10 Best Things to Do in Mexico
What is Mexico Most Famous For?
In our guide to the 10 best things to do in Mexico, you’ll learn how to extend your trip to Mexico beyond the resorts of Cancún and Cabo San Lucas. Sure, the Central American country offers plenty of beachside real estate that lends itself to a tropical paradise, but the cities offer abundant art, museums, and entertainment, as well.
Everywhere you look in Mexico, there are signs of the country’s history, from the ruins of the Aztecs and Maya to the influence of 3 centuries of Spanish colonial rule. The Centro Histórico de la Ciudad de México roughly correlates to the ancient Aztec capital and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What are the best things to do in Mexico?
1. Chichén Itzá
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Chichén Itzá is an archaeological site in Yucatán, Mexico. The Mayan city was a populous focal point in the Northern Maya Lowlands from roughly 750-1200 A.D. In the mid-1500s the city was taken by Spanish conquistadors and turned into a cattle ranch.
Today, Chichén Itzá is a marvel to visit and one of the 7 wonders of the world. Between the New Chichén and Old Chichén, there are 26 ruins to see. The 4-sided pyramid that leads up to the temple is the most iconic sight in the city, but the various platforms, ceremony sites, and cenotes are also worth seeing while visiting.
Location: 97751 Yucatan, Mexico
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Phone: +52 998 400 8543
Chichén Itzá
2. Frida Kahlo Museum
A voyage back in time
Good for: History, Photo
Explore the life and work of Frida Kahlo at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City. Mexican artist, Kahlo painted portraits inspired by Mexican folk art and popular culture. Her work became prolific in the late 1920s and she continued to paint until she died in 1954. Kahlo’s paintings were often a political statement or a reflection of her longtime struggle with chronic pain.
The Frida Kahlo Museum is inside her famous Blue House (Casa Azul) where her personal artifacts, artwork, and other objects that inspired her are on display. The building itself is a work of art with a bold cobalt-colored facade. If you’re stopping by, don’t miss an opportunity to take an art workshop hosted by the museum curators.
Location: Londres 247, Col. Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Mexico City, México
Open: Tuesday from 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday from 11 am to 6 pm, Thursday–Sunday 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +52 555 554 5999
Frida Kahlo Museum
3. Museo Subacuatico de Art
Underwater art installations
Good for: Adventure, Unusual
At Museo Subacuatico de Arte (or MUSA as it’s known), you can dive into art history like never before. The 2 underwater sculpture galleries are spread between the waters of Cancún and Isla Mujeres. Punta Nizuc features 33 sculptures. Manchones features 473 sculptures.
There are three ways to see the installations: Scuba diving, snorkeling, or via glass bottom boat ride. On land, inside the visitor center, you can see how the sculptures are made in the Museo Subacuatico de Arte workshop and view an additional sculpture garden outside.
Location: Rogelio Castorena, Lote 11, Super Manzana 307, Manzana 269 Alfredo V. Bonfil, 77560 Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Open: Daily from 9 am to 2 pm
Phone: +51 998 206 0182
Museo Subacuatico de Art
4. Museo Nacional de Antropología
Ancient Mexican artifacts
Good for: History, Food
Immerse yourself in Mexican history at Museo Nacional de Antropologia, the National Museum of Anthropology. The museum’s collection highlights artifacts from numerous cultures that have made up Mexico’s past and present.
You can spend a full day at Museo Nacional de Antropologia, exploring the 22 rooms in the modern building. Stop for lunch at the Gastronomic Room where the menu also tells a story of Mexico’s history. And if you’re looking for even more information, twice-daily tours are offered for free.
Location: Av. P.º de la Reforma s/n, Polanco, Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Mexico City, Mexico
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +52 555 553 6266
Museo Nacional de Antropología
5. Xcaret Park
Where an underground river awaits you
Good for: Families, Food, Adventure
Xcaret Park is a stunning and thrilling natural water park, just a short bus ride from Cancún. The eco park is a well-known attraction, partnering with many of the surrounding area resorts to offer easy access to tourists.
