10 Best Things to Do in Mexico

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.