cool cities to visit in mexico

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15 Best Cities to Visit in Mexico

Beautifully mixing the old with the new, colonial architecture and modern buildings stand side by side next to spacious plazas and beautiful beaches in Mexico’s delightful cities. Lying near to incredible Mayan ruins , the lively streets are home to amazing restaurants and museums, as well as thriving nightlife and trendy shops.

Perfectly combining natural beauty with its rich and ancient culture, the best cities in Mexico really need to be seen to be believed.

15. Zacatecas

A wealthy city full of lavish buildings and delightful old colonial architecture, Zacatecas’ silver mines were deplorably the site of much suffering for the indigenous slaves. Visiting one of the city’s mines is a somber experience, reminding one that this city’s beauty came at a terrible price.

Scenically located between two hills, the city is fascinating to explore, conjuring up images of old Spain due to its lovely cathedral, amazing museums and picturesque winding streets. Beautifully preserved, the historic center takes you back to times gone by.

14. Zihuatanejo

Although in recent years increasing tourism has changed the face of the city slightly, Zihuatanejo retains much of its charm and still appears in most places to be a laidback fishing village.

Its old streets have some lovely restaurants, bars and cafes tucked away in them, though they are often quite full of tourists, especially when cruise ships stop by. With picturesque beaches, a romantic waterfront along the bay, and fishermen peacefully trawling out to sea, head to nearby Ixtapa in the evening if you are after a livelier atmosphere.

Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida has long been its cultural capital. It has a fantastic historic center, some lovely museums and colonial buildings, as well as picturesque plazas and narrow streets that make for delightful exploring.

A perfect mix of big city and provincial town, its proximity to several incredible Mayan sites makes it a great place from which to explore the rest of the peninsula. In addition to all this, it has numerous cultural events, markets and restaurants to enjoy.

12. Tijuana

Lying on the border with the US, Tijuana is a gritty, crime-ridden border town where you can drown in booze, party until dawn and possibly visit its red-light district.

Claiming to be the ‘most crossed border’ on earth, the droves of visitors dropped due to an increase in violence from the drug war, although most of them have flocked back to the bustling city – it is now a lot safer. In recent years, a thriving arts and culture scene has developed, and there are lots of trendy restaurants and contemporary galleries opening.

11. Acapulco

Once nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ due to its majestic setting, the city used to attract the rich and famous, but now it is more often college students on spring break who visit this crazy party town. Due to the drug wars that have led to an increase in violence, in recent years many people have stayed away, although it is comparatively safe to visit.

Acapulco is still visually stunning – its towering cliffs give way to verdant hills, sweeping bays and idyllic beaches, and its famous cliff divers are exhilarating to behold. With a delightful old fort, some great restaurants and lively nightlife, Acapulco still has it.

One of Mexico’s – and indeed Central America’s – prime destinations for culture lovers, Oaxaca has a rich cultural heritage that mixes the colonial with the indigenous. A beautiful place, the city is set in a picturesque valley.

The charming plazas and fine churches of the colonial center mix seamlessly with indigenous markets and the regional flavors of the city. Wandering its streets is an experience; you will pass interesting museums and galleries, provocative street art, atmospheric cafes and, if you’re lucky, amazing fiestas.

9. Puebla City

This fantastic colonial city is an absolute delight to explore . It has a lovely cathedral, over seventy old churches in the center and more than a thousand historic buildings.

The fifth-largest city in Mexico has a lively arts and cultural scene, as well as some great nightlife to explore. With several worthwhile museums and a rich gastronomic history, Puebla City’s setting in beautiful mountainous terrain only adds to the attraction.

With beautiful mountains surrounding the city, delightful colonial architecture, and the distinctive twin spires of its baroque church rising above the rooftops, Taxco is a picture-perfect place to visit. It makes for a great weekend trip from Mexico City .

Built with the wealth that came from the silver mines, tourism is now the main breadwinner, although there are still lots of workshops where you can buy jewelry. With a timeless feel to it, wandering its narrow, cobbled streets amongst the old-style buildings is magical.

7. Guadalajara

The second largest city in the country, Guadalajara is an expansive place that works at a slightly more relaxed pace than Mexico City. With a distinctly Mexican flavor about it, there is a rich cultural heritage, with sombreros and mariachi music originating from amidst its bustling streets.

Mixing the old with the new, the historic center with its fantastic cathedral and colonial architecture is a world away from other neighborhoods that are home to hipsters, trendy boutiques and pounding nightclubs. With a myriad of museums, galleries and theaters dotted amidst its numerous parks and squares, Guadalajara has a magnificent culinary scene and is a city on the move as it continues to modernize.

6. Puerto Vallarta

With stunning sunsets that bathe the mountains behind Puerto Vallarta in a golden glow and leave orange hues wavering in the ocean, the city is a delight to visit and attracts a diverse crowd of holiday makers.

Its endless beaches are the main draw, and the glittering waters that border them only add to Puerto Vallarta’s allure. Although expensive and quite touristy, the city has a nice old colonial center, with some trendy shops and upmarket restaurants.

The gay beach capital of the country has become more and more popular in recent years. As well as its pumping nightlife, there are lots of activities to help keep visitors entertained, such as horseback riding and boat trips.

5. San Miguel de Allende

One of the most popular destinations in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is a picturesque and charming Mexican city that is magical to wander around. Looking out over the Rio Laja, the city is beautifully located on a steep hillside; its cobbled streets and delightful colonial architecture make it a treat to behold.

Due to the image of perfection that it gives off, it is now home to a large foreign population, who give San Miguel a cosmopolitan feel. Although there are no major attractions, simply being here is a treat. Whether it’s dining in the great restaurants, perusing the galleries or visiting the nearby hot springs, this city won’t disappoint.

4. Playa del Carmen

Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Playa, as it is known to residents, is at the heart of the Mayan Riviera. It is a popular destination due to its proximity to Cancun and Cozumel. This trendy resort city is packed with holiday makers from both Mexico and abroad, with lots of cruise ship passengers dropping by.

In addition to its lovely beaches and tranquil waters, the nearby reefs make for some fantastic diving and snorkeling. Based around Avenida 5 – the central street in town – there are lots of cafes, souvenir shops and upmarket fashion boutiques.

3. Mexico City

This colossal capital city is home to over twenty-five million people; its vast size is staggering to behold and explore. Despite the endless sprawl, the fantastic metro system will soon have you shooting around in no time at all. While Mexico City still struggles with pollution, a lot of improvements have been made in recent years.

In a city of this size you can find almost anything imaginable. As such, some areas teem with life and energy while others are more quiet and laid back. A cosmopolitan place, the city center has some delightful colonial architecture on show.

See also: Where to Stay in Mexico City

There are also some great museums to visit, with fantastic dining options and little old churches interspersed among more modern buildings. With so much to see and do, one could spend a lifetime exploring all this city has to offer.

2. Cabo San Lucas

Located right at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas has a myriad of activities to entertain tourists, with a raucous party scene amid a stunning setting of beautiful white beaches and amazing sea cliffs at Land’s End.

With a huge number of resorts to choose from, the city is becoming more and more popular and it’s easy to see why. Although most people come for the beaches and incredible nightlife, which includes fantastic restaurants, pounding clubs and lively bars, the natural beauty of the surroundings and the amazing array of outdoor activities alone make Cabo worth visiting.

Whether it’s taking a boat ride to watch dolphins frolic in the water, horseback riding among the cacti in the nearby desert, or scuba diving in the ocean and jet-skiing across its waves, Cabo is a dream to visit.

With its glittering turquoise waters, pearly-white beaches and fabulous party scene, Cancun’s idyllic setting and upbeat vibe makes it a fun and lively city to visit in Mexico. This huge resort city has two sides to it; the upmarket hotels, brilliant spas and expensive seafood restaurants contrast with the concrete buildings that are characteristic of the more residential neighborhoods. Both are worth exploring, however, as the latter is home to authentic salsa clubs, laid-back beach bars and a plethora of cheap eating options, while the local beaches remain untouched and beautiful.

See also: Where to Stay in Cancun

While some may enjoy lounging on the beach and partying in the resorts’ endless discos, others will revel in discovering the Mayan ruins and pristine jungle habitats of nearby Coba or the more distant Chichen Itza. In any case, a fantastic array of day trips are available to you if you should ever feel the need to get out of Cancun for a bit of a break.

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Reader interactions.

June 6, 2020 at 6:58 pm

I’ve been in Monterrey, Mexico for different reasons. It is an amazing city; half cosmopolitan with skyscrapers, and half mountainous with forests and waterfalls. I think it must be on the above list.

September 5, 2019 at 9:42 am

Mexico is a wonderful place to visit. People are great. Food is really excellent and varied. I have visited most areas, and went to school in Mexico City. Cannot say enough good things about the people and the country.

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• World's Best

Travel + Leisure Readers' 5 Favorite Cities in Mexico of 2023

Mexican cities known for their cultural and culinary prowess won big in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2023.

Siobhan Reid is an NYC-based freelance writer, editor, and copywriter. She is currently the editor-in-residence at The Vintner Project and was previously an editor at Travel + Leisure , covering culture, design, style, and wellness.

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

Year after year, Mexico is among the most popular destinations among T+L readers. In 2022, it was also crowned T+L’s Destination of the Year for its alluring mix of history, spectacular natural landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and outstanding gastronomy. And while the country’s powdery beaches and charming villages continue to draw R&R-loving crowds, more travelers, including T+L readers, are centering their itineraries on Mexico’s dazzling cities — from the bustling metropolises of Mexico City and Guadalajara to pocket-sized jewels like San Miguel de Allende. 

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Cities were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Sights/landmarks
• Friendliness

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. 

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

The enchanting pueblo of San Miguel de Allende won the hearts of T+L readers (yet again!), snagging the No. 2 spot on this year’s list. Travelers raved about its well-preserved architecture and rich craft traditions. “It’s like traveling back in time,” commented one reader. Others gushed about its walkability and inviting atmosphere. And while San Miguel de Allende is relatively small compared to other cities on this list — namely No. 3 Mexico City and No. 5 Guadalajara — T+L readers urged other visitors to take their time soaking up its charms. “I recommend going for a week during La Calaca,” suggested one reader, referring to the days-long celebration that coincides with Festival Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) at the end of October. 

Similarly, respondents raved about Mérida (No. 4), a gateway to some of the country’s most well-known Maya archaeological sites, including Chichén Itzá, just 75 miles away. Still, the city — Yucatan’s capital — feels like an “undiscovered gem,” commented one reader, with another person waxing poetic about the town’s atmospheric plazas and deep sense of history: “The architecture is beautiful, it’s so colorful, and the city is steeped in tradition. I recommend it to everyone!” 

T+L readers had a hard time identifying just one thing that they loved about Mexico City, where world-class museums, pilgrimage-worthy dining, colorful neighborhoods and markets, and an emerging contemporary fashion scene combine for an unforgettable getaway. “It’s one of the most amazing cities in the world,” commented one reader, with another saying, “It offers a long list of things to see and do that will keep you coming back for more.” 

Cinching the No. 5 spot on the list is Guadalajara, Mexico’s seventh-largest city, which offers just as much action as CDMX with fewer crowds and less congestion. As for the No. 1 winner on this year’s list? Read on to find out. 

Alexandra Farias

“Hands down one of the coolest cities in the whole world,” gushed one reader about this centuries-old town in southern Mexico. Widely considered one of Mexico’s cultural capitals, Oaxaca is a maze of historical monuments, lively street markets, stunning churches, contemporary art galleries, colorful street art, and charming plazas (it’s no wonder the town has earned UNESCO World Heritage status). It’s also a “foodie’s mecca,” as one T+L reader pointed out, highlighting regional flavors like spiced chocolate, molé negro , crispy tlayudas , and masa-based antojitos . The street food is legendary, and if you want to ascend to gastronomic heaven, Oaxaca is also home to some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants, like Enrique Olvera’s Criollo and Alejandro Ruiz’s Casa Oaxaca.  In recent years, the hotel scene has also heated up, with newcomers like Escondido Oaxaca and Hotel Sin Nombre rounding out the city’s world-class accommodations. “This place is unbelievable,” gushed one respondent. 

Hands down one of the coolest cities in the whole world.

1. Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Reader Score: 93.53

2. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Reader Score: 91.19

3. Mexico City

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.55

4. Mérida, Yucatán

Reader Score: 88.81

5. Guadalajara, Jalisco 

Reader Score: 88.13

10 Places in Mexico to Visit for Food, Beaches, and Amazing Sights

Here are several places that should be on everyone’s must-visit list..

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Yes, Mexico has superior beaches, but there is much more to the country besides sun and sea.

Courtesy of Roman Lopez/Unsplash

With centuries of Indigenous cultural history, ancient ruins , and resplendent cities, Mexico is brimming with beautiful places. But this can make choosing a place (or several places) to visit in Mexico a challenge. Do you want to spend your days stretched on a beach in the Yucatán Peninsula or in idle relaxation sitting beside a pueblo plaza? Then again, why not both?

To help you decide, here are our top picks for the best places to visit in Mexico.

• Location: Oaxaca
• Come for: a heady mix of traditional and experimental cuisine, ancient ruins, and a vibrant arts scene
• Where to stay: Hotel Sin Nombre

Tucked high up in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, Oaxaca is a place where overflowing baskets of spices and textiles sit beside cafés serving up artisanal coffee. Cuisine is a pillar of the city’s soul, whether in the form of crispy, coal-grilled tlayudas on the street or high-brow rooftop cocktails.

A capital for mezcal artistry, Oaxaca is known for its dozens upon dozens of mezcalerias . Pull up a chair at La Mezcalerita , a veritable library of mezcal, with three downstairs rooms and an appealing rooftop patio—perfect for sunset.

How to get to Oaxaca

The most direct way to get to Oaxaca is to fly into the Oaxaca International Airport (OAX). Travelers can also connect in Mexico City for the nearly 90-minute flight.

Drive a couple of hours south of Riviera Maya, Tulum and a wonderful world awaits on the banks of a lagoon.

Courtesy of Liz Aguayo/Unsplash

• Location: Quintana Roo
• Come for: tranquil lagoon life that is still flying relatively far below the typical tourist radar
• Where to stay: Hotel Makaaba Eco-Boutique

Laguna de Bacalar is the second largest lake in Mexico, with colors that change from aquamarine to cobalt because of the different depths of the water, earning it the nickname “The Lake of Seven Colors.” Bacalar has a reputation for eco-friendly resorts, hidden cenotes, and mangrove channels for kayaking. Life is slow-paced here—lights are usually out by 9 p.m., and that’s how the locals like it.

How to get to Bacalar

Bacalar is a four-hour drive south of Cancun, which helps it retain its remote vibe. In December 2023 , the opening of the airport in Tulum will cut that drive nearly in half. Travelers can also fly into the city of Chetumal and drive for 30 minutes.

Barefoot surfers and long-time fishing families commingle on broad beaches where world-famous surf pounds the sand.

Courtesy of Lorraine Mojica/Unsplash

3. Puerto Escondido

• Come for: epic surf and the culture that comes with it, plus undeveloped beaches, bioluminescent bays, and hot springs
• Where to stay: Villas Carrizalillo

Mexico is in a constant state of development and some foreign investors have set their sights on coveted real estate. But in this port town, visitors can still eat fish tacos underneath shady palapas , grab an open-air collective van (a one-way ride will cost roughly 10 pesos), travel to the market downtown, and surf along windswept beaches at dawn, in large part thanks to efforts from tourists, expats, and locals to control development.

How to get to Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido has a very small airport. For an accessible alternative, travelers can connect in Mexico City or Guadalajara. A larger international airport is in Huatulco, which is about 90 minutes away.

Step onto the sugary shores of Isla Holbox and it’s like you’ve stepped into a secret.

Courtesy of Michiel Ton/Unsplash

4. Isla Holbox

• Come for: idyllic car-free island living with spectacular beaches, yoga, and a growing foodie scene
• Where to stay: Ser Casasandra

This island off the coast of the Yucatan peni nsula feels as much Caribbean as it does Mexican, with a blend of car-free streets and the lilt of steel drums. Though admittedly less Robinson Crusoe–esque than it used to be thanks to an infusion of boutique resorts like Nomade Holbox and NÁAY Boutique Hotel Punta Coco, this remains a place for freshly caught and grilled seafood and beaches that seem to stretch on forever.

How to get to Isla Holbox

Fly into Cancun International Airport and take a two-hour taxi, or hop on an ADO bus up for a four-hour ride to Chiquila. From there, take the 15-minute ferry to Isla Holbox.

Puerto Vallarta is a far cry from the quiet fishing community it once was.

Courtesy of Chris McQueen/Unsplash

5. Puerto Vallarta

• Location: Jalisco
• Come for: a beach-meets-city scene where locals and tourists mingle
• Where to stay: Casa Kimberly

Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant mixture of visitors and locals, where bars, restaurants, and shops are unlikely to use U.S. dollars outside of tourist centers. The city buzzes with action, whether through the pulse of the Malecon boardwalk until the wee hours or lively cobblestone streets of Zona Romantica. At the end of the day, travelers can enjoy sunset above the Bay of Banderas.

How to get to Puerto Vallarta

Several U.S. airports, including New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), and Los Angeles (LAX) offer direct flights to Puerto Vallarta.

Cancún is a popular place for travelers to the Mexican Caribbean

Courtesy of ams_c/Unsplash

• Come for: all-inclusive hotels, white-sand beaches, and a lively downtown
• Where to stay: Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa

Cancún is what put the Mexican Caribbean on the map, for good reason: Few places offer better white-sand beaches or all-inclusive resorts than this spot on the Yucatán Peninsula. Cancun’s once locals-only downtown is starting to gain traction from travelers who want to venture outside the Hotel Zone. Here, visitors can get another taste of the city when encountering its street art, taco trucks, and bustling markets like Mercado 28.

How to get to Cancun

With the second busiest airport in Mexico , it’s one of the easiest places in the country to access.

Guanajuato offers an explosion of colorful architecture and a maze of cobblestone streets.

Courtesy of gemafv85/Unsplash

7. Guanajuato

• Location: Guanajuato
• Come for: colorful architecture and growing wine tourism
• Where to stay: 1850 Hotel Boutique

Guanajuato is a great jumping-off point for exploring the state’s growing wine route (there are more than 30 wineries in the Guanajuato Grape and Wine Association) as well as regional dishes like enchiladas mineras —head to Enchiladas de Lupe for a delicious one. The city also hosts the annual Festival Internacional Cervantino , which invites musicians, theater performers, and other artists from all over the world to showcase their culture.

How to get to Guanajuato

The main airport in the state of Guanajuato is in Leon, about an hour’s drive from the city. It has a few direct flights from the USA, but travelers can get to the airport with direct flights from Tijuana, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Monterrey.

This city of more than 9 million people is one of the world’s most exciting and complex.

Courtesy of Bhargava Marripati/Unsplash

8. Mexico City

• Location: Mexico City
• Come for: world-class hotels, museums, and restaurants
• Where to stay in Mexico City: Circulo Mexicano

No visit to Mexico is complete without exploring the world-renowned restaurants , Aztec ruins, and 24/7 vibe of its capital city. Walk around Roma Norte and other vibrant neighborhoods, each one offering something different from the next. Thanks to its efficient (and cost-effective) mass transit, devouring everything from Diego Rivera murals to inventive cocktails from the top floors of luxury hotels is possible.

How to get to Mexico City

Mexico City’s airport has direct flights from all major U.S. gateways.

The food scene in Puebla is one of the best in the country.

Courtesy of srcharls/Unsplash

• Location: Puebla
• Come for: mole, mole, mole!
• Where to stay: Banyan Tree Puebla

Puebla has fostered a scene that is just as proud of its heritage and tradition (it’s said to have a church for every day of the year) as it is of its experimental restaurants, with eateries like Moyuelo and Áttico 303 fusing traditional Mexican ingredients with international techniques and recipes. The city’s kitchens and street carts offer temptations like mole (a dried chile sauce) in every shade, overstuffed bread roll sandwiches known as cemitas , and tacos arabes stuffed into fluffy lavash-style bread.

How to get to Puebla

Puebla has its own international airport with direct flights from Houston (IAH), but consider flying into Mexico City, which has ample connections. From the Benito Juarez airport, you can hop aboard an express bus and ride two hours to Puebla.

San Jose del Cabo’s art district brims with boutique art galleries and restaurants.

Courtesy of Mary West/Unsplash

10. San José del Cabo

• Location: Baja California Sur
• Come for: Cabo beaches and fantastic dining without the overwhelming hum of tourists
• Where to stay: Acre Baja

Los Cabos consists of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, which are connected by a long stretch of resort-lined roads known as the Tourist Corridor. As Cabo San Lucas is the more visited of the two, San José del Cabo is where travelers go to escape the crowds. Those visiting San José del Cabo can experience a thriving farm-to-table scene thanks to organic farms Flora Farms, Tamarindos, and Acre Baja that double as outdoor restaurants.

How to get to San José del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo’s international airport is the gateway to Los Cabos. It has direct flights from most major U.S. hubs.

25 Unique Places to Visit in Mexico You Have to See in 2024

Looking for unique places in Mexico?

You’ve come to the right place because I have been living in Mexico and traveling all around since 2018! To help you discover some hidden gems, I made this Top 25 best and most unique places to visit in Mexico list.

Since the “best places in Mexico” are the ones you love the most, this list has a mix of unique places for every kind of traveler — historical places to visit in Mexico, pueblos magicos (magic towns), and some of the most beautiful places in Mexico.

If you’re looking for Mexico’s best places to visit that you didn’t know existed, they’re all listed here. For your travel planning convenience, they’re pinned to the Mexico map at the end so you can see where they are in the country.

With so many nice places in Mexico, cool places in Mexico and interesting places in Mexico — let’s get to these 25 Mexico must see places! There’s also Mexico travel tips and tips for visiting places in Mexico safely at the end of the article.

How to Visit Unique Places to Visit in Mexico

Renting a car in mexico.

The easiest, fastest and most convenient way to travel to most Mexican hidden gems is via your own private rental car.

While driving in Mexico is considered quite safe, you’ll be unfamiliar with Mexico driving laws, so make sure to read over the Mexico Driving Tips in this linked article to help you with how to drive in Mexico.

For my own personal rentals, I recommend and use Discover Cars . This is a great company that compares prices at numerous Mexico car rental agencies all over the country to get you the best price.

25 Unique Places to Visit in Mexico

1. las posza: xilitla surrealist gardens.

📍 Las Pozas is located in Xilitla, Mexico, a pueblo magico (magic town), in San Luis Potosi State .

With no shortage of beautiful places in Mexico, Las Pozas (meaning The Pools or The Wells) is in a category all its own.

This unique Mexico hidden gem was never completed to its full glory, but still makes for an incredible site in the small pueblo magico of Xilitla, Mexico , in San Luis Potosi state.

Before we go on, let’s clear up the What are pueblos magicos? question.

🤔 What is a pueblo magico?

Xilitla, and the next nine unique places to go in Mexico on this list, are all what’s known as a pueblo magico, or Mexico magic town.

This is similar to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but exclusive to Mexico. There are currently about 177 pueblos magicos in Mexico.

They’re designated as such by the Mexican Secretary of Tourism as noteworthy for reasons including unique history, folkloric traditions and natural beauty.

Surrealist Garden of Edward James

Las Pozas was the vision of Edward James, a wealthy, eccentric British poet, and surrealist art collector.

He arrived to Xilitla in the late-1940s, and began construction on the home he envisioned as something straight out of a surrealist painting.

Located on a hillside in the rural Sierra Madre jungle, Edward James spent about 40 years constructing Las Pozas, before his death in 1984.

Though it was never finished, his surrealist garden and its focal point, the nine pools (Las Pozas), is a magical place you have to see to believe.

[Edward James is] crazier than all the surrealists put together. They pretend, but he is the real thing. —Salvador Dalí, the most famous surrealist artist of all time

Though a bit of a trek t get to, Edward James’ Surrealist Garden is worth it. Walking around, it almost feels like you’re in a dream.

There are with more than 30 fanciful concrete structures and sculptures, some more than 100-feet-tall (30 m). The whole place exists somewhere between fantasy and reality.

To visit Las Pozas, you’ll want to spend at least one night in a Xilitla hotel, as it’s quite remote.

Two of the best hotels in Xilitla are Posada Inkali Xilitla and Hotel Real de Lua . From there, you’ll drive your rental car or hire a taxi for the day to Las Pozas.

Unique Places to Visit in Mexico

📍 Tulum, Mexico , is a pueblo magico located in Quintana Roo State in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Tulum was once a sleepy backpacker’s destination with cheap hostels on the beach and food stands with street tacos.

Now, the best Tulum hotels, like Ahau Tulum Resort , Azulik Tulum and CoCo Tulum Resort , aren’t so cheap anymore.

While it’s still possible to visit Tulum on a budget , the Tulum of today is a chic place for a luxurious-yet-rustic destination on a Yucatan Peninsula trip.

🏝 Want to visit? Check out this Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide for First Timers .

