If you’ve never been to Mexico, this article will give you a quick overview of the top places to see while in the country. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when it comes to the sheer number of options, but by following these tips, you can have a fun-filled vacation! Read on to find out which places are best for families and groups of travelers alike. Then, you can plan your next trip to Mexico based on these top attractions.
Things to Do in Mexico
Top Mexico Tourist Attractions
The state of Veracruz is home to the World Heritage Site of El Tajin, a complex that shares some similarities with Thai architecture. It combines pre-Columbian history with a rich folkloric tradition and an agricultural past. This area has a rich history and a close relationship with nature. Whether you choose to visit El Tajin for its beautiful architecture or explore its ancient history and cultural treasures, there is no shortage of things to do and see in Mexico.
While many people associate Mexico with the Caribbean coast, a more adventurous trip is a must. This state is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. If you’re a lover of the water, you’ll want to experience the pristine waters of Oaxaca. You can even kayak through a tunnel to explore Mexico’s underwater marine world. If you want to try something new, visit Huatulco National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere.
The city of Merida is a fantastic place for a cultural getaway. The capital of the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is home to several colonial buildings, art galleries, and museums, as well as theaters. If you like dancing, this city has an active nightlife with several events every night. You can also take a boat ride to see flamingos. You can even swim in cenote caves!
Casa Azul is another important site in Mexico City. Frida Kahlo lived in Coyoacan, one of the oldest neighborhoods. While she is Mexico’s most famous artist, Diego Rivera’s work is also noteworthy. Their childhood home is located in Casa Azul, which is also the place where both artists died. You can see the personal belongings of both artists during your visit. Make sure to book advance tickets to avoid missing this important historical place.
Xalapa is another town that’s well worth a visit if you’re looking for a taste of the local culture. The vibrant colonial city is filled with café-galleries, coffee shops, and a beautiful theater, the Teatro del Estado. It also has scenic city parks, like Parque Los Berros, where you can ride ponies on weekends. The ruins and artifacts here are worth a visit.
Teotihuacan is an archeological site northeast of Mexico City. Its most important pieces are the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Its people worshiped various deities, including the sun and the moon, and built plazas and temples. Visiting this site is a must for any Mexican traveler. Its history is rich and fascinating. You’ll definitely be happy with the outcome.
Bacalar, a picturesque town on the southern tip of the Quintana Roo state, is just 30 minutes away from the Belizean border. Despite its proximity to the border, it remains an undiscovered paradise that’s untouched by mass tourism. Most of the city’s sightseeing attractions revolve around the beautiful Laguna Bacalar, Mexico’s second-largest freshwater lake. The Mayans nicknamed it the “Lagoon of Seven Colors” for its many shades of blue.
Cozumel is another popular destination for diving. The island’s crystal clear waters are home to some of the world’s best tropical fish and coral. You can also visit Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, where you can explore underwater sculptures. There are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, but make sure to plan your vacation around it! For even more adventure and fun, visit the underwater world of Cozumel, which was discovered by Jacques Cousteau in 1959. Cozumel is a protected National Marine Park, protecting its tropical fish and coral reefs.
Mexico Attractions and Museums to Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, there are many museums and attractions to see. You may be thinking about the iconic Frida Kahlo Museum, which is a popular tourist attraction. The museum is a former home of the iconic Mexican artist. There are plenty of impressive examples of her work in the museum’s three small rooms. The museum is open to the public, and it’s a good place to meet the artist and learn about her life.
The Cathedral of Mexico City is an hour-long visit, or you can spend an entire day exploring the crypt and other ruins. This massive structure is a sight to behold, and you can even purchase food and drinks to enjoy while onboard. Admission is $3.50USD, but if you’re traveling with a large group, you can split the cost. Another popular attraction is the Basilica de Guadalupe, the Roman Catholic church that attracts more than 20 million tourists each year. The basilica comprises both the original shrine and the “new Basilica,” which was built in 1976.
A few museums in Mexico City are worth visiting. The Trotsky Museum is one such place. It features a few museum exhibits, but it’s worth the 90 pesos to visit its cafe, where you can get the same view as the museum. The museum is located in the former home of the Marxist revolutionary and political theorist Leon Trotsky, who was assassinated in Mexico City in 1940 by Soviet agents.
Aside from the Metropolitan Cathedral, there are also numerous museums in colonial homes. The National Palace, Templo Mayor, and Metropolitan Cathedral are just a few of the city’s many cultural attractions. Plaza Garibaldi is the center of Mexican culture, and the smell of tequila fills the air. If you’re not a fan of the smell of tequila, you can visit the Monument to the Revolution and its underground museum.
For art lovers, Museo Soumaya is an excellent choice. Founded by the late Carlos Slim, the museum has a collection of over six thousand works of art from 3,000 years ago. The building is decorated in silver tiles and is a cool landmark in the Polanco neighborhood. It’s worth checking out if you’re traveling alone. This is the ultimate place to get inspired by the history of Mexican art.
The National Museum of Anthropology is another great place to visit. Nearby, the Caricature Museum features Mexican cartoons from the past 150 years. Many of these cartoons were political, and the museum is a great place to see them. The museum is also known for its unique interior design, so you’ll want to plan enough time to visit all of these sites. You may also want to visit a folk art museum.
Xochimilco is another fascinating attraction, about an hour outside of Mexico City. This UNESCO World Heritage site has a large system of ancient canals that serve as a major agricultural center for the area. Taking a ride in one of the traditional trajineras will cost you $40 USD, and it’s the perfect way to explore the historic center of Mexico. You can also get free drinks at local bars while you’re there!
The National Museum of Anthropology is another great place to learn about the country’s past and present. It’s a two-floor museum that features high-quality exhibitions. In the same district, you should visit the Museo Soumaya, which houses a private art collection. Another great attraction is the Museum of Memory and Tolerance, which is an interactive memorial that highlights the impact of intolerance on Mexican society. Its murals by famous artists are also on display.
You should also visit the Museo del Templo Mayor in Mexico City. This museum contains the remains of the main Aztec temple. Tenochtitlan was the Aztec capital. Mexico City was built on top of these ruins and the conquistadors from Spain eventually destroyed the Aztecs. As a result, the museum was created to protect the ruins and preserve their heritage.
If you have time to spare during your stay in Mexico City, don’t miss the archaeological sites of the Aztecs. Besides the Aztec ruins, the park has plenty of historical significance. The Great Pyramid of Cholula, or Tlachihualtepetl, dates back more than two thousand years. Despite its ancient history, the Great Pyramid of Cholula looks like a natural hill. It is topped by a Catholic church, but the four-mile-long underground tunnels allow visitors to explore the ruins.