The Top 19 Must-Do Experiences in Mexico

Mexico is a magical place. One moment you’re enjoying smoky mezcal, and the next you’re swimming in crystal-clear natural pools or being serenaded by mariachi bands, with Frida Kahlo watching from a mural above.

The adventure intensifies as you uncover delicious food while exploring feathered serpents, ancient pyramids, and centuries of history just around the corner. Each visit to Mexico reveals breathtaking landscapes and lively towns, where daily life intertwines with surrealism, natural beauty, and remarkable history.

Here are the top experiences to enjoy in Mexico.

1. Marvel at the grandeur of a pyramid

Pyramids evoke a sense of humility. When you gaze up at the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán, it’s hard not to feel small. As the third-largest ancient pyramid in the world, it once brought priests closer to the heavens at its peak. It's no surprise that the pyramids at Teotihuacán served as temples for human sacrifices to the gods.

The Aztecs performed similar rituals at the intriguing Templo Mayor, located at the center of their empire, Tenochtitlán, which is now Mexico City.

Other pre-Hispanic civilizations, like the ingenious Maya, built pyramids that became the focal points of their communities. At Chichén Itzá and Palenque, they interred their powerful leaders within these structures, using the towering edifices that rise above the forest canopy to navigate their territories.

In Tulum, a Maya pyramid overlooks the turquoise waters and functioned as a lighthouse.

However, Mexico boasts an even grander pyramid, the largest by volume in the world. The Pirámide Tepanapa surpasses the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. To the untrained eye, it resembles a grassy hill, which misled the Spanish conquistadors and saved it from destruction. Inside, a walk through the cool tunnels of the Pyramid of Cholula takes about 15 minutes, and with every narrow turn, you feel diminutive.

2. Discover Mexico's Artisan Heritage

Beautiful Mexican artesanías (handcrafted goods) enchant with their charm. When you pick up a piece in a workshop, you’re holding centuries of artistry and tradition.

A vibrant beadwork mask might catch your eye, its vivid colors echoing the mythology of the Huichol people from Jalisco. Alternatively, explore the shimmering silverware of Taxco, which has a rich history as offerings to Aztec deities before being looted for Spanish wealth.

The stunning creations of generations of embroiderers, ancient weavers, Oaxacan potters, and metalsmiths narrate the diverse story of Mexico. Purchasing a piece from an artisan helps sustain their legacy.

3. Explore Mexico City’s Green Neighborhoods by Bike

Mexico City boasts an abundance of bike lanes, especially in some of its finest neighborhoods like Condesa, Roma, and artistic Coyoacán. Canopies of trees line the streets, which are adorned with beautifully tiled homes and boutique shops. Parks are bustling with young families and teens practicing their dance moves, while stylish locals relax at nearby cafes.

Planning tip: Participate in Mexico City's free Sunday bike rides, when the main thoroughfares of the capital become car-free zones. Cyclists enjoy leisurely rides, and you can easily join in with a free or affordable bike rental.

4. Master the Salsa and Danzón

Music is in the soul of every Mexican, and attempting to dance is essential to the Mexican experience. Every Saturday, couples don their hats and heels or casual attire to gather at Plaza Ciudadela in Mexico City, where they dance, socialize, and learn salsa and danzón.

This lively event is open to everyone, but if you need a boost of confidence, there are bars around the city where you can learn to dance for the price of a tequila. Mama Rumba features a vibrant live band performance.

Planning tip: For those serious about dancing, Salón de Bailes Los Ángeles serves as both a dance school and a legendary venue. It's a historical hotspot where icons of Mexico’s Golden Age of cinema, like Cantinflas and María Félix, used to dance.

5. Drift in Underground Cenotes

For the Maya, cenotes were sacred gateways to converse with the gods, leading them to establish villages nearby. Today, these natural limestone swimming holes are enchanting hidden oases where visitors can refresh in the jungle. Cenotes form from the collapse of porous limestone bedrock, resulting in pools with crystal-clear water. Most cenotes are located in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Underwater photographers, spelunkers, and snorkelers delight in the clarity of cenotes, as do swimmers seeking a tranquil experience under the lush tree canopy.