There are lots of cool things to do in Tulum , including exploring the famous Tulum Ruins archeological site, swimming in Tulum cenotes and renting a bike for the day to explore Tulum Town (AKA Downtown Tulum).

There’s also Tulum Beach, among the best beaches in Mexico, to swim in the Caribbean Sea.

SIAN KA’AN NEAR TULUM

Head a bit further south of Tulum, and you’ll be in the pristine Sian Ka’an Biosphere Preserve , a natural gem for nature lovers.

This protected 2,000-square-mile nature preserve has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve-World Heritage Site since 1987.

The Sian Ka’an preserve’s remote location and vast size make it nearly impossible to navigate on your own, but there are a number of sustainable tour companies that offer a memorable adventure.

One of the best Sian Ka’an tours is a Muyil River float experience, where you actually float with a  group tour through the channels in the lagoon.

UNIQUE PLACES TO VISIT IN MEXICO

Bonus: best tulum cenotes.

What are cenotes?

You’re probably wondering, Just what is a cenote? First off, the word is pronounced cen-no-tay, and two or more centoes are cen-no-tays.

In short, cenotes are underwater sinkholes containing clear, freshwater. They are only found in a few places on Earth, with the largest concentration of about 6,000 cenotes in Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula.

Throughout the years of Earth’s existence, the native limestone rock once encasing the cenote water has collapsed or eroded.

Depending on how much rock is gone, some cenotes are fully open like a swimming pool. Others are partially open, and some are in underground caves, like Cenote Suytun .

Swimming in the cenotes is high atop many Mexico travel bucket lists.

Some of the most beautiful Mexico cenotes include Calavera Cenote in Tulum, Azul Cenote near Playa del Carmen and Ik Kil Cenote near Valladolid, Mexico .

If this will be your first time visiting cenotes, check out this Cenote FAQ .

You’ll find out what to bring, how much cenotes cost to enter, and how to visit cenotes with respect to responsible tourism in Mexico.

Best Tulum Cenotes

There are cenotes throughout Yucatan, but some of the best cenotes in Mexico are not far from Tulum. 💧 The best way to see them all? On one of these Tulum cenote tours .

You can also go on your own if you’re renting a car . Among the best Tulum cenotes , don’t miss Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote and Cenote Zacil-Ha.

Closer to Playa del Carmen , but still not far from Tulum, Cenote Azul is also one of the best Yucatan cenotes.

Best Valladolid Cenotes near Tulum

Not far from Tulum, the pueblo magico Valladolid , one of Mexico’s magic towns, is another area with Instagram worthy cenotes.

Some of the best cenotes near Valladolid include Cenote Zaci, Cenote Suytun , Cenote Oxman, and Cenote Ik Kil , one of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatan.

📍 Taxco, Mexico, is a pueblo magico located in Guerrero State .

Although Taxco pueblo magico is not on the main tourist trail, it is well worth visiting — especially if you’re traveling to Mexico City.

A famous silver town in the mountains, many silversmiths still ply their trade today. In fact, you can see them creating silver jewelry and art pieces in their workshops, and buy directly from them.

Just wandering the steep, narrow cobblestone streets is enjoyable, but there are also dozens of ornate churches you can visit, including the ornate Baroque Church of Santa Prisca.

Located not far away, Taxco is one of the best places to visit near Mexico City. You can drive your rental car , take a bus or join this group tour from Mexico City to Taxco .

At about three hours south, Taxco is one of the most popular Mexico City day trips .

Semana Santa in Taxco (Easter Week or Holy Week)

The famous churches in Taxco Mexico play an instrumental role in the Semana Santa processions for Holy Week in Taxco.

Every day of the week leading up to Easter, there are processions where figures representing the main people in the Bible’s Easter events are paraded through the streets to reenact the events.

In the afternoons and evenings, different processions feature hooded penitents, carrying heavy crosses or bundles of sharp thorny sticks on outstretched arms, or lashing their backs with sharp thorns.

This Semana Santa celebration is a gruesome, but fascinating, connection to historical displays of penitence — and one of the most important Mexican holidays .

UNIQUE Places to Visit in Mexico

4. teotihuacan pyramids.

📍 Teotihuacan is a historic site in the pueblo magico of San Juan Teotihuacan, in Estado de Mexico (Mexico State), just outside of Mexico City .

Teotihuacan is a spectacular archaeological complex, and a must-visit on any Mexico City itinerary.

Since it’s easily accessible, Teotihuacan is one of the best day trips from Mexico City at any time of year.

Teotihuacan is one of the best preserved pre-Columbian cities in the world, originally constructed prior to the Aztec arrival in Mexico, and many of its structures are still standing today.

The most amazing way to see this ancient archeological site is from above. When visiting Mexico City, don’t miss the opportunity to take one of these best Teotihuacan hot air Balloon tours .

It is one of the top places to visit Mexico, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shrouded in mystery and mysticism, Teotihuacan is also one of the best places to celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico .

You’ll be absolutely awestruck by the Teotihuacan pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Moon and Pyramid of the Sun . This is the biggest pyramid at Teotihuacan.

Unlike the Chichen Itza Mexico pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula , you can climb the pyramids at Teotihuacan. They rival their Egyptian counterparts.

Spend some time exploring the Avenue of the Dead and artifacts in the Museum of Teotihuacan Culture.

Don’t miss the various temples and ruins, such as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl , a temple dedicated to the most important Aztec god, Quetzalcoatl (pronounced ketz-al-coe-uh), the Feathered Serpent.

The site is located in the pueblo magico (magic town) of San Juan Teotihuacan. This small town is located 1-2 hours from Mexico City, depending on traffic.

You can visit on a Teotihuacan tour , by Uber or bus; for a detailed guide, head to this article to find out how to get from Mexico City to Teotihuican .

Submitted by Tegan & Alex of Why Not Walk Travel Guides

5. Izamal: The Yellow City

📍 Izamal, Mexico, is a pueblo magico located in Yucatan State , in the Yucatan Peninsula.

A Yucatan hidden gem, the “Yellow City” of Izamal, Mexico is one of the 175 or so Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns).

What makes Izamal worth a visit is its bright yellow color, with all buildings in Downtown Izamal painted yellow — so don’t forget to grab your camera for travel photos when you visit.

Izamal also has an interesting history since it was built by Spaniards on top of the Mayan settlement.

No one knows for sure why the entire town was painted yellow.

However, there are several theories about it, including that the Mayans painted it yellow in honor of their sun god — Kinich Kakmo .

The most prominent landmark of Izamal is Convento de San Antonio de Padua.

It was was built on top of the ancient Mayan pyramid, Pop-Hol-Chac, in 1561, to introduce Mayans to the Catholic religion.

The town still has several Mayan pyramids, including Kinich Kakmo Pyramid , located just outside downtown.

Wandering the streets of Izamal is a lot of fun, however there’s very little shade so don’t forget your eco-friendly sunscreen and this Water-To-Go Reusable Bottle .

As with the entire Yucatan Peninsula, the best time to visit Izamal is in the fall or winter, when the weather is cool and the humidity’s at bay.

As one of the best Merida day trips , you can easily travel to Izamal, Mexico by driving your rental car or taking a bus from Merida.

It is also a popular day trip from Valladolid , another one of the best pueblos magicos in Yucatan, about 1.5 hours away.

Contributed by Daria of The Discovery Nut — Check out her Mexico travel podcast episode , where she offers Mexico tips, and talks about her solo travel adventures in Izamal and the Yucatan.

6. San Sebastian del Oeste

📍 San Sebastian del Oeste, Mexico, is a pueblo magico located in Jalisco State .

As you make your way up the route to San Sebastian del Oeste, the hot, dry weather of Puerto Vallarta is replaced with cool jungle weather.

The hustle and bustle of town is offset by a charming, historic village, which makes everything much calmer. 

A truly bucket list destination in Mexico, San Sebastian is only 67 miles away from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (though best done with a truck or SUV).

If you aren’t renting a car in Puerto Vallarta , you can always take a group tour to San Sebastian . This makes for one of the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta.

The pueblo magico of San Sebastian del Oeste is one of those places to see in Mexico that feels like you’re stepping back in time.

It was founded in 1605, and the haciendas and centuries-old homes bring you back to an earlier time in history, when this was a booming silver mining town. 

Among the best things to do in San Sebastian del Oeste, visit the beautiful colonial haciendas like La Galera, La Hacienda San and La Hacienda Jalisco.

There’s also the Iglesia de San Sebastian, a small church dedicated to San Sebastian Martir, and built by Franciscan friars at the end of the 18th Century.

If you are up for an additional drive, and you have a 4X4, head up the Cerro de la Bufa (La Bufa Hill).

This hillside trail is located 45 minutes away, and offers views all the way to Puerto Vallarta and the Pacific Ocean.

📍 Cholula, Mexico is a pueblo magico located in Puebla State.

When looking for unique places to visit in Mexico, Cholula is one of those off the beaten path Mexico destinations you can’t afford to miss.

One fun fact about Cholula is that the largest pyramid on Earth (by volume), the Great Pyramid of Cholula, is located in this colorful pueblo magico.

The pyramid is in the Cholula Archaeological Zone, along with the or iconic yellow Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios church, one of the most beautiful churches in Mexico.

Located atop a cliff, when you visit the church you’ll also get some beautiful views of this colorful and well-preserved colonial town below.

Located less than three hours away, Cholula makes a great addition to your Mexico City itinerary .

One of the best Mexico City day trips , take a guided tour to Cholula and return back to the city on the same day.

However you choose to visit, on your own or Cholula tours , this is one of those Mexico beautiful places far too few people see.

📍 Tequila, Mexico , is a pueblo magico located in Jalisco state, which is in Central Mexico.

Tequila, is one of the most unique places to visit in Mexico.

The entire surrounding area in the agave landscapes and fields of Tequila, Mexico, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A well known word thanks to the drink, many visitors are often amazed to find out there really is a town called Tequila — and that the drink is named after this town, not the other way around.

For centuries, tequila has been made here.

In fact, the drink tequila can only be called tequila if it’s produced in this town, in the state of Jalisco, and in very few other certified places in Mexico.

All other distilled beverages made from the agave plant, which tequila is, must be labeled a distilled agave beverage.

🥃 Tequila Fun Fact: Much like how champagne is just sparkling wine that’s made in the city of Champagne, France, tequila is a mezcal that’s made in the city of Tequila, Mexico.

To learn firsthand how tequila is made, visit one of the many distilleries in town, which usually offer some form of a tour and a tasting.

You can choose from smaller, craft tequila producers like Fortaleza, or the more recognizable brands like Sauza, and the producer of the oldest tequila in the world, Jose Cuervo.

On some of these Tequila tours , you’ll even visit one of the many blue agave fields that surround the city of Tequila.

The iconic landscapes with these beautiful agave fields have even been designated one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.

Just 35 miles from Guadalajara , the capital of Jalisco state, Tequila makes a great day trip by bus or rental car .

For a unique experience, book this Jose Cuervo Tequila Express Train . It’s an all-day Guadalajara to Tequila train tour that includes mariachi music, snacks and of course, plenty of tequila.

Contributed by Lori of Southerner Says

9. Valladolid

📍 Valladolid, Mexico , is a pueblo magico located in Yucatan state, in the Yucatan Peninsula.

One of the prettiest places in Mexico, Valladolid is a charming colonial town and one of the best places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula .

The best time to visit Valladolid is between October and May, as these months have sunshine, pleasant temperatures, and almost no rain.

Located about two hours by rental car or bus from both Merida and Cancun , and just one hour from Tulum , the town’s proximity to these top destinations has made it increasingly popular in recent years.

However, Valladolid remains a unique, authentic and budget-friendly Mexico destination.

Valladolid things to do

There are many Valladolid things to do , both in downtown and also right around the town.

The most popular things to see outside downtown including visiting the cenotes near Valladolid.

The must see Valladolid site is its beautiful Iglesia de San Servacio Church in the Zocalo (Main Square).

Next, take the tour at Casa de los Venados Museum, which is actually housed in a private home.

From there, head to the colorful Calzada de los Frailes street, and then the Mercado Municipal (Valladolid market) to buy some fresh fruits and veggies.

Additionally, there’s many stunning Valladolid cenotes like Cenote Zaci.

This is a beautiful open air cenote next to downtown Valladolid, perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day.

Other cenotes worth visiting are Cenote Xkeken, Cenote Samula, Cenote Oxman and Cenote Suytun .

These are all located underground in caves filled with magical rock formations.

Also less than an hour from Valladolid, head to Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins . This is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and one of the top places to visit in Mexico.

The ruins are located right next to another one of the best cenotes in Yucatan, Cenote Ik Kil .

Submitted by Carolin of Happy When Abroad

10. San Cristobal de las Casas

📍 San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico , is a pueblo magico located in Chiapas state.

San Cristobal de las Casas is the cultural capital of the southern state of Chiapas, and the perfect base to explore the many things to do in Chiapas State .

As the one of the most well known Mexico travel destinations in Chiapas, San Cristobal is worth a visit in itself.

This beautiful colonial city and pueblo magico is truly charming with its cobblestone streets, and a mix of traditional shops and hipster cafes and boutiques.

Much of its population is indigenous and retains traditions and customs from a far past, so visiting this city is like stepping back in time.

The top San Cristobal, Mexico places to see and best day trips include the village of San Juan Chamula , Sumidero Canyon , and Palenque Mayan Ruins .

These are just some of the many things to do in Chiapas .

The best time to visit San Cristobal de las Casas is in the spring, from April to June. Located high in the mountains, it gets cold in the winter, and humid in the summer.

BONUS: Sumidero Canyon

📍 Sumidero Canyon is in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico, about 45 minutes from San Cristobal de las Casas.

At only about one hour from San Cristobal de las Casas, and located in Sumidero National Park, this Sumidero boat tour is one of the most popular day trips from San Cristobal.

Most Sumidero tours will also take you to see Chiapa de Corzo , a nearby pueblo magico, and charming colonial town.

Created by a geological fault, and carved by the Río Grijalva (Grijalva River), the canyon stretches about eight miles (13 km) and rises to 3,300 feet (1,000 m) at its highest point.

In 2004, the Cañyon Sumidero was designated a Ramsar World Heritage Site as a Wetland of International Importance.

The landscape encompasses about 85 square miles, and is home to towering mountains, beautiful waterfalls , and endangered species like ocelots, crocodiles and spider monkeys.

11. Islas Marietas: Hidden Beach

📍 The Marietas Islands are located in the Bay of Banderas, about two hours by boat from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico .

Those traveling to Sayulita , San Pancho , or Puerto Vallarta, have the opportunity to cross the Islas Marietas (Marietas Islands) off their Mexico bucket list.

On one of the islands, you’ll find the famous hidden beach in Mexico , the Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) that you have to swim under a rocky wall to access.

As this Mexico hidden gem has become famous via YouTube, Instagram and social media, the Mexican government has had to limit the number of visitors to preserve this natural treasure.

Now, only about 125 visitors per day are allowed on the island — so tours sell out fast and well in advance.

While a quick Google search might turn up a lot of results for Islas Marietas tours , know there are two very different Islas Marietas tours offered.

With the first one, the less expensive of the two, you’ll boat near the island with the Mexico hidden beach. On this your, you can swim and snorkel in the waters surrounding it.

On the other tour, which costs about double, you’ll be one of the lucky 125 who gets to go onto the Playa del Amor beach that day.

If visiting one of the most secluded beaches in Mexico is a must see for you, book early for one of the 125 coveted spots to one of the cool places to visit in Mexico.

12. Las Grutas Tolantongo: Caves & Hot Springs

📍 Tolantongo Grutas is located in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico.

Though located about four hours away, Las Grutas de Tolantongo is considered one of the best places to visit near Mexico City .

Really though, these natural hot springs are one of the most beautiful and Instagram worthy Mexico travel destinations in the whole country.

If you’re wondering, What is Tolantongo? — the short answer is that it’s one of the most unique places to visit in Mexico.

The longer answer is that Tolantongo is a natural water park It is located high up in the mountains, in a canyon that’s surrounded by hot springs and underwater thermal pools, which heat the waters all year-long.

In fact, the word tolantongo comes from the Aztec word tonaltonko , meaning “where it feels warm.”

The word gruta means cave (or grotto), and there just so happens to be one at Tolantongo.

In fact, this large site consists of four distinct natural areas: the river, the pools, the tunnel, and of course, the cave.

There’s also an onsite zipline, suspension bridge, regular swimming pools, hotels, campsites, about 10 restaurants, convenience stores, lockers, medical facilities, and more — Yes, this is a big place.

When visiting, plan to spend the entire day as there are many things to do at Tolantongo.

While it’s possible to visit Tolantongo on a day trip from Mexico City or Queretero , it will definitely be a long day.

As Tolantongo, Mexico, is quite remote, there are overnight options to stay in a Tolantongo resort hotel room , or even go camping at Tolantongo.

The easiest way to go is on these Mexico City to Grutas Tolantongo tours . However you choose go, a visit to Tolantongo is worth it.

As far as beautiful places, Mexico has a ton.

However, the fact that Tolantongo has warm waters year-round make this place very appealing no matter the time of year you visit Mexico.

13. Las Coloradas: Pink Lakes

📍 Las Coloradas is located in the state of Yucatan, Mexico, close to the town of Rio Lagartos.

Located on the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll find a remote place straight out of your Instagrammable Mexico dreams — the pink lakes of Las Coloradas — and yes, the water is real!

Las Coloradas is the more famous of the two pink lakes in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

The other is Xtampu Laguna Rosada (Pink Lagoon) near Telchac Puerto , a Yucatan beach town on the Gulf of Mexico and not far from the colonial city of Merida .

Las Coloradas, the more famous of the two, is a popular Merida day trip , at about 3.5 hours away. Merida is the closest proper city to Las Coloradas.

You can access the pink lakes of Las Coloradas from other Yucatan cities, but there’s not much else around it, so public transportation can take some time.

As it’s quite remote, and just one large pink lake, the trip to Las Coloradas is usually combined with a boat tour to see flamingos and other wildlife in the nearby Ria Lagartos UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Ria Lagartos is a river and wetland area in Rio Lagartos, Mexico , the closest town to Las Coloradas.

The easiest way to get to Las Coloradas is via tour or rental car . If not, it’s a long trip and you’ll want to spend at least one night in the Hotel Rio Lagartos .

The first step is to take a bus to the city of Tizimin, then catch a connecting bus to the town of Rio Lagartos, and finally, a short taxi ride the rest of the way.

💖 LAS COLORADAS FAQ

1. Why is the water pink at Las Coloradas? Las Coloradas has pink water because of the red algae, plankton and brine shrimp that live in this salty water.

The salt content in this water is so high, this area has been used as a natural salt mine for centuries.

2. What is the best time to visit the Las Coloradas? The pink color of the lakes shows brightest on sunny days at midday, so any sunny day works to visit Las Coloradas.

Do note that on overcast and non-sunny days, the water will not show up as a vibrant pink. On these days, it actually looks more brown than pink.

3. Is Las Coloradas worth visiting? If you’ve checked, and the weather seems like it’s going to cooperate — then yes, the pink lakes are incredible and worth the trek.

4. Can I swim in Las Coloradas? A few years back, the Mexican government stopped allowing swimming. The reason for this is because the high salt content can actually be toxic on the skin.

While there’s always someone anyone around to enforce people not getting in, there’s also no hospitals around, so don’t risk your health for a photo.

14. Huasteca Potosina

📍 La Huasteca is a region that spans seven states in Mexico. The area’s most visited places are in La Huasteca Potosina , which is in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

The Huasteca Potosina is one of those natural and authentic off the beaten path places that all nature lovers must visit.

The easiest and best way to visit the Huasteca Potosina is on this three-day Huasteca Potosina tour .

Located in the state of San Luis Potosi , northeast of Mexico City, the Huasteca Potosina is part of the large Huastecas region. It is named after the pre-hispanic civilization settled there, the Huastecan.

It’s a spectacular area, with a great diversity of landscapes.

Here, you’ll find everything from flatlands and hills made of calcified sand, to waterfalls, canyons, natural pools, and caves.

Visiting all the waterfalls, or cascadas , are among the best things to do in Huasteca Potosina .

Tamul, Micos, Tamasopo, El Salto and Puente de Dios are some of the best waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina.

However, don’t miss out on seeing places like the Sotano de las Golondrinas (Cave of Swallows) and Xilitla Surrealist Garden of Edward James either.

Located in different places throughout the region, if you want to see all the Huasteca waterfalls, plan to spend at least five full days in the area.

The most central place to stay is a hotel in Ciudad Valles, Mexico , located in San Luis Potosi state. When I visited, I stayed here.

From there, you’ll either get around by rental car , or hiring a taxi for the day.

A private car is great for creating your own custom Huasteca Potosina itinerary, and for the freedom to move around each day. 

Taxis are a safe, inexpensive option, and as the driver will know the area very well, you can choose a different waterfall each day.

Do note that this is usually more expensive than a rental car though.

No matter the option you choose, you’re going to fall in love with the Huasteca Potosina , one of the most beautiful places in Mexico.

15. Hierve el Agua

📍 Hierve el Agua is located in Oaxaca, Mexico , a state in Central Mexico.

Located more than 5,000 feet above sea level (1,525 m) in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountains, you’ll find Hierve el Agua , an infinity pool surrounded by verdant valleys.

Below the pools is a petrified waterfall — one of only two in the world! It formed over thousands of years from by mineral-rich water flowing down the cliff face.

Hierve el agua means boiling water, and its pools are warmed by the sun, so you’ll want to visit on a sunny day.

As one of the most popular places in Mexico, and best things to do in Oaxaca City , try to arrive early to beat the crowds.

Before jumping in the pools, take your time to explore the entire site. You can hike down for better views of the petrified waterfall before cooling off in the water.

The hike is moderately challenging to get down, but it’s an uphill climb back up, so don’t forget your Water-To-Go Reusable Bottle .

It is easy to visit Hierve el Agua on your own, via public transport, in your rental car or with a group tour.

For those visiting during Oaxaca Day of the Dead in late-October and early-November, remember to schedule in a day before or after the get to visit Hierve el Agua .

To go on public transportation, take a bus or colectivo (shared van) about one hour east of Oaxaca City to the pueblo magico of Mitla , which is also worth exploring.

Then, look for the white pickup trucks that depart every 45 minutes or so, and make your way through the curvy mountain roads to Hierve el Agua.

16. Calakmul Mayan Ruins

📍 Calakmul is located in Campeche, Mexico , in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The ancient Mayan ruins of Calakmul (pronounced cah-lack-mool) is one of the more off the beaten track Mexico destinations, but definitely worth a visit.

Located in Campeche State , one of the three states that make up the Yucatan Peninsula , it has some of the most beautiful and best pyramids in Mexico. 

It is also one of the best things to do in Yucatan Mexico — but many don’t even know it exists. Calakmul’s remote jungle location is the reason many travelers don’t know about this hidden gem.

While big crowds flock to the more famous Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins , Calakmul is much more difficult to reach and won’t get the same attention.

However, Calakmul Pyramids are one of the great places to visit in Mexico, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From the closest major city, Campeche City , it’s about a five hour drive in your rental car .

This includes the two hour drive from the nearest main road into the jungles of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. However, the trek is worth it.

Calakmul was one of the biggest Mayan cities in ancient times, leaving us with the most beautiful buildings.

Though it’s off the beaten path, Calakmul Pyramids are some of the best Mayan Ruins in Mexico — possibly made even better because they aren’t overrun with crowds.

The Mayan ruins of Calakmul has some of the largest pyramids in Mexico, and you can even climb them.

The views are amazing and you’ll never forget standing on top of the pyramid, higher than the highest trees with nothing but jungle in front of you.

17. MUSA: Cancun Underwater Museum

📍 MUSA Underwater Museum is located in Cancun, Mexico .

The Cancun Underwater Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico, and a must see Cancun site for those interested in water activities and marine life.

Museo Subacuatico de Arte, or MUSA, is located underwater near Cancun and Isla Mujeres , in the Mexican Caribbean. The best way to visit is on these Cancun Underwater Museum tours .

As one of the best places to visit in Cancun, Mexico , this is also one of the largest underwater sculpture gardens in the world. While diving or snorkeling at MUSA, you’ll see more than 500 pieces of art created by a variety of artists.

Though also beautiful, the main purpose of the art at this underwater museum in Cancun is conservation.

The nearby reefs were being damaged by over tourism, and the art installations serve as both an attraction for the divers and snorkelers to visit, but also as a new habitat for marine plants and animals.

All of the artwork was created with a pH neutral (non-acidic) and environmentally-safe concrete, and then anchored to the ocean floor.

Many of the installments have been in place for more than a decade — and the variety of ocean life that now congregate a MUSA Underwater Museum in Cancun is astounding.

One day, nature will completely overtake the sculptures and the artwork will be so covered with coral that you’ll barely see the original pieces. Instead, they’ll become new art, created by nature.

