Best Cities in Mexico
Do you want to visit the best cities in Mexico? Americans love to visit Mexico for vacation. It is one of my favorite countries to visit because of the variety of activities one can have. As a country, Mexico has much to see and do. It has incredible historical sights, artisan towns, and beach resorts. There is something for every type of visitor. Let’s find out the best cities to visit in Mexico.
Cancun
Many people claim Cancun to be one of the best cities in Mexico. I first visited Cancun in the early 1980s, when only two or three hotels existed. My friend and I stayed at the Club Med resort. Things have changed dramatically! It has been a hotspot tourist location for many years.
Located on the Yucatan, Cancun is known for white sand beaches, nightlife, water sports, Mayan ruins, nature, and some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the world. These are just a few things that annually bring ten million tourists to Cancun, Mexico.
Cancun has many nightlife activities to explore if you’re a party person. However, many resorts can accommodate you if you want family-oriented activities. If you’re going to shop, Cancun has shopping centers and markets. Most resorts and hotels offer spa treatments if you need spa time. Tours and activities are plentiful. Hungry?
You can choose from authentic Mexican cuisine to well-known franchise restaurants. Airlines have plenty of nonstop and direct flights throughout the year so that you can plan a vacation in Cancun anytime.
Playa Del Carmen
Next on the list of best cities in Mexico is Playa Del Carmen. The once-fishing village is now one of the top diving sites in the world because of the Meso-American Barrier Reef, the second-longest coral reef in the world. The crystal clear waters and hidden underwater caverns make for excellent diving opportunities.
Playa Del Carmen is a great place to plan a trip if you love golf. Animal lovers can visit spider monkeys at the Jungle Place Sanctuary. While you’re there, plan to visit the Coba Mayan ruins, too.
Playa Del Carmen is approximately 45 minutes from Cancun. It is a quieter, bohemian vibe for those who prefer a more relaxed scene. When you tire of relaxing on the beach, you can visit their famous 5th Avenue. It is a pedway filled with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Cabos San Lucas
The third best city in Mexico is Cabo San Lucas. It is located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico and is a well-known and visited tourist destination. Cabo San Lucas has beautiful hotels, resorts, and spas for the ultimate vacation.
Expect beaches, resorts, and culinary delights. Beaches have a range of emotions. Some are serene, and others are rough. It’s essential to pay attention to warning flags and lifeguards.
Cabo is known for its beaches, scuba diving locations, balnearios, the El Arco de Cabo San Lucas sea arch, and marine life. It’s also known for snorkeling, whale watching, and surfing.
Take advantage of deliciousness! The city is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and fresh seafood. You can eat fish tacos or grilled shrimp and wash it down with tequila and margaritas.
Reserve a room at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach
Puerto Vallarta
Check out Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s best cities. It is known for its cobblestone streets, shopping at markets, and seeing beautiful artwork. Did you know Puerto Vallarta became famous after making the movie Night of the Iguana?
Puerto Vallarta is on the Bay of Banderas and has excellent diving spots. You can hike, ride horseback, bike, and more with the hilly landscapes and beaches. Also, while you’re visiting, sign up for tequila tasting.
Puerto Vallarta is known for stunning sunsets, delicious cuisine, and nightlife. There are tons of things to do in Puerto Vallarta’s six zones. You walk around Old Town, go on food tours, or visit the Botanical Gardens. Visitors can go from zero to 60 while on vacation in Puerto Vallarta.
Tulum
Tulum is the fifth of the best cities in Mexico to visit. It is a fantastic spot to see, especially the Mayan ruins and the spectacular Caribbean Sea views. Are you looking for a tropical paradise to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Tulum, Mexico, is the place to be! It is a laid-back coastal town in the Riviera Maya region. It is known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and serene atmosphere. Tulum is an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience a more intimate and relaxed vacation.
