If you’re heading to Mexico and looking for things to do, then read on, fellow traveler. Get your pencil and paper ready. Here are the 35 best things to do in Mexico!

The 35 Best Things To Do In Mexico: The Ultimate Bucket List

1. Visit the famous Tulum Ruins

Perched high upon the craggy cliffs off the Yucatan Peninsula just two hours from Cancun. It is a walled city and a singular beach settlement constructed by the Mayans back in the 1200s. The clifftop castle is perhaps the most famous part of the historic ruins. 

Peruse pieces of art at the Soumaya Museum. Situated in Mexico City, it is the most famous museum in the entire country. Here within this architecturally impressive building, you will discover an ample assortment of artifacts, exhibits, and masterpieces. Admission to this private, non-profit cultural institution is free. 

Veteran visitors say Campeche, on the southern tip’s coast close to Guatemala, is an exceptional city to explore. Here in this historic city–dating back hundreds of years–you will find colorful buildings and incredible colonial-style architecture and even noteworthy beaches. Oddly, it remains a largely overlooked and least-known colonial city.

The lovely Las Pozas is a gorgeous garden complete with a number of striking sculptures created by the English poet Edward James. Some travel bloggers refer to this place as an “outdoor art museum.” The scenery here is memorable as well. Be sure to see the waterfalls there.

Visiting these hot springs is a great way to relax. They are not only beautiful but they’re also naturally heated. Mind you, much like many entries on this list, these hot springs reportedly get quite busy during the peak season. So it’s best to visit early in the morning.

The Cancun Underwater Museum is a unique underwater sculpture gallery founded in 2009. The earliest artworks here were created by famous sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. Here you will find more than 500 of his life-sized sculptures. This museum is meant to help protect the sea life in the area. 

You can find thousands of cenotes, swimming holes filled with fresh water, all over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Some argue that cenotes are one of the area’s distinctive defining characteristics. Since they often form where the earth has caved in, they often have a rather otherworldly feel. Ik-Kil’s especially popular! 

The Angel of Independence is a famous monument found in Mexico City. The statue is one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions. It was erected in 1910 to mark the 100-year anniversary of the country’s War of Independence. Some say it has blessed Mexico City ever since.    

If you’re going to eat Mexican food, there is no better place to do it than Mexico! Foodies already know that one of Mexico’s popular dishes is tamales. You can sample some from any one of the assorted eateries there or even buy them from a street vendor.  

Another unique tourist attraction in Mexico is the Frida Kahlo Museum. This art museum and historic house museum opened its doors to the public in 1957. It is dedicated to the memory of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and showcases her work. Its bright blue exterior makes it difficult to miss.  

Located in the Yucatan in the verdant tropical forest, Chichen Itza is an ancient site that harkens back to roughly 500 A.D. It is one of the most popular and largest Mayan cities on the entire continent. The most well-known structure here is the Temple of Kukulcan.

Visit in October and go to the Day of the Dead festival. The biggest celebration of this yearly event occurs in Mexico City. The weekend of this festival is rife with exciting events. This is a big bucket list destination though so book your room in advance!

Another interesting attraction in Mexico City is the central government building known as The National Palace. The structure’s architecture is Baroque. It was erected in the 1500s and since 2018 it is now the residence of the country’s president. You’ll find it on the main square, the Plaza de la Constitución.

International food aficionados already know that you can find tacos in a number of different places in Mexico. But before you indulge in tasty traditional tacos, don’t forget to try some fish tacos. You can find genuine Baja tacos in many places but try to find some place local rather than corporate-owned.

You really can’t truly experience Mexico without sampling some tequila. If you’re a bit wary of straight shots, enjoy it in a mixed drink, or go to a tasting. Be careful you don’t drink so much that you end up dancing on the bar. This may be your big adventure, not Pee Wee’s.

Venture just 48 kilometers out of Mexico City to see the historical architectural landmark known as the Pyramid of the Sun. Located in the ancient city of Teotihuacan, it was built back in 200 A.D., it is reported to be the third-largest pyramid in the world.

Veteran visitors say Merida is actually “a great city.” It is the capital of the state of Yucatán. It is also well-known for its vibrant, bright homes, making it quite Instagramable. There are a lot of exceptional attractions here including the Catedral de Merida, Dzibilchaltun, and Paseo de Montejo too.

