are common too: howler monkeys, toucans, and if you're lucky, even a jaguar paw print in the mud.
Colonial town of Zacatecas © stacyarturogi/Shutterstock
Wedged between two hills at nearly 2,500m above sea level, Zacatecas is one of Mexico’s most visually striking cities – all pink stone buildings, baroque facades, and steep cobbled streets. Once a major silver mining hub, today it’s packed with grand colonial churches and museums housed in former mansions.
Exploring this historic city is one of the most underrated things to do in Mexico. The Catedral Basílica, carved from rose-hued stone, is a standout, as is the Museo Rafael Coronel, with its eerie collection of ceremonial masks. For a panoramic view, take the cable car up to Cerro de la Bufa and wander the old fort.
You can fly into Zacatecas International Airport, or take a bus from Guadalajara, San Luis Potosí, or Mexico City (6-8 hours). The historic center is walkable, though steep in parts.
Go between October and April for mild, dry weather. September brings the Feria Nacional de Zacatecas – a local festival with concerts, rodeos, and fireworks.
Cozumel reef © Shutterstock
Cozumel isn’t just about beaches and cruise ships – it’s home to one of the best diving spots in the world. Just offshore lies the Mesoamerican Reef, second in size only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and packed with vibrant corals, tunnels, walls, and marine life.
French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau put Cozumel on the map in the 1960s, calling it one of the best underwater experiences on the planet. Decades later, it still lives up to the hype. Expect sea turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks, and visibility that often hits 30 meters.
Ferries run frequently from Playa del Carmen, taking about 45 minutes. You can also fly directly into Cozumel International Airport from major hubs in Mexico and the US.
Diving is possible year-round, but conditions are best from November to April. Avoid September and October if you want to steer clear of hurricane season.
San Miguel De Allende Street in Mexico © Shutterstock
With its red rooftops, pastel walls, and church domes rising above narrow lanes, San Miguel de Allende is one of the most elegant colonial towns in Mexico. Set on a hillside in the Bajío region, it’s less about big-ticket sights and more about atmosphere, which it has in spades.
Declared a national monument in 1926, the town is full of crumbling mansions, leafy courtyards, and graceful stone churches. Sunrise is the best time to wander – the light catches the cobbles, the streets are quiet, and the Parroquia glows pink in the early haze.
And while it’s best known for art galleries and architecture, the food scene is thriving too. You'll find everything from street tamales to inventive takes on traditional Mexican food in stylish courtyard restaurants.
The closest airports are Querétaro (1.5 hrs away) and León/Guanajuato (2 hrs). Buses run from Mexico City (4 hrs) and Guanajuato (1.5 hrs). The town itself is best explored on foot, though be ready for steep climbs.
October to April offers mild weather and clear skies. Visit in September for the Fiesta de San Miguel, or early November for Día de Muertos events and altars throughout the town.
Chichén Itzá sunset, Mexico © Shutterstock
If you’re ticking off the best things to do in Mexico, Chichén Itzá deserves a spot near the top. Once a major urban center of the Maya-Toltec world (circa 900-1400 AD), this UNESCO-listed site still impresses with its scale, precision, and mythology.
The main attraction is the Temple of Kukulkan, a perfectly symmetrical pyramid that doubles as a giant solar calendar. Visit during the spring or autumn equinox, and you’ll see the shadow of a serpent slide down its steps – an astronomical alignment that continues to amaze.
The site is big – beyond the famous pyramid, there are ball courts, temples, and observatories scattered across the jungle floor. Give yourself time to explore.
The ruins are about 2.5 hours from Cancún and 2 hours from Mérida by car or bus. Many visit on day tours, but staying overnight in Valladolid gives you the chance to arrive early and beat the crowds.
November to March offers cooler weather and fewer tour groups. If you're there for the equinox, expect heavy crowds – arrive before 8 am for any chance of quiet.
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 12.08.2025
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Mexico
