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Mexico
If you’re dreaming of a trip to Mexico, get ready for one of the most diverse and exciting destinations out there. I’ve explored this country from its chaotic megacity streets to quiet colonial towns and laid-back beach spots, and it always pulls me back. Mexico hits every note—ancient ruins rising out of jungles, street tacos that’ll change your life, colorful festivals, stunning beaches, and some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet. Whether you’re chasing history, food adventures, art, or just pure relaxation, Mexico’s cities have it all. Let me walk you through my top five picks for the best cities to visit, with real-talk tips and stories from my trips to help you plan smart and travel better.
Mexico is a country that explodes with color and flavor. From the buzzing energy of Mexico City’s markets to the serene cobblestone charm of San Miguel de Allende, every spot feels uniquely alive. I’ve picked five cities that show off Mexico’s range: Mexico City (CDMX), Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Mérida, and Puerto Vallarta. Each one’s got its own personality, and I’ll point you to detailed guides (like our full breakdown for Mexico City) so you can dive deeper. Plus, practical info on costs, saving money, and what to really expect on the ground.
Top Cities to Visit in Mexico
- Mexico City (CDMX): A massive, electric capital blending ancient Aztec ruins, world-class museums, and unbeatable street food scenes in trendy neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa.
- Oaxaca: The ultimate foodie haven with vibrant indigenous markets, mole masterpieces, mezcal distilleries, and nearby ancient Zapotec sites.
- San Miguel de Allende: A picture-perfect colonial gem with pink stone churches, thriving art galleries, rooftop bars, and that romantic, expat-loved charm.
- Mérida: Yucatán’s cultured heart—safe, walkable, with grand plazas, Mayan history, and easy access to cenotes and Chichén Itzá.
- Puerto Vallarta: Laid-back Pacific coast beauty with golden beaches, a scenic Malecón boardwalk lined with sculptures, and jungle-meets-ocean adventures.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN MEXICO
Teotihuacán Pyramids, near Mexico City
Chichén Itzá, near Mérida
National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City
Monte Albán ruins, Oaxaca
Hierve el Agua petrified waterfalls, Oaxaca
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, San Miguel de Allende
Malecón boardwalk sculptures, Puerto Vallarta
Mercado 20 de Noviembre food hall, Oaxaca
Street tacos al pastor anywhere you find a trompo
TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELLING
Accommodation – Mid-range hotels or boutique stays in popular spots (nice amenities, central locations) run $70–120 USD per night for a double room. Hostels or budget Airbnbs are $20–50 USD, while upscale resorts (especially in Puerto Vallarta) can hit $200+ USD. Shoulder seasons (spring or fall) drop prices noticeably.
Food – Mexico is a budget food paradise. Street tacos or market meals cost $1–5 USD; a full comida corrida (set lunch) is $6–12 USD. In Oaxaca, I devoured tlayudas and mole for under $10. Coffee and fresh juice breakfast? Around $4–6 USD. Fine dining or mezcal tastings can push $30–60 USD, but you’ll eat amazingly without splurging.
Transportation – Long-distance ADO buses between cities are comfy and cheap ($20–60 USD for multi-hour trips). In cities, Ubers are affordable ($5–15 USD for most rides). Metro in CDMX is pennies per ride. Domestic flights (like CDMX to Oaxaca) start at $40–100 USD if booked early.
Activities – Many ruins and museums charge $5–20 USD entry (Teotihuacán ~$4 USD, Chichén Itzá ~$30 USD with fees). Guided tours or boat trips range $30–80 USD. Tons of free stuff too—wandering plazas, beaches, and people-watching.
Suggested daily budget – 70–110 USD per person. This covers a mid-range hotel/Airbnb, plenty of street food with some restaurants, local buses/Uber, and a couple paid attractions. Go shoestring with hostels and markets for $40–60 USD; add luxury stays and tours to hit $150+ USD.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
1
Eat like a local at markets and street stands
The best food is the cheapest. In Oaxaca’s markets, I loaded up on memelas, fresh fruit, and chocolate for practically nothing—way better (and half the price) of sit-down spots.
2
Use ADO buses instead of flying
Super reliable, often overnight options save a hotel night. I bused from CDMX to Oaxaca for ~$50 USD and watched the scenery roll by—comfier than it sounds.
3
Visit in shoulder season (April–June or Sept–Nov)
Fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, and perfect weather. I scored great deals in Mérida in May and had cenotes practically to myself.
4
Stick to Uber/DiDi and free walking tours
Ubers are dirt cheap and safe; skip expensive private transfers. Many cities have tip-based free walking tours that are genuinely awesome—I learned so much in San Miguel this way.
MY MUST HAVE ACTIVITIES TO DO IN MEXICO
These are the experiences I consider absolute non-negotiables.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MEXICO?
Mexico has this incredible energy that’s warm, colorful, and unapologetically vibrant. It’s a place where ancient history crashes into modern life—Mayan pyramids next to buzzing food stalls, colonial churches lit up for Day of the Dead celebrations, and beaches where you can whale-watch one day and hike jungles the next.
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Best Places to Visit in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is the kind of place that ruins you for other trips. I’m not even kidding. It’s a city that smells like roasting cacao and woodsmoke, looks like a Technicolor dream, and tastes like
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Best Places to Visit in Mexico City
Mexico City—CDMX to anyone who's been there more than once—completely hooked me on my first trip. It's this wild mix of ancient ruins popping up between skyscrapers, street food that ruins you for tacos anywhere else, and neighborhoods that feel
Expect friendly, welcoming people who love sharing their culture—strangers turned into temporary friends over tacos more times than I can count. The vibe ranges from CDMX’s big-city buzz to Puerto Vallarta’s chill beach rhythm. Weather is mostly amazing—coastal spots stay warm year-round (80s°F), while central highlands like San Miguel are cooler and perfect for walking.
Safety-wise, stick to tourist-friendly areas and you’ll be fine—I’ve traveled solo and with friends without issues. Use common sense (Uber at night, don’t flash valuables), and check updates, but millions visit safely every year. Spanish basics help, but English is common in tourist zones. Life runs on “Mexico time”—things might start late, but the relaxed pace is part of the charm.
Mexico’s culture is its soul: festivals everywhere, music spilling from plazas, and food that’s UNESCO-protected for a reason. You’ll leave with full memories (and probably a few extra pounds from all the amazing eats). So grab our interactive maps and detailed guides for Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Mérida, and Puerto Vallarta—start planning your adventure. Explore cities, plan smart, travel better!
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January 8, 2026