Hey, taking a salsa dance class here is much more authentic than at home and you’re supporting a local business to boot! Any legit dance studio in the country offers salsa dance lessons. After all, salsa dancing is reported to be one of the most popular dance classes in the country.

Yes, you see pink lakes all over social media, on Instagram, in Facebook travel groups, and so forth. Are they fake? Sometimes.  

But Yucatan’s lovely Las Coloradas is definitely real. That’s why you need to see these pink-hued lakes with your own two eyes. Some call Las Coloradas “a hidden gem.”

Hit the beach at Puerto Vallarta. You’ll find this beach resort city smack dab on the coast. It is home to some of Mexico’s best beaches. Ah, but it’s not all sun, sand, and surf! You will also discover numerous shops, a lively nightlife, and a real sense of history.  

Travel writers agree that Mexico is one of the best places on the planet to go snorkeling. In fact, travelers into this watersport have a choice of a number of different exceptional locations throughout the nation. If you’re a newbie then consider the most popular spots for snorkeling: Akumal, Cancun, and Cozumel.

Yes, Mexico has a great volcano so you need to go see it! It’s in Paricutin, just outside of Mexico City. Even if you only view it from a distance, you’ll find it to be breathtaking. Naturally, while it is a popular tourist attraction, remember that it is potentially dangerous.

While we previously pushed the fish tacos, please don’t misunderstand! If you’re going to Mexico and you’re going to at least try to go native, you simply must eat some traditional tacos too. Ask some of the locals what they recommend and indulge your tummy and taste buds.

Located in Mexico City, this is Mexico’s top-rated cultural center. It hosts numerous entertaining events including such theatrical performances as musicals, plays, and even operas. Here visitors can also enjoy photo exhibits, sculptures, and paintings. Even the building is beautiful.

Xcaret Park is one of the country’s top resorts. It’s nestled on the coast, so travelers are even able to enjoy incredible views. The welcoming water is turquoise blue. Some say this place is nature’s own theme park. Book your stay early as it’s quite popular.

You can become a certified scuba diver in Mexico. In fact, there are several companies throughout the country that offer scuba lessons for individuals as young as 10. If you have the time, this is a great place to earn your scuba diving certification.

If you’re looking for something fun to watch, this is it. A group of divers, frequently referred to as the daring divers of La Quebrada, put on an exciting show for visitors by diving off of skyscraping ledges that are over 50 feet high!

The Wall Street Journal deemed this Mexican restaurant as the best in all of Mexico City. Some travel writers think it is one of the country’s best as well. Run by the famous chef Enrique Olvera, it is quite a luxurious place to dine. Yes, it has high-end prices, but critics note that the food is nothing less than incredible.

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is situated just off the coast. It is a local landmark and a natural rock formation that creates an arch over the water. Those in the know call the place Land’s End. It’s arguably one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the country.

For those not in the know, Rio Secreto is Mexico’s cool underground river. You can see all of this river’s best sections by taking a tour. Enjoy the sight of the clear blue water and the striking stalagmites. Book your tickets well in advance as this is a popular tourist attraction.

The island known as Isla Contoy is currently a national park. It is perhaps best known for its resident wildlife. Expert ornithologists say there is no better spot in all of Mexico to go birdwatching. It is accessible only by boat and tours are also available.  

If you enjoy the Day of the Dead, you’ll definitely want to take in this creepy attraction. It’s a deserted island that’s home to little more than abandoned dolls hanging from trees. There is a local legend that explains why the lonely dolls hang there. Travel to this peculiar place and learn this torrid tale.

Since the majority of Mexico is actually surrounded by water, a good boat tour can be an educational way to explore the region. The port towns and coastal resorts are all able to direct visitors to various boat tour businesses that offer reasonably priced tours. A number of them even include a meal too!

The small town of Izamal is one of Mexico’s most underrated places. If you have time, you really should see it. It’s best known for its bright yellow buildings, and it’s the perfect place to experience an authentic Mexican small town.

Last but certainly not least, is the popular Playa Norte. This is the place to just enjoy a kickback afternoon soaking up some sun. The water is crystal blue and the beach is covered with white sand. Take a dip if you’re of the mind to do so. If you start feeling particularly peckish in this paradise, patronize one of the local restaurants and sample some local cuisine.