There are many tours that are available to take you to this amazing underwater museum. You can dive, snorkel, or even take a glass bottom boat to be able to see and enjoy this fascinating place.

18. Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve

📍 Sierra Gorda, Mexico, is located in Queretaro State.

Venture off the main tourist path to Queretaro, Mexico , located just three hours west of Mexico City by rental car or bus. This is a smaller state, but you’ll want to spend a couple of days in the Sierra Gorda of Queretaro .

Sierra Gorda is a surreal region with a unique diversity of ecosystems — from semi-deserts and oak forests, to gigantic cliffs overlooking barren lands, and old Spanish missions.

The five Franciscan Missions of the Sierra Gorda, located throughout the area, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🌎 Wondering, What is a Biosphere Reserve?

Biosphere reserves are learning places for sustainable development.

According to UNESCO , they’re sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and biodiversity management.

best Things to do in Sierra Gorda

If you want the full experience to see the most important sites in Sierra Gorda, consider spending at least 2-3 full days.

There are so many interesting sites to explore. These include the secluded waterfalls of El Chuveje and Puente de Dios, the breathtaking lookout of Cuatro Palos, and the five Franciscan Missions.

There are several different ways to explore the Sierra Gorda Mexico.

You can join an organized tour, or explore on your own by staying in Pinal de Amoles , Mexico , where you’ll find rustic accommodations and local guides. Slightly further away, there are nicer hotels in Jalpan de Serra .

Visiting Sierra Gorda is a very unique experience, as the territory is still virgin and locals are striving to promote ecological practices to protect it.

Booking tours with local guides, and staying in the rustic eco-lodges in the mountains, supports the local economy and conservation efforts.

19. Holbox Island

📍 Holbox, Mexico , is a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea, located in Quintana Roo State.

For years, Isla Holbox was one of the best kept secrets in the Yucatan.

However, this little piece of paradise has recently seen an increase in tourism because of its proximity to Cancun and Playa del Carmen . There’s also beautiful, unspoiled beaches, and small town feel.

Holbox is known as one of the safest places to visit in Mexico, and is slowly but surely becoming its own Mexico destination.

Visitors are flocking to this island in the Caribbean Sea for everything from swimming in the crystal clear waters here, to swimming with the whale sharks in Holbox Island .

Swimming with Whale sharks in holbox

If you visit during June-September, book a boat tour (with an ethical tour company, of course) and head out to the deeper waters around Holbox to swim with the largest fish in the ocean, whale sharks.

In case you were wondering, whale sharks aren’t sharks, and don’t even have sharp teeth.

bioluminescence in holbox

If giant fish aren’t your thing, there’s also kayak tours through the mangroves to see the Holbox flamingos in the Yum Balam Nature Reserve during the day.

At night, head to Punta Mosquito (don’t let the name scare you off) to see the Holbox bioluminescence at night.

How to get to Holbox Island has become easier over the last few years, but it is only accessible via the Isla Holbox ferry dock in Chiquila, Mexico.

Cars aren’t permitted on the island, but there are paid lots right next to the dock where you can leave your rental car for about $5 USD per day.

20. San Miguel de Allende

📍 San Miguel de Allende, Mexico , is a located in Guanajuato State.

San Miguel de Allende is located in Mexico’s Central Highlands, about four hours northwest of Mexico City . It is one of the best places to visit in Mexico .

With its moderate year-round climate, beautiful architecture, and authentic Mexican cultural feel, many Americans and Europeans have relocated to San Miguel in the past few decades.

The town also attracts artists and foodies, and in fact, Bravo’s Top Chef TV show filmed in San Miguel de Allende during Season 12.

It is one of the safest places in Mexico , perfect for those doing solo travel in Meixco , couples, families and groups.

Centro Historico in San Miguel de Allende, the historic downtown, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.

Here, you’ll find the town’s beautiful 17th-18th century Mexican Baroque buildings — including the iconic pink San Miguel de Allende church, the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel.

One of the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende is just walk around the town’s narrow cobblestone streets. Here, you can admire and take travel photos of the historic and colorful buildings.

Start at El Jardin, the impeccably manicured garden in front of the Parroquia, and then head to Casa Ignacio Allende, a mansion-turned-museum.

Enjoy churros at the famous Chocolates y Churros San Agustin cafe, before heading to Plaza Civica, to see the Church of Our Lady of Health.

Historic San Miguel de Allende is named after two individuals, Juan de San Miguel, a 16th century friar among the first people to settle the area, and Ignacio Allende, a Mexican independence fighter, born in this city.

Its rich history and immense beauty make it one of the must see places in Mexico.

Submitted by Džangir of Dr. Jam Travels

21. Valle de Guadalupe: Wine Country

📍 Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, is located in Baja California Norte state.

At least for now, Valle de Guadalupe is still a relatively unknown Mexico wine region in northern Baja California state.

A very popular trip for Southern Californians, “Valle,” as it’s commonly called, is a delightful and safe getaway for groups and solo female travel in Mexico . 

The drive to Mexico takes only two hours from San Diego, via the Tijuana or Tecate U.S.-Mexico border crossings. The vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe dot the landscape along Mexico Route 3, and this drive is beautiful.

🏕 Want to try glamping in Mexico? Valle de Guadalupe has some amazing “glamorous camping” options, like Cuarto Cuartos , so you don’t have to drive after wine tasting.

With more than 120 vineyards in Valle de Bravo, and top notch dining options and accommodations , Valle’s Wine Trail makes for a relaxed Mexico trip.

For wine novices, Bodegas de Santo Tomás Vineyard is a good place to learn the basics of winemaking.

Here, you’ll experience a high-tech multimedia production and an easily digestible overview of viticulture. Besides that, their wine tasting room offers outstanding views of Mexico’s Guadalupe Valley.

For one of the most unusual winery experiences in Valle, head to Vinícola AlXimia for a downright other-worldly experience.

This family-owned and operated winery offers a unique philosophy based on science with a shout out to the medieval practice of alchemy.

While Valle de Guadalupe is a year-round destination, if possible, time your visit to coincide with grape harvest season. This takes place in late-August to early-October.

If you’re really lucky, you may have the opportunity to see grapes being sorted and processed, which is quite a treat for oenophiles.

📍 Merida, Mexico , is the capital of Yucatan state in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The colorful, colonial city of Merida is known as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico.

Located in Yucatan state, it’s also near several beautiful Mayan Ruins in Yucatan , like Dzibilchaltun, Mayapan, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Uxmal .

In fact, there are many amazing Merida day trips within just two hours of downtown.

As one of the safest cities in Mexico , it’s easy (and safe) to rent a car in Merida and travel around.

Having rich Mayan and colonial heritage, there are many things to do in Merida as well — including Merida beaches , Merida cenotes , Mayan ruins near Merida, and much more.

You’ll find beautiful Merida colonial architecture in Centro Historico, (Downtown, or Historic Center).

There, don’t miss Museo Casa Montejo. This 16th Century mansion-turned-museum is one of the best museums in Mexico .

There’s also the Catedral de San Ildefonso (AKA Merida Cathedral), which is one of the oldest cathedrals on the Americas Continent. 

For foodies, Merida is a great place to try traditional Yucatan cuisine — which differs from the Mexican food most visitors are used to.

Some Yucatecan food favorites include cochinita pibil (suckling pig slow cooked underground), sopa de lima (lime soup), and marquesitas (crepes).

Merida is one of the most safe places to visit in Mexico . In fact, it was named the second safest city in North America and the safest in Latin America by CEOWorld Magazine.

Still one of the up and coming tourist spots in Mexico, you can visit and enjoy all the things to do in Merida for little money. However, this won’t be the case for much longer.

With Merida’s proximity to other top Yucatan destinations, like Tulum , Cancun , Valladolid, Bacalar Lagoon, Campeche, and Playa del Carmen — more people are traveling to Merida each year.

23. Uxmal Ruins

📍 Uxmal Ruins is located in Uxmal, Mexico, in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Uxmal (pronounced yoush-mall) is known as one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico, with some of the best Mayan pyramids in the world.

Located in the Puuc region of the Yucatan Peninsula , Uxmal has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its impressive buildings are a tribute to the incredible architectural accomplishments of the Mayan people.

The stonework at Uxmal is gorgeous with symbolic carved-stone motifs, common of all five sites on the Puuc Route , of which Uxmal is just one site. 

The Pyramid of the Magician dominates the entrance to Uxmal — and according to Mayan folklore, it was built by a magician in one night, hence the name.

The ancient Mayan rain god, Chaac, is depicted in many structures. This is a testimony to the importance of water to this agrarian society.

For those debating visiting Chichen Itza vs Uxmal Ruins, one main draw to Uxmal is you can climb the pyramids there and you can’t climb the pyramids at Chichen Itza .

Take advantage of this by climbing up the Governor’s Palace for a panoramic view of the ancient Uxmal ruins.

Uxmal is located about 1.5 hours south of Merida, the capital of the Yucatan state, by rental car and bus.

It is one of the best day trips from Merida , and having a car means you can visit all five sites on the Ruta Puuc in the Yucatan Peninsula — Labna, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak and Uxmal.

24. Xochimilco: Mexico City Canals

📍 Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Mexico City (CDMX).

Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-mil-ko) is one of the best places to visit in Mexico City — and one of the top things to do in Mexico City .

Located in the southern part of the city near the beautiful Coyoacan neighborhood , Xochimilco is famous for an intricate network of canals, colorful gondola boats and floating food vendors and mariachi bands.

🧳 Wondering what to pack for Mexico City? Head to this article and download your FREE Printable Mexico Packing Checklist !

Besides being one of the top places to visit in Mexico City, the Xochimilco canals are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offer a fascinating insight into the Aztec civilization.

Carved by hand, this prehispanic civilization once used the canals as a main thoroughfare for trade and commerce.

Nowadays, the atmosphere is electric on weekends, particularly Sundays. Expect hundreds of traditional trajinera boats traveling the canals, as the sounds of live Mariachi bands fill the air.

Food vendors float by too, serving an array of traditional Mexican cuisine and drinks, like pulque , a pre-hispanic adult beverage.

However for a quieter and more relaxing experience, you’ll want to visit Xochimilco during the week.

As you have to negotiate boat prices and coordinate tours with guides onsite, who may or may not speak English, the best way to go is a Xochimilco tour from Mexico City .

Those looking for a unique and creepy experience should take the long boat tour to the Isla de Muñecas, or Xochimilco Island of the Dolls .

This Mexico dark tourism site is something straight out of a horror movie, with baby doll parts hanging from trees throughout the island.

For fans of dark tourism, it’s a must-add to your Mexico City itinerary . Submitted by Char of Char’s Footsteps

25. Guanajuato Mummy Museum

📍 The Guanajuato Mummy Museum is located in Guanajuato City, Mexico.

Looking for off-beat and interesting places to visit in Mexico?

Look no further than the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Guanajuato City, Mexico , and the Museo de las Momias (Guanajuato Mummy Museum).

Though not for everyone, this out-of-the-box museum is perfect for those who seek out the unusual and off-beat.

In fact, the Guanajuato Mexico Mummy Museum is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico for dark tourism enthusiasts.

The Mummy Museum in Guanajuato , located minutes from downtown Guanajuato City, has the world’s largest collection of natural , intact mummies — with about 100 on display.

“Natural” means the bodies mummified naturally due to the high mineral content in the ground.

The history of the Guanajuato Mummies

The story behind the museum dates back to the late 1800s, when a deadly plague swept through the Guanajuato area.

Sadly, the plague claimed many lives, resulting in an extensive amount of burials in a short period of time.

A few decades later, Guanajuato’s government imposed a “burial tax,” and started making the living family members pay a tax on their buried loved ones.

Since many relatives couldn’t afford to pay it, the corpses were exhumed, and they turned out to be mummified from being in the mineral-rich soil.

As one of the most popular things to do in Guanajuato , you’ll want to arrive early to beat and avoid the crowds, and even plan to visit on a weekday in the early afternoon, if possible.

While there aren’t any explicitly gore-filled exhibits, the nature of the museum may disturb some.

Unique Places to Visit in Mexico Map

Each of the 25 unique places to visit in Mexico mentioned in this article have been pinned to the handy Mexico map above, so you’ll have a better idea of their location in Mexico.

With such a big country — the 14th largest country, in fact — visiting places in Mexico, for many, will come down to location. Besides physical location, these are all safe places to visit in Mexico.

However, no place on Earth is 100% safe. To learn more about safety, keep reading to check out the Mexico Travel FAQ section for Mexico safety tips after you decide on places in Mexico to visit.

Mexico Travel Guide & FAQ

Is mexico safe for travel.

Wondering about Mexico travel safety, or even Is Mexico safe for solo travel? The short answer is Yes — for the most part, Mexico is safe for travelers.

As travel safety is a complex question, head to Is Mexico Safe? 25 Tips to Stay Safe in Mexico for a much more in-depth explanation.

While Mexico is generally quite safe for visitors, do keep in mind that no place on Earth is 100% safe.

For this reason, you’ll want to follow the 10 General Safety Guidelines and other travel safety suggestions below. These are the same ones you’d follow when traveling anywhere, and they will suffice in Mexico.

unique PLACES TO VISIT IN MEXICO

Should i get travel insurance for mexico.

Legally, you do not need to. However, many people do get travel insurance for Mexico to deal with all the things that come up which we never planned would come up.

Want an added level of security and peace of mind on your Mexico trip?

Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.

I’ll be honest, when I first started traveling in Mexico, I wasn’t insured. However, I finally wised up.

Now, I have a  whole page of this website  dedicated to travel insurance, because it’s just that important.

Do I need to learn Spanish to travel to Mexico?

If you stick to the most popular places in Mexico, the “on the beaten path places,” then you can get by with just English.

However, it is good manners to learn at last some basic Spanish when you visit Mexico . For this, you can save the infographic above on your phone so you’ll always have the words and phrases you need, even if you’re off-WiFi.

Register for the STEP Program

For U.S. citizens, make sure you enroll in the FREE STEP Program before your trip.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, allows U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico to document your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

After you’ve registered, the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to where you’re traveling can contact you in the event of an emergency, including natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.

STEP can also put you in touch with your family and friends back home in the event of an emergency while abroad.

10 General Travel Safety Tips for Mexico

1. Always listen to your intuition — because  your intuition  is always right.

2. If you get a sketchy or uneasy feeling about a person or place, get away from that person or place asap. Don’t worry about making a kind, nice or politically correct exit from a creepy person or bad situation — Just get away fast.

3. Don’t walk home alone at night; use Ubers and taxis. If you have to, stick to main streets that are well-lit.

4. Don’t keep your phone, keys, wallet, passport, or anything valuable in your back pocket. This is the easiest place someone can steal them from.

5. Learn some basic Spanish. If you can’t learn it,  save this infographic  as an image on your phone so you have something to use even if you’re off-WiFi.

6. Take all of your belongings into the bathroom with you, rather than asking a cafe/bar neighbor to watch your things. This is annoying, but it works to not get your stuff stolen.

7. Speaking of cafe and bar neighbors, don’t take drinks from strangers and/or leave your drink unattended.

8. Don’t wear flashy clothes, expensive jewelry, designer sunglasses, etc.

9. Keep some cash in your pocket so you don’t have to pull your whole wallet out every time you need to pay.

10. Get  Mexico Travel Insurance for your trip.

What do I include on my Mexico packing list?

What you need to know first is that Mexico is a big country, and it has varied climates — so you must pack strategically.

While most Mexico beaches and beach towns have warm to hot temperatures year-round, double check the weather in the specific place you’re headed — as there’s more temperature fluctuations than most people realize.

As a general rule, Mexican tend to dress on the conservative side. Even in hotter places and pueblos (small towns), jeans and long sleeves are the norm for what to wear in Mexico .

While on beaches it’s normal to see shorts and sandals, in cities you’ll definitely stand out. For a detailed guide on packing for Mexico, head to The Ultimate Packing List for Mexico .

🧳 FREE Printable Packing List for Mexico

Need a more detailed Mexico packing guide? Download your FREE printable packing list for Mexico here — it covers both Mexico beach packing and Mexico city packing.

This multi-page Mexico packing checklist covers everything you’ll want to bring, and more importantly, what not to bring to Mexico.

Final Thoughts: Unique Places to Visit in Mexico

In this article, you’ve see it all — including some of the top tourist attractions in Mexico, like Teotihuacan pyramids near Mexico City.

We’ve also journeyed to the best ruins in Mexico , like Uxmal Pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula.

You’ve discovered the best off the beaten path Mexico places to visit, like Las Coloradas, the pink lakes in Mexico.

There were UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and tropical places to go to in Mexico, like the MUSA Cancun Underwater Museum.

You’ve seen the best hidden gems in Mexico and off the beaten path places, like Las Pozas (Xilitla Surrealist Gardens of Edward James).

As fas as unique places to Visit in Mexico, you now have a great idea of the country’s best. The only question that remains is — Where will you travel to first?!

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Mexico?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.

Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site , but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

What do I pack for Mexico?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.

12 of the coolest places to visit in Mexico

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• cool-places-to-visit-in-mexico

written by Stephen Keeling

updated 28.10.2021

Mexico is a headline-grabbing country – and not always for the right reasons. But while Mexico has faced challenges in its time, most of the country remains safe for visitors. Away from the major sights in Mexico City and the resorts of Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun lies a land crammed with tantalizing but lesser-visited destinations – here's our guide to the best places to visit in Mexico.

1. Bahía Concepción, Baja California Sur

2. real de catorce, san luis potosí, 3. lago de pátzcuaro, michoacán, 4. the copper canyon, chihuahua, 5. las pozas de edward james, xilitla, san luis potosí, 6. oaxaca de juárez, oaxaca, 7. isla mujeres, quintana roo, 8. yaxchilán, chiapas, 9. san cristobal de las casas, chiapas, 10. guanajuato, 11. museo soumaya, mexico city, 12. cuernavaca, morelos, tailor-made travel itineraries for mexico, created by local experts.

17 days  / from 1590 USD

The Magic of the Yucatan and Mexico City

Explore the magic of the Yucatan Peninsula: from colonial towns like Merida to Archaeological sites like Uxmal and Calakmul, close to the Guatemala border, to beaches in Bacalar and Tulum, this itinerary shows you the real Yucatan before heading out to explore Mexico City.

15 days  / from 1430 USD

Mexico City, Oaxaca & the Yucatan

Explore Central Mexico with its ever-busy capital Mexico City, visiting Teotihuacan and the famous museums in the city. Further on to Oaxaca City, the gateway to the Archaeological Site Monte Alban. Afterwards, continue to the white beaches of the Yucatan: Cancun and Isla Holbox await.

18 days  / from 1735 USD

Fascinating Mexico: From Guanajuato to the Yucatan

Discover Mexico from fascinating San Miguel de Allende over busy Mexico City all the way to the Yucatan Peninsula. This itinerary combines public transportation with domestic flights to ensure you can make the most of discovering fascinating Mexico within two weeks.

Tailor-made trips for   Mexico

Mexico is blessed with an abundance of gorgeous beaches, but there’s something special about the otherworldly scenery of Bahía Concepción . A pristine bay off the Sea of Cortez, halfway down the Baja California peninsula, spell-binding white-sand beaches line its shores for over 30 km (20 miles), hemmed in by forests of cacti and desert-fringed mountains. As far as kayaking goes, few places in the world can match it.

Bahia Concepción is a kayaker's dream © Stella the Giant/Shutterstock

Mexico’s most extraordinary “ghost town”, Real de Catorce is tucked away in a remote corner of the Bajío, a region once littered with booming silver mines. Since the mid-1990s, an influx of artists, artesanía vendors, wealthy Mexicans and a few foreigners have re-built the virtually abandoned colonial centre, with its narrow cobbled streets and elegantly faded mansions. Huichol pilgrims visit the city on their way to harvest fresh peyote in the nearby desert.

The "ghost town" of Real de Catorce © Eleni Mavrandoni/Shutterstock

Most famous for its Day of the Dead celebrations (Nov 1–2), this enchanting lake is a worthy destination year-round. There’s the gorgeous waterside town of Pátzcuaro itself, plus the tranquil island of Janitzio and its indigenous fishermen, throwing their traditional butterfly nets from tiny dug-out canoes. Each of the small villages that surround the lake specializes in different arts and crafts.

Known for its gravity-defying mountain railway, the isolated, beautiful region dubbed the Copper Canyon is best experienced on foot. The village of Creel high in the Sierra Tarahumara acts as a base for expeditions to remote valleys, waterfalls and Rarámuri villages, while the four-hour drive from Cerocahui to the bottom of the Barranca de Urique is mesmerizing. Here the town of Urique marks the start (or end) of the popular two-night, three-day trek to Batopilas, a sleepy village home to a ruined Jesuit mission.

Urique, Copper Canyon © Staceyarturogi/Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

English eccentric Edward James discovered the picturesque small town of Xilitla in the 1940s and was inspired to create his own version of the Garden of Eden in the rainforest outside the town. He spent much of the 1960s and 1970s creating the jungle fantasy garden of Las Pozas, full of outlandish statues and structures. James was a patron of the Surrealist movement (he was pals with Dalí and Magritte), and the movement's influence is obvious here, with spiral staircases that curl up into the air, giant stone hands, a mosaic snake and “The House Destined To Be a Cinema”.

The Sculpture Garden, or Las Pozas de Edward James, in Xitlia © schlyx/Shutterstock

Oaxaca City remains one of Mexico’s most popular destinations, for good reason: it’s rich in folklore and culinary traditions and features numerous fiestas, indigenous markets, fine local chocolate and a magnificent colonial centre.

Oaxaca is also widely regarded as the artistic centre of Mexico, with several state-run and private galleries, craft and jewellery master classes and regular exhibitions. In our opinion, it is also one of the best places in Mexico for travelling with kids .

With fresh seafood, gorgeous sandy beaches, the chance to swim with dolphins, a population of sea turtles and vibrant coral reefs (check out the sculptures in the Cancun Underwater Museum ), the Isla Mujeres is the most enticing slice of Mexico’s Riveria Maya. It's close to Cancun, yet compared to the bigger resorts the island offers a refreshing dose of Caribbean languor, with its narrow streets lined with colourful wooden houses.

The Rough Guides to Mexico and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

If you're in search of an island holiday in Mexico also check out Cozumel Island - a Caribbean jewel that offers stunning beaches and plenty of activities to suit all tastes .

Isla Mujeres – a quiet option near Cancun © Aleksandar Todorovic / Shutterstock

Few of Mexico’s great Mayan sites are as atmospheric as Yaxchilán. This ancient city can only be approached by boat and is shrouded by jungle in an incredibly evocative setting along the river, where the eerie moans of howler monkeys echo around the ruins.

Another interesting Mexican region to visit is Tabasco. Read our guide to Tabasco, Mexico and find out why you should consider this region when travelling in Mexico.

The atmospheric ruins of Yaxchilán© Andreas Wolochow/Shutterstock

Fantasy Mexico – San Cristobal is a place where whitewashed red-tiled houses huddle together on the plain, giving the city an unrivalled provincial colonial charm. Though often bursting with foreign travellers, the appeal of San Cristóbal is undiminished, a mix of colonial churches, little museums and markets. It’s also a great base for visiting the nearby Tzotzil Maya village of San Juan Chamula ; the two-hundred-year-old church, with its floor smothered in pine needles, is one of the most captivating sights in Mexico.

This gorgeous colonial city presents an astonishing sight: upon emerging from the surrounding hills you come upon the centre quite suddenly, a riot of colonial architecture, tumbling down hills so steep that at times it seems the roof of one building is suspended from the floor of the last. There’s an old-fashioned, backwater feel to the place, reinforced by the local students’ habit of going serenading (and boozing) in black capes, on their famed musical walks known as callejóneadas .

The steep, colourful hills of Guanajuato © Bill Perry / Shutterstock

Carlos Slim – one of the world’s wealthiest men – funded the phenomenal Museo Soumaya in 1994. Designed by the Mexican architect Fernando Romero, it’s not just the revolutionary architecture that appeals. The six-storey building is smothered by 16,000 hexagonal aluminium tiles and the museum also contains over 66,000 works from Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica to twentieth-century Mexican art and beyond, including pieces from Rodin, Dalí, Murillo and Tintoretto.

Though it might appear to be just another alluring colonial city that’s littered with Spanish language schools, opulent Cuernavaca has attracted rebels since Aztec times. In the 20th century, converts included singer María Félix, Rita Hayworth and Malcolm Lowry, who set Under the Volcano (1947) here, and hippie guru Timothy Leary came to take magic mushrooms here in the 1960s. Many current residents are artists, intellectuals and writers – stay a few days and let the city's infectious charm work its magic on you, too.

Stephen Keeling grew up in England and graduated from Jesus College, Oxford in 1992 with a degree in history. After working as a financial journalist in Eastern Europe and East Asia, he moved to New York City in 2006. Since then he has authored and updated numerous Rough Guides, Insight Guides, Frommer's guides and DK travel books in addition to writing for Google, Zagat, the Independent, Budget Travel and other publications.