One fact about the ruins is that the walled city was one of the last built by the Mayans. While in Tulum, visit and swim in a cenote. Some other things to do include eating delicious Mexican street food, seeing El Castillo, the Temple of Frescoes, or just doing nothing but relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches.
Mexico City is a Bonus
The largest and best city is Mexico City. What a fabulous and exciting city to visit! The capital of Mexico sits at a high altitude and is the largest city in the country. The town lies in a valley surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. The most famous of these volcanoes are Popocatepetl and IztaccÃhuatl.
Mexico City’s history is closely related to the Aztecs who built Tenochtitlan. Modern Mexico City was built over the ruins of Tenochtitlan. The heart of México City is its historic center, particularly the central square, the Zócalo.
You can still see the ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan, close to the Zocalo. Teotihuacan is also famous for its pre-Columbian pyramids—the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon—which are among the most popular day trips from Mexico City.
While in Mexico City, go to Chapultepec Park. It is the most crucial ecological space in the greater Mexico City area and its lungs. Chapultepec Park is also home to nine museums (including the outstanding Museum of Anthropology), amusement parks, sculptures, lakes, fountains, and a castle – Chapultepec Castle, which serves as the National History Museum.
Frida Khalo was one of Mexico’s most prolific artists, mostly known for her self-portraits and works inspired by Mexican culture, nature, and artifacts. Two more important things to do in Mexico are visiting Casa Azul (Blue House), a museum representing the work of Frida Khalo, and tasting delicious Mexican street food. If you’re a foodie, the Mexico City streets are filled with vendors selling tacos, tamales, elotes, churros, tostadas, chicharrones, and more tasty bites.
Puebla
Take advantage of Puebla as one of the best cities in Mexico. It’s a city packed with authentic character. I was fortunate enough to visit Puebla during an educational trip. About 80 miles southeast of Mexico City, this city is filled with colonial architecture and numerous churches. Still, its main draws are its stunning Talavera pottery, historic forts and museums, and sweet and spicy cuisine.
Visitors must try mole poblano (made with numerous ingredients, including chiles, meat, chocolate, cinnamon, and garlic) and chiles en nogada (chiles stuffed with beef and served with a walnut sauce and fruit like peaches, apples, and pomegranate seeds). When the sun sets, visit Callejón de los Sapos to listen to live music.
Guanajuato
Another of the best cities in Mexico is Guanajuato. I visited many years ago, but I remember the ornate baroque and neoclassical buildings. I saw busy plazas and colorful homes in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city.
Guanajuato, about 50 miles west of San Miguel de Allende, is known for its underground streets and tunnels. You can explore them on a walking tour or at your leisure. Also, enjoy the city’s cobblestone roadways and charming colonial architecture. Then, grab a souvenir or bite to eat at the bustling Mercado Hidalgo.
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the second city and one of the best cities to visit. It is a dynamic cultural capital and appeals to the artistic, creative, and tech-savvy folks. The food, historical architecture, and traditional culture make Guadalajara worth a visit.
Visit the Mercado Libertad, known for traditional handicrafts. It’s one of the largest craft markets in Mexico, where you can buy souvenirs and local food. Guadalajara is known for tequila and mariachi music.
Closing
The various best cities in Mexico can fulfill the job whether you are a foodie, history and architectural buff, watersports junkie, or serial beach bum while on vacation. Every location has accommodations and eateries for every budget.
When planning your trip, do your research about health and safety tips.
As with any journey, always use common sense and be conscious of your surroundings.
Exploring Mexico involves more than the locations in this post. We can add to the list of the best cities in Mexico. So, we will post more sites in the coming weeks and include my favorite topic, wellness travel in Mexico.
I am going to Cabo’s San Lucas in a couple of weeks and perhaps I’d like to visit Mexico City one day. However, I’ve been to several Mexico cities and they are all nice but I’d like to set my travel plans further away in Eastern Europe, Asia or West Africa and Australia, of course! I hope to have visited six continents in my lifetime.