10 Best Cities to Visit in Mexico

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Best cities to visit in Mexico

Mexico has some of the best beaches with white sands and a number of beautiful beach resorts. The country is a melting pot of culture, food, drinks, inventors and celebrities.

This country has 31 states and is inhabited by at least 117 million people, making it the 11th most populated country in the world. 

The cities of this country come with its unique personality that makes it beautiful and fun to visit. 

One common public holiday that you will not miss any of the Mexican cities is the day of the dead, they do this to honor the dead, mourn and remember them.

 Here are some of the best cities to visit in Mexico.

Read more: Top 20 Facts about Mexico City

1. Cancun 

Photo by Gerson Repreza on Unsplash

Cancun is on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea famous for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, water sports, many resorts and its lively nightlife.

This city is divided into two; El Centro, the traditional business district and the ever-busy Zona Hotelera, where the high rise hotels, long beaches, night clubs, restaurants and souvenir shops can be found.

Another fascinating fact about Cancun is its Mayan culture and shrines, international cuisine, ultra-modern spa facilities and exclusive shopping stores with both modern and traditional handiworks.  

Other than the beaches, Cancun has an underwater museum and archeological sites that takes one back to the Mayan ancient civilization. 

The El Rey and El Templo del Alacran which were used as watchtowers. 

Cancun has something for everyone despite the age. It is one travel destination that is frequented by university students during their spring break.

2. Oaxaca

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Oaxaca is the capital and largest city of the eponymous state in Mexico. It has colorful buildings lining its streets.

Situated on the foothills of the Sierra Madre, this city is a tourist magnet with its archeological sites and the Zapotec and Mixtec cultures.

Both the city and Monte Alban, an archeological site, was named as a world heritage site in 1987.   

This city also has its share of beautiful beaches perfect for surfing and sighting dolphins.

One interesting festival celebrated in the city is Guelaguetz, a month-long cultural festival with Oaxacan traditional dance, music and a beauty pageant by native women.

For the best plate of ‘mole’ (a sauce and marinade used in Mexican cuisine), this city serves the best in the whole of Mexico. There are seven classic varieties that one can sample from.

3. Guanajuato

Guanajuato is one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico with its bright buildings, tree lined streets and beautiful public squares not forgetting the mountains.

The silver mining history, museums and the colonial architecture in the city tell of the city’s past.

It has unique streets and alleys that are quite narrow, it has been named the kissing alley because the balconies are close enough for a couple from each balcony to reach and kiss.

There are a number of UNESCO heritage sites in this city that is worth a visit; the city itself for being the first battlefield of the Mexican War of independence and the silver mining town. 

4. Puebla

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Puebla is on the east-central side of Mexico and south-east of Mexico City. It is the fourth largest city in the country.

It has rich gastronomy history such as mole poblano, chiles, and en nogada, colonial architecture and pottery. 

The architectural style that is a combination of European and Mexican baroque earned the city a place in the world heritage site list in 1987. 

The Puebla cathedral has tall tower bells that overlook the central square while the Museo Amparo gives a detailed exhibition of prehistoric art like ceramic and murals.

5. Puerto Vallarta 

This stunning resort town is tucked away on Mexico’s Pacific coast in Jalisco state. It has pretty beaches, fun water sports, vast marine life and a lively nightlife once the sunsets.

The town’s cobblestone center is lined with boutique shops, restaurants, cafés, bars and the flamboyant Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church.

There are plenty of activities to be part of in Puerta Vallarta such as trips to the villages, boat trips diving excursions, and horseback rides. 

6. Monterrey

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Monterrey is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico.

It was Sinatra’s favorite place and has some top universities in the Country, bustling nightlife and a lot of natural beauty.

It has a hint of ‘America’ in it and is a perfect getaway destination that has a number of English-speaking residents.

Its stores and restaurants chains in the city are familiar to those in the US.  

7. San Miguel de Allende

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This is a colonial city in central Mexico. It is famous for its baroque Spanish architecture, flourishing art scene and cultural festivals.

The neo-gothic church Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel has striking pink towers that rise above the main plaza at the cobblestoned center. 

Another attraction is the Templo de San Francisco church that has an 18th-century ultra-baroque facade

As one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

Some sites to visit in the city are; the San Miguel Arcangel Parish, handicraft market and Cañada la Virgen.

8. Tulum

This coastal town is on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

It is well known for its beaches and ancient Mayan port city ruins.

It consists of a huge stone structure, El Castillo, that is on a cliff overlooking the greenish-blue sea and the sandy beaches.

Tulum national park is close to the ruins where mangroves and the natural limestone sinkholes can be found.

The coral reefs off of Tulum coast provide a perfect spot for snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming by the beach.

9. Cabo San Lucas

This is another resort city in Mexico close to the California peninsula. It has beautiful sandy beaches, a ton of water activities and lively nightlife. 

It’s the main beach, Playa el Medano, has many bars and restaurants serving the delicious Mexican cuisines and drinks. 

The town has beautiful contrasting sceneries, from the beach to the desert and mountains. 

10. Acapulco

Acapulco is a famous tourist destination that has breathtaking natural beauty, golden sand, beautiful tropical weather and the warm sea. 

Its nightlife is a favorite of many students on spring break. Golf is also another main attraction to the resort city. 

A hike up Quebrada gives a panoramic view of the seashore and is where cliff divers jump into the sea, it is quite spectacular a night as it’s illuminated with torches.