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The 27 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

By Scarlett Lindeman

Mexico City is changing rapidly from the influx of foreigners who have recently discovered the city’s infinite charms. There are dozens of new restaurants, parties, and projects that keep the vibrancy of this capital city (with a population of over 22 million) surging while the storied museums, ancient bars, and cultural sites maintain their standing. An intoxicating mix of ancient and new, you could spend a lifetime here and barely scratch the surface. While there's no way you’ll manage to cover all of the must see and dos in one trip, sticking to one neighborhood a day keeps things manageable. No matter how you end up spending your time in Mexico's capital, one thing is for sure—you’ll be scheduling your second trip before your first is even finished.

Read our complete Mexico City travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Colonia Juárez Arrow

The Juarez neighborhood has evolved in recent years. Once gritty, the area is now teeming with great boutiques, bars, parks, and restaurants like Masala y Maiz, which blends Mexican and Indian cuisines, and Niddo, a sunny corner spot that serves a divine brunch. There are loads of hotspots around the leafy central Plaza Washington: La Rifa for artisanal chocolates, Loose Blues for vinyls and vintage denim, and Elly's for natural wines and handmade pastas.

Luis Barragán House and Studio Arrow

The former home and studio of Pritzker-Prize-winning architect Luis Barragán has been transformed into a museum in Mexico City's Hidalgo District. Architecture and design lovers frequent the estate to study the artist's ingenious use of color, light, shadow, form, and texture. From the street, you'd never guess the personality that lies inside: The stark-gray façade humbly blends in with neighboring homes, but walk to the interior of the estate and you'll find striking walls in a kaleidoscope of bright colors, fountains, and pools.

Gran Hotel Ciudad de México Arrow

Even if you're not staying at this hotel on the Zócalo, it's worth stopping just to see the jaw-dropping interior. The building originally opened as a department store in 1899. Since then, its art nouveau bones have been carefully maintained: The curving staircase is a replica of the one at Paris's Le Bon Marché , and the antique elevator, made of iron and concrete, was the first of its kind in Mexico City. But the pièce de résistance is the incredible Tiffany stained-glass ceiling, imported from France in 1908.

El Moro Churerría Arrow

Early evening is churro time in Mexico City—families, couples, and friends all go out for a taste of sweet fried dough and chocolate. You'll often find lines snaking around the block outside this beloved churrería (churro shop). There are shops in Roma, Centro Historico, Condesa, Polanco, and Cuauhtémoc.   Most have spiffy interiors with blue and white tile, bright lighting, and long communal tables. Watch the cooks dip, fry, and sugar-coat your long, spindly churro, which is paired with hot chocolate in a flavor of your choosing.

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

Floating Gardens of Xochimilco Arrow

Drive 40 minutes south of the city and you'll witness the closest approximation to the Valley of Mexico (in which Mexico City lies) before the arrival of the Spanish. The World Heritage Site of Xochimilco, the extensive lake and canal system that once connected most of the settlements in the valley, is an incredible vestige of the area's pre-Hispanic past. Start at the Embarcadero Belem dock to board a colorful gondola -like boat, called a trajinera , and explore the waterways and artificial islands or chinampas .

Palacio Nacional Arrow

Diego Rivera's famous mural The History of Mexico, showcases the Aztec era to the conquest to the Revolution to the development of industry. It's grandiose and captivating, a unique opportunity to learn about Mexico's past. Not to mention it's free: The mural is housed in a distinguished building east of the Zócalo that operates as a government office. Among the office workers milling about, you'll see a mix of local, national, and international tourists who come to be awe-stricken by Rivera’s masterpiece.

Templo Mayor Arrow

Templo Mayor (translation: main temple) was the centerpiece of Tenochtitlán, the ancient Aztec capital, constructed in 1325 in the marshes of Lake Texcoco. The temple was mowed over and replaced by a cathedral during the Spanish conquest in 1521. Today, the hulking stone ruins lie at the heart of Centro Histórico, embedded in the blueprint of downtown. Surrounded by streets and buildings, it is hard to imagine the temples in their original Aztecan glory, but the nicely organized museum helps paint the full picture.

Museo Frida Kahlo Arrow

The museum, also known as "Casa Azul" for its shocking cobalt blue exterior, is where Frida Kahlo was born, raised, lived, and died. Visitors can take in a few paintings by Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera, in addition to other contemporary artists of their era. But perhaps more interesting is the voyeuristic window into their creative world. The home is carefully preserved and maintained; it's easy to image the spaces as they were during Kahlo's time. In addition to their personal effects and domestic materials, the collection of clothes and corsets Frida needed to support her body after her traumatic accident give an intimate look at the artist's daily struggles.

Sculpture Garden at the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo Arrow

Located on the outskirts of Mexico City proper, at the National Autonomous University of Mexico campus, the Sculpture Park is totally off the tourist track. Featuring a range of grand outdoor sculptures, the park is best explored by foot. The sculpture space, which looks like a giant crater, is one the top things to spot. It's built around lava (which can be seen in the center) and has wonderful views from the ledge.

Mercado Jamaica Arrow

The city’s principal flower market offers visitors a fragrant, colorful walk through much of the region’s native flora and fauna, available to be bundled into a bouquet and taken back to your home. Available for your admiration are roses, lilies, daisies, ferns, and violets galore, among other rare and special species. Visit during Dia de Muertos to see trucks carting in pink and orange cempasuchil , or Mexican marigolds, for family members to buy to decorate their ofrendas at home or their loved ones’ graves. Build a bundle to decorate your hotel room with—or better yet, to dry and frame as a memory for when you return home.

Monumento a la Revolución Arrow

This landmark, located in the heart of Mexico City, commemorates the Mexican Revolution and is the largest triumphal arch in the world. The main structure evolved over twenty-five years of stops and starts and a major redesign. It was finished in 1938, to comprise an eclectic blend of art-deco and Mexican socialist realism styles. A visit to the top observation deck only costs 110 pesos ($5) and there's a museum underground. You don't need much time to witness the glory of the monument. Saunter around, gawk at the creative architectural stylings of the structure, and walk under the arches. History nerds may be more interested in the small museum below, but more than anything it's an architecturally significant piece, and the observation deck has great views. If you keep your eyes peeled while exploring around town, you'll most likely catch a glimpse of the monument down a main street—but a quick glimpse isn't enough, and it's worth the quick 15-minute trip to walk underneath it.

Omusubi House Arrow

In a small storefront in Roma Norte, the husband and wife team, Ichiro Kitazawa and Varia Gonzáles Manuel work side-by-side in the miniscule kitchen, cupping steamed rice into palm-sized balls. They will sink sauteed sweet potato into the omusubi which are speckled like confetti with purple and wild rice, a marriage of Mexican ingredients and Japanese technique. They met while working at a Japanese restaurant years back when Mexico City was still called DF, the federal district. He had arrived ten years earlier by way of Osaka, as a hippy backpacker intent on photographing Latin America but fell into cooking; and she, from Puebla. “Omusubi translates to tying up or to bring together” Kitazawa explains, “which is how we wrap the rice”—and a sound metaphor for the forging of connections between their two countries.

Cárcamo de Dolores Arrow

Second or third-time visitors to Mexico City who think they've seen everything will find something new here. This historic but infrequently-visited site was constructed in 1951 as a hydraulic water system connected to the city's main water lines. And while it no longer acts as a municipal water work but rather a museum and cultural landmark, it underscores the city's complicated relationship with water. In the lesser-traveled section of Chapultepec, it is currently under renovation and closed to the public, though the massive Rivera sculpture of the Azteca water god Tlaloc out front can still be admired.

Eat Like a Local Arrow

Eat Like a Local, a Mexico City–based company, runs culinary tours that immerse visitors in the city's vast food scene. Rocio, the guide, has long been a food blogger , and her knowledge about the Mexico City's food scene is totally on point. She's also passionate about connecting tourists with locals, and impacting Mexico City in a positive, sustainable way. There's a set itinerary, but she's flexible—so go on, order another mezcal or pork carnitas, if you like.

Museo Jumex Arrow

Museo Jumex houses one of Latin America's largest private contemporary art collections, which includes works by Andy Warhol, Martin Kippenberger, Cy Twombly, and Damien Hirst. Mediums range from paintings and drawings to light and video installations. The building is as distinctive as the art: British architect David Chipperfield designed the 15,000 square-foot white-concrete cube with a sawtooth top. (Plus the Soumaya Museum is just across the square, so you can feed two birds with one scone.) 

Self-Guided Centro Historico Cantina Crawl Arrow

It's easy to pop around in Centro, hitting up a few cantinas to have a drink or two and to soak up the style of these classic, dive-y spots. The more friends you bring and make, the better. Locals and regulars alike hit the cantinas, which maintain a storied baseline for the drinking culture of Mexico City. Musicians pass through, sorrows are drowned, and gains celebrated. Many cantinas serve food, some better than others, and will often gift snacks and small plates if you consume around three drinks, though each spot has its own rules. Beer and tequila prevail. Simple cocktails, built-in-the-glass rum and cokes, margaritas, sangria, rum, brandy, and mezcal. Some cantinas are known for certain drinks, but craft cocktails this is not.

Lucha Libre at the Arena Coliseo Arrow

A giant venue that hosts sporting and entertainment events, the Arena seats as many as 23,300 spectators. It's best known for hosting Lucha Libre wrestling matches. The stadium is sprawling, and some seats are certainly better than others, depending on how much money you're willing to fork out. If you're here because you're a true Lucha Libre fan, make sure to sit in the front row; if you're here to have a fun night out with friends, the cheap seats will do just fine.

Teotihuacán Arrow

The ancient Mesoamerican pyramids of Teotihuacán, in the Valley of Mexico, once served as the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas. It is thought that during the first millennium A.D. the city had around 125,000 people, including multi-ethnic groups such as the Otomi, Zapotec, Mixtec, Maya, and Nahua. If you have a few days in Mexico City, it's worth the day trip . (Teotihuacán is about an hour outside the city by car.) Leave early in the morning so you can be back in the city by mid-day—and bring sunscreen!

The Centro Zocalo Historico Bodealores   Arrow

The boleadores are dotted around the perimeter of downtown's main square (and almost every other park and plaza in the city) but you'll have a great view of the cathedrals, flagpole, and Palacio Nacional if you get your shoes shined here. Climb up on the elevated perch of the boleador's chair and they will make your boots shine anew. At 50 to 100 pesos ($3 to $6), it's one of the cheapest shoe-shine experiences around. Boleadores are an important part of Mexican street culture and a fixture of pedestrian avenues, a living-breathing mid-century heritage that is not in danger of dying out. But with the proliferation of cheap plastic shoes and mass-market tennis sneakers, "limpiabotes" are a hand-crafted service for giving leather shoes a new life.

Museo Anahuacalli Arrow

Awesome, grand, and out-of-the-way, Anahuacalli is part studio, part museum, and part shrine for Mexican art that Diego Rivera built as an architectural piece uniting past, present, and future to the natural environment. Rivera's personal and expansive collection of pre-Hispanic figurines, carvings, and totems accumulated over a lifetime. The museum itself was constructed around a swath of rocky terrain Rivera and Khalo had purchased for a farm. The main collection features nearly two thousand figurines representing Olmecs, Toltecs, Nahuas, Zapotecs, the people of Teotihuacan, and those of northeastern Mexico as well as Rivera's sketches for murals. There are also temporary exhibits of more modern Mexican artists, with a recent rotation of 30 textural works by Robert Janitz—paintings, large-format sculptures, and an NFT.

Patrick Miller Arrow

From the outside, this dance club looks like dumpy warehouse hidden behind a black gate in Roma Norte. But come on a Friday (the only day it's open), and you'll find a raging party that offers a glimpse of the city's extant disco subculture. An eclectic mix of party-goers show off their moves in dance circles to all kinds of music, from '80s and '90s classics to sub-genres of disco, such as Hi-NRG, Italo, and electro.

Museo Nacional de Antropología Arrow

This massive building in Chapultepec Park is among the city's most famed museums, second only to perhaps the Museo Frida Kahlo . Though the late Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez designed it in 1964, the mammoth building still looks as avant-garde today as it did then. (How exactly does that giant concrete slab float above a pond?) The museum holds the world's largest collection of ancient Mexican artifacts. Some of the most iconic Mesoamerican artifacts discovered to date can be found across 23 rooms. If you want to understand Mexico's history, then a visit here is a must.

Plaza Garibaldi Arrow

Mexico's roving mariachi bands have been found in this plaza, a few blocks north of the Palacio de Bellas Artes , since the mid-1900s. Though the plaza has deteriorated over the years, it's seen a resurgence thanks to a city-driven effort to clean up the neighborhood by installing new sidewalks and street lamps. It's a cultural meeting point of sorts, where travelers can come day or night (though the best time to go is after 11 p.m.), to watch bands solicit bar patrons, cars, and passersby to buy a song .

Torre Latinoamericana Arrow

This 44-story skyscraper, built in 1965, is the tallest building in Centro Histórico . The tower miraculously withstood both the 8.1-magnitude earthquake of 1985 and the 7.1-magnitude quake of September 2017, making it a rare feat of engineering. The Torre defines Mexico City's skyline (much like the Empire State building in New York) and is a useful tool for orienting oneself in downtown. Head to the top-floor observation deck for jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city, or to the newly renovated bar/restaurant (one floor below), which has equally impressive views and is almost always empty.

Salón San Luis Arrow

The dance floor at this old-school salon, cloaked in red light, comes alive as locals, tourists, and old timers twirl and shuffle to a live band . Try your hand at salsa, merengue, cumbia, and norteña numbers as waiters in crisp whites with black bow ties circle the room serving liquid courage. There's no shame in bad dancing, so try and learn the steps. (The pros might even show you a thing or two.)

Iglesia San Ignacio de Loyola Arrow

A surprisingly tranquil stop in a high-energy city, this infrequently-visited modernist church is tucked away in plain sight in residential Polanco. Designed by famed architect Juan Sordo, it was completed in 1961 and features a sharp triangular structure covered in handmade yellow ceramic tiles. Show up during visiting hours and you can tour the grounds inside and out. Indoors, the Jesuit temple is encased by multi-colored stained glass windows that catch vibrant fractals on sunny days, with an effect almost like being trapped in a kaleidoscope. It's a place of worship and quiet contemplation, yes, but also a haven for architecture nerds.

La Rifa Chocolateria Arrow

Indigenous to Mexico, cacao has been consumed in the country and played an important role in Mesoamerican societies since 19th BCE; La Rifa continues the tradition with a small roaster on-site. There are a handful of tables sprinkled in the tree-shaded plaza out front, optimal perches for spending an hour or two. Ask to see their production in the back and they will most likely give a tour. The main event is sipping chocolates—water-based and closest to how cacao was consumed, pre-Columbian, before the introduction of the Spanish (and thus cows and milk). The front-of-house folks are happy to explain the finer nuances of their roasting process, flavor-profiles, and history of Mexican chocolate.

Ahuehuete Arrow

This six-seat collection room is a distillate library, a stunning space housed in a centuries-old building in one of Mexico City’s oldest neighborhood. The Porfirio Díaz-era bar and backbar were found in a Puebla antique store and are over 100 years old (once you book here , you'll be notified of the exact location) It'll cost you $75 per-person for a six-spirit sampling, light snacks, and water. Inside, there are only six seats and a knowledgable barkeep/tour guide crafting a rich journey for you and your fellow spirit geeks. While tequila and mezcal are some of Mexico's greatest exports, there are dozens of other plant-based spirits like bacanora, sotol, raicilla, and charanda, distilled in micro-batch quantities in rural communities that never make it into commerical circulation—nor are they intended to. The team behind Ahuehuete has been collecting bottles throughout the years, traveling to rural villages to find interesting batches for their private collection.

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21 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Mexico

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Mar 1, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Mexico is a country that will take your breath away. It's a country that has something to please absolutely everyone, from endless sunshine to stunning scenery, beautiful sandy beaches , gourmet cuisine, culture, art, festivals, mountains, and so much more.

So important are Mexico's ancient Aztec and Mayan sites and historic colonial cities that many have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites , ensuring they'll remain unchanged for generations to come. Interestingly, these Mayan ruins – including places like Guanajuato, Chichén Itzá, and Uxmal – are often as popular as traditional beach vacation spots like Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and Playa del Carmen.

Of course, Mexico has some of the most modern and vibrant cities in the world, too, from its capital, Mexico City to smaller urban hotspots like Guadalajara, Guanajuato, and Monterrey.

Topping the whole experience is the country's rich culture, a fascinating mix of native people, as well as colonial influences from Spain, that shows up in everything from the country's culinary creations to its vibrant music and dance traditions. It's also a country rich in flora and fauna, as it is spread across climate zones that encompass everything from arid deserts to lush tropical rainforests.

To ensure you plan the very best Mexican travel itinerary possible, check out our list of the best places to visit in Mexico.

1. Cancún and the Mayan Riviera

2. puerto vallarta, 3. cabo san lucas, san jose del cabo, and the los cabos corridor, 4. copper canyon: mexico's grand canyon, 5. mexico city's historic center, 6. chichén itzá: the mayan metropolis, 7. guanajuato, 8. ixtapa and zihuatanejo, 9. the ancient fortress of tulum, 10. cozumel: island life, 11. guadalajara, 12. mérida: yucatán's white city, 13. oaxaca: a taste of real mexico, 14. historic morelia, 15. riviera nayarit, 16. mazatlan, 17. cenotes, yucatan peninsula, 18. costa oaxaquena, 19. palenque, chiapas, 20. isla holbox, 21. huasteca potosina, san luis potosi.

For most first-timers to Mexico, their first stop will be Cancun or the surrounding beach towns up and down the coast of what is called the Mexican Caribbean, or the Riviera Maya . Cancun's airport is the second busiest in the country and it's all because tourists are flocking to the powder-white beaches , all-inclusive resorts, and endless activities.

The top destinations in the Mexican Caribbean are Cancun, Playa del Carmen , Tulum , and the island of Cozumel . But you'll find many other smaller destinations worth a visit, too, like the small village of Puerto Morelos , the tiny island of Isla Mujeres , and the magnificent turquoise-colored lake, Laguna de Bacalar.

My favorite things to do in the Riviera Maya are to pop in and out of the small coastal towns to escape the business of the main cities. Puerto Morelos is a must for its white-sand beaches, sandy streets, outdoor cafes, and small boutique shops. I also really love the village of Bacalar that sits overlooking the lagoon. Go here for raw, unspoiled nature, epic sunsets over the lake, and a rising boutique hotel scene.

But Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are positively brimming with fun things to do, such as dolphin and stingray swims; snorkeling among reefs and tropical fish; as well as scuba diving in the world's largest underwater museum, a spectacular collection of sculptures submerged at depths of up to eight meters.

Then, of course, the region has many ancient Mayan ruins , with some of the closest sites within walking distance of the beaches, while the largest and most impressive – Chichén Itzá and Tulum – are just a few hours away.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cancún

Puerto Vallarta started as a small fishing village, drawing visitors with its broad beaches and misty, jungle-covered mountains. Today it's one of the largest and fastest-growing coastal cities in the country , expanding at lightning speed and catering to every type of traveler. Still, Puerto Vallarta has protected pockets of untouched architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic homes, so you'll still be able to catch a glimpse of its fishing village vibes. I loved it so much that I now call it home and spend about three to six months there every year.

Nowadays, thanks to the many things to do in Puerto Vallarta , the city is as likely to attract an older cruise ship audience looking to swim with the dolphins as it is younger travelers looking for adventure, found here in activities as diverse as paragliding and jet skiing.

The best introduction to Puerto Vallarta begins in the Zona Romantica, the oldest part of the city . Here you'll find narrow, cobblestone streets that zig-zag up into the mountains. Walking the streets of the Zona Romantica, be sure to drink in the gorgeous colors, from the purple bougainvillea blossoms to the burnt orange of the terracotta tile roofs.

Other great neighborhoods to explore include Centro for the famous crown-topped Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Cinco de Diciembre for the shopping and beaches, and Versalles for its thriving restaurant scene. You'll also have the marina and Hotel Zone for more high-end shopping and fabulous resorts.

Of course, like any good resort destination in Mexico, you can't leave the city without visiting the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta . The beaches in the Zona Romantica are the busiest, thanks to a long string of open-air restaurants that runs along the length of the coastline. For quieter beaches, head north along the bay back towards the airport and the marina. Beaches like Playa Camarones, for example, are much quieter and cater to a local crowd.

Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Puerto Vallarta

At the southern tip of the beautiful Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos – often referred to simply as "Cabo" – is one of Mexico's top beach destinations. Consisting of a large stretch of coastline that extends from the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo and known as the Los Cabos Corridor (Corredor Turistico), this 30-kilometer stretch of pristine beaches attracts visitors the world over for its clear waters, diving, snorkeling, and fishing (it also hosts the world's largest marlin contest).

What I love most about Cabo is its landscape. The drive from the airport down the corridor towards Los Cabos is one of the most beautiful stretches of natural beauty, with endless views of saguaro cacti, red rock desert mountains, and crashing cobalt-colored sea.

Cabo has so many fantastic things to do , as well, from visiting the natural rock formations at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas , to swimming and snorkeling on its calmer beaches. Keep in mind, many of the beaches around the peninsula are not safe for swimming. But a handful of beaches are renowned for their warm, calm, cove-like waters and fantastic snorkeling conditions. Playa Chileno is one of my favorites.

For some of Los Cabos' history and culture, the city of San Jose del Cabo is perfect. Its downtown has cobblestone streets, a massive main square, and dozens of art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. San Jose del Cabo is my favorite place to visit when I'm visiting the Los Cabos destination, particularly for its farm-to-table food scene at places like Flora Farms, Acre, and Tamarindos .

Numerous resorts have sprung up that cater to all tastes and budgets, from luxurious spas to golf-centered properties offering some of the best courses in North America. For the most part, however, Los Cabos most appeals to big-budget travelers. It is one of the luxury capitals of Mexico.

Read More: Baja Road Trip: Driving from San Jose del Cabo to Rosarito

Chihuahua, one of Mexico's most northerly states – it shares the border with New Mexico in the US – is home to one of the country's most visited natural attractions, the stunning Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre).

Located in a region known as the Sierra Madre Occidental and consisting of a spectacular group of deep canyons, Copper Canyon is in fact larger and deeper than its better-known cousin, the Grand Canyon. Taking its name from the distinctive copper-green coloring along its steep canyon walls, these amazing natural structures were formed by six rivers that converge in the Rio Fuerte before draining into the Gulf of California.

Thanks to the area's increased popularity as a travel destination, there are numerous options available to those wanting to explore this area of outstanding natural beauty, from scenic rail trips aboard the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico to more adventurous excursions by bike or even on horseback.

Mexico City is one of my favorite cities in the world. I'd argue that Mexico City can compare with some of the world's most famous and iconic historic capitals like Paris, Rome, and London. This thriving, ancient city is stunningly beautiful, rich with history and culture, and buzzing with some of the world's best restaurants and hotels.

Mexico City (Ciudad de México) is not only the capital of the country and the seat of government, but it is also one of the country's most popular alternative travel destinations thanks to its many world-class museums, art galleries, and attractions. Don't be put off by its size. Instead, focus your efforts on the historic city center (Centro Histórico de la Ciudad), a 15-square-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting more than 1,400 important colonial buildings from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

It's here, you'll find most of Mexico City's major highlights , many within walking distance of Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitución, or the Zocalo), the city's bustling main plaza, including the National Palace , the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor with its Aztec relics. Adding to the whole experience are the huge volcanic mountains overlooking the city, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl , each over 5,000 meters tall and offering a perfect excuse to get out and explore the stunning scenery in this part of the Mexican Highlands.

Tip: Head to the rooftop restaurant at the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico for one of the best views over the Zocalo. At night, you'll have a front-row seat for the colorful lights that cast an impressive glow over the centuries-old buildings.

A popular day trip for those visiting Cancún and Playa del Carmen or the Yucatán capital of Mérida , the magnificent Mayan city of Chichén Itzá is one of Mexico's most visited archaeological sites, as well as one of the biggest and best restored. Highlights of a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site are numerous. A must-see here is the massive El Castillo , also known as the Pyramid of Kukulkán, and at 30 meters high, the site's tallest structure.

Another noteworthy point of interest here is the magnificent Caracol , an almost 1,000-year-old observatory that stands a testament to just how advanced the Mayans were. The building is notable for the narrow slits in its walls allowing the sun to penetrate twice per year, so priests could accurately determine the date. Also of interest are the site's numerous statues, including many examples of the famous Mayan Chacmools holding their sacrificial vessels as they continue to protect these old temples.

• Read More: Visiting Chichén Itzá from Cancún: Highlights, Tips & Tours

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its many old colonial buildings, winding lanes, and narrow alleys, Guanajuato is a city that just begs to be explored on foot. A particularly pleasurable experience is visiting its many plazas, including the delightful Jardin de la Union , the city's main square with its splendid old architecture. It's here, you'll find the beautiful old San Diego Church and the majestic Juárez Theater , along with fountains and flower beds, cafés, and restaurants.

