10 Most Magnificent Cities in Mexico You Don’t Want to Miss
Cities in Mexico are full of amazing architecture, delicious food, museums, beaches, music, cultural dances, and much more!
Every place in Mexico has its own unique energy and charm. And people from all over the world love to travel to Mexico’s cities. Are you ready to learn more about this fascinating North American country and all its enchanting cities?
¡Vamos!
Let’s go.
10 Magnificent Cities in Mexico You Must Visit
Mexico is a country with an amazing heritage and each of these cities has an attractiveness of its own. Some of the richest cities in Latin America are in Mexico.
From unique music to delicious food, Mexico welcomes travelers from all over the world. Check out this curated list of the best cities in Mexico to visit on your next trip.
And remember to practice your Spanish with the locals!
1. Puebla
Population: 3.2 million
What they’re famous for: incredible local cuisine and amazing art
Puebla is one of the major cities in Mexico. Try the delightful local cuisine such as mole poblano (dark red or brown sauce served over meat), cemitas (the sister of the Mexican torta), and tacos al arabe (arabic tacos). The historic Centro and Zócalo are also a must. The city is also famous for its sweets. The best ones are on Calle de los Dulces.
Puebla is bursting with culture. Museo Amparo in the center of town is one of the best museums in Latin America. Their collection includes contemporary exhibitions from modern to indigenous artists.
On the outskirts of town, the Baroque Museum is full of mind-bending Baroque art. Puebla is perfect for art lovers and architecture buffs alike.
2. Mexico City
Population: 21.9 million
What they’re famous for: being one of the world’s great cultural capitals
With its colorful excitement, Mexico City is a wonderful city to visit. It offers everything from delicious street food to high-end restaurants.
This city loves to celebrate. In fact, El día de los muertos (Day of the Dead) on November 1 is one of the most famous holidays in the country. It makes for an unforgettable experience.
This giant metropolis is just 45 minutes from the ancient Aztec city of Teotihuacán. Other incredible sites to see are la Plaza de la Constitución and La Casa Azul (The Blue House), which is the Frida Kahlo museum.
3. Bacalar
Population: 41,754
What they’re famous for: the stunning lagoon of seven colors
Bacalar in Quintana Roo is a hidden gem with beaches that are equally as stunning and much less crowded than Cancun’s. It’s affordable and has a growing expat community.
La Laguna de Siete Colores (the Lagoon of Seven Colors) is one of the top attractions. The incredible shades of blue make for a magical view.
Bacalar also has a major marine habitat, and it’s an ideal spot to go snorkeling, swimming, or kayaking. Practice yoga, eat fresh seafood, and sip refreshing drinks by the beach. Bacalar is a perfect getaway spot to relax and recharge.
4. Guadalajara
Population: 5.3 million
What they’re famous for: being Mexico’s cultural and laid-back second city
Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico—and one of the safest cities in the country.
The capital of Jalisco embraces its local heritage with tequila and mariachi bands. The historic city center contains baroque churches with breathtaking architecture. Each September, it hosts one of the biggest festivals in Latin America, the Mariachi Festival.
5. San Cristóbal de las Casas
Population: 186,000
What they’re famous for: gorgeous colonial architecture
San Cristóbal de las Casas is another Mexican pueblo mágico (magic town) because of how enchanting it is. This high-plane paradise is another colonial city and home to various indigenous communities.
This Mexican gem is home to the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya (Center for the Mayan Textile World). If you’re looking to explore further, go mountain biking, on a textile-making tour, or ziplining.
6. Oaxaca City
Population: 714,983
What they’re famous for: being the gastronomic capital of Mexico
Oaxaca’s colonial architecture and culinary scene make it one of Mexico’s most popular cities. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Spain’s influence is still evident along its cobblestone streets. The Templo de Santo Domingo y El Centro Histórico (Temple of Santo Domingo and Historical Center) are two famous landmarks to check out.
Oaxaca is a mix between the old and the new with hip boutiques, cafés, and hotels. The Monte Alban archeological site is 10 minutes outside the city. It boasts some of the best preserved ruins in Mexico.
7. Mérida
Population: 1.2 million
What they’re famous for: laid-back Yucatan vibes
Mérida, Yucatan is an under-the-radar spot for travelers with an artsy vibe, colonial relics, and amazing restaurants. Many cafés, hotels, shops, and art galleries line the streets.
Like all Mexican cities, Mérida blends Spanish and indigenous culture. Visit the Romanesque cathedral and Casa de Montejo in the main square.
Be sure to try local Yucatecan food while you’re in town. Many restaurants serve Mexican dishes such as papadzules (fried corn tortillas), pavo relleno negro (black stuffing), and cochinita pibil (piglet).
8. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Population: 530,078
What they’re famous for: being a beautiful colonial beach town
Puerto Vallarta’s historic cobblestone streets connect to the shoreline. Its beaches offer breathtaking sunsets and the Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone) is the historical city center. With its awesome beach vibe and bright bougainvilleas, Puerto Vallarta is the ultimate getaway.
The city’s whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and colorful houses are sure to charm you. Travel to smaller beach towns in the region for a day trip. Puerto Vallarta also has a vibrant nightlife.
9.San Miguel de Allende
Population: 171,857
What they’re famous for: being a UNESCO World Heritage city
San Miguel de Allende is a city in Mexico full of art, history, culture and colorful architecture. Many consider this large colonial town to be one of the best cities in Mexico. Its main plaza is a cultural hub and full of unique art galleries and restaurants. The Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel (Parish of Archangel Michael) is its most famous landmark.
San Miguel de Allende is a favorite among expats. People from all over the world have settled there. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well.
10. Taxco de Alarcón
Population: 98,853
What they’re famous for: Being the silver capital of the world
The final city on the list is Taxco de Alarcón. This is the spot if you’re looking for silver jewelry. Silver artisans craft the silver into jewelry, and it’s a huge part of the local economy.
Taxco is another pueblos mágico that looks like a fairytale. The Church of Santa Prisca that towers over this mountainous town was once the tallest building in Mexico. Taxco is high up in the Sierra Madre Mountains which makes it even more mystical.
Learn Spanish Before You Travel
No matter which of these amazing Mexican cities you prefer, learning the language is a must when you travel there. Being able to speak Spanish makes travel to Spanish-speaking countries so much easier and more meaningful.
And did you know that being bilingual also improves your cognition and decision-making abilities?
Sign up for a free class to practice your conversational skills in preparation for your trip to Mexico! Here at Homeschool Spanish Academy, our friendly, certified teachers from Guatemala are ready to help you improve your Spanish skills.
Want to learn more about Latin America? Check out our latest posts!
- 10 Simple Spanish Words Your Preschooler Can Learn This Week
- 9 Ways to Keep Your Middle Schooler Engaged in Spanish (Even if They’re Already Fluent)
- French vs Spanish: 7 Reasons Spanish Could Be a Strong Long-Term Investment
- 7 Creative Ways to Maintain Spanish Fluency at Home — Perfect for Elementary Kids
- Raising a Bilingual Child: 10 Must-Have Resources Every Parent Needs
- 5 Proven Strategies to Help Your Middle Schooler Excel in 1-on-1 Online Spanish Classes
- 10 Expert Tips to Keep Your Middle Schooler Motivated in Online Language Lessons
- 5 Fun & Easy Spanish Activities to Do at Home with Your Preschooler
- Top 20 Guatemalan Words and Slang Expressions You Should Know - January 2, 2025
- How to Immerse Yourself in Spanish While at Home - December 12, 2024
- 13 Famous Hispanic Women in History Who Made Enormous Impact - January 23, 2023
