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When many people think of Mexico travel, they picture kicking back in a beach chair with a margarita in hand. The great thing about this country is that beach bumming is only one of several awesome things to do in Mexico.
Whether you want that Caribbean getaway, a big city break, an epic outdoor adventure, or just want to dive into the fascinating history and culture, there’s something for you in this diverse country — plus, there really is no bad time to visit Mexico!
This is one of the cheapest countries to travel in the world and also one of the best countries for food.
On one trip to Mexico, you can enjoy world-class scuba diving, climb atop ancient Mayan ruins, explore colourful colonial towns, and indulge in the cuisine.
Best Things to Do in Mexico
With so much going on and so many amazing places to visit in Mexico, it’s a tough task to narrow it down to a compact list. I’ve spent many months living and traveling around Mexico and in this post I’ll share my list of the best things to see and do.
Instead of a standard top 10, we’re giving you 51 awesome things to do in Mexico!
Note: This post has been updated to reflect the current rates, and the best things to see and do in the country. Don’t miss our ultimate travel guide to Mexico to learn about the culture, places to see, top things to do, cuisine, currency and so much more. Enjoy your trip to Mexico.
1. Museum Hop in Mexico City
What better place to start this epic list of things to do in Mexico than in the capital city? Mexico City (or CDMX as it’s commonly known) is often overlooked by travelers, which is a horrible mistake.
We could honestly fill this entire list by covering the capital alone. There really is that much going on in Mexico City.
Did you know that the city is home to more museums than any other city in the world? It’s true! The most popular museum in the city is probably the Frida Kahlo House.
If you want to check out the home of one of Mexico’s most famous and beloved artists, it’s a good idea to purchase your ticket online in advance or just join a tour to skip the huge queue.
Other highlights include the massive Anthropology Museum and even a museum dedicated to tequila and mezcal. Be sure to carve out at least a few days for museum-hopping in Mexico City on your trip.
There are endless things to do in Mexico City, both during the day and in the evening. You’ll never be bored here.
Read More About Mexico City:
2. Experience Day Of The Dead
If you only experience one traditional holiday in Mexico, make sure it’s Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). This festival has a history dating back thousands of years to the Aztecs and is meant to honor the dead.
While the subject of death is usually quite mournful in western culture, it’s exactly the opposite in Mexico. Rather, the Day of the Dead is a very festive celebration meant to celebrate loved ones who have passed and the lives they led.
Families will visit the cemetery to clean and decorate the graves. Some even spend the night and have a little fiesta right there in the graveyard!
As a visitor, your best bet for experiencing Día de Muertos is heading to a place like Mexico City or Oaxaca (it’s one of the best things to do in Oaxaca, and you won’t regret it!).
Thanks to the James Bond film “Spectre” – which featured a Day of the Dead parade before there ever was such a thing – the capital decided to go ahead and give it a try. It’s now an annual occasion and certainly one of the top things to do in Mexico.
3. Go Diving in Cozumel
There are numerous things to do in Cozumel to keep you busy, but the island is regarded as one of the best places to go scuba diving in the western hemisphere.
With crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life, the diving in Cozumel is definitely top-notch. From tiny seahorses to massive eagle rays, there’s a lot to see in the water here.
If you’re not yet scuba certified, this is the perfect place to do it. There are tons of dive shops on the island offering open water courses at very reasonable prices ($375-400). Once you’re ready to go, 2-tank dive trips only cost between $75-90.
For a professional, friendly team, you can’t beat Scuba Tony. We recently did 12 dives with them and highly recommend the company — the dive guides are great, safety is a priority, and the equipment is top-notch.
While there is an airport on Cozumel, most people arrive here via the ferry from Playa del Carmen. Ferries leave basically every hour and only take about 35-40 minutes to reach the island.
Don’t miss our article on how to get from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen — the quickest, and most comfortable option.
4. Be in Awe of Chichen Itza
When it comes to the most famous sights in Mexico, it’s hard to top Chichen Itza.
The ancient Mayan city is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and it attracts millions of visitors every year. A trip here is absolutely one of the best things to do in Mexico.
The highlight of Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kukulkan, which is dedicated to a Mayan feathered serpent god. Often referred to as El Castillo (The Castle), it’s an absolutely incredible sight to behold.
Every year on the spring and autumn equinoxes, a shadow is cast on the pyramid that resembles none other than a serpent. How the Mayans managed to figure this out without any modern technology or equipment is simply mind-boggling.
There’s lots more to see and discover at Chichen Itza, so it’s best to hire a guide to enhance your experience. Click here to learn more and to book a tour.
5. Eat All The Tacos
The most quintessential Mexican dish is without a doubt the taco.
There really is a taco truck on every corner here, and that’s an absolutely wonderful thing. If you think of a taco as a flour tortilla full of ground beef, cheese, and lettuce, you may be surprised when you arrive in Mexico.
Tacos here are typically made with two small corn tortillas. Popular fillings include carne asada (beef), adobada (marinated pork), or chorizo (sausage). On the coast, you’ll also find some amazing fish, shrimp, and even marlin tacos. It’s the bacon of the sea, and it’s delicious.
If you’re visiting Cancun, don’t miss this tasty taco tour which includes lots of food, transport and guide to show you the best places.
If you’re backpacking Mexico on a budget, tacos will most likely be your main food source…and there’s nothing wrong with that! You can diet when you get home, so go ahead and eat all the tacos – it’s one of the best things to do in Mexico.
6. Visit the Pyramids of Teotihuacan (one of the most fascinating things to do in Mexico)
While Chichen Itza may be the most famous among international tourists, there’s another archaeological site in Mexico that receives even more visitors. The ancient city of Teotihuacan welcomed over 4 million visitors last year, making it the most popular archaeological site in the country.
Once upon a time, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the Americas. It’s believed that up to 125,000 people may have called the city home. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best day trips out of Mexico City.
Climb atop the Pyramid of the Sun to take in the views and imagine what it was like during its heyday. Click on the images below to learn more about the tours to Teotihuacan!
7. Swim in a Cenote
A cenote is a natural sinkhole that results from the collapse of a cave ceiling. There are literally thousands of them in the country – mostly in the Yucatan – and a refreshing swim in one is for sure one of the top things to do in Mexico.
Once upon a time, the Mayans used cenotes for sacrificial offerings. These days, you’re more likely to find tourists cooling off from the intense mid-day heat and enjoying a bit of cliff jumping. Find out more about the cenotes in Mexico in our post.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, there are several cenotes that are easily visited on a day-trip.
It’s also possible to go snorkeling and even scuba diving in a cenote. It’s a far different experience from diving in the ocean and one of those unique activities that you should partake in when visiting Mexico.
For a complete guide to travelling around Playa del Carmen, including the top things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and the best beaches, click here for our travel guide to Playa del Carmen.
8. Party in Guadalajara
As Mexico’s 2nd largest city, Guadalajara always lives in the shadow of the capital.
This Mexican metropolis has a lot going for it though and there are numerous fun things to do in Guadalajara. One of the best things about GDL is definitely the city’s great nightlife.
A popular choice for a night out on the town in Guadalajara is Avenida Chapultepec. There are tons of restaurants, bars, and clubs to choose from here.
On the weekends, the place is bustling with activity as vendors set up a night market. Eat, drink, shop, and dance your way up and down the street to make for an unforgettable night. Check out this super fun pub crawl around Guadalajara.
If you find yourself in nearby Puerto Vallarta, don’t miss the