Unlike the ocean, the turquoise waters of cenotes are fresh and rich in minerals. Floating in these serene pools feels like stepping back in time. Look up at the intertwining vines and shafts of sunlight filtering through. Hummingbirds flit around, and it seems little has changed since the days of the Maya.

Planning tip: Bring cash for entrance fees and pack a daypack with essentials, including water-friendly shoes to protect your feet and reef-safe, chemical-free sunscreen.

6. Indulge in Mexican Street Food Delights

Curious about the best tacos? Forget about fancy restaurants with white tablecloths; the real gems are found on the streets.

There’s a unique thrill in feeling the intense heat from the chargrilling pork that makes tacos al pastor unforgettable at spots like El Vilsito. It might be the sizzling plates that transform handmade quesadillas filled with zucchini flowers or nopales (cactus) into perfection. Or perhaps it’s the self-serve salsa stations that elevate sopes (tortillas topped with white panela cheese and lettuce) and tlacoyos (diamond-shaped blue corn parcels filled with beans and meat) to a whole new level of flavor. And of course, the freshly squeezed limes and spontaneous conversations add that extra kick to the experience of enjoying Mexican street food.

In the culinary heart of Mexico, Oaxaca offers some of the finest street food, especially at market stands like Mercado 20 de Noviembre. For a taste in Mexico City, try Los Cucuyos or the vegan delights at Por Siempre Vegana Taquería.

Local tip: To discover the freshest and most flavorful street food, take a moment to watch the stands. The best ones have a sizzling comal (hot plate) that releases an enticing aroma into the air.

7. Drift through the canals of the ancient floating gardens in Xochimilco

Located south of Mexico City, Xochimilco is the last vestige of the country’s pre-Hispanic waterways. Vibrantly painted wooden trajinera boats glide through the canals, passing by chinampas (floating gardens) where fruits, vegetables, and flowers thrive on beds made from reeds.

Over 500 years ago, the great Aztec city of Tenochtitlán thrived from an island surrounded by interconnected lakes. The Aztecs maintained a sophisticated system of brackish and fresh waters. As you drift along, envision Xochimilco in its Aztec heyday, with gardeners nurturing plots of green bean vines, vibrant purple amaranth, and juicy chilis and tomatoes, just as they do today.

8. Enjoy artisanal mezcal

Mezcal is a smoky, rich spirit savored in cozy bars by dreamers, artists, and the heartbroken. As the older sibling to fast-paced tequila, mezcal is made from the same agave plant but is uniquely hand-roasted beneath volcanic rocks. For years, travelers to Oaxaca would discreetly bring back flasks of this potent beverage from local farms.

Now, mezcal has become a trend in the cities, with small artisanal distillers celebrated in mezcal bars like the tucked-away Bósforo and Mano Santa, known for its tasting flights. You can explore the world of agave spirits at the Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal in Mexico City.

Most mezcal is produced in small batches and is primarily found in Mexico. Notable artisanal brands with broader distribution include the impressive Los Danzantes. Oaxaca is considered the heart of mezcal production.

Local tip: A perfect mezcal day begins with a guided distillery tour, where you'll learn about the slow cooking process of the agave piñas (hearts) in a volcanic rock pit, filling the air with delicious roasting aromas. Continue your experience at one of the many tasting rooms. Enjoy your mezcal traditionally, accompanied by a slice of orange sprinkled with sal de gusano (agave worm salt mixed with mild chili).

9. Immerse yourself in a 3000-year-old temazcal ceremony

A temazcal is more than just a sauna; it's an ancient Maya-Zapotec ritual that harnesses 3000 years of indigenous cultural wisdom as a form of healing. Guided by a shaman, you participate in a transformative ceremony within a dome, sitting in a circle for a truly life-altering experience.

In the dim light, the shaman pours an herbal infusion onto the hot rocks in the center, creating a steamy atmosphere. Dialogue flows between the shaman and participants, expressing gratitude to the earth and recognizing our bond with the animal kingdom and nature. Occasionally, the guide recites phrases in the indigenous Náhuatl language.