The attractions offered at Xcaret are almost too many to list, but swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, and live performances are all worth the price of admission. Those looking for an elevated experience might consider attending a wine tasting at Xcaret Cellar or the 7-course dinner at Gran Tlachco.
Location: Carretera Chetúmal Puerto Juárez Kilómetro 282, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 10.30 pm
Phone: +52 998 883 3143
Xcaret Park
6. Chapultepec Castle
Historic and picturesque
Good for: History, Photo
Royalty is not often associated with North America. But the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City is an exception. The castle and its location have connections to several points in Mexican history. Built as a summer house for the commander-in-chief of New Spain during colonial reign, the castle sits atop a hill that was once sacred to the ancient Aztecs. It later became an important battle site during the Mexican-American War.
Visiting Chapultepec Castle is one of the best things to do in Mexico City. There, you can walk through stained-glass galleries; view awe-inspiring murals, statues, and hedges; enjoy a broad view of downtown, and take a stroll through Chapultepec Park.
Location: Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11580 Mexico City, Mexico
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +52 557 601 9811
Chapultepec Castle
7. Copper Canyon Train
A historic railroad with stunning views
Good for: Photo, Luxury
Take the El Chepe Regional or El Chepe Express on the Copper Canyon Railroad to see the Mexican countryside of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The original train ride, El Chepe Regional, is longer and goes from Los Mochis to Chihuahua City. El Chepe Express still hits all the touristy spots but stops at Creel, rather than going on to Chihuahua City.
Photographers and naturalists, especially, will be blown away by the views of Copper Canyon, which is actually a system of several canyons. The train ride takes passengers on a long day’s journey through the verdant and burnt sienna landscape, up the mountainside to 2,500 meters above sea level, and back down, making stops along the way.
Location: Av. Bienestar 8, Ferrocarrilera, 81265 Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5.40 pm
Phone: +52 800 122 4373
Copper Canyon Train
8. Malecón Boardwalk
Shopping with a view
Good for: Shoppers, Food, Nightlife
The Malecón Boardwalk is one of the best things to do in Mexico for those looking to meander, shop, and experience authentic cuisine. The Boardwalk, located in Puerto Vallarta, runs along the largest bay in Mexico, offering stunning ocean views day or night and the occasional whale sighting.
On the southern end of the Malecón Boardwalk, you can snap a photo of the vibrant Puerto Vallarta sign and seahorse statue, and shop for souvenirs at the open-air market of Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale. Farther north, you can take a free tour of the ChocoMuseo or pay for a special truffle workshop. Up and down the boardwalk are restaurants, bars, and themed nightclubs serving up vacation-worthy entertainment.
Location: Paseo Díaz Ordaz s/n, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Open: Daily from 8 am to 2 am
Phone: +52 322 779 7191
Malecón Boardwalk
9. Puerto Vallarta
The friendliest city in the world
Good for: Couples, Shoppers, Luxury
Puerto Vallarta is a beachside town that thrives as a tourist destination. On the western coast of the country in the state of Jalisco, it is flanked by the large Bay of Banderas.
Many visitors to Puerto Vallarta stay at resorts located up and down the coast. The combination of luxury accommodations and the beautiful ocean backdrop makes it a prime destination for weddings and honeymoons. And if visitors want to venture away from the seclusion of the resort, the nearby Malecón Boardwalk is known for its friendly shops, delicious cuisine, and turned-up nightlife. Or head to the quaint Romantic Zone for smaller, more intimate shopping and restaurant experiences.
Location: 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Phone: +52 322 224 1175
Puerto Vallarta
10. Mexico City
The cultural capital of America
Good for: History, Food, Nightlife
Mexico City is the oldest city in the Americas and the capital of Mexico and a culturally rich destination full of museums, emblematic gastronomy, and historic streets. Though the city is almost always abuzz with people, October through March is the best time to visit to avoid the rainiest days. October is especially vibrant with the city decorated for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead).
You could spend your entire trip hopping from museum to museum visiting the likes of Museo Jumex, the National Museum of Anthropology, or the home-turned-museum of famous painter Frida Kahlo. Alternatively, tour the city’s historic architecture, take a merengue class, or even catch a Lucha Libre wrestling match.
Location: 01000 Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City
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