Afterward, head underground to the city's subterranean streets, part of a network of tunnels that once carried a river but are now used by cars and pedestrians wanting to get around the city quickly.

Known as an art city, Guanajuato is home to many fine galleries, as well as interesting museums, none more so than the Museum of Quixote , dedicated to the works of Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. The city also hosts Latin America's most important festival in honor of the writer, the International Cervantino Festival . And if you've got the stomach for it, check out the city's famous Mummies of Guanajuato exhibit, with its many naturally mummified remains of locals who died during an outbreak of cholera in the mid-19th century.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Guanajuato

While there's no denying the appeal of Mexico's larger beach resorts, there's much to be said for paying a visit to some of the country's many smaller vacation destinations. Two of the very best are the towns of Ixtapa and its neighbor, the much smaller former fishing village of Zihuatanejo on the country's Pacific coast.

Although the larger of the two, the former coconut and mango-producing town of Ixtapa has been carefully master-planned as a tourist hub to good effect – its streets and beaches are uncluttered and easy to get around. Be sure to book one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Ixtapa.

The contrast to traditional beach resorts is even greater in beautiful Zihuatanejo, which has worked hard to keep its small-town feel. Still, the town offers a lengthy list of things to do . Lying along a small, well-protected bay, it's a delightful and safe town to explore, home to a number of fine hotels and restaurants. Fun activities include shopping in its fish market or, better still, taking a fishing excursion to catch something of your own.

Famous as the only fortified Mayan settlement located on the coast, the ancient city of Tulum is one of the Yucatán Peninsula's most visited attractions. In the Mayan Riviera and within easy reach of the beaches of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel, the site's well-preserved ruins can be seen for miles around due to their location atop 12-meter-high cliffs overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

Tulum is also famous for its tall walls, giving the site the feel of a fortress and suggesting a military, as well as religious significance. Dating from the 13th century, the town was inhabited up until the Spanish arrived in 1544 and contains many other important archaeological finds, including the Temple of the Frescoes (Templo de los Frescos), with its sculptures and reliefs, and the Castillo , the site's largest building, famous for its cliff-side location.

• Read More: Visiting Tulum: Attractions, Tips & Tours

The island of Cozumel has pretty much everything needed for a perfect Mexican getaway. Located 20 kilometers from the Yucatán Peninsula, this lush tropical paradise takes its name from the ancient Mayan, "Ah-cuzamil," which translated means "land of the swallows," and has long been inhabited. And while the first visitors to the island were reputedly Mayan pilgrims, followed by European smugglers and pirates, modern-day travelers are drawn here by the promise of endless sunshine. The top beaches for these sun-seekers are Playa San Juan , Playa San Francisco , and Playa Santa Rosa , to name but a few.

Many are attracted to Cozumel by the superlative diving experiences to be enjoyed around its coral reefs. These beautiful locations are rich with fish and other marine life, and it's relatively easy to include at least a little underwater activity by booking a diving experience through your resort (or ahead of your travel), or simply grabbing a pair of flippers and a mask when you get here.

If you're into serious diving, head to the Palancar Reef on the southwest tip of the island. Here, you'll be rewarded with an undulating seabed that plunges from its shallow spots to depths of 80 meters. A relatively new experience includes diving around man-made landmarks, including sculptures and bronze figures, as well as structures deposited to encourage coral growth.

Be sure to drag yourself away from the island's crystal-clear waters long enough to see at least a little of the island's capital, San Miguel de Cozumel. Here, you can grab a ferry for a day trip to either Playa del Carmen or Cancún , or explore top tourist attractions such as the Island Museum with its fascinating displays relating to the island's history, or partake in some shopping or dining.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Cozumel

Second only to Mexico City in size, Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco, has successfully conserved its unique mix of colonial and native Tapatíos influences. Famous for its broad avenues flanked by picturesque parks and fine old buildings notable for their European flair, Guadalajara is a hotbed of traditional Mexican culture, from the mariachi music that seems to emanate everywhere, to its fascinating Charreadas, a type of rodeo that is usually accompanied by festivities such as dancing, singing, and plenty of great food.

It's a fun city to explore on foot due to the four large squares that together form the shape of a cross and comprise the old city center. The best of them, Plaza de Armas , is the perfect place to begin a sightseeing tour and includes such notable buildings as the 17th-century Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) and the beautiful Baroque Guadalajara Cathedral (Catedral de Guadalajara), built between 1558 and 1616.

Whenever I visit Guadalajara, I like to explore the Colonia Americana neighborhood , which is within walking distance of Centro. Its leafy, tree-lined streets are flanked by great restaurants and galleries, and it has some of the best hotels in the city. Villa Ganz Boutique Hotel is a personal favorite, housed in a 1930s villa with a beautiful and tranquil backyard.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Guadalajara

The capital of Yucatán, Mérida is one of Mexico's finest old colonial cities and is perfectly located to serve as a base from which to explore the region's many fine Mayan sites, including Chichén Itzá and Tulum. It's an equally popular day trip or overnight stopover from the resorts of the Mayan Riviera. Established in 1542 by the Spanish, Mérida is laid out on a grid pattern, making it easy to explore its numerous attractive parks and fine old buildings.

European influences are everywhere, particularly in the old city squares and plazas where evidence of French architecture can still be seen. It's also a remarkably neat and tidy city, something of a badge of honor for its citizens who like to dress in white, giving the city its long-standing nickname of Ciudad Blanca, the "white city."

My favorite place to hang out in Merida is near the Parque de Santa Lucia . Not far from the broad and historic Paseo de Montejo Boulevard, and close to the shopping and restaurants of Calle 59, Parque Santa Lucia is in the heart of the action and a nice, shady spot to escape the infamous Merida humidity.

• Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Mérida

Capital of the state of the same name, Oaxaca is one of the most popular city destinations for travelers interested in sampling a taste of the real Mexico. An interesting mix of native indigenous and Spanish elements, the city has remained largely untouched by the kind of large developments that have sprung up in some of the country's other popular destinations, and as a consequence, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

In addition to its unspoiled city center and old architecture, the city has become a cultural hub that draws crowds for its numerous events and festivals, including the spectacular Guelaguetza , an indigenous festival that takes place each July and includes traditional dancing, costumes, music, food, and crafts. The city also makes a great jumping-off point to explore the splendid surrounding scenery, along with numerous ancient ruins such as those of the Monte Alban .

One of my favorite things to do in Oaxaca is to take a trip to the magical Hierve El Agua natural mineral pools . These beautiful clifftop pools , which are open to the public for swimming, have spectacular views out over the surrounding valley and mountains. Even more impressive, from a distance, the spillage from the pool has calcified to the cliff below, creating the illusion of a waterfall frozen in time.

If you happen to extend your stay in Oaxaca, it's worth a trip down the mountains to the coast to experience some of the state's very best beaches .

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Oaxaca

A gem of a city, the colonial-era Morelia is a delightful place to linger in Mexico, whether you're here for a few days or longer. Little change has been made to the layout of this historic city, founded in 1541, and thanks to the more than 200 well-preserved buildings that date back many hundreds of years, the entire downtown core has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

A highlight of a visit is spending time in the magnificent Plaza de Armas . Laid out nearly 500 years ago, this large public square is perfect for those who like to explore on foot. In addition to its many great cafés, restaurants, and shopping opportunities, here you'll find everything from statues of revolutionary heroes to attractive stretches of gardens and pleasant fountains, making for one of the prettiest cityscapes in all of Mexico.

Nearby attractions you'll want to visit include the attractive Morelia Cathedral , built from local stone over a period of 100 years, starting in 1640, and still dominating the skyline to this day. Be sure to pop inside, too, and spend time examining interesting features, including its amazing artwork. A short walk from here is another must-see: the Morelia Aqueduct . Completed in 1789 and featuring over 250 arches, it, too, was built of local stone, and for years was the city's main source of drinking water.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Morelia

If you haven't heard of it yet, chances are you will very soon. Riviera Nayarit is the stretch of coastline north of Puerto Vallarta that begins in the neighboring state of Nayarit. Familiar towns that stick out might include Sayulita , or the luxury enclave peninsula that is Punta Mita. But Riviera Nayarit has so much more to explore and is practically overgrown with natural beauty.

While Puerto Vallarta was building and expanding, surfers for decades have been flocking to the jungle-beaten paths and virgin beaches to the north. The picture is a little different these days, as once-fishing villages have turned to sleepy boutique hotel towns. Five-star resorts and villas dot the hillsides, and former surf towns have been reinvented as havens for yoga retreats and boho-chic galleries. The ultra-high-end luxury is well on its way.

Still, the more north you go up the coast, the more you'll be traveling back in time to a simpler time of Mexico beach beauty – complete with rolling, emerald-colored peaks, craggy cliffs that plummet into the ocean, and nothing but a string of shady palapas along golden-colored sand, as far as the eye can see.

A personal favorite along the Riviera Nayarit is the small village of San Pancho . It neighbors Sayulita, but receives a fraction of the tourists and is geared much more toward travelers "in the know." Things are changing, and soon San Pancho will be less of a well-kept secret, but for now, it's one of those coastal gems that makes you feel like you have the entire place to yourself.

I adore Mazatlan. In my opinion, it is one of the most underrated places to visit in Mexico . It's one of the only historic cities on the sea, which means visitors to Mazatlan have the best of both worlds. Starting from the Centro Historico, you can walk the cobblestone streets of Mazatlan's history. The Spanish colonial architecture reveals beautifully decorated cathedrals, broad plazas, and buildings bathed in bright, almost vibrating, colors.

The Centro Historico is where you'll find the charming, boutique hotels of Mazatlan, as well as its best restaurants. Directly across the main street from the historic downtown is a stretch of beautiful shoreline, which is a rarity in Mexico's historic cities.

Be sure to explore the Plaza Machado , surrounded by historic buildings, and home to the beautiful Angela Peralta theater. A walk around the square will get you to the heart of the city, and it's one of the most vibrant places for street performers, arts and crafts fairs, murals, and much more.

Up the coast is where the beach resorts can be found. These all-inclusive beachfront resorts have beautiful pools, rooms with strong air-conditioning, and sweeping views out to the Pacific. Mazatlan is also a wonderful home base for outdoor activity, from surfing and hiking to ATVing on the beach.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Mazatlan

One of the best things to do in Mexico is to head underground into its mysterious world of cenotes. Most prevalent on the Yucatan peninsula, Cenotes are large sinkholes in the earth that give entrance to a web of underground rivers and caves carved out of the ancient limestone bedrock. You can find more than 6,000 cenotes in this part of Mexico.

The Mayan people believed that cenotes were the entrance to the underworld, and are still considered to be sacred spots. Many of them are on privately owned land and are protected, but visitors can explore them through organized tours. The gorgeous, crystal-clear pools of water are mesmerizing and can be wonderful places to visit for snorkeling or scuba diving.

Exploring the caves underneath the earth's surface is another popular activity, with centuries-old stalactites and stalagmites that give these cavernous spaces an eerie, other-worldly vibe.

Down from the mountains of Oaxaca City – a 10-hour bus ride, to be exact – the elevation descends rapidly towards the stunning coast of Oaxaca. This stretch of the Pacific is one of the last wild coasts of Mexico. Over the years, it has managed to evade mass development, remaining one of the truest, raw, and wild places to experience undeveloped beaches.

The main town along the Oaxacan coast is Huatulco , a series of nine bays carved out of the coastline. Here is where you will find the majority of hotels and restaurants, as well as a port. As you go farther north, things become much more rugged and remote. You'll pass through the hippie beach havens of Mazunte and Zipolite, before you reach the surf mecca of Puerto Escondido.

Puerto Escondido, or "Puerto" to the locals, is my favorite spot along the entire Oaxacan coastline . Stroll along Playa Zicatela, the main beach in Puerto. This is where the famous Mexican Pipeline crashes just offshore, and is the best place for surfing in all of Mexico . The beach is strewn with lively restaurants, swimwear boutiques, and spots for a fresh juice or acai bowl.

Today Puerto Escondido is seeing a flurry of hotel and restaurant development, and before long it will probably become one of the many Tulums of Mexico, with boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and shopping. But the spaces in between these hives of activity are where you truly get lost in the craggy, mountainous splendor of the Oaxacan coast.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Puerto Escondido

The beauty of Mexico's Mayan ruins is that many remain tucked away in thick, lush jungle. Coming upon them only helps to set the tone of these "lost" cities. Palenque, located in the jungles of the southern state of Chiapas, is one of the most magical Mayan archaeological sites. And seeing as it's not as easy to get to as Tulum or Chichen Itza, you'll feel like you've stepped into another world when you visit.

The ruins of Palenque date back more than 1,000 years and are thought to be one of the rival cities with other Mayan cities like Calakmul and Tonina. The site is most famous for its Temple of the Inscriptions, a pyramid temple with hieroglyphics that have been integral in helping archaeologists interpret the Mayan language.

A huge portion of the city remains unexplored, the rest shrouded in the surrounding jungle. Still, what has been uncovered is breathtaking to explore.

Flecked off the northeastern corner of the Yucatan peninsula, Isla Holbox is about as close as Mexico gets to its own Caribbean island. The car-free, skinny barrier island is accessed via a very quick ferry ride from the port town of Chiquila.

Once on-island, visitors will find the pace slows way down. Sandy roads run the length of the island, from the small main town all the way to the farther, palm-fringed reaches. This island is all about taking it slow, from the daily yoga activities to the laid-back beach restaurants and boutique hotels.

Barefoot and casual, this island has long been on the backpacker and digital nomad trail. It started to gain serious traction in the last few years, and more brand hotels are taking interest in it. But for now, it still remains one of the best-kept secrets along the Mexican Caribbean.

Mexico has many deep canyons and raging rivers, but none is as beautiful as the La Huasteca Potosina region. The Huasteca region of Mexico is the area home to the Indigenous Huasteca people, and it spans many states. But the region in the state of San Luis Potosi is particularly known for its epic waterfalls.

This hot and humid jungle is simply bursting with tropical flowers that explode from the thick, green foliage. Its veins are coursing with bright blue water, which give way to beautiful ribbons of gushing falls – and swimming holes to go along with them.

Huasteca Potosina is not terribly convenient to get to, but it is particularly appealing to adventure travelers who want to see a side of Mexico that few international travelers get to experience.

More on Mexico

The best things to do in Mexico: 19 unmissable experiences

Oct 7, 2023 • 14 min read

Get to know the country with these top things to do in Mexico, from visiting ancient pyramids to swimming in underground cenotes © Oleh_Slobodeniuk / Getty Images

Mexico is a wonderland. One moment, you're sipping smoky mezcal, and the next you're floating in the bluest of natural pools or being serenaded by mariachi singers while Frida Kahlo peers down from a mural.

Things feel even more fantastic when you find the tastiest food while discovering plumed serpents, pyramids and millennia of history around the next corner. No matter how many times you visit, Mexico 's stunning nature and its vibrant towns let you find an everyday life steeped in surrealism, natural wonders and incredible history.

Here are the best things to do in Mexico.

1. Admire the monumental power of a pyramid

Pyramids humble you. Gaze skywards at the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacán , and it’s easy to feel tiny. It’s the third-largest ancient pyramid in the world, bringing the ancient priests closer to the heavens at its summit. No wonder the pyramids at Teotihuacán were chosen as temples for human sacrifices to the gods.

The Aztecs did the same at the fascinating Templo Mayor at the heart of their empire, Tenochtitlán, modern-day Mexico City.

Other pre-Hispanic civilizations, such as the engineering Maya, constructed pyramids to also be the center of public life. At Chichén Itzá and Palenque , they buried their powerful leaders inside them and used the monumental structures, which push above the forest canopy, to navigate their lands.

Similarly, in Tulum a Maya pyramid squats over the turquoise waters and was used as a lighthouse.

Yet Mexico has even mightier pyramid, the largest by volume in the world. The Pirámide Tepanapa is bigger than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Outside, it looks like a grassy hill, which fooled the Spanish conquistadors, sparing its destruction. Inside, it takes 15 minutes to walk through the cool tunnels crossing through the Pyramid of Cholula. With each tight turn, you feel minuscule.

2. Learn about Mexico's artisan traditions

Gorgeous Mexican artesanías (handicrafts) charm you with their sweetness. When you hold up a piece at a workshop, you are also grasping centuries of skill and traditions.

A psychedelic beadwork mask might leap out at you. The pulsing colors carry on the mythology of the Huichol of Jalisco. Or look into Taxco silverware, which shimmers with history, first as silver gifts to Aztec gods and then ransacked for Spanish pockets.

The kaleidoscopic work of generations of embroiderers, pre-Hispanic weavers, Oaxacan potters and metalsmiths tells Mexico's diverse story. Pick up a piece from an artisan to contribute to their stories.

3. Cycle Mexico City’s leafy neighborhoods

Bike lanes are plentiful across some of  Mexico City's best neighborhoods , including Condesa, Roma and artsy Coyoacán. Archways of trees guide you down streets lined with elegantly tiled houses and boutique stores. Parks are alive with young families or teenagers practicing dance moves, while around their edges, the well-dressed lounge about at cafes.

Planning tip: Join Mexico City's free Sunday bike rides , when the main avenues of the country’s capital turn into a car-free zone. Cyclists go for pleasure rides, and you can be part of the action at any time with a free or low-cost bike rental.

4. Learn to dance the salsa and  danzón

Mexicans have the music in them, and just trying to dance is a part of the Mexico experience. Dressed in hats and heels or casual clothes, couples take to the outdoor Plaza Ciudadela in Mexico City every Saturday to dance, mingle, and learn to salsa and do the danzón .

It’s open to the public, but if you need some courage, there are also bars around town to learn to dance for the cost of a tequila. Mama Rumba turns out a show with its live big band. 

Planning tip:  If you want to seriously move, Salón de Bailes Los Ángeles is part school, part legendary venue. It's where stars of Mexico’s Golden Age of cinema, such as Cantinflas and María Félix, went to boogie.

5. Float in subterranean cenotes

To the Maya, cenotes were a portal to speak to the gods, so they built villages around them. For a visitor today, cenotes, natural limestone swimming holes , are wondrous hidden pools to cool off in the jungle. Cenotes are created by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock, forming pools that are filtered to crystal clarity. The majority of cenotes are found in the  Yucatán Peninsula .

Underwater photographers, cavers and snorkelers revel in the clear cenotes, as do swimmers who want a peaceful swim shielded by the glorious tree canopy.

Unlike seawater, the turquoise water in cenotes is fresh and wonderfully mineral-rich. Floating in these still waters feels like slipping into prehistory. Look up at the columns of vines and the shafts of sunlight drifting through. Hummingbirds zigzag by, and it seems like little has changed since the Maya were here.

Planning tip: Take cash to pay entrance fees, plus a day-pack with all your supplies, including shoes you can get wet to protect your feet and reef-friendly chemical-free sunscreen. 

6. Eat your fill of Mexican street food

Want to know where to get the best tacos? It’s not in a white-tablecloth restaurant. It's on the street.

There is something special about feeling the red-hot embers on the pyramid of chargrilling pork that makes tacos al pastor tastier at places like El Vilsito . It could be the sizzling hot plate that gives handmade quesadillas stuffed with zucchini flowers or nopales (cactus) the perfect bite. Or the tubs of self-serve salsas that make sopes (tortillas sprinkled with white panela cheese and lettuce) and tlacoyos (diamond-shaped blue-corn parcels of beans and meat) much feistier (and tastier) than you had intended. It’s definitely the freshly cut limes and impromptu chats that give eating Mexican street food that extra zing.

Mexican foodie capital Oaxaca squeezes some of the best street food into market stands at Mercado 20 de Noviembre , or check out Los Cucuyos and vegan eats at  Por Siempre Vegana Taquería in Mexico City.

Local tip:  To find the freshest and tastiest street food, pause at a stand and observe. The best have a hissing comal (hot plate) where even the smoke smells alluring.

7. Glide along the canals of floating Aztec gardens in Xochimilco

Xochimilco , south of Mexico City, is the only remaining part of the country's pre-Hispanic waterways. Colorful wooden trajinera boats glide across the canals, passing chinampas (floating gardens). Fruits, vegetables and flowers grow atop garden beds constructed from reeds.

More than 500 years ago, the mighty Aztec city of Tenochtitlán ruled from an island in interconnected lakes. The Aztecs balanced a complex system of brackish and fresh water. As you float by, imagine Xochimilco in Aztec times, with gardeners tending to the plots of green bean vines, furry purple amaranth, and plump chilis and tomatoes to feed the city, as they still do today.

8. Sip artisanal mezcal

Mezcal is a smoky, rich elixir drunk in warmly lit bars by dreamers, artists and the heartbroken. The older sibling of fast-living tequila, mezcal is distilled from the same agave plant but is hand-roasted under volcanic rocks. For a long time, visitors to towns in Oaxaca would smuggle back flasks of the potent stuff from mom-and-pop farms.

Now mezcal has hit the heights in the cities, and small artisanal distillers are revered in mezcalaría bars like Mexico City's hidden Bósforo and Mano Santa with its tasting flight of drinks. You can learn all about the agave drinks at Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal in the capital.

Most mezcal is created in small batches and available only in Mexico. Artisanal producers with further reach are the upmarket and impressive Los Danzantes . Oaxaca is the capital of mezcal. 

Local tip:  A perfect mezcal day starts with a guided distillery visit, taking you through the process of slow cooking the agave piñas (hearts) in a volcanic rock pit with the smell of roasting catching the air. Continue at one of the many tasting rooms. Drink the traditional way with a slice of orange sprinkled with sal de gusano (agave worm salt with mild chili) on the side. 

9. Experience a 3000-year-old temascal ceremony

A temascal is more than a sauna; it’s an ancient Maya-Zapotec ritual that uses 3000 years of indigenous cultural knowledge as medicine. A shaman guides you through a ceremony inside a dome while you sit in a circle, giving you the kind of experience that people swear is life-changing.

In the semi-darkness, the shaman throws an herbal infusion sizzling on the pit of hot rocks at the center. The dialogue begins between the shaman and other participants, thanking the earth and acknowledging our connection to the villages of animals and nature. Sometimes the guide intones words in the indigenous Náhuatl language.

This is no touchy-feely session. Warriors endured this ritual before battle to steel them. After 90 minutes of building resilience and releasing toxins, both physical and mental, you emerge and dip into cold pools, cleansing yourself. 

Planning tip:  For a real temascal experience (not just a sauna), follow spirituality seekers to Tepotzlán  or get the full picture of the Zapotec civilization in Oaxaca. We love Xquenda in Huatulco for its full pre-Hispanic ceremony and mural.

10. Tap into the songs of Mexico with a mariachi performance

Mariachi bands have a song for every mood and life milestone. Happy? More trumpet. Somber? More strings and a heartfelt bolero style. Mexicans hire these singing troupes for big events, including birthdays, weddings and funerals. They are not a mere tourist attraction but a way to tap into the songs of Mexico. You’ll find them roaming around major plazas from Mérida to Cuernavaca.

A top choice is Mexico City’s Plaza Garibaldi , which has been bringing together restaurants and music since 1925. Get serenaded in mariachi's heartland in Guadalajara , which holds the world's largest mariachi festival each September at the Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charreria .

11. Get insight into Frida Kahlo’s artistic life

Bottles filled with paint glisten in their tray next to an easel. It feels like the artist has just stepped out.   Handicrafts – clay fertility figures, papier-mâché skeletons and dangling cherubs – from across Mexico sprawl out across the rooms.

The  Blue House  is where Frida was born, lived and spent her last days, with everything as she left it. The artist’s silver jewelry, short bed, crutches, wheelchair and prosthetic leg are here. Kahlo had a lifelong disability and channeled her physical and emotional pain into her art while showcasing pre-Hispanic art and traditions.

Kahlo famously wore traditional dresses and shawls from Oaxaca to summon the female power of the women of her mother’s hometown. Mexico City has other interesting places to find Frida  and trace her life. But to stand in her house and its courtyard of volcanic stone is to feel her passion for Mexico and its people. This museum is an unmissable insight into her life and her art.

12. Travel through Mexican history at a museum

Mexico City alone has more than 150 museums, beating New York City and Paris. Some of them are makeshift and obscure – torture museum , anyone? – but all of Mexico's history can be found in its museums, from indigenous handicrafts to revolution , human rights and tequila .

The headline act is Museo Nacional de Antropología , which is one of the best in the world, with a dramatic giant water feature at the center of its Maya-inspired courtyard. 

Mexico's top male painters are known as the "big three" muralists. Made to be seen by the average Mexican worker, murals by Diego Rivera , José Clemente Orozco and David Siqueiros grace many public buildings. All three daub the patio walls of Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso and inside the splendid Palacio de Bellas Artes , notably Diego Rivera’s monumental El hombre en el cruce de caminos (Man at the Crossroads). 

Other museums cater to specific tastes, like the Museo del Calzado shoe museum, which displays the trainers of Mexican fútbol heroes and replicas of Neil Armstrong’s lunar boot.

