Alright, let’s get to the point. Yes, Mexico is absolutely worth visiting. If you’re into beaches, tacos, history, adventure, or just want to vibe somewhere new, Mexico has it all. It’s not just a spring break hotspot. It’s got ancient ruins, chill beach towns, colorful cities, and so many spots that look like they came out of a movie.

Whether you’re planning a trip with friends, family, or even solo, this guide is your one-stop spot for figuring out the best places to visit in Mexico. I got you covered with the popular cities and some hidden gems.

Cancun – Beach Paradise + Party Vibes

Let’s start with the obvious one, Cancun. This place is probably the first thing that pops into your head when someone says “Mexico vacation.” And yeah, there’s a reason for that.

Cancun sits right on the Caribbean coast and has some of the most insane beaches ever. Like, clear turquoise water and white sand that feels like powder. It’s super tourist-friendly, with tons of all-inclusive resorts if you’re into that kinda thing. But even if you’re on a budget, there’s still a lot to do.

Besides just laying on the beach (which, let’s be real, is amazing), you can:

• Go snorkeling or scuba diving in coral reefs
• Take a day trip to Isla Mujeres
• Explore nearby cenotes (those are natural swimming holes and they’re magical)
• Visit Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (it’s like 2.5 hours away but worth the ride)

Best time to go? December to April. That’s when it’s sunny but not too humid.

Mexico City – Culture, Food, and Cool Vibes

Okay, so if you want the real heart of Mexico, you’ve gotta check out Mexico City (or CDMX if you wanna sound like a local). It’s huge, like one of the biggest cities in the world, but also packed with cool stuff literally everywhere.

You could spend a week here and still not see everything. But here’s a quick hit list:

• Zócalo – the main square with epic old buildings and a super big flag
• Chapultepec Park – kind of like Mexico’s Central Park, but even bigger
• Frida Kahlo Museum – yes, the blue house from Instagram is real and awesome
• Xochimilco – ride a colorful boat (called a trajinera) through canals while eating tacos and listening to live mariachi
• Tons of street food like tacos al pastor, tamales, and elotes

And don’t worry, even though it’s a big city, it’s pretty affordable if you stick to local spots. Use the Metro or hop on an Uber to get around easily.

Tulum – Boho Chill Meets History

Tulum is like that artsy girl who also hikes and drinks green smoothies. It’s on the Caribbean coast, not far from Cancun, but has a totally different vibe.

Instead of big resorts, you’ll find more eco-hotels and beach huts. Think yoga on the beach, vegan cafes, and boutiques with dreamcatchers and crystals. But the coolest part? You can swim in the ocean right below ancient Mayan ruins. Like, what??

Things to do in Tulum:

• Visit the Tulum Ruins (they’re literally right on a cliff)
• Go swimming in Gran Cenote or Cenote Calavera
• Explore the beach zone (Zona Hotelera) with bikes or scooters
• Check out Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve for eco-adventures and wildlife

Tulum is kinda boujee in some areas, but you can definitely do it cheap if you stay in town (called Tulum Pueblo) and eat local.

Pro tip: Rent a bike. It’s the easiest way to get around and super fun.

Oaxaca – Food, Art, and Mountains

Oaxaca (pronounced wah-HAH-kah) is a vibe all on its own. It’s not on the beach, but it’s hands-down one of the most authentic places in Mexico. It’s surrounded by mountains and full of amazing traditions, food, and local culture.

If you’re a foodie, Oaxaca is heaven. It’s the birthplace of mole, has killer tlayudas (kinda like Oaxacan pizza), and serves up mezcal (like smoky tequila). Every dish has flavor that’ll blow your mind.

Other must-do stuff:

• Wander the historic center with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets
• Visit Monte Albán, an ancient city on a mountain (the views are wild)
• Go to a local market like Mercado 20 de Noviembre
• Try different types of chocolate (they even drink it hot!)

There’s also cool stuff happening year-round like the Day of the Dead celebrations and Guelaguetza, a huge traditional festival.

Guanajuato – Underground Roads and Color Everywhere

Ever seen a picture of a town with crazy colorful houses stacked on hills? That’s Guanajuato.

This city is in central Mexico and looks like a fairytale. The streets are super narrow and winding, and some of the roads are actually underground tunnels. It’s so different from everywhere else.

Guanajuato has:

• Epic views from the Pipila Monument
• A haunted museum of mummies (yes, real ones)
• The super fun Callejoneadas, kind of like musical walking tours with guys in costumes
• Historic buildings from the silver mining days
• And one of the biggest student populations, so it feels really young and alive

Even just walking around is an experience. You’ll find random plazas, live music, and little shops everywhere.

This place isn’t super touristy like Cancun or Tulum, so it’s perfect if you want something a bit different.

Bonus Spots You Should Totally Check Out

If you’ve got more time or wanna switch it up, here are a few underrated places to visit in Mexico:

• San Miguel de Allende – artsy, romantic, and full of expats
• Puerto Escondido – surf town with awesome beaches and sunsets
• Valladolid – small town near Chichén Itzá, full of charm
• Bacalar – known for the Lagoon of Seven Colors (seriously, it’s like a rainbow)
• Mazatlán – beach city with local vibes and good seafood

Each of these has its own thing going on, so it just depends what you’re into.

Final Thoughts: Where Should You Go?

Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong in Mexico. If you want to relax and swim, hit the beaches like Cancun or Tulum. If you’re more into culture and history, Mexico City, Oaxaca, or Guanajuato are calling your name.

And if you have time, mix it up! Do a beach spot and an inland city so you get the best of both worlds. Just don’t forget the sunscreen, bring comfy shoes, and try as many tacos as possible. Trust me on that.

FAQs:

1. What’s the best place to visit in Mexico for first-timers?

If it’s your first time going to Mexico, you honestly can’t go wrong with Cancun or Mexico City. Cancun is perfect if you’re into beach vibes, parties, and just chilling by the ocean. But if you want culture, food, and museums, Mexico City is the move. It’s got everything packed into one place and feels super alive.

2. Is Mexico safe to travel to right now?

Yeah, most touristy areas in Mexico are pretty safe as long as you stay aware and use common sense. Places like Cancun, Tulum, Mexico City (stick to the main areas), Oaxaca, and Playa del Carmen are usually good for travelers. Just don’t wander off into random neighborhoods at night, and you’ll be fine.

3. Where are the most beautiful beaches in Mexico?

The prettiest beaches are 100% on the Caribbean side. Tulum, Isla Holbox, and Playa del Carmen have super clear blue water and soft white sand. If you want something more lowkey, check out Bacalar or Puerto Escondido. Each beach kind of has its own vibe, so it depends if you want to relax or surf.

4. What’s the cheapest way to travel around Mexico?

Buses like ADO are the best for getting between cities without spending a ton. You can also find cheap local food pretty much everywhere, and hostels or Airbnb spots are way cheaper than big hotels. If you stay in places like Oaxaca or Guanajuato, your money goes even further.

5. Do I need to speak Spanish to visit Mexico?

Not really, but knowing a few words definitely helps. In tourist spots like Cancun and Tulum, people speak enough English to help you out. But if you try to speak a little Spanish, even just “gracias” and “hola,” locals will totally appreciate it. Plus, apps like Google Translate make things super easy.