12 Must-Visit Cities in Mexico You’ll Fall in Love With

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Must-visit cities in Mexico, such as Oaxaca and Guadalajara, will immediately make you fall in love with the country. With over 42 million tourists visiting a year, it is one of the world’s top destinations for culture, cuisine, and nature.

Imagine gazing up at ancient pyramids surrounded by high-rises in Mexico City and centuries-old cathedrals in Guadalajara. No, this is not a dream, it’s Mexico.

We have selected these cities because we have personally visited them, and they each offer a unique perspective of Mexico. From Oaxaca’s colonial past to Guadalajara’s mariachi roots, and from Mexico City’s ancient ruins to Tulum’s stunning beaches, visit these 12 top cities in Mexico to experience it all.

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Must-Visit Cities in Mexico San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende 1/5

Tropical Destinations Close to California (under 8 hours flight) Oaxaca

Oaxaca 2/5

12 Tropical Destinations Close to Los Angeles Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

Guadalajara 3/5

World Wild Schooling - https://worldwildschooling.com 12 Must-Visit Cities in Mexico You’ll Fall in Love With - https://worldwildschooling.com/must-visit-cities-in-mexico

Mexico City 4/5

Tulum 5/5

Results

San Miguel de Allende

2 10

Oaxaca

5 7

Guadalajara

5 7

Mexico City

0 12

Tulum

4 8

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Mexico City

Mexico City is Mexico’s cosmopolitan capital and one of the world’s great centers of gastronomy and fine dining. It’s also full of architectural wonders, museums, art galleries, and incredible nightlife.

Start in the historical center and see the Templo Mayor Museum to learn about the original Aztec City. Then, visit famous museums such as the National Anthropology Museum. Then, walk through Chapultepec and gaze at the city’s skyline from Chapultepec Castle.

Outside the city, take a tour of the majestic pyramids of Teotihuacán. This ancient city is one of the world’s greatest examples of ancient architecture. After exploring the city and its surroundings, don’t miss experiencing its fine dining scene.

Puebla

Puebla is a mesmerizing city full of colonial architecture, museums, and some of the country’s best restaurants. In its historical center, you’ll walk through cobblestone roads and alleys and marvel at its colorful facades.

Visit its central Zocola Square and see the Puebla Cathedral. Then, visit the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, one of the oldest libraries in the Americas.

When in Puebla, you’ll want to sample as much food as you can. Walk along La Calle De Los Dulces to sample endless desserts. Then, book a table at one of the city’s fine dining restaurants.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is one of Mexico’s top destinations for food, fun, and art. It’s also a hub of museums and architecture.

Check out the Guadalajara Cathedral and see the historical buildings around the city center. Visit the Regional Museum of Guadalajara, Casa Museo Lopez Portillo, and the Hospicio Cabañas.

Outside the city, take a tour of the nearby Lago de Chapala. This beautiful lake features charming villages, coastal resorts, and some of the best hiking in the country.

Read also: World’s Most Gorgeous Cities

Merida

Merida is a city located on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s known for being a safe, calm, quiet metropolis with endless sights and experiences.

Start in the old city center and visit the Museum of the City of Merida. Then, walk to the Merida Market to sample endless food and beverages. Around the city, you’ll find a mixture of museums, parks, and endless restaurants and cafes.

To learn about the city’s ancient past, visit the Mayan World Museum of Mérida. Don’t miss the chance to tour the surrounding archeological sites, such as Dzibilchaltún.

Campeche

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Campeche is a city located on the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Campeche. It’s famous for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and ancient history.

The city center is a maze of colorful buildings with tons to explore. Visit local shops and restaurants and walk along the old city walls. Take a tour of the city and see the Campeche Archaeological Museum at Fort San Miguel.

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Spend the next day museum-hopping around the city. Then, visit a local bar or a restaurant like the top-rated La María Cocina Peninsular to sample its famous cuisine and cocktails. At sunset, hit the boardwalk to watch some of the best sunsets in North America.

San Cristobal de las Casas

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San Cristobal de las Casas is a stunning city high up in the mountains of Chiapas. Here, you’ll walk through cobblestone streets and admire the city’s artistic vibes and fun people.

Start by walking up to the Iglesia de San Cristóbalito to see the city views. Then, make your way down the Arco del Carmen to the Catedral de San Cristóbal de las Casas. At night, shop till you drop in the city’s boutiques.

Don’t miss museums such as the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya and La Enseñanza. When you’re there, visit El Arcotete Park and Reserva Ecológica y Jardín de Orquídeas Moxviquil for outstanding nature.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a coastal city on the Pacific Coast that’s a must for lounging on the beach, nature, and culture. You’ll get to stay at a boutique hotel or resort along a stunning shoreline.

In town, visit the historical shores of the Zona Romantica. Here, you’ll find charming cafes and romantic villas in the hills. Surrounding the city are world-class hiking trails, surf spots, and endless snorkeling zones.

At night, the city becomes one of Mexico’s top destinations for live music and laid-back nightlife. Grab a margarita and sample bottomless street food from a local restaurant while watching the sun go down.

Tulum

Tulum is a small city that’s become a hub for vacationers looking for wellness retreats and gorgeous beaches. You’ll get to walk along miles of white sand beaches, rest in an all-inclusive resort, and let all your cares disappear.

When vacationing in the city, don’t miss the Tulum Ruins. This massive archaeological site was once a Mayan port city. Today, its pyramids rising from the sand are one of Mexico’s most photographed sights.

Outside of history and relaxation, there are endless adventures. Take a tour of a cenote water hole. Go deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, or scuba diving.

Cholula

Cholula is a beautiful historical city near Mexico’s tallest volcanos. In its historical center, you’ll see ancient monuments and colonial architecture. You’ll also get to sample one of the country’s best dishes, mole poblano.

Right when you arrive, check out the Zona Arqueológica de Cholula. This forested hill is the largest pyramid in the Americas. Climb to the top of the pyramid to visit a 16th-century church with unbeatable views.

In town, go museum hopping and dine in as many restaurants as you can. At night, head to Container City for live music and great food.

San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s most beautiful destinations. The city has impressive colonial architecture and a romantic vibe that’s truly stunning.

At the Jardín Allende, you can rest in a classic cafe and then walk through the Museo Histórico Casa de Allende. Afterward, visit the Casa de Cultura Banamex and the historic Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Don’t miss walking through the stunning Parque Benito Juárez, one of the city’s most impressive green spaces. Book a table at one of the city’s highly-rated restaurants at night. Then, see live music before relaxing at a local bar with an amazing cocktail.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s undisputed food capitals and a must-see if you visit the country. You’ll marvel at ancient temples and see preserved colonial architecture.

Start in the old city center and see the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán. Walk through the ethnobiological museum. Then, make your way to the Mercado Benito Juárez to sample endless street food and snacks.

Take a day tour of the Monte Alban pyramids to learn about the city’s indigenous roots. Take a food tour at places such as Maíz Cocina Tradicional. Or, learn about mezcal at a local distillery.

Cuernavaca

Cuernavaca is a must-see destination just a short drive from Mexico City. It has one of the country’s most impressive colonial centers with stunning architecture and parks.

Start at the Museo Regional de los Pueblos de Morelos to see Diego Rivera’s famous paintings. Then, walk to the Cuernavaca Cathedral and visit the Cuernavaca City Museum to learn about its long history.

After learning about its history, walk around the ornate Centro Cultural Jardín Borda garden. After visiting the city’s historical monuments and parks, visit its famous art galleries. On the way, sample as much street food as you can, like tacos and gorditas, because you’re in a foodie’s paradise!