When most people think of traveling to Mexico, they imagine lounging on a beach with a margarita in hand. While Mexico is perfect for beach relaxation, it offers so much more.
Whether you’re seeking a Caribbean getaway, a big city adventure, an outdoor escapade, or a dive into rich history and culture, Mexico has something for everyone. It’s a diverse country with no wrong time to visit!
Mexico is not only one of the cheapest countries to travel to but also a haven for food lovers. On just one trip, you can scuba dive, explore Mayan ruins, wander through colorful towns, and indulge in mouth-watering cuisine. With countless amazing places to visit, it’s hard to narrow it down, but here are 51 awesome things to do in Mexico.
Starting with Mexico City, the often-overlooked capital is bursting with attractions, including the world’s most museums. The Frida Kahlo House and the Anthropology Museum are must-sees. Don’t skip the city’s evolving and exciting nightlife either.
For a culturally rich experience, consider planning your visit around Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). This festival celebrates deceased loved ones with vibrant festivities, especially in places like Mexico City and Oaxaca.
If you’re into scuba diving, Cozumel is the place to be, offering crystal clear waters and abundant marine life. For those new to scuba diving, Cozumel has numerous dive shops offering courses.
Chichen Itza, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, is another must-visit. The Temple of Kukulkan is mesmerizing, especially during the equinox when a serpent-shaped shadow appears.
Of course, no trip to Mexico is complete without experiencing authentic tacos. Unlike the American version, Mexican tacos often come with unique fillings like marinated pork or fish on corn tortillas. For taco lovers, a taco tour in Cancun is a real treat.
If you’re intrigued by archaeology, the ancient city of Teotihuacan tops Chichen Itza in visitor numbers and offers a glimpse into one of the largest pre-Columbian cities.
Cenotes, natural sinkholes mostly found in the Yucatan, provide a unique and refreshing swimming experience. Snorkeling or even scuba diving in one is a must.
Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, offers a blend of vibrant culture and a bustling nightlife. Avenida Chapultepec is a top spot for dining and dancing.
For a thrilling evening, catch a lucha libre wrestling match at Arena Mexico. Or, take a stroll along the famous malecons in Mazatlan, Campeche, Veracruz, and Puerto Vallarta for scenic waterfront views and cultural performances.
Mariachi music is synonymous with Mexico, and places like Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City offer live performances that shouldn’t be missed. Guadalajara also hosts an annual International Mariachi Festival.
If improving your Spanish is on your list, Mexico offers excellent language schools in places like Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende.
Surfers flock to Mexico’s Pacific coast for its fantastic breaks. Beginners should head to Sayulita, while experienced surfers might prefer Puerto Escondido.
Colonial towns like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato are charming and picturesque, perfect for leisurely exploration.
Carnaval celebrations in Mazatlan and Veracruz are filled with parades, music, and festivities, providing a vibrant look into local culture.
Helping release baby sea turtles back into the ocean is one of the most rewarding experiences and can be done in places like Puerto Vallarta and Isla Mujeres.
Mexico is also known for its tequila and mezcal. Taking the Tequila Express train from Guadalajara to the Herradura distillery offers a unique way to sample and learn more about these iconic drinks.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in Mexico City. Street art tours in places like the Zocalo add a modern twist to the rich arts scene.
Sampling mole, a rich sauce with numerous ingredients, is a culinary highlight in Puebla and Oaxaca. Each region’s take on mole is worth trying.
Visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an important pilgrimage site, offers a glimpse into Mexico’s religious traditions.
One of the most vibrant festivals is the Guelaguetza dance festival in Oaxaca, celebrating the area’s indigenous cultures through dance and music.
For a unique experience, participate in a temazcal, a traditional sweat lodge ceremony guided by a shaman, available in tourist areas like Cozumel and Cancun.
Magic Towns, designated by the Secretariat of Tourism, are scattered across Mexico and offer magical experiences through their natural beauty and traditional culture. San Cristóbal de las Casas and San Sebastián del Oeste are top choices.
Joining a street food tour is an excellent way to dive into Mexican cuisine while learning about local dishes.
The Copper Canyon railway trip offers breathtaking views and is perfect for those who love scenic train rides.
Free walking tours in cities like Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende provide insightful introductions to local history and culture.
Cantinas, or local bars, are iconic spots for enjoying a cold beer and local snacks.
For beach lovers, Mexico’s islands like Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox offer idyllic retreats with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Cooking classes give you the opportunity to learn how to make authentic Mexican dishes, a fun activity that will also let you impress friends back home.
Other archeological gems worth exploring include the ruins at Tulum, Ek Balam, and Coba.
Fine dining in Mexico City is a gastronomical delight, with top restaurants like Pujol offering exceptional tasting menus.
For an adrenaline rush, try skydiving in Puerto Vallarta. The panoramic view you get before landing on the beach is unforgettable.
Golfers will find Mexico a premier destination with numerous top-notch courses, especially in Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and the Riviera Maya.
Monterrey, with its eco-tourism and cultural sites like Macroplaza, is a hidden gem worth exploring.
Mexico is also a great base for digital nomads, offering a friendly visa policy and great internet connectivity in cities like Playa del Carmen and Oaxaca City.
Dining in a cave at Alux Restaurant in Playa del Carmen is a uniquely magical dining experience.
Visiting Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta offers a tranquil escape, perfect for relaxing without the typical tourist crowds.
Wine-tasting in regions like the Baja and Valle de Guadalupe is another way to explore Mexico’s diverse offerings.
Though once off-the-beaten-path, Tulum is now a trendy destination with plenty to offer, from stunning ruins to vibrant nightlife.
The Sonora Market in Mexico City offers an eye-catching array of mystical and magical items, perfect for a unique shopping experience.
Folk art and handicrafts make great souvenirs, with Oaxaca and Jalisco offering some of the best buys.
Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City, home to the National Museum of History, is a grand visit with beautiful gardens and panoramic views.
The Cancun Underwater Museum, designed to promote reef conservation, offers a stunning underwater exhibition that can be explored via snorkeling or diving.
Exploring the ancient tunnels in Puebla, used in the Battle of Puebla, adds an adventurous twist to your trip.
Witnessing the monarch butterfly migration to Michoacán is an awe-inspiring natural event.
A river cruise in Xochimilco, with its festive boats and floating vendors, provides a laidback and fun way to enjoy the local culture.
With countless things to do and explore, Mexico truly offers an endless supply of adventures and experiences. Whether you’re planning one visit or many, this incredible country always has something new to discover.