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

Once a year, the spirits of the dearly departed can follow a path of marigold petals back to their loved ones. Altars are piled with their favorite dishes and objects, and photos of the deceased are lit by candlelight and shrouded in incense smoke.

Far from a withdrawn sad time, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time of remembrance through joy. It’s been this way for more than 3000 years, and the tradition can be traced back to Aztec customs and the even more ancient Olmecs.

Visit Mexico at the end of October, and you’ll see the nights turn festive as people crowd the squares, with businesses and museums to judge the best-decorated altars. In towns like Naolinco, Pátzcuaro and Mixquic, mass processions drift to the cemeteries for a night of drinking and singing.

Local tip:  Tagging along at a respectful distance is accepted, and the sight of thousands of candles and marigold flowers glowing orange into the night is a true Mexico experience.

14. Devour some mole

Of all the attention-grabbing Mexican dishes, mole is the most intriguing for its complex mix of herbs and spices. Cocoa and three kinds of chilis give the sauce a chocolatey warmth, but mole contains a checklist of more than 15 ingredients, including sesame seeds, aromatic herbs, peanuts and cumin. In Puebla , it is eaten in restaurants tiled in hand-painted blue talavera .

Planning tip:  Oaxaca is known for its seven multicolored moles . The star is mole negro , a smoky "black" sauce that differentiates itself with a hit of hoja santa  or "sacred leaf," which tastes somewhere deliciously between licorice and eucalyptus. Mole is best smothered over chicken or enchiladas (tortillas filled with cheese or chicken).

15. Experience everyday Mexican life in a market

Boisterous piñatas dangle above you. Flowers and mangos perfume the air, while fat sacks of spices and mounds of dried chilis beckon you.

On a balmy day, the cool of a Mexican market is an inviting wonderland of fruit salad stands, old-world barber shops, and storekeepers touting woven baskets and Virgin candles. A mercado (market) is where everyday Mexican life happens without the airs and graces, no matter if you’re in an upmarket neighborhood or a mountain village.

In one market, you might smell wafts of incense floating on the air and pork crackling glistening under heat lamps. Eat alongside families or get nuts and chili-lime grasshoppers for the road. Taste delicious Mexican fruit like honey-almond flavored mamey  and tuna (prickly pear fruit) blended into juice. Every walk through a Mexican market is an adventure.

16. Learn history through botany in Oaxaca

History is palpable at the Jardín Etnobotánico . You can stain your hands bright red with cochineal from the prickly pear cactus. At its height, the smooshed-bug blood was used to dye garments for Europe’s elite, giving the Spaniards wealth second only to silver.

The storyteller guides at the garden explain how indigenous people used plants for clothing, shelter, food, rituals and medicine. A fascinating story brings to life Maya mythology, which saw the ceiba tree as the universe itself, with its roots in the underworld and the peculiar thorns on the trunk representing the people.

17. Visit a magic town

Mexico has more than 132 pueblos mágicos , and they truly feel like "magic towns." In each place, you can experience the beauty of traditional Mexican life.

Many of the towns have a leafy zócalo piazza or square at their center where families and lovers laugh, whisper and enjoy a weekend or long summer evening outdoors. What makes them "magical" is not just that they’re lookers – most are – but they maintain some natural or historical charm.

For example, in Taxco, where silver was mined by the Aztecs and Spaniards, all-white retro VW taxis crisscross its cobblestones. In lovely Papantla, people come for the spectacle of seeing the voladores whirl around a maypole, attached only by their feet.

18. Lounge on beaches without the crowds

If you want to swim alongside Mexicans, not just tourists, head to the coast of Oaxaca. Huatulco has 36 golden-sand beaches to enjoy in peace. In Puerto Escondido,  Playa Carrizalillo beach is a jewel in a sheltered cove, reached by steep steps to deter most tourists.

Maybe it just has to be the Yucatán Peninsula's Riviera Maya. We get it: the clear blue ribbon of water and white sand is enticing, and you can still escape the crowds.

If you’re stuck in the overdeveloped parts of Cancún and Tulum , follow the locals to a spacious public beach. At Playa del Carmen , the beach runs adjacent to "5th Avenue," where all prices are in US dollars, yet step a mere two blocks back from the souvenir strip, and life seems preserved from another era. Eat at an unpretentious garden restaurant, drink at a wooden shack bar and stroll across squeaky sand into the warm arms of the Caribbean.

19. Enjoy a steaming hot tortilla at a tortillería

One of Mexico's simplest pleasures is hearing the squeak of a neighborhood tortillería (tortilla maker). Mesoamericans unlocked the secret of nixtamalization more than 3500 years ago, ramping up the nutrition and turning corn into tortillas. For passersby, the magic is seeing the steaming hot tortillas parade down the conveyor belt before being bundled up in paper for a waiting line of locals. Most neighborhoods have  tortillerías every few blocks.

Planning tip:  You can count on a mercado (fresh produce market) to have at least one tortillería  on the streets immediately around it, such as Mexico City's  Mercado Medellín , where you'll find several.

This article was first published September 2021 and updated October 2023

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Mexico City   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Torresigner | Getty Images

16 Best Things To Do in Mexico City

Mexico City, officially known as Ciudad de México (CDMX), is a growing and vibrant metropolis nestled in the heart of Mexico. The capital city of Mexico offers a blend of history, culture and gastronomy that attracts millions of annual visitors. From

• All Things To Do

Museo Nacional de Antropología Museo Nacional de Antropología

Located within the sprawling Chapultepec Forest , the Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology) showcases artifacts from Mexico's pre-Columbian era, dating from about 100 B.C. to A.D. 1521. Housed within the facility’s 22 rooms are artifacts, including the famous Aztec Calendar Stone, known as Piedra del Sol, as well as the ancient statue of Xochipilli, the Aztec god of art, games, beauty, dance and maize (among others). The museum offers a look at how tradition, culture and life were formed in all regions of Mexico, and it also educates visitors on how Mexico’s indigenous descendants live today. 

Past visitors said this is a must-see if you’re interested in the ancient cultures of Mexico/Mesoamerica. Reviewers appreciated that the explanatory text features English translations. The museum is so extensive that many travelers said you can spend a whole day exploring the many collections and exhibits and recommend giving yourself plenty of time to visit. As one of the largest and most visited museums in Mexico, the grounds are also home to a gift shop, a cafeteria and the National Library of Anthropology and History. 

Bosque de Chapultepec Bosque de Chapultepec free

The main park in Mexico City, Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest) was once the temporary home of the Aztec empire after its citizens migrated to modern-day Mexico City in the 13th century. Today, the 1,600-acre Chapultepec is Mexico City's largest park and is popular among families seeking respite from the busy and crowded city.

Divided into three sections, the park is home to many cultural interests, such as the presidential residence, the former presidential palace, a zoo and several museums (including the highly recommended Museo Nacional de Antropología ). The park also hosts numerous military monuments and effigies of Aztec kings, as well as restaurants and playgrounds, plus lots of green space for stretching. What's more, the park features a large lake, where visitors and locals alike can rent pedal boats to cruise around the water (a particular highlight for kids). On the weekends, local vendors fill the park and sell everything from souvenirs to art to snacks.

Palacio de Bellas Artes Palacio de Bellas Artes free

Considered the cultural center of Mexico City, the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is a must-visit. The exterior of this 20th-century palace showcases art nouveau and art deco-style architecture, while the inside features marble floors and vaulted glass windows. 

In addition to its architectural grandeur, the building hosts cultural events in the national theater, including music, dance, theater, opera and literary performances. The museum at the palace also houses several famous murals, including the work of the famous Mexican muralist Rufino Tamayo. On the top floor, you'll find the National Museum of Architecture, which showcases the work and lives of famous Mexican architects, and multiple art museums and galleries. 

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Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Zócalo attracts throngs of visitors and locals, so visit in the early morning or afternoon during a weekday to avoid the heaviest crowds. – Kayla Hui

Officially known as Plaza de la Constitución, El Zócalo is the main public square and one of the most recognizable places in Mexico City. It’s also one of the world’s largest city squares. It contains a giant Mexican flag at its center and has been the centerpiece of public gatherings since the days of the Aztec empire (it was considered the ceremonial center of Tenochtitlán). The site also hosts annual, widely attended religious events during Holy Week and for Corpus Christi, as well as fairs, concerts, and parades. Several historic buildings also border the square, including the city's national cathedral , the National Palace  and federal buildings.

Museo Frida Kahlo Museo Frida Kahlo

One of the best-known museums in Mexico City exhibits the life and work of its most famous artist: Frida Kahlo. The museum, located in the Coyoacan suburb, is also known as La Casa Azul (The Blue House), and was Kahlo's former residence. It hosts some impressive examples of her works, but travelers say that the best part of visiting the house is seeing where the artist lived and painted with her husband, artist Diego Rivera. Along with paintings by both artists, folk art, photos, documents, books and furnishings, the house also displays personal objects.

Recent visitors to the property said it's a must-see for fans of the artist, saying it shows her life and work in a very personal light. Reviewers were particularly impressed with the display of her clothing and dresses. If you want to take photos, there is an additional modest “permit” fee. 

Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe free

U.S. News Insider Tip: During the summer months, pack a hat and water bottle (there is little shade within the complex). If you plan to use the bathroom on site, bring a couple of pesos with you to use the bathroom and buy toilet paper. – Kayla Hui 

The Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) is an important religious site in Mexico City. Construction for the first shrine built to honor the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe started in 1695 on Tepeyac Hill. However, nearly 300 years' worth of construction and environmental damage threatened the integrity of the basilica, so a new basilica was built on the same plaza in the 1970s.

Templo Mayor Templo Mayor

Before Spanish colonization, Templo Mayor served as the religious center for the Aztec people. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the early 16th century, the temple was among many structures that were destroyed and a new cathedral was built on top of the ruins. It wasn't until 1978 that the temple dedicated to the Aztec gods Huitzilopochtli and Tláloc (gods of war and water) was unearthed in the heart of Mexico City. Today, the area remains an active archeological site and the adjoining museum houses thousands of  artifacts, including 2,500 wooden objects from the site. 

Recent visitors said it's fascinating to see the ancient ruins that are tucked away in the center of the city. Many said it's worth spending time in the museum as well, but the site and scale can't match up to the massive Museo Nacional de Antropología . Still, the whole complex has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Mexico City's most popular attractions. If you’re visiting during the summer months, travelers suggest you time your visit for the morning to avoid the sweltering midday heat. Reviewers also warn that most of the information is listed in Spanish only.

Museo de Arte Popular Museo de Arte Popular

U.S. News Insider Tip: Ditch the large bags and water bottles prior to your visit as you may be denied entry. – Kayla Hui

This folk art museum features handicrafts from all across Mexico and details the country's history and its many cultures. If you want to find out more about the country’s indigenous communities, this is the place to go, according to travelers. Exhibits include glasswork from Tecali, pottery from Michoacán, masks from Chiapas and alebrijes , the colorful painted animal figures from Oaxaca, among other treasures. Make sure to take time to admire the building itself – the 1920s art deco building was the former headquarters of the fire department.

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Chalpultepec Castle Chalpultepec Castle

U.S. News Insider Tip: Sundays are free for all residents of Mexico and expats living in Mexico, so try to avoid visiting that day if you can. It can get crowded, so it’s recommended to go in the morning when the castle first opens. – Kayla Hui

Constructed beginning in 1725, Chalpultepec Castle has served many purposes in its centuries of use; it was a military academy, an observatory, and the only castle in North America to house rulers, including Emperor Maximilian I and his wife Empress Carlota. It would later be established as the National Museum of History by Lázaro Cárdenas in 1939, which would open the castle to visitors. Located at the entrance of Chalpultepec Park , it’s a historical site that can’t be missed on your next visit to Mexico City. 

Catedral Metropolitana Catedral Metropolitana free

Mexico's national cathedral – the vaulting, austere, ornate church on the Zócalo' s north end – was once the site of an ancient Aztec precinct, so it has housed the city's spiritual core for centuries. The cathedral was built between 1573 and 1813 after the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan and is considered one of Mexico City's many must-see attractions. What’s more, the cathedral is one of the largest churches in Latin America. It’s believed that the materials used to construct the church were taken from the destroyed pyramids and structures belonging to the Aztecs. Highlights of the massive cathedral include five naves, 14 chapels, two of the largest 18th-century organs in the Americas, 150 windows and a painting by famed Spanish artist Bartolome Esteban Murillo.

Depending on your interest in Mexican history and architecture, you could spend anywhere from an hour to a half a day at the cathedral (it’s free to enter). Past visitors recommended paying to take a tour of the interior with a member of the cathedral’s staff, who reviewers say offer a wealth of information about the cathedral’s far-reaching history. According to recent visitors, tours cost approximately 100 Mexican pesos (about $6). Recent visitors said the massive structure is stunning to behold, and even if you don't want to take the time to explore the inside, it's worth the photo-op of the exterior. The cathedral is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and admission is free. Many of the best Mexico City walking tours make stops here, which can be another way to hear an in-depth retelling of the cathedral’s history and significance.  For more information, including Mass times, visit the cathedral's website (in Spanish).

Museo Soumaya Museo Soumaya free

From exceptional architecture to more than 66,000 featured works, Museo Soumaya is one of Mexico City’s most iconic museums. Established in 1994, Museo Soumaya’s main goal is to preserve and exhibit Mexico and Europe’s artistry. Currently, it houses the largest collection of works by Auguste Rodin outside of France, in addition to artwork by Diego Rivera, Titian, Picasso, Monet and more. 

Beyond the art, the architecture alone is worth seeing. The exterior of the six-story building is wrapped in mirrored hexagons, and the building is the brainchild of Mexican architect Fernando Romero. Recent travelers say Museo Soumaya is reminiscent of New York City’s Guggenheim (both museums are architecturally stunning and feature a circular interior with each floor organized by art type). Some reviewers recommend starting your visit at the top and winding your way down. 

Palacio Nacional Palacio Nacional free

The National Palace holds the federal executive branch of the Mexican government and sits along Mexico City's main public square, El Zócalo . The palace itself is a massive, ornate building that contains several gardens, murals and fountains in the Spanish Renaissance architectural style. Its highlights are several Diego Rivera murals painted in panoramic style across the palace's walls, which past visitors say are a must-see. These murals depict the stages of Mexican history, from pre-Columbian days to the current age.

Because the Mexican president lives and works within the palace, visitors can only access the site on a guided tour. Tours are free, but can’t be booked in advance online. According to recent visitors, you must go to the ticket office at the Museum of Art of the Ministry of Finance & Public Credit, where you can inquire about tour availability and make reservations in person (this is also where tours depart from). Some reviewers reported success booking tickets in advance by emailing [email protected] with information about the preferred tour date and number of people attending. Along the approximately hourlong tours, you’ll see the Rivera mural collections and the courtyards. You may also get the chance to glimpse the exterior of the legislative chambers. 

Museo Casa Luis Barragán Museo Casa Luis Barragán

Luis Barragán was a prominent Mexican architect renowned for his modernist style, and his former home – which was first constructed in 1947 and now functions as a museum – is one of the finest examples of his work. The museum is an off-the-beaten-path attraction that travelers say will please all, even those not schooled in architectural history. The house is known for its vivid colors, brilliant use of natural light and its impressive garden with a maze of corridors and trees. In 2004, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Recent visitors said the history of the house, in addition to its interesting architecture, is captivating. However, a handful of recent reviewers were disappointed with the ticket reservation process. To visit, you must book a self-guided or guided tour (available in Spanish and English). Self-guided visits are only available on Thursdays at select times. Tickets for self-guided tours cost 450 Mexican pesos (about $26) per person (note that children 12 and younger are not permitted in the house). Guided tours are available at select times Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Tickets for guided tours cost more. Tickets are released every Tuesday at noon (Mexico City time).  

Teotihuacan Private Tour from Mexico City

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Torre Latinoamericana Torre Latinoamericana

Open since 1956, Torre Latinoamericana, the 44-story skyscraper in Centro Histórico, is the place to go if you want the best views of the city. Similar to the Empire State Building in New York City , this tower offers visitors jaw-dropping views from its observation deck and restaurant, making it the perfect opportunity to pull out your camera for that Instagram-worthy picture. 

Recent visitors recommended heading up to the top of the tower during sunset to admire the shifting light as it illuminates buildings like the neighboring Palace of Fine Arts. Travelers also warned that if smog levels are high, you won’t be able to see much from the tower’s peak. Some reviewers recommend spending time in the on-site museum, which details the history of Mexico City and the construction of the tower. 

Teotihuacán Teotihuacán

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is no shade inside the archeological site, so you’ll want to wear a hat. It’s also helpful to have a small backpack to hold a water bottle, sunscreen and toilet paper to use in the washrooms at the site. – Kayla Hui

One of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Mexico City region, Teotihuacán ( teh -o-tee-wa- can ) contains some of the largest pre-Hispanic pyramids in all of Mexico. The site contains many popular constructions, including the Palace of the Plumed Butterfly, which showcases various columns of winged creatures, and the awesome Pyramid of the Sun, which sits at the heart of the small city. The nearby museum, Museo de la Sitio, also holds many artifacts from the period.

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) free

The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (Central University City Campus of the National University of Mexico) includes 32 academic programs, the Mexican Olympic stadium, a Mexican cultural center, a nature preserve and the city's Central Library. The main campus is now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city's famous muralists have made their mark on the campus, and travelers recommend you check out the work of famous painter David Alfaro Siqueiros at the Rectorate Tower or the work of Juan O'Gorman at the Central Library. The campus also holds the University Museum of Contemporary Art, an excellent spot for viewing Mexico's more recent cultural offerings. The sculpture garden at the art museum is a particular highlight for past visitors, as is the botanic garden.

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Refreshing cenotes

The Mayas believed that cenotes were entrances to the world of the dead. These sacred sites are now popular with travellers to the Yucatán. Nothing’s more relaxing than floating in the crystal-clear waters of these natural underground pools. More intrepid visitors can explore them via scuba diving or snorkelling. The country’s most spectacular, must-see cenotes include Dos Ojos , Gran Cenote , Ik-Kil (photo) and Suytun .

Chichén Itzá

You can’t travel through Mexico, or more specifically, the Yucatán Peninsula, without spending a day visiting its wonder of the world, the mythical city of Chichén Itzá with its Pyramid of Kukulkán , also known as El Castillo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a major centre of Maya civilization where important rituals took place. The temple was built according to the sun’s movement, and each equinox brings a play of light and shadow in the image of a snake crawling up the structure’s north steps.

Tulum ruins

One of the Yucatán’s most popular attractions, the ruins of Tulum , also features one of the region’s most beautiful beaches . This historical hillside site is well preserved, and visitors can explore a structure known as El Castillo as well as several temples like the Templo del Dios de Viento.

The pretty colonial town of Mérida was founded in 1542 . The capital of the Yucatán boasts many colourful buildings and authentic gourmet restaurants. Explore a few of Mérida’s most beautiful spots with a stroll around Plaza Grande and a visit to its cathedral and Palacio Cantón.

Travel about 30 minutes north of Tulum by car to find the sublime Akumal beach, one of the Riviera Maya’s most famous coastlines. If you’ve always dreamed of taking a guided swim with sea turtles, this is the place for you. Watch turtles return to Akumal to lay eggs, admire magnificent coral and observe a host of fish species in five different bays.

Surrounded by mountains, the lesser-known destination of Oaxaca de Juárez is well worth a visit. Its unique architecture and cuisine are sure to charm, as are the natural wonders just a short drive away. The most fascinating is, without a doubt, Hierve el Agua , a thermal spring with petrified waterfalls and mineral pools located in the state of Oaxaca’s central valleys.

Cabo San Lucas

Well known for its rock arch and magnificent lovers’ beach , Cabo San Lucas is a traveller’s dream offering golden sands and immense limestone structures. Located south of the Baja California peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, Cabo San Lucas is an incredible destination for water sports. The seaside resort, with its opulent hotels and numerous spas, will also delight those seeking a luxurious getaway.

Mexico City

For a cultural feast, add a foray into Mexico City . In addition to its superb historical downtown, visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (her former home) and numerous art galleries or cruise through the nearby floating gardens of Xochimilco . The Roma Norte neighbourhood is also a must-see, as is the Mercado de San Juan , Plaza de la Constitución and Aztec ruins of the Templo Mayor .

San Miguel de Allende

Often compared to Andalusia for its festive atmosphere, San Miguel de Allende is a colonial town listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the pride of Mexico. Its Spanish-style piazzas, art galleries and up-and-coming restaurants will have you thinking you’re on another continent and wanting to come back again and again. Stroll along Calle Aldama and visit the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel with its pink cathedral, and you’ll be sold.

Copper Canyon

For an exciting train ride, climb aboard the El Chepe and explore Copper Canyon in the state of Chihuahua. Taking its name from the colour of its walls, the series of canyons offers extraordinary panoramic scenery and is one of Mexico’s most famous natural attractions.

Bacalar Lagoon

In the state of Quintana Roo, near Mexico’s border with Belize, lies the small town of Bacalar and its lagoon, celebrated for its seven shades of blue , white limestone floor and clear waters. Diving enthusiasts will definitely want to add this fantastic spot to their Mexico itineraries. Meanwhile, several cenotes and examples of Maya archaeology await those who’d rather explore the surrounding area .

With its cobbled streets and delightful colonial buildings, the Centro Histórico is a must-see when visiting Mazatlán . For sunbathing and swimming in the Pacific Ocean, stop off at the Zona Dorada or take an oceanside stroll atop the Malecón . Culturally minded visitors shouldn’t miss the Mazatlán Art Museum and its famous cathedral . Finish your trip at the Mercado Pino Suárez to stock up on fresh, local ingredients for a delicious dinner featuring the flavours of this flamboyant city!

About two hours north of Tulum, the island paradise of Cozumel is ideal for water sports enthusiasts. Start by going for a dive among its incredible reefs where you’ll see a multitude of colourful fish and breathtaking coral formations. Cozumel’s most spectacular beaches include Playa El Cielo, Playa Palancar and Playa Mia, all offering crystal-clear waters for swimming, paddleboarding and simply relaxing.

Guadalajara

Located in western Mexico, the city of Guadalajara serves as capital of the state of Jalisco , the birthplace of mariachi music . Culture vultures are in for a treat, starting with a visit to the Palacio del Gobierno to admire frescoes by painter José Clemente Orozco . Continue your tour at Hospicio Cabañas , an UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a soothing stroll through the Parque Agua Azul. Lastly, be sure to sample Guadalajara’s famous street tacos and catch an authentic Mexican rodeo, or charreada.

Sayulita , on the Riviera Nayarit, is an ideal destination for surfers travelling to Mexico. Its beaches are not only less crowded than elsewhere in the country but also close to abundant natural areas guaranteed to enchant. Rainforest hikes and whale watching at sea are also popular Sayulita activities.

In the heart of southern Mexico’s state of Chiapas, visitors can marvel at one of Mexico’s natural gems, the Agua Azul waterfalls . They’re actually a series of falls on the Xanil River and excellent places to take a dip and cool off (cautiously, of course). Look for numerous species of colourful birds and butterflies along multiple lush trails that show the way.

Nicknamed the Yellow City, Izamal will appeal to architecture enthusiasts and travellers fascinated by Maya culture. Start your trip with a visit to the convent of San Antonio de Padua , an imposing colonial structure in the heart of the city. Other nearby historical sites include the pyramids of Kinich Kakmó and Itzamatul .

Interested in how this Mexican spirit is made and want to learn more about cultivating blue agave? Then the town of Tequila, located about 90 minutes from Guadalajara, is the place for you. In addition to exploring numerous mountainside fields, visit the Museo Nacional del Tequila (MUNAT) to learn more about the history of this iconic beverage. Wrap up your visit by tasting multiple varieties of tequila while enjoying regional cuisine at local restaurants.

In addition to luxury hotels and dreamy beaches on the Caribbean Sea, Cancún also offers a wide range of exciting activities like kitesurfing, flyboarding and scuba diving. Its location is also perfect for exploring Isla Mujeres , Isla Holbox and Cenote Azul .

Huasteca Potosina

Located in the state of San Luis Potosí, Huasteca Potosina is a bucolic region rich in nature. Majestic waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers and breathtaking scenery make Huasteca Potosina a true tropical paradise for adventurous outdoor enthusiasts. See the Tamul, Micos and Tamasopo waterfalls , stroll through the surreal gardens of Xilitla and go rafting or zip-lining through verdant mountains.

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• 7 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in New Mexico

As the fifth largest state by area but 45th by population density, New Mexico is eminently breathtaking. Also, as a showcase of mountains, deserts, natural landmarks, archaeological sites, and heritage buildings, New Mexico is exceedingly beautiful. You can get the best bursts of New Mexico grandeur in the state's small communities that occupy diverse climates. From the alpine north to the riparian center to the semi-arid east to the forested west, behold seven of the most enchanting locales in the Land of Enchantment.