This isn't a gentle session; it's a warrior's ritual, designed to fortify them before battle. After 90 minutes of building resilience and purging both physical and mental toxins, you emerge to plunge into cold pools for cleansing.

Planning tip: For an authentic temazcal experience (beyond just a sauna), seek out spirituality enthusiasts in Tepotzlán or explore the rich history of the Zapotec civilization in Oaxaca. We recommend Xquenda in Huatulco for a complete pre-Hispanic ceremony paired with murals.

10. Immerse yourself in Mexico's musical heritage with a mariachi performance

Mariachi bands provide a soundtrack for every emotion and life event. Feeling joyful? More trumpet. Feeling reflective? Expect strings and heartfelt boleros. These musicians are hired for significant occasions, from birthdays to funerals, making them integral to Mexican culture. You’ll find them performing in major plazas from Mérida to Cuernavaca.

A highlight is Mexico City’s Plaza Garibaldi, a hub of dining and music since 1925. Experience the heart of mariachi in Guadalajara, home to the world's largest mariachi festival each September during the Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charreria.

11. Discover the depths of Frida Kahlo’s creative journey

Paint bottles shimmer in their trays next to an easel, making it feel as if the artist has just stepped away. Handcrafted items—clay fertility figures, papier-mâché skeletons, and playful cherubs—fill the space, reflecting the richness of Mexican culture.

The Blue House is where Frida was born, lived, and ultimately passed away, preserved just as she left it. Her silver jewelry, short bed, crutches, wheelchair, and prosthetic leg are displayed here. Despite her lifelong disabilities, Kahlo transformed her physical and emotional struggles into profound art, while celebrating pre-Hispanic traditions.

Kahlo was known for donning traditional dresses and shawls from Oaxaca, celebrating the feminine strength of the women from her mother’s hometown. Mexico City offers other fascinating locations to explore Frida's life, but standing in her volcanic stone courtyard allows you to truly feel her love for Mexico and its people. This museum provides an essential glimpse into her world and artistry.

12. Journey through Mexico's rich history at its museums

With over 150 museums, Mexico City surpasses even New York and Paris. While some are quirky and lesser-known—like a torture museum—they collectively showcase the vast tapestry of Mexico's history, from indigenous crafts to revolution, human rights, and tequila.

The crown jewel is the Museo Nacional de Antropología, renowned worldwide for its impressive architecture and a striking water feature at the heart of its Maya-inspired courtyard.

The country's most celebrated male artists are the 'big three' muralists. Their works, created for public enjoyment, adorn various buildings, including those at the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso and the magnificent Palacio de Bellas Artes, featuring Diego Rivera’s iconic El hombre en el cruce de caminos (Man at the Crossroads).

Other museums cater to unique interests, such as the Museo del Calzado, which showcases the footwear of Mexican fútbol legends and replicas of Neil Armstrong’s lunar boots.

13. Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Once a year, the spirits of the departed can follow a marigold petal path back to their loved ones. Altars overflow with their favorite foods and items, while photos of the deceased are illuminated by candlelight, enveloped in incense smoke.

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is not a somber occasion but a joyful celebration of remembrance. This vibrant tradition has been upheld for over 3000 years, with roots tracing back to Aztec practices and even earlier Olmec customs.

If you visit Mexico at the end of October, you'll witness the nights come alive as crowds fill the squares, and businesses and museums compete for the best-decorated altars. In towns like Naolinco, Pátzcuaro, and Mixquic, large processions make their way to cemeteries for an evening filled with drinks and song.

Local tip: It's perfectly fine to observe from a respectful distance, and the sight of thousands of candles and marigold flowers illuminating the night offers an unforgettable Mexican experience.

14. Indulge in some mole

Among the captivating dishes of Mexico, mole stands out for its rich and intricate blend of herbs and spices. Combining cocoa with three types of chilis, this sauce offers a chocolatey warmth, yet it features over 15 ingredients, including sesame seeds, fragrant herbs, peanuts, and cumin. In Puebla, you can enjoy it in restaurants adorned with hand-painted blue talavera tiles.

