The Best Cities to Visit in Mexico

Situated just below North America, Mexico ranks as one of the most sought-after vacation spots in the Americas, and it's clear why. This diverse nation offers something for nearly everyone, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all kinds. With stunning white sand beaches that stretch along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, visitors can bask in the sun while enjoying the warm, turquoise waters. The country's delectable cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors and unique regional dishes, is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. Additionally, Mexico boasts a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its ancient ruins, colorful festivals, and traditional music, providing a deep connection to its history. The lively nightlife in cities like Cancun and Mexico City offers an array of entertainment options, from bustling clubs to intimate bars, ensuring that the fun continues long after the sun sets. With a wide array of activities ranging from adventure sports to tranquil spa retreats, there’s truly something for everyone in Mexico. Having visited several of Mexico's top destinations multiple times, I'd like to share what you can expect from these diverse cities. So let's dive in!

1. Cancun

Situated along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula's Riviera Maya, Cancun stands as Mexico's top tourist destination. Known as the country's party hub and a favorite spot for spring breakers, this city offers much more than just nightlife.

Visitors usually stay in the hotel zone, a long stretch of all-inclusive resorts and pristine beaches. At the northern end of this area lies Cancun's party zone, where numerous clubs, bars, and restaurants are just a short walk apart.

For a more genuine Mexican experience, consider staying in the city's center instead of the hotel zone. Here, you can interact with locals, savor authentic cuisine, and even learn salsa dancing. If the party scene isn't your style, don't worry—you can enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere. Explore my Cancun itinerary for a comprehensive list of tours and activities to suit your preferences.

2. Playa del Carmen

About an hour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen is another trendy spot in Mexico. Situated along the Yucatán Peninsula's Riviera Maya stretch of the Caribbean coast, it's a smaller city than Cancun, making it more densely populated. Most resorts and hotels are located in downtown Playa, which is definitely the place to be.

Playa is a vibrant city filled with bars, rooftop venues, and beachfront clubs. Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) is a pedestrian-only street and the most popular area for tourists. This street is packed with clubs, a variety of restaurants, and souvenir shops.

If you're looking for a destination to relax, unwind, or party, Playa is an excellent choice for you. Check out my guide for the top activities to do while in Playa del Carmen.

3. Tulum

I consider Tulum to be one of the most balanced cities to visit in Mexico. It offers a diverse range of experiences without leaning too heavily in any one direction, allowing for a truly well-rounded visit. Whether you want to party, enjoy family-friendly activities, explore ancient archaeological sites, dive into local culture, or simply relax in a scenic setting, Tulum has it all.

This city is situated along the Yucatán Peninsula's Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast, about 2 hours from Cancun. In comparison to Cancun and Playa, Tulum is smaller, more secluded, and slightly more expensive to visit. Unlike Cancun, it doesn't have a large number of all-inclusive resorts. Instead, you'll find more boutique hotels.

Depending on your plans and comfort level, I suggest renting a car during your visit. Some attractions are in remote areas, and taxi fares can quickly become costly. Check out my Tulum Itinerary for a comprehensive list of tours and activities to choose from.

4. Isla Cozumel

Cozumel is a small island located just off the coast of Playa del Carmen. It ranks among the world's most popular cruise ports and is also a favored spot for scuba divers, thanks to its stunning coral reefs teeming with marine life and visible in the pristine, crystal-clear waters.

Beyond diving and snorkeling, there are several unique experiences and parks to explore here. While you can spend a day here by taking a 45-minute ferry from Playa Del Carmen or docking here on a cruise, the island is worth spending several days on. Check out my Cozumel Itinerary for an extensive list of tours and activities to choose from.

5. Mexico City

Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is among the oldest and largest cities in the Americas. Constructed on the remnants of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, it boasts the highest number of museums in the world outside of Paris and is adorned with stunning architecture. If culture and history are your interests, Mexico City is the perfect destination for you.

Beyond history enthusiasts, food lovers will also find delight here. Although there are numerous international dining options, the local cuisine is truly remarkable. And let's not forget the beverages! Be sure to visit Bar Milan for one of the best Mojitos you'll ever taste.

Mexico City is also the most budget-friendly place to visit in the country. When I say budget-friendly, I mean inexpensive! You can genuinely visit for half the cost of traveling to any of the other cities on this list! It is also one of the most authentic places to experience the "real Mexico."

6. Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a small island located off the coast of Cancun and can be accessed by boat. While you can explore much of the island on a day trip, staying for a few days allows you to fully enjoy everything it has to offer. If you're seeking a peaceful escape from Cancun, this is the perfect destination.

The island features several water parks, including one where you can swim with dolphins. There are numerous opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving in the island's turquoise blue waters. You can also visit an underwater museum and join a whale shark tour. There's plenty to keep you entertained for several days.

Being quite small, the island's attractions are mostly close to each other. A popular way to explore is by renting a golf cart, bike, or scooter and leisurely circling the island.

7. Akumal

This city serves as a nesting ground for sea turtles that come ashore annually to lay their eggs, which is how it got its name. In Mayan, Akumal means Place of the Turtles.

Akumal is situated along the Riviera Maya strip of the Yucatán Peninsula's Caribbean coastline, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It is a popular day trip spot for visitors looking to swim with turtles and observe them laying their eggs.

As mentioned earlier, the few all-inclusive resorts in Tulum can be quite pricey. Most of the resorts in Akumal are about 15-30 minutes away from Tulum. By choosing to stay at a resort in Akumal, you can save money and drive to Tulum as needed.