Silver City

Born from late-19th-century silver mining, Silver City is a sterling preserve of Old West prosperity mixed with fine arts-fueled modernity. Historical gems are housed in the 1881-built H. B. Ailman House turned Silver City Museum. There are exhibits for mining, ranching, pre-colonial life, and Billy the Kid , who began his criminal career in Silver City in 1875. SC's contemporary charm comes courtesy of a dozen-plus galleries, including Cholla Cholla Studio and Light Art Space, as well as Western New Mexico University, which has thousands of fresh-faced students and a museum of southwestern art.

But if Silver City seems like a painting of paradise rather than the real thing, head north to the three-million-acre Gila National Forest, whose fully formed features include the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and the Catwalk Recreation Area.

Taos is the final destination on one of the most scenic routes in America. The High Road to Taos takes motorists from Santa Fe to this Sangre de Cristo Mountains town, crossing all types of tantalizing terrain and passing historic Spanish and Puebloan haunts in various villages. These include San Francisco de Asís Mission Church in Ranchos de Taos and Picuris Pueblo in a community of the same name.

Once in Taos, travelers can stop at the Taos Art Museum and Kit Carson Home & Museum or keep going until they hit Taos Pueblo , a centuries-old Indigenous settlement that is still occupied. If they want their breath to be literally taken away, they can continue through the mountains and climb Wheeler Peak, the highest natural point in New Mexico (13,167 feet). Moreover, if the season is right, they can hit the slopes of neighboring Taos Ski Valley.

Stuck in semi-arid eastern New Mexico, Santa Rosa might appear like a mirage to weary travelers, especially since it is awash with bright blue streams, lakes, and a watering hole considered one of the state's weirdest wonders. The Blue Hole of Santa Rosa is a spring-fed artesian well in a collapsed cavern roughly 80 feet wide, 80 feet deep, and part of a vast aquatic cave system. But its most remarkable feature is a near-constant 61-degree temperature that makes it the perfect desert refreshment. And so people use the hole for swimming, cliff jumping, snorkeling, and, most notably, diving. Santa Rosa has been dubbed "The Scuba Diving Capital of the Southwest."

Next to the Blue Hole is a purely recreational alternative called Park Lake and a fish-filled pool called Blue Hole Fishing Pond, while just north of town is Santa Rosa Lake State Park, a 500ish-acre park on a much larger reservoir.

Jemez Springs

Jemez Springs is another spring-fed NM oasis, but it is in the mountains rather than the desert and has hot rather than cold water. The village boasts Jemez Hot Springs, a hotel and spa serving soaks in ancient, mineral-infused, caldera-heated pools. Before relaxing in the springs, tourists can marvel at their source in the Valles Caldera National Preserve, an 89,000-acre park containing not just the namesake caldera but gorgeous greenery, vibrant wildlife, and, if you look upward, some of the most spectacular skies in America. Jemez Springs also adjoins Jemez Springs Soda Dam, a second scenic source of hot springs, and the Jemez Historic Site, which preserves both Native American and Spanish colonial ruins.

Situated in the Sierra Blanca mountains, Ruidoso is a resort village with extraordinary vistas and activities. On Sierra Blanca Peak, tourists can hike, bike, and ski via Ski Apache, which also offers zip tours and gondola rides up to 11,500 feet. Both the ski resort and peak are operated by the Mescalero Apache, as is the aptly titled Inn of the Mountain Gods. Down in town (which is still nearly 7,000 feet above sea level), said tourists can refuel at Garcia's Cafe, Rio Grande Grill & Tap Room, and Noisy Water Winery before conquering Pillow's Funtrackers, which has go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, and a mountain maze. Pillow's also offers gemstone panning. With luck, you can take home topaz, garnet, turquoise, and amethyst.

If you strike out in Ruidoso, Magdalena has you covered. This 800ish-person village sits on rich mineral deposits that have been spitting out gems for time immemorial. Many are on display at Bill's Gem and Mineral Shop and Otero's Rock and Saw Shop, while others can be found at the Kelly Ghost Town, which contains the abandoned Kelly Mine and the community that it spawned. The highlight (if no gems emerge) is a 121-foot headframe. But the biggest gem near Magdalena is the Very Large Array, a miles-long outdoor observatory containing 27 82-foot, 230-ton radio telescopes in a Y-shaped array. They have made myriad cosmic discoveries, and you can make your own discoveries walking among the futuristic giants in their remote domain.

Chama is probably not what you picture when thinking of New Mexico. It is located about seven miles south of the Colorado border and nearly 8,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains . Thus, instead of the cracked desert with scant vegetation, Chama has a continental climate with plenty of snow and lush pines. From May to October, Chama's surprising scenery, plus namesake Cumbres Pass and Toltec Gorge, can be explored on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Starting at the historic Chama Yard, a steam locomotive takes wide-eyed passengers 64 miles to Antonito, Colorado, crossing the border 11 times, reaching 10,015 feet above sea level (the highest section of active narrow-gauge railroad in America), and passing everything from aspen forests to rock formations to high plains to wildflowers to bears. In addition to the railroad, Chama's charm has been captured by numerous movies, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade , A Million Ways to Die in the West , and Hostiles .

New Mexico, AKA The Land of Enchantment, can enchant you with literal and figurative charms. Real gemstones exist in Silver City and Magdalena, while Taos, Santa Rosa, Jemez Springs, Ruidoso, and Chama charm with enormous mountains, scenic roads, ancient pueblos, relaxing hot springs, Spanish colonial haunts, and beautiful blue sinkholes. Let these towns take your breath away on your next trip to New Mexico.

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Total solar eclipse 2024: Watch video and see photos of the sky spectacle

EAGLE PASS, Texas − In a moment of cosmic alignment that was precisely predicted yet undeniably mysterious , the moon crept across the face of the sun as seen from Earth, casting its shadow onto the United States on Monday.

And then it was over: A total eclipse of the sun has come and gone.  

The partial shadow crossed into the U.S. in Texas just after noon local time, and a bit more than an hour later, the minutes of “totality” began. The total eclipse of the sun then traced a path from southern Texas to northern Maine, where it exited into Canada and the ocean beyond.

The rare event was an astronomical experience like no other. Monday's eclipse was unusually accessible to millions of people. It was widely anticipated not only for its remarkable period of darkness, but for its rare timing: No total solar eclipse would be visible from the contiguous United States again until 2044. While millions of Americans may have seen today’s eclipse, a small group in Texas was among the very first.

Edge of eclipse shadow began in south Texas

Alejandra Martinez, a seventh-grade science teacher from the south Texas border city of Eagle Pass, peered up at the gray, gauzy sky, anxiously awaiting the solar eclipse’s entrance into the USA.

Sitting with a telescope under a camping canopy in a corner of the county airport, Martinez, 42, and two other science enthusiasts had been recruited by NASA to participate in an effort called Citizen CATE 2024, where more than 30 teams perched in the eclipse’s path will record the shadowy trek across the country. 

In this spot, less than five miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, she and her team would be among the first people in the U.S. to witness the phenomenon. Eagle Pass sits near the very beginning of the eclipse’s track from southwest to northeast across the country. It also sits very near dead-center of it, where the period of “totality” will be the longest. That total shadow was still more than an hour away when the edge of the shadow began to darken the sky.

Martinez, dressed in a “This Totality Rocks” T-shirt and eclipse-themed skirt, watched as the penumbra crept across the airfield, about 10 minutes past noon local time. She put on her eclipse glasses and peered up at the sky. The gauzy clouds parted. “There it is! There it is!” she yelled. “First contact. It’s begun!”

Clouds came and went as the shadow grew for the next hour. As totality approached Eagle Pass, the sky shaded a dull gray then a heavy brown and the temperature dropped a few degrees. Only a sliver of the sun remained.

A few seconds before 1:27 p.m. CT, the crowd counted down, “3..2..1…” The sun was gone, completely covered by the moon. Darkness spread over the small airport grounds. “Oh my god,” Martinez said, a hand covering her heart. “This is so cool!”

How to tell if you have eye damage from looking at a partial eclipse?

For those who took a chance and looked at the sun without protective eyewear during the eclipse, concerns may arise if their vision starts to seem impaired. Have they suffered eclipse blindness?

Looking directly at the sun even briefly without the proper safety glasses can result in eye damage, either temporary or permanent. The body's natural squinting reaction in normal circumstances prevents people from staring directly at the sun, but that reflex may not be activated during partial eclipses, even though a partly shielded sun can still burn the retina.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says pain won't be an indication of damaged eyes because the retina lacks pain nerves. Worrisome signs are instead blurry vision, headaches, light sensitivity, blind spots in the central vision, distorted vision and changes in color perception. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should see an ophthalmologist, the AAO says.

What was the timeline of the 2024 solar eclipse?

The total eclipse began in Mexico at about 11:07 a.m. PDT, Monday before crossing into Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT. It ended in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT. Even those who weren't in the path of totality could see a percentage of the eclipse.

To find out exactly when the eclipse occurred in your area, you can search by  USA TODAY's database by ZIP code  for a viewing guide.

Students in Washington get hands-on learning

Dozens of students spilled out of Ida B. Wells Middle School in Washington, D.C., gripping cardboard solar eclipse glasses and chatting with excitement. “Why is the sun shaped as a moon?” one student asked after looking toward the sun. “Why is it not getting dark?’’ asked another.

Teacher Troy Mangum, who the students called “Mr. Mango,’’ slowly explained the science behind the experience as he cautioned others to put on their glasses. Students at the school in northwest D.C. had had lessons about the eclipse leading up the day’s teaching outside the classroom.

“Anytime we can get hands on or dynamic learning … it’s invaluable,’’ said Mangum, a social emotional learning coach. “We talked about it so much. It’s nice to see them get excited about qeeky Mr. Mango type of stuff.”

Skylar Cruel, 12, had come outside with her science class. “I just really wanted to see it,’’ she said. “You get to see it turn from light to dark.”

Steps away at Whittier Elementary School, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), younger students put on their glasses and tilted their heads up toward the sun behind their school.

Michael Haile joined his daughter, Markan Worku, 9, a student at Whittier, and brought along his 5-year-old son, Keab. He called it a memorable experience for his children. Markan, who had been learning about solar eclipses in her third-grade class, simply said, “This is cool!’’ 

− Deborah Berry

In Michigan, a bonding experience for a mother and her three kids

In Michigan, eclipse enthusiasts packed a watch party along the Detroit Riverwalk near Cullen Plaza. They sat on the grass, on benches and berms. For Janelle Ikonen of Waterford, it was a chance to bond with her three children − Hannah, 9; Elim, 12; and Isaac, 14 − whom she took out of school for the day.

“I wanted to experience a unique event with them,” said Ikonen, 47. “It’s one of my big deals to me, to experience things with my kids. … I hope they’ll remember spending time with me.”

In Grand Rapids, where 94% coverage of the sun was expected, viewers gathered on the city's “Blue Bridge,” which offered a view of the eclipse over the Grand River. With no cloud cover over the city, visitors had an unobstructed scene. The Grand Rapids Public Museum set up a series of solar telescopes.

Jill and Wes Johnson, 50 and 14, were among those awaiting max coverage. They’d considered traveling from Grand Rapids to a place with total coverage, but decided 94% coverage was worthwhile enough to stay home.

“I think people are excited to see something unique,” Jill Johnson said.

− Georgea Kovanis and Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press

US women's soccer team takes in eclipse ahead of title game

COLUMBUS, Ohio − The U.S. women’s national soccer team took a break from SheBelieves Cup preparation to watch the eclipse. 

Several team members, including World Cup veterans Crystal Dunn, Alyssa Naeher, Naomi Girma and Trinity Rodman, coaches and staff members donned eclipse glasses and went outside their hotel to see the rare event.

As the sky darkened and the moon moved in front of the sun, someone yelled, “Come on, keep going!” Columbus is just outside the path of totality, so all but a sliver of the sun wound up being covered. 

The USWNT is in Columbus for the final of the SheBelieves Cup on Tuesday night against Canada.

− Nancy Armour

Witnessing the first total eclipse from a cruise ship

Passengers aboard Holland America's Koningsdam cruise ship eagerly gathered on the top decks at 10 a.m. local time to watch the spectacle of a solar eclipse.

Positioned off the coast of Mazatlan, Mexico − the first city in North America to witness the total eclipse − the ship provided an ideal vantage point for viewing the celestial event. Accompanied by an astronomer, the captain meticulously adjusted the ship's position to ensure the best possible view.

Dan Fueller, an experienced eclipse observer who had previously seen similar phenomena from ships in 1991 and 1998, emphasized the advantages of viewing the eclipse from a cruise ship. He noted the flexibility of the ship's mobility allowed for optimal positioning along the eclipse's path, ensuring unobstructed views.

"You're on a cruise ship and (the best view) is a little bit farther to the west or a little bit farther to the east − along the path, there's a clear sky − the ship can move. If you're on land and there's not a road there, you better have a tank."

− Joshuan Rivera

Partial eclipse 'like a little Pac-Man taking a bite out of the sun'

In Parthenon, Arkansas, the eclipse began near the Buffalo National River. Five friends traveled from Florida to be on a rock outcropping to witness the celestial event.

“Yes! I see it!” Angie Printiss exclaimed.

“Oh ya! You can see it,” said Kate Estes. “It’s like a little Pac-Man taking a bite out of the sun.”

At 20 minutes before totality, the sky got noticeably darker. The shadow of crescent sun shapes played off the limestone rocks.

“It looks like water − like fish scales,” Estes said. “That is so weird, when the trees move you can really see it.”

− Jennifer Portman

New Englanders travel for better view of the eclipse

Crowds ballooned into the thousands midday Monday in the center of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, as the nearly cloudless sky and warm sun boosted temperatures to an unseasonably 60 degrees.

Jim and Kim Cooper drove over from New Hampton, New Hampshire, their first time doing more than just passing through the town locals call St. Jays. Their son had proposed to his girlfriend in Tennessee during the 2017 eclipse and then had an eclipse-themed wedding, but the Coopers had never seen a total eclipse for themselves, so they decided to come to the closest place where they could be assured of a good view.

Jeffrey Breau had seen that 2017 eclipse for himself and was so impressed that he convinced family members to join him this time. Breau’s girlfriend, Nell Hawley, came up with him from Cambridge, Massachusetts, while his brother Alex and his girlfriend Diana Ventura drove up from New York City. The Breau brothers' father, Walter, joined them in taking in their first eclipse.

“I would have been OK watching it in the yard,” Walter said, though he would only have seen a partial eclipse from there. “That’s what you think now,” Jeffrey said quickly. “Talk to me in two hours.”

− Karen Weintraub

Kids bring homemade eclipse viewers to National Mall

Lucas and Lucy Porto Banco didn’t need to buy fancy eclipse glasses – the 7- and 10-year-old siblings made their own eclipse viewers from two cardboard shoe boxes left over from a couple of their mom’s recent shoe purchases.With the help of a YouTube tutorial video, they made two holes in each box with a whittling knife and taped tin foil over. Then they used dry spaghetti to poke holes in the tin foil for the sun’s light to pass through and project onto the dark inside of the box.The kids put together the viewer in little more than five minutes, Lucy said. “Maybe 15, with covering all the gaps in the shoe box,” she said.Even with his own eclipse-viewing creation, Lucas said he may still take advantage of his eclipse glasses. “I’m going to do both,” he said.

− Cybele Mayes-Osterman

What is an 'umbra?' − and other eclipse words

Astronomers and eclipse enthusiasts used a bunch of specialized words Monday as the nation experienced its first solar eclipse since 2017 and the last one for until 2044. Here are a few of those terms and what they mean, according to the American Astronomical Society .

Baily's Beads – This refers to the beaded appearance of the moon's edge as the eclipse nears totality. Shafts of sunlight shine through deep valleys on the moon's surface, which causes the effect known to observers as Bailey's Beads.

Umbra – The darkest part of the moon’s shadow, within which the entirety of the sun's bright face is blocked. An observer standing in the umbra sees a total solar eclipse.

Penumbra: The lighter part of the moon's shadow, making up its outer portion, where light can reach.

Corona – The sun’s upper atmosphere, visible as a pearly glow around the eclipsed sun during totality.

Totality – The maximum phase of a total solar eclipse, during which the moon’s disk completely covers the sun's bright face. It can last from a fraction of a second to a maximum of 7 minutes, 31 seconds, depending on viewing location and other factors.

− Dale Denwalt, The Oklahoman

A last-minute search for glasses for 'a perfect spot'

Patsy Faoro walked toward a half dozen people gathered at the gate of Turner Farm Park in Great Falls, Virginia. The people were awaiting the opening of an eclipse viewing event complete with telescopes and educational presentations.

Faoro, who lives near the park in this upscale Northern Virginia neighborhood, just wanted glasses to safely view the eclipse.

She visited CVS, Safeway and a 7/11 convenience store, all of which had advertised the availability of glasses to view the eclipse. None of the retailers had any glasses remaining when Faoro checked this morning.

“We have this great big open space that’s a perfect spot,” said Faoro, who viewed her first eclipse in the 1970s. “We just need some glasses.”

− Ken Alltucker

Indianapolis Motor Speedway event draws tens of thousands

Tory Patrick, 41, is hoping to give her four children a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity. Patrick and her family traveled 160 miles to Indianapolis Motor Speedway from their home in Granger, Indiana. They were expected to have 97% totality at home, but it’s not the same as total coverage, she said.

“They will be getting the full experience that they can’t read about in textbooks,” Patrick said.

Patrick and her sister Cally Gannon, 39, from Cincinnati, met in Indianapolis to view the eclipse from the speedway. They camped outside IMS over the weekend ahead of the event and on Sunday afternoon saw a double rainbow over the speedway’s iconic pagoda. An estimated 50,000 tickets were sold for the day’s festivities, presented in partnership with NASA and Purdue University.

Elsewhere in the stands, Ryan Harper, 30, knows today is special.

“We’re right in totality,” he said. “This sometimes doesn’t happen in people’s lifetimes.

— Sarah Bowman and Jade Thomas

Family travels from Baltimore to Rochester, N.Y., to view the eclipse

When Maze Pelham of Baltimore was a fifth-grader, he watched news of the 2017 solar eclipse and vowed to witness the next notable solar eclipse. That eclipse, and that day, has come. And this is why he and his parents, Janice and Sonney Pelham, left Maryland around 1 a.m. on Monday and drove nearly seven hours to Rochester, New York.

“I said to myself I would go to the next one,” Maze Pelham said while seated with his parents on lawn chairs at downtown Rochester’s Parcel 5 park, where he and hundreds of others are awaiting a view of the full eclipse. “It’s a promise I made to myself.”

– Democrat and Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network

In Brooklyn: Eclipses glasses, check. Lawn chair, check.

Ralph Emerson held a pair of paper sunglasses in his hands while riding the subway to Brooklyn's sprawling Prospect Park on Monday. He exited the train with a folded lawn chair strapped across his shoulder, and said he felt energized and full of anticipation.

"This is special," Emerson, 61, said. "I haven't woken up with this much excitement since the Super Bowl."

Walking to the park's botanic garden, Emerson said appreciating natural phenomena makes it easier to manage the stresses that come with living in a big city. Also like a big sports game, the eclipse will draw lots of people together to experience something much larger than themselves, in community, he said.

"A lot of times it's tragedies that bring us together, but sometimes things like this do," he said.

− Claire Thornton

Texas Eclipse Festival cut short by weather

The Texas Eclipse Festival was canceled Monday in Burnet County, 50 miles northwest of Austin, because of weather concerns. The festival, which included bands and other events, began Sunday and was supposed to wrap up Tuesday.

"We regret to inform you of the severe weather forecast, including risks of high winds, tornadic activity, large hail, and thunderstorms for later today, including during the eclipse, Tuesday, and Wednesday," festival organizers said on their website. "Your safety is our top priority."

Festivalgoers were urged to leave early for safety and to beat traffic. Guests, however, were allowed to stay "provided they pack and are prepared to depart after totality."

Traffic jams, collisions mar eclipse watchers' travel

Traffic crashes and road delays were reported across the nation as Americans flocked to prime locations to gaze up at the rare solar eclipse . Local roads and highways in states including Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Vermont and New Hampshire were overwhelmed with eclipse chasers, many of whom were from out of state. The most intense bottlenecks appeared to be in the path of totality , where spectators will be able to view the full eclipse.

In Oklahoma, a crash around 7:30 a.m. local time narrowed eastbound lanes on I-40, a major transcontinental highway that runs from California to North Carolina. The crash occurred not far from several state parks that were hosting eclipse events, and it's also within driving distance of the full eclipse path, which includes parts of southeastern Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Multiple crashes were reported on an interstate in Waco, Texas, a city in the path of totality, where several festivities and eclipse viewing events were scheduled. The crashes all occurred on I-35, which runs from southern Texas to Minnesota.

"Expect major traffic delays in this area," the Texas Department of Transportation said in a statement .

− Christopher Cann

Airport draws a crowd of jets for eclipse

EAGLE PASS, Texas − Maverick County International Airport in Eagle Pass, Texas, usually sees maybe three private planes a day. By 10 a.m. CT on Monday, more than 10 planes crowded the tarmac, including Cessnas, Pipers and at least one corporate jet − all there to catch an early glimpse of the total solar eclipse. Eagle Pass will be one of the first American cities to witness the phenomenon. Some watchers, like Brandon Beck, 43, flew in Sunday night from San Diego and spent the night in a sleeping bag on the tarmac next to his friend’s Mooney single-prop piston four-seater.“We’re so lucky to be on a planet where the sun is the perfect size and perfect distance to create that effect,” he said. “It’s obligatory. We have to see it.”

First the Cherry Blossoms, then the eclipse

WASHINGTON − The Cherry Blossoms brought Ali and Aurore Youssouf to the city all the way from Paris, but the pair were delighted to learn that their trip would overlap with the eclipse. The day is extra special for Aurore Youssouf, 43, who has never seen an eclipse before. On Monday morning, the couple arrived by chance at the National Mall early enough to snag a few pairs of free eclipse glasses distributed by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum for the occasion.“We didn’t even know. We just ended up here and found out that they were giving away some glasses,” said Ali Youssouf, 46.

Awaiting eclipse − and hail − in Texas

KERRVILLE, Texas − Forecasts called for considerable cloudiness, rain and possible hail, but retired NASA engineer Jeff Stone stayed positive as he and his wife prepared to host more than a dozen people for a watch party at their hilltop home in Texas Hill Country. Stone, an eclipse enthusiast who had met family in Missouri to watch the solar eclipse of 2017, said he recently reviewed video footage of that event and said current conditions weren’t that much different than they were back then.

“I’m outside and seeing patches of blue among scattered clouds, so we’re remaining hopeful,” he said.

About 150 miles to the northeast in Gatesville, lead pastor Eric Moffett of Coryell Community Church said a similar forecast did little to deter an expected gathering of about 800 visitors for the church’s family-oriented “Eclipse at the Crosses” event. Many, if not most, were from out of town or even out of country − Canada, Wales, France, Italy. Many locals were staying home to avoid the crowd, he said.

“It’s partly cloudy, but the sun is shining on me right now,” he said. “We are praying that it stays that way.”

− Marc Ramirez

What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

A  total solar eclipse  occurs when the moon comes in between the Earth and the sun, blocking its light from reaching our planet, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon and the sun are on exact opposite sides of Earth. The Earth blocks the sunlight that normally reaches the moon. Instead of that sunlight hitting the moon’s surface, Earth's shadow falls on it.

A lunar eclipse can last for a few hours, while a solar eclipse lasts only a few minutes. Solar eclipses also rarely occur, while lunar eclipses are comparatively more frequent. While at least two partial lunar eclipses happen every year, total lunar eclipses are still rare, NASA says. Another major difference: No special glasses or gizmos are needed to view the a lunar eclipse, and people can directly stare at the moon.

− Saman Shafiq

Solar eclipse, lunar eclipse: What is the difference?

Can you drive during the solar eclipse?

The  2024 solar eclipse  will shroud much of the United States in darkness on Monday, leaving many people to wonder: Is it safe to drive during the solar eclipse?

It is safe to drive during an eclipse as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road if they are operating a car during the total solar eclipse. But the automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the total eclipse to "find a safe place to park (not on the side of a road or highway) away from other traffic and then wear your eclipse glasses," said Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman from AAA.

"Pack your patience, whether traveling a great distance or locally," Diaz said. "People will be out and about to catch a glimpse of the eclipse."

A similar scenario  played out in 2017 during the nation's last total solar eclipse : Congestion in some areas lasted for up to 13 hours after totality,  according to Transportation Research News , a National Research Council publication. An analysis of traffic patterns from that year suggests the worst of the traffic – on interstates and rural back roads alike – will kick off after the eclipse ends and everyone tries to leave all at once.

− Kayla Jimenez

When will the next solar eclipse happen?