Planning tip: Oaxaca is famous for its seven vibrant varieties of mole. The highlight is mole negro, a smoky 'black' sauce distinguished by a touch of hoja santa or 'sacred leaf,' which has a delightful flavor reminiscent of licorice and eucalyptus. Mole is best served over chicken or enchiladas (tortillas filled with cheese or chicken).

15. Immerse yourself in daily Mexican life at a market

Colorful piñatas hang above, while the air is filled with the scents of flowers and ripe mangos, accompanied by large sacks of spices and piles of dried chilis that call out to you.

On a pleasant day, a Mexican market transforms into a delightful haven filled with fruit salad vendors, charming barber shops, and sellers showcasing woven baskets and Virgin candles. A mercado (market) embodies the essence of everyday Mexican life, bustling with authenticity, whether you're in a chic neighborhood or a rustic mountain village.

In one market, the air may carry hints of incense and the enticing aroma of crispy pork cracklings under heat lamps. Join families for a meal or grab some nuts and chili-lime grasshoppers for a snack on the go. Indulge in delicious Mexican fruits like the honey-almond flavored mamey and tuna (prickly pear) juiced to perfection. Every visit to a Mexican market is a new adventure.

16. Explore history through plants in Oaxaca

The Jardín Etnobotánico offers a tangible connection to history, where you can dye your hands a vivid red with cochineal from prickly pear cactus. This natural dye once adorned the garments of Europe's elite, enriching the Spaniards second only to silver.

The guides at the garden share stories of how indigenous cultures utilized plants for clothing, shelter, sustenance, rituals, and healing. One captivating tale brings Maya mythology to life, depicting the ceiba tree as the very embodiment of the universe, with roots anchored in the underworld and its thorny trunk symbolizing the people.

17. Discover a magic town

With over 132 pueblos mágicos, Mexico truly boasts towns that feel enchanted. Each location allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional Mexican culture.

Many of these towns feature a vibrant zócalo square at their heart, where families and couples gather to laugh, share whispers, and savor long weekends or balmy summer nights outdoors. Their 'magical' quality lies not only in their picturesque views—though many are stunning—but also in their unique natural or historical allure.

Take Taxco, for instance, where silver was mined by both the Aztecs and Spaniards, and where all-white retro VW taxis navigate the cobbled streets. In the charming town of Papantla, visitors flock to witness the breathtaking voladores perform their aerial dance around a maypole, suspended only by their feet.

18. Relax on beaches free from the hustle

For a swim among locals rather than just tourists, head to Oaxaca's coast. Huatulco boasts 36 stunning golden-sand beaches where you can unwind in solitude. In Puerto Escondido, Playa Carrizalillo is a hidden gem in a sheltered cove, accessible only via steep steps to keep most tourists at bay.

But perhaps the best option lies in the Yucatán Peninsula's Riviera Maya. We understand the allure of its clear blue waters and white sands, yet it's still possible to find quiet escapes from the crowds.

If you find yourself in the overdeveloped areas of Cancún and Tulum, seek out the locals at a spacious public beach. In Playa del Carmen, the shoreline runs alongside '5th Avenue,' where prices are listed in US dollars. However, just two blocks back from the touristy shops, you’ll discover a slice of life from another time. Dine at a humble garden eatery, sip drinks at a rustic bar, and wander across the squeaky sand into the welcoming embrace of the Caribbean.

19. Savor a fresh tortilla at a tortillería

One of Mexico's simplest joys is hearing the delightful squeak of a neighborhood tortillería (tortilla shop). Mesoamericans discovered the process of nixtamalization over 3500 years ago, enhancing nutrition and transforming corn into tortillas. For those passing by, the enchanting sight of steaming hot tortillas rolling down the conveyor belt, ready to be wrapped for eager locals, is unforgettable. Most neighborhoods feature a tortillería every few blocks.

Planning tip: Look for a mercado (fresh produce market) to find at least one tortillería nearby, such as in Mexico City's Mercado Medellín, where several are located.