24 Jaw-Dropping Things to See in Mexico

Last Updated on August 1, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia

The list of things to see in Mexico is endless. Trust me, I know. I live here, and my list grows every time I research for our next trip. As an American expat living in Mexico, I’ve been exploring this vibrant country and curated a list of 27 must-see places that will make your jaw drop.

I’m talking lucha libre fights and pyramids — not just a list of musty museums. This guide reveals the authentic, the exhilarating, and the true beauty of Mexico.

So, put away that guidebook written by a bot or someone who’s never set foot here, and let’s dive into some of the coolest things to see in Mexico.

Map of the best things to see in Mexico

Organization is vital — even if it doesn’t come naturally. Plus, I’m a visual kinda gal, so seeing these locations on a map makes it easier to plan that epic vacation to this part of North America.
I’ve divided the best things to see in Mexico by location so you can plan your route with your eyes closed.

Things to see around Mexico City

First up, the capital. Whether you’re starting off here or planning a quick city break, this is the perfect place to dive into Mexico’s vibrant culture. 

1. Palacio de Bellas Artes

OK, OK, the intro said no museums. But the Palacio de Bellas Artes is more of a cultural center than a stuffy museum. This is one of the best ways to catch performing arts shows, art galleries, and literature events. 

You can even stand outside and stare in awe at the grand architecture, which we did. 

Better yet, walk into the Sears building. Yes, there is still a Sears in Mexico. Head to the rooftop cafe and have a coffee on the deck. You’ll have the best view. It’s where my picture is taken from. 

Many free walking tours include this place, so sign up for one if you want to learn as you walk.

2. Mariachis in Plaza Garibaldi

It’s not a trip to Mexico without seeing an authentic Mariachi band. 

Plaza Garibaldi is the home of Mariachi music in the capital. You’ll find musicians playing from sunrise to sunset, and it’s been this way since 1920. 

We went at night when the square comes alive with loads of bars and restaurants. 

There were dueling Mariachis  — huge roaming bands of 10-12 musicians wearing all the garb and playing any song you want for a few pesos.

It was the first time I’d heard female singers, and the song was so heart-wrenching that we cried — even without understanding the lyrics. It was that moving.

Garibaldi Square isn’t in the best neighborhood, so if you don’t want to venture off the beaten path, you can take this tour that combines a lucha libre match with mariachi!

3. Lucha Libre wrestling matches

Lucha libre is a Mexico City favorite.

In case you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s similar to WWE, but these are super theatrical wrestling matches, and the wrestlers all wear masks. 

From Arena Naucalpan and Arena Mexico to Arena Coliseo, you can rock up to an adrenaline-fueled match every day of the week.

Don’t want to go it alone? There are dedicated lucha libre guided tours to help you get to the ring without faffing with online booking forms in Spanish. With this tour, you get your own lucha libre mask!

4. Frida Kahlo’s Blue House (Casa Azul)

Whether you’re a keen art historian or a fan of Salma Hayek’s performance in Frida (2002), it’s worth seeing Casa Azul. 

Journey through ten rooms where Frida lived and worked and see the gorgeous interior design and art. 

Trips to the house have become a pilgrimage for dedicated fans and art lovers alike, and it’s a must-see while in town.

Don’t just show up and hope you’ll get in. Because spoiler alert… you won’t. They sell tickets by the half hour, and are always sold out. Buy tickets here instead. You’ll also get admission to the Diego Riveria Museum.

5. Teotihuacan

Embrace your inner archaeologist. The UNESCO site of Teotihuacan is a giant archaeological complex northeast of the capital. It’s one of the first great cities of the Western Hemisphere and is shrouded in mystery.

The site is massive and compares to the Great Pyramids of Egypt. You can stride amongst pre-Columbian buildings and get a genuine sense of life back in the day. Plan to spend at least a few hours there. 

I def recommend getting a tour guide so you know what you are looking at. Otherwise, it’s just a bunch of old buildings with no reference. 

Or go for the extraordinary and take a hot air balloon over the pyramids and see it all with a bird’s eye view. 

6. Templo Mayor

Templo Mayor was the main temple of the Aztecs in the capital of Tenochtitlan — now present-day Mexico City and the largest city in the country. 

It was destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors in 1521. But there are still fascinating things to see, like the stone of sacrifices and the wall of skulls. 

This is one of the top sights in the capital. Save some time for it!

Things to see in the Yucatan Peninsula

7. See the baby sea turtles

Mark and I travel for wildlife. We just got back from visiting the monarch butterfly migration, which literally took our breath away. 

Last year, my mom and I released baby turtles just north of Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast. 

I named mine Lola because of her little, sexy, hip swagger.

Seeing baby sea turtles waddle toward the sea is def one of my fave things to see in Mexico. We did it at sunset and held our breath as the frigates (aka baby turtle eaters) circled Lola overhead. But she made it with a lot of excited whoops from all of us onlookers.