It will be 20 years before there's a chance to  witness a total solar eclipse  in the United States again. According to NASA, after Monday's total solar  eclipse , the next one viewable from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Unfortunately, the 2044 total  solar eclipse  won't have the broad reach across the U.S. as the 2024 eclipse. The path of totality during the 2044 eclipse will only touch three states, according to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach and political space advocacy. The eclipse will begin in Greenland, sweep through Canada and end around sunset in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

But another eclipse scheduledfor Saturday, Aug. 12, 2045, will trace a path of totality over California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

− Mary Walrath-Holdridge, Gabe Hauari and Eric Lagatta

Eclipse and pets: It's not the sky that's the problem

An  eclipse  itself isn't dangerous for domestic animals such as dogs and cats, but experts say it's probably best to not bring pets to  experience the April 2024 total solar eclipse . Experts' biggest concern is not what’s happening in the sky but on the ground as crowds of excited and  eager people gather , said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dogs especially will take their cues from their owners rather than  the celestial event.

“Rather than the effects of the eclipse, I would be more worried about the excitement and all of the people,” Carlson said.

− Elizabeth Weise

A guide to the solar eclipse for kids

Here's an easy-to read, illustrated guide to help kids understand what the  April 8 total solar eclipse  means, where it will be visible and how you can watch it safely. It also shows them how an ordinary kitchen colander can easily be used to view a solar eclipse − the colander's holes can project crescent images of the sun onto the ground. There are even pages that can be downloaded and colored.

Trump's eclipse experience lit up internet in 2017

Seven years ago, when the last  total solar eclipse  crossed over North America, a photo of then-President Donald Trump  seemingly gazing at the sun with his naked eyes set the internet ablaze . During the afternoon of Aug. 21, 2017, Trump, who was president at the time, was joined by then first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron  to watch the rare phenomenon from the Truman Balcony  at the White House. Photos taken by members of the media captured all three donning eclipse glasses while looking at the eclipse.

But at one point during the viewing, the former president was captured in photos and videos without proper eye protection, seemingly gazing directly at the sun. Looking at an eclipse before or after the brief phase of totality without proper eyewear  can lead to eye damage .

− Natalie Neysa Alund

When is the next total solar eclipse? What to know about the next eclipse's path, timing

How to make a solar eclipse viewer

People who didn't manage to get their  hands on glasses  are not completely down and out. There are other safe ways to view the eclipse , say experts, and a lot of them only require a little bit of craftiness and items you can find lying around the house.

Steps to make the cereal box eclipse viewer (And here is a video aid) :

• Get an empty, clean cereal box.
• Cut a white piece of cardboard that will fit snuggly in the bottom of the box, or secure it permanently by gluing it in place.
• Cut the top of the cereal box, removing both ends and leaving the center intact.
• Put a piece of tape across the center of the top to securely hold it closed.
• Tape a piece of heavy-duty foil or double a single layer for additional strength, covering one of the openings at the top of the cereal box. The other opening will remain open for viewing.
• Using a small nail (approximately 3mm in diameter) push a hole in the foil.
• Cover the entire box with construction paper, leaving the single-viewing opening and the foil uncovered.

The finished box should be held with the pin-hole side facing the sun. It may take a little practice pointing the box. With your back facing the sun, look through the viewing opening. A small image of the sun, about ½ cm in diameter, can be seen projected on the white paper inside the box.

− Mary Walrath-Holdrid

What is the path of the solar eclipse called?

Those in the direct line of the eclipse will be treated to an incredible sight as the moon completely blots out the sun's disk, ushering in uncharacteristic darkness and revealing the sun's elusive outermost layer called the corona. That moment is called "totality" and this year the path of totality crosses through 13 U.S. states.

The last total solar eclipse to cut through North America was in August 2017.

How to look at eclipse without glasses

A total solar eclipse offers skygazers the rare opportunity to witness the eclipse with the naked eye. However,  solar eclipse glasses  are still needed until totality is reached. 

Certified solar eclipse  glasses are crucial for spectators to avoid the sun's retina-damaging rays. But when the moon moves completely in front of the sun and blocks its light, you'll know it's  safe to remove the glasses  for a short period of time.

How fast does an eclipse shadow travel?

According to a post from the  National Weather Service  in Indianapolis on X, an eclipse shadow travels at speeds from 1,100 to 5,000 mph. Near the equator, it travels at around 1,100 mph and increases in speed as it approaches the poles.

The eclipse party is over? Time to recycle those glasses!

Astronomers Without Borders , or AWB, a non-profit organization running its second nationwide  eclipse glasses recycling drive . Her business will join over 300 schools, museums, city governments, commercial businesses, community organizations and local libraries that will collect and ship an estimated  millions of glasses  to be repurposed for use by underserved communities around the world in  future solar eclipses .

AWB launched its first run of the program after the last solar eclipse in 2017 when volunteer centers across the country collected millions of the glass. After vetting them for reuse, more than  half a million glasses were distributed to Africa, Asia and South America.

People can visit  AWB's website  to find their nearest participating collection center and learn more about recycling the glasses, said Andrew Fazekas, the organization's communication manager.  

"We figure there's probably going to be tens of millions of glasses out there at the very least," he said. "And most of them are probably very gently used."

Watch CBS News

Missed the 2024 total solar eclipse? Watch video of moments from the event here.

• https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/watch-total-solar-eclipse-2024/ link copied

By Aliza Chasan , Meghan Schiller , Christopher DeRose , Sara Moniuszko , Emily Mae Czachor , Luis Giraldo , Kerry Breen , Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 8:49 PM EDT / CBS News

The sky darkened for millions in the U.S. on Monday as the 2024 total solar eclipse worked its way across a swath of the country.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that blocks out the light from the sun. The sun appeared to vanish behind the moon for minutes at a time as the eclipse traveled along its "path of totality," starting on Mexico's Pacific coast and moving northeast through more than a dozen states, from Texas to Maine, and into eastern Canada. 

More than 31 million people live along the path of totality, and many more flew  or drove to witness  the April 8 spectacle in person. Outside the path of totality, the rest of the continental U.S. got to see a partial eclipse ( if skies were clear ) as the moon blocked a portion of the sun. It will be decades before the next total solar eclipse appears in the U.S.

High school students help NASA collect data during eclipse

Students at Eminence High School in Indiana didn't just watch Monday's total solar eclipse. With the help of a special telescope, they collected data on the sun's corona for NASA. The information will help researchers understand how the sun converts magnetic energy into heat.  

• https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/watch-total-solar-eclipse-2024/#post-update-798d430e link copied

"It was totally worth it. It was amazing."

In Erie, Pennsylvania, people gathered to watch the total solar eclipse and broke out in applause as they plunged into darkness. Emotions took over as everyone fixated on the ring in the sky. There was a lot of awe, disbelief and strained necks as people looked up for four minutes straight.

One family drove eight hours from Virginia.

"I honestly was not that excited about it. I was like, eight hours for three minutes? But it was totally worth it. It was amazing," one family member said.

Read more here .

-Meghan Schiller and Christopher DeRose

• https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/watch-total-solar-eclipse-2024/#post-update-24321e03 link copied

Watch: Cleveland witnesses solar eclipse totality

Spectators in Cleveland, Ohio, saw the total solar eclipse around 3:15 p.m. EDT as the moon covered the sun for a little more than three minutes. CBS News' Dave Malkoff witnessed the event with Stephen Bowen, a NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy captain.

• https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/watch-total-solar-eclipse-2024/#post-update-db21479c link copied

What other celestial events can you see in 2024?

Stargazers have more events to look forward to this year following the April 8 eclipse. 

There are several meteor showers ahead, including the Lyrid meteor shower later this month, expected to peak April 21-22. There's also the Eta Aquariids, peaking May 4-5; the Perseids, peaking Aug. 12-13; and the Geminids, peaking Dec. 13-14.

Outside of the U.S., an annular solar eclipse will be visible in South America on Oct. 2. 

• https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/watch-total-solar-eclipse-2024/#post-update-d1bb6ea8 link copied

Watch: Eclipse reaches totality over Arkansas and Illinois

Dozens of couples were married in a mass ceremony in Arkansas before the solar eclipse reached totality above them. Norah O'Donnell and Tony Dokoupil anchored CBS News' special coverage as the total eclipse passed over Arkansas and Illinois.

• https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/watch-total-solar-eclipse-2024/#post-update-a4926f06 link copied

Look at the solar eclipse too long? Doctors explain signs of eye damage.

Did you look up at the solar eclipse without your  safety glasses ? Looking at the sun — even when it's partially covered like during  the eclipse on April 8  — can cause eye damage.

There is no safe dose of solar ultraviolet rays or infrared radiation, said  Dr. Yehia Hashad , an ophthalmologist, retinal specialist and the chief medical officer at eye health company Bausch + Lomb.

"A very small dose could cause harm to some people," he said. "That's why we say the partial eclipse could also be damaging. And that's why we protect our eyes with the partial as well as with the full sun."

But how do you know if you've hurt your vision? We asked eye doctors what to know.  Read more here .

• https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/watch-total-solar-eclipse-2024/#post-update-11a9535b link copied

Watch: Total solar eclipse seen in Indianapolis

Around 50,000 people gathered in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to experience the total solar eclipse. CBS News' Norah O'Donnell and Tony Dokoupil could see other planets in the solar system during the celestial event.

• https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/watch-total-solar-eclipse-2024/#post-update-0cb64af7 link copied

When is the next eclipse?

After the April 8 total solar eclipse, the next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous United States will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Before that, there will be an annular solar eclipse on Oct. 2 of this year, according to NASA. It will be visible in parts of South America, with some parts only able to experience a partial eclipse. A partial eclipse will also be visible in parts of Antarctica, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and North America.

There will be two partial solar eclipses next year, according to NASA . On March 29, 2025, a partial eclipse will be visible in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean. On Sept. 21, 2025, there will be a partial eclipse in parts of Australia, Antarctica, the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.

There will also be two solar eclipses in 2026, including a total solar eclipse. On Feb. 17 of that year, there will be an annular solar eclipse visible in parts of Antarctica, according to NASA. A partial eclipse will be visible that day in parts of Antarctica, Africa, South America, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

On Aug. 12, 2026, there will be a total solar eclipse visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small area of Portugal, according to NASA. A partial eclipse will be visible in parts of Europe, Africa, North America, the Atlantic Ocean, the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

Read more here.

• https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/watch-total-solar-eclipse-2024/#post-update-d6f43631 link copied

Watch: Total solar eclipse in Dallas, Texas

Thousands gathered in Dallas, Texas, to experience the total solar eclipse through a partly cloudy sky. CBS News' Omar Villafranca witnessed the event at the Cotton Bowl Stadium surrounded by young Americans experiencing the celestial event for the first time.

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Total eclipse puts on a brilliant show over western New York

Mid-afternoon daylight turned to dusk in seconds, and for a time even darker than that, over Niagara Falls as the moon directly blocked the sun for about three and a half minutes of totality. The temperature dropped as the sky darkened, with just a sliver of the sun's outer rim glowing and clearly visible before the eclipse shifted back to partial again.

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NASA debunks eclipse radiation myths

NASA said that over the years, people scared of eclipses have made up stories about the harm they can pose.

Several myths revolve around radiation. For instance, there's a false idea that radiation during a total solar eclipse will poison any food prepared during the eclipse.

Another common myth around the eclipse is the idea that the total solar eclipse produces harmful rays that can cause blindness, according to NASA. The space agency says that when the moon covers the sun during the eclipse, the corona emits electromagnetic radiation. That light is a million times fainter than the light of the sun itself and coronal light cannot cross 150 million kilometers of space, penetrate Earth's dense atmosphere and cause blindness.

Still, it's not safe to look at the solar eclipse without special glasses. Watching the sun during the eclipse before or after totality can cause retinal damage .  

People also falsely believe that pregnant individuals should not watch an eclipse. NASA says it's related to the false idea that harmful radiation is emitted during a total solar eclipse. 

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Will animals be affected by the solar eclipse?

Because total solar eclipses happen so infrequently, animal experts aren't sure how they'll be impacted as the skies darken. In 2017, giraffes ran in circles, flamingos huddled together and rhinos looked confused at the Nashville Zoo , the Associated Press reported. Researchers prepared to study the eclipse's impact on animal behavior at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas.

Veterinarians say pet owners may notice brief periods of confusion and fear among dogs and cats during the eclipse. Some pets may start their nighttime routine earlier as the sky darkens for the eclipse, yawning and heading for their beds.

Some animals that depend more on the light-dark cycle, like birds, may be more affected because the sky will darken during the eclipse, said Dr. Katie Krebs, a veterinarian and professor at University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine.

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Eclipse arrives in Niagara Falls and Buffalo, New York

A crescent-shaped sun shone bright white as the moon began to cover it and transition into totality over Niagara Falls at around 2:45 p.m. EDT. Sudden bursts of cheering rang out from the growing sea of viewers donning eclipse glasses and tilting cameras upward at the ready, as the partial eclipse peeked through dark clouds in fleeting intervals.

Officials had in the weeks leading up to the eclipse said that Buffalo and its surrounding area, which includes the U.S. side of Niagara Falls, was preparing to host an estimated 1 million tourists for the celestial show.

But crowds were thin across the city, save for those that gathered in droves at the scenic state park, where some visitors said they had come as early as dawn to secure their spot and where New York Gov. Kathy Hochul joined hopeful skywatchers as the eclipse approached totality over the region.

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How long will the solar eclipse last?

Viewers at a spot along the path of totality will see a total eclipse lasting up to about 4 and a half minutes, with the length of time the sun is at least partially obscured lasting about 40 minutes.

The eclipse's path across the U.S. will dazzle viewers for about 3 and a half hours — from the time the eclipse comes into view along the U.S.-Mexico border near Eagle Pass, Texas, at 12:10 p.m. CT, until it exits into Canada from northern Maine at about 4:40 p.m. ET.

From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth over the Pacific to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the entire celestial show will last about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com .

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Illinois town in the path of totality hosts thousands of eclipse watchers

Southern Illinois expected about 200,000 people to pour in from all over to be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse. The city of Carbondale welcomed them with a block party featuring bands, food and drink on Sunday evening once the rain moved out.

Carbondale was also in the path of the 2017 total eclipse .

"Everybody talks about it being a miracle," said Scott Mitchner. "It is kind of a miracle. And it's a very amazing thing to see. And that first time, I know I'll never forget that. And I'm looking forward to a second time."

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Getting married during the eclipse

As the total solar eclipse moves reaches Russellville, Arkansas, more than 300 couples will weave their future together at a mass wedding. There, the total eclipse will last 4 minutes and 12 seconds, with totality occurring at 1:50 p.m. CT. 

Rodney Williams, a hot air balloonist from Branson, Missouri, is used to turning the skies into attractions. He organized the event as part of the city's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" festival.

The event offers marrying couples cake, a non-alcoholic toast and music — for free.

"Sometimes planning a wedding can be stressful," Williams said. "Not only the money but just all the decision-making and all of the different ideas that may not all coincide with each other."

Craig Wayne Boyd, a winner of "The Voice" singing contest, will officiate the ceremony and more than 600 newlyweds will have their first dance as he sings "Golden."

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Stunning photos of eclipse from Mexico and Texas

The total solar eclipse first made landfall along Mexico's Pacific coast before moving on to Texas, and photographers in both locations captured breathtaking images as the moon began to cover the sun.

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Biden: "Enjoy the eclipse. But play it safe."

The White House posted a short video of President Biden donning his eclipse glasses and encouraging Americans to enjoy the view. "But don't be silly, folks – play it safe and wear protective eyewear," the message said .

An eclipse is worth marveling at. But don't be silly, folks – play it safe and wear protective eyewear. pic.twitter.com/S6REAiZ735 — President Biden (@POTUS) April 8, 2024

Though Mr. Biden didn't mention it, his video prompted comparisons to a famous photo of then-President Trump standing on the same White House balcony during the 2017 eclipse and briefly looking up without protective glasses. 

Doctors say eclipse glasses are crucial to protect your eyes from sun damage.

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Check your eclipse glasses: Illinois Health Department warning of recall

The Illinois Department of Public Health is warning people to check their eclipse glasses after a recall. 

The recalled glasses were sold through Amazon as "Biniki Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024 – CE & ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing (6 Packs)." 

The recalled glasses are labeled as "EN ISO 12312-1:2022." Proper eclipse safety glasses should carry the ISO designation of 12312-2.

However, the glasses  were not listed on Amazon's official recall page  and were still available for sale on Monday. A spokesperson said that the glasses had previously been identified as not being sourced from a supplier approved by the American Astronomical Society, and any customers who had purchased them were notified and provided refunds.

Since then, those glasses have been added to the  American Astronomical Society's approved list , and remain available for purchase.

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How to safely watch the total solar eclipse

Millions of people across the U.S. are excited to see the eclipse, but it's important to do so safely. Looking at the sun — even when it's partially covered like during an eclipse — can cause eye damage.

There is no safe dose of solar ultraviolet rays or infrared radiation, says Dr. Yehia Hashad, an ophthalmologist, retinal specialist and the chief medical officer at eye health company Bausch + Lomb.

Special glasses  are needed for protection during eclipse viewing; regular sunglasses aren't enough, even if you stack more than one pair. A pinhole viewer is another safe viewing option.

Eye problems caused by looking at the eclipse without special glasses may not be apparent immediately, sometimes appearing one to a few days following the event. It could affect just one or both eyes. And while some will regain normal visual function, sometimes the damage is permanent. 

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What time will the eclipse reach peak totality?

Peak viewing time will depend on your location. The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean on Monday morning before reaching North America at about 10:57 a.m. PT, beginning in parts of Mexico. 

The path of totality — where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety, of course) — then crosses over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, arriving at Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT. 

It completes its journey across the U.S. at about 4:40 p.m. ET, passing over Caribou, Maine, and into Canada.

Here is a look at the expected times in 13 cities along the path of totality:  

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What are the different types of solar eclipses?

While the April 8 eclipse will be a total solar eclipse, there are actually several types of solar eclipses . They occur when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth, either partially or totally blocking the sun's light along its path..

During the April 8 total solar eclipse, the moon will completely block the light of the sun across parts of the U.S. , allowing people in the "path of totality" — the center of the moon's shadow — to experience a total eclipse.

The sun will have a crescent shape as the moon begins to cover it, then the sky will get dimmer as the moon covers more and more of the sun, until it eventually covers the full sun during several minutes of totality. During totality, viewers may see a corona, the outermost part of the sun's atmosphere.

An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth when it is either at or near its farthest point from Earth, according to NASA. With the moon so far away, it won't completely cover the sun. During this type of eclipse, the moon will appear as a dark disk on top of the sun, with a bright ring around it.

A partial solar eclipse happens when the sun, moon and Earth are not perfectly aligned as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, NASA explains. Only part of the sun is covered by the moon during this type of eclipse, giving it a crescent shape.

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How many people live in the path of the eclipse?

An estimated 31.6 million people live in the path of totality for the April 8 eclipse. An additional 150 million people are within 200 miles of the path of totality, according to NASA, and millions more will be able to see a partial eclipse. 

That's more than were in the path of the last one to cross the U.S. , in 2017.

"This eclipse, in particular, is I think set to be even more spectacular," astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz told CBS Chicago.

"Totality will actually last almost a full two minutes longer in some places" compared to last time, she said.

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Will the weather be clear for eclipse viewing today?

Cloud cover and storms may interfere with eclipse viewing in Texas, where volatile weather is expected. For Dallas and Austin, "it's a tough go," says CBS New York weathercaster Lonnie Quinn, while San Antonio will have "some of the worst weather of all."

But farther north and east, better conditions are expected, giving many in the Midwest and Northeast a good chance to see the eclipse. Some clouds may move in and out over Missouri, Indiana and into western New York, says The Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore. 

Quinn has more details on the forecast in the video below.

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How to know if your eclipse glasses are safe

The only glasses that should be used to look at a partially eclipsed sun are eclipse glasses that meet an international standard, ISO 12312-2, according to the American Optometric Association. 

Don't use sunglasses, smoked glass, an unfiltered telescope and magnifiers or polarized filters as a way to view the eclipse. Looking at an eclipse without proper protection can cause eye damage.

Real eclipse glasses  will have a notation about the international standard somewhere on their body, to verify that they reduce visible sunlight to a safe level, and block ultraviolet and infrared radiation.

Before buying, make sure the glasses are advertised as meeting this standard. And beware, there are many fakes on the market.

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How to make solar eclipse glasses, cereal box viewers and pinhole projectors to watch the eclipse safely

While solar eclipse glasses are available for sale, there are several safe alternatives you can make or find at home to help you enjoy the eclipse, experts say. 

If you have access, you can use No. 14 welder's glasses or aluminized mylar plastic sheets. You can also make a homemade pinhole projector using a piece of paper or create an eclipse viewer from a cereal box. Here are instructions.

Eye protection during the eclipse is important to prevent eye damage. Don't use normal sunglasses — they do not offer enough protection.

Read more here

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Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

The Best Airbnbs in Mexico City Are Rich in Detail

By Nicole Kliest

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You’re not imagining it: Everyone is going to Mexico City right now and where better to book than the best Airbnbs in Mexico City? The destination’s popularity is no shocker, really—Ciudad de México (CDMX) is one of the world’s greatest epicenters of culture, with architectural masterpieces, innovative cuisine , and a lively art scene that all contribute to the tapestry of the capital’s rich history. It’s an exhilarating period for this hundreds-year-old city, with new restaurants, exhibitions, bars, and performances cropping up all of the time.

Vogue ’s Favorite Airbnbs in Mexico City

• In Coyoacán: Casa Colonial
• In La Condesa: A hidden gem with a terrace
• In Polanco: A bright, spacious apartment with great views
• In Roma: Casa Tepeji
• In Cuauhtémoc: A Mario Pani design

Like most metropolitans, CDMX is a city of neighborhoods, each with their own distinct essence and charm. From the tree-lined streets of trendy La Condesa to Polanco with its illustrious flair, there’s much to be discovered. And what better way to do so than by living like a local? Ahead, our guide to the best Airbnbs in Mexico City for an immersive visit to one of the greatest cultural hubs on earth.

Townhome With Lush Rooftop Terrace , La Condesa

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb

With its soaring ceilings and leafy rooftop deck, it’s no wonder this three-story townhouse has all five-star reviews. Dreamy design details like stained glass windows and custom chandeliers lend charm to the minimalist decor scheme, and the property’s ideal positioning in La Condesa render it the perfect home base for your adventure to Mexico City.

The vibe : Sleepy artist’s retreat.

The space : 3 bedrooms, 3 baths

Capacity : 6

Notable amenities : Washer/dryer, indoor fireplace, kitchen, roof terrace.

Nearby attractions : For a stroll beneath the trees, meander through one of the city’s largest parks, Bosque Chapultepec. Go to Contramar for world famous seafood, and cool off with a scoop of ice cream from Neveria Roxy .

Casa Colonial , Coyoacán

If you’ve traveled to Mexico City to relish in local arts, this home with its striking tilework and artisanal decor accents should do the trick. It’s located on a quiet street and includes a lovely garden with outdoor furniture for long afternoons in the sun. We’re especially keen on the regal entrances and hallways throughout the space, which speak to the building’s colonial aesthetic.

By Philipp Wehsack

By Elise Taylor

By Jenny Berg

The vibe : Tiny jewel box.

The space : 2 bedrooms, 2 baths

Capacity : 4

Notable amenities : Washer, kitchen, garden.

Nearby attractions : Spot the namesake artist’s first self portrait at the Frida Kahlo Museum, enjoy a quiet afternoon on a bench in La Plaza de la Conchita, and explore the 16th century architecture at the Santa Catarina Chapel.

Casa Tepeji , Roma

Situated in the residential Roma Sur neighborhood, this architecturally-stunning property is flooded with natural light and features a patio, terrace, and numerous balconies. The furniture is custom-designed and the owner curated the color palette as a colorful homage to Mexican culture.

The vibe : Vibrant architectural masterpiece.

Capacity : 8

Notable amenities : Washer/dryer, kitchen, terrace, free parking.

Nearby attractions : Spot the nearby Roma filming location and wander around Mercado de Medellin, a one-square-block public market selling fruits, veggies, and fresh bites.

Colorful Designer Apartment , La Condesa

The interiors of this technicolor apartment in La Condesa are the brainchild of two designers and the home is treated like an exhibition, with rotating artwork every three months. The lively palette is a tribute to architect Luis Barragán and guests can enjoy several artistic nooks throughout the space, with the bedrooms rendered in calmer tones for quiet nights.

The vibe : Artists’ dwellings.

The space : 1 bedroom, 1 bath

Capacity : 2

Notable amenities : Kitchen

Nearby attractions : Enjoy a quiet morning in the well-manicured Parque México, step inside the former residence of architect Luis Barragán at Casa Estudio Luis Barragán, and sample Mediterranean cuisine from a wood burning oven at Lardo .

Hidden Gem Terrace , La Condesa

Neutral tones and natural textures come together here to create a peaceful oasis in this terrace apartment in the heart of La Condesa. Mornings can be spent sipping on coffee perched on the tree-lined deck, or inside on the cream-colored sectional. This property is especially well-suited for those who want to cook at home—the kