MEXICO · COUNTRY GUIDE
Best Things to Do in Mexico: Ideas by Interest
The problem with a list of the top things to do in Mexico is that there are too many, and the best ones are in opposite corners of the country. It is more useful to start with what you enjoy.
The short answer: see a great archaeological site, swim in a cenote, eat your way through a market, take a boat through Xochimilco, and visit at least one colonial city. Everything else depends on your route.
Top Experiences
| Experience | Where | Best for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teotihuacán | Near Mexico City | History | Day tour |
| Balloon over the pyramids | Teotihuacán | A special occasion | Balloon flight |
| Chichén Itzá and a cenote | Yucatán | First-timers | Day tour |
| Tulum ruins and cenotes | Riviera Maya | Ruins and swimming | Half-day tour |
| Xochimilco boats | Mexico City | Groups | Boat tour |
| Lucha libre | Mexico City | A fun night out | Guided night |
| Street food tour | Mexico City | Food lovers | Food tour |
| Cooking class | Oaxaca | Food lovers | Class |
| Hierve el Agua | Near Oaxaca | Views | Day tour |
| Isla Mujeres by catamaran | From Cancún | Beach day | Catamaran |
| Arch at Land's End | Cabo San Lucas | Scenery | Boat tour |
History and Culture
Mexico has 36 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most in the Americas. Begin with the great archaeological sites, then give yourself a morning at the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City, which makes those sites easier to understand. Colonial towns like Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende and Puebla are a completely different side of the country's history. See our festival calendar if you want to time your trip around a major celebration.
Nature and Water
Cenotes are the Yucatán's freshwater sinkholes, and swimming in one is a highlight of most trips. Remember that CDC advice on untreated fresh water and leptospirosis applies, so choose maintained sites and do not swallow the water. Use biodegradable products, or none at all.
Baja has whale watching in winter and some of the best sea life in the country, and the Copper Canyon has spectacular rail views. Check our safety advice before planning a visit to Chihuahua. For the coast, read our beach guide.
City Life
Spend time simply walking. Roma and Condesa in Mexico City, the markets of Oaxaca, the Paseo de Montejo in Mérida and the alleys of Guanajuato all reward a slow afternoon. In the evenings, a walk with Guanajuato's estudiantina or a night in one of the main nightlife districts gives you a different view of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one tourist attraction in Mexico?
Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacán are the most visited of the famous archaeological sites.
What should you not miss in Mexico?
A great archaeological site, a market, street food, a cenote and a colonial city.
What can you do in Mexico besides the beach?
Visit ruins and museums, take cooking classes, see lucha libre or travel the Copper Canyon by rail.
Is it safe to swim in cenotes?
Generally yes at maintained sites, but follow local rules, wear a life jacket if you are unsure and avoid swallowing the water.
Sources and Planning Checks
Facts were checked on 8 November 2026. The World Heritage total comes from Wikipedia. Health guidance is from the CDC. Our recommendations and tour selections are editorial judgments, so check the operator's details and reviews before booking. Some links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.