There are plenty of places to watch this cycle of life spectacle on both coasts. Thanks to a local sea turtle protection program, Puerto Morelos (between Playa del Carmen and Cancun) is a hotspot. 

Other turtle-friendly destinations along the Riviera Maya (the coastline Playa del Carmen is on) include Akumal, Playa Viva, and Isla Mujeres. 

Peak turtle hatching season is from July to September. But we did it in January. So don’t stress if you’re not there in peak season. It might still be happening.

8. Rio Secreto Nature Reserve

Grab your swimsuit and prepare to have your mind blown. 

Hiking and swimming through the Rio Secreto Nature Reserve is truly a unique experience. 

This underground river has the most intense turquoise-colored water, dramatic stalactites and stalagmites and is an easy day trip from Playa del Carmen.

9. See whale sharks in the wild

Head to Isla Holbox, a tiny island north of Cancun, to see whale sharks in their ocean playground. 

The first thing to know is that these massive, gentle giants are not stereotypical sharks.

Yes, they are as large as a bus. But no, they will not try to taste you. They are filter feeders that eat tons of plankton daily. Regardless of their mouth opening up to the size of a Mini Cooper, it’s still a totally safe experience unless you’re the jackass that tries to swim inside. 

But don’t be that jackass.

This is hands down one of the most incredible wildlife experiences we have had. 

You’ll also find whale sharks near Isla Mujeres and Cancun. But Holbox is a charming island with no cars worth spending a few days in.

If at all possible, take a private whale shark tour. It’s worth the extra money. We had A LOT of alone time with the whale sharks before other boats came over. And then it was a total free-for-all with 25 excited morons jumping off the boat en masse, slamming into the water and essentially scaring the whale shark away.

If not, check out this small group tour and cross your fingers there are no morons on board.

10. Cenotes

Usually, you should run if a giant sinkhole appears in the ground. But not when it comes to the cenotes.

Quick science lesson: These are naturally occurring sinkholes that happen when the limestone soil collapses due to rain and the current of underground rivers. They’re out-of-this-world gorgeous and 100% safe for swimming. 

Quick history less: Back in the Mayan heyday, to appease the Gods, they sacrificed young children and adult males in some of these cenotes. Not a bad choice as far as sacrifices go. (I kid, I kid).

They also believed these underground caverns were doorways to the afterlife.

There are about 10,000 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, but only about half have been found. When we rented a car and drove from Playa Del Carmen to Akumal, just a short 30-minute drive, there were countless cenotes. It almost felt like we were on Cenote Row. Mark and I fell in love with them and spent the day acting like Lora Croft, Tomb Raider. 

Cenote dos Ojos is a fan fave. You can take this tour to three different cenotes if you don’t have wheels.

The best time to visit the cenotes is the dry season — November to April. 

11. Chichen Itza

Perhaps one of Mexico’s most famous archaeological sites, Chichen Itza, is a sight to behold. It was one of the largest Mayan cities ever built. At its peak, around 35,000 people lived there.

These ancient ruins date back to 600 to 750 A.D. and are a certified UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s mind-boggling how these pyramids were built so long ago. 

Book this day trip from Cancun (or Playa del Carmen), which includes cenotes.  

Fascinating things to see near Oaxaca City

12. Dia de Los Muertos rituals

Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a celebration known worldwide. But it’s a privilege to see the rituals in their spiritual home.

Oaxaca City is considered by those who know their stuff to be the ultimate place to see the event. The main town square transforms from the 31st of October to the 3rd of November. 

You’ll see marigolds as far as the eyes can see, colorful parades, and non-stop activities. 

Pssst… the Mexican cuisine here is unbeatable. Foodies take note: Oaxaca has some of the best restaurants and mezcal bars in the country. Make sure you indulge.

13. Hierve el Agua

Hierve el Agua is a great place to go on a day trip if you’re in Oaxaca City. 

It’s an all-natural travertine rock formation that looks like a petrified cascade of water frozen in time. It’s a beautiful geological landmark and a waterfall optical illusion. There’s nothing like it!  And the rich mineral content of the pools is supposed to have healing properties, so don’t forget your bathing suit. 

Taxis from the city to the faux-falls take around one hour. Or you could join this tour, which has a mezcal tasting, too. 

If you want to see the real waves, spend a few days in nearby Puerto Escondido — a surfing beach town with a low-key atmosphere.

What to see around San Miguel de Allende

14. Jardin Allende (Main Square)

Colonial architecture is around every corner in Mexico. So, why travel to San Miguel de Allende’s main square?

This colorful city square is framed by historic buildings, filled with perfectly trimmed green trees, and home to this iconic Parroquia de San Miguel. All of this with the Sierra Madre Mountains in the back and a total artsy vibe. Gorge.

We went there with my mom last year and it has such a different vibe than Puerto Vallarta. Plus, this city is a favorite city for expats. 

Incredible Baja California things to see

15. El Arco

All the way to the tip of Baja California Sur, now. 

El Arco, or the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, is a magnificent limestone arch created by the sea and wind over the ages. If you’re looking for natural attractions and outdoor things to see in Mexico, make a pilgrimage to this southern point.

You can see it from land in a lot of places. But we went on a sunset boat tour, which gets you up close.

16. Wave to the baby whales

Ok, so maybe you don’t like the idea of swimming with whale sharks. How about seeing Baja California’s baby whales via a boat tour instead?

Swap the scuba or snorkel gear for a relaxed boat tour where you can see and sometimes even pet gray whales. 

Unlike the whale sharks, which you aren’t supposed to touch, it’s totally ok to pet these gray whales. Not all gray whales, just the ones in the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino. There are a couple of lagoons here where the whales come up to the boat and pop their heads out, waiting to be petted, just like a dog.

This is a bucket list item for animal lovers, for sure. 

Things to see in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

17. Los Arcos National Marine Park

Drive 35 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, and you’ll hit the Los Arcos National Marine Park in Mismaloya. This staggering park has abundant wildlife (hi, blue-footed boobies), ample coral reef snorkeling opportunities, and phosphorescent plankton at the right time of the year. 

And since you can never have too many whale interactions, if you visit from December to March, you can go whale watching as well.

18. El Malecon

Sure, you can find bustling boardwalks in most resort towns. But this Malecon has something extra special. I know because I live in Puerto Vallarta. There is a unique sculpture by local Mexican artists on every block. Take a free walking tour to learn about the town’s history and each artist.

Take a leisurely stroll down the mile-long stretch. Stop at all the cafes, shops, and kooky performers, or stop for a tequila cocktail or two. It’s your duty. You’re in Mexico! 

And when you’re done, get off the Malecon and w,ander the cobblestone streets. Puerto Vallarta is very safe and has loads of bars and restaurants to explore.

What to see in Puebla

19. Talavera tile buildings

After seeing the standard Mexican sights, head to Puebla, a lesser-visited city southeast of Mexico City, to see the iconic Talavera tile buildings. 

These tiles are perfectly painted colorful ceramics that transform the buildings and everything else in town. Sure, all the colonial buildings are beautiful. But these breathtaking buildings are something different — especially when you can see them in person.

Plus, Puebla has fewer crowds. No one will step on your toes here when you go on this walking tour.

20. Zona Arqueologica de Cholula

Open your eyes and gaze upon the Great Pyramid of Cholula (also known as Tlachihualtepetl in Nahuatl). This is a key reason people visit Puebla, and for good reason. The pyramid dates back as far as the 3rd century BC. 

Fun Fact: Tlachihualtepetl translates to “the constructed mountain.” 

You can reach the site in a 20-minute taxi from the Puebla downtown area. Or go by tram and see this incredible archeological site.

Colorful things to see in Guanajuato

21. Guanajuato historic center

Hidden in central Mexico, Guanajuato is often missed by tourists despite the historic city and nearby silver mines being a UNESCO World Heritage site. Above ground, there are colorful buildings galore, and below the town, you will see cool tunnels that can take you nearly everywhere.

Don’t be like the others. Even if you’re not on a cultural sites tour, seeing this stunning city will complete any trip. If you don’t want to roam alone, take this walking tour.

Fascinating history in Merida

22. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

If Mayan ruins are on your hit list, you have to see the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya. This museum is an excellent addition after seeing Chichen Itza in person. 

This Mayan Merida Museum is loaded with genuine artifacts that’ll have you marveling like Indiana Jones.

See all the nature in San Cristóbal de las Casas

23. El Arcotete Ecological Park

San Cristobal de las Casas always offers pretty pictures, friendly people, and an all-around good time. 

But this thing to see in Mexico is all about nature. The El Arcotete Ecological Park is a 20-minute drive from the town center. It’s a verdant park that is perfect for hiking and camping. But if you’re an adrenaline-lover, you can also rock climb, spelunk, rappel, and zip-line. 

Things to gawk at in Chihuahua

24. Copper Canyon

The Grand Canyon is old news. The Copper Canyon (aka Barrancas del Cobre) is the new geological wonder you must see.

Located in Chihuahua, the Copper Canyon has six different canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental. Not that I’m comparing the size of this to the Grand Canyon, but if I were, I’d say it’s four times bigger — a whopping 25,000 square miles in total.

Take your trip to the next level with horseback riding here. It’s even better if you pack a cowboy… hat🤣.

The best things to see in Mexico: The wrap-up

So, there we have it! The most popular places to see in Mexico. Your trip doesn’t have to consist of the inside of all-inclusive resorts (unless that’s what you want). 

This country has an endless list of the best places to see, and I have only just scratched the surface. From natural wonders to cities with rich culture, hopefully, you have a few new ideas for your visit. 

Have you seen any of these Mexican places? Got other faves? Tell me yours in the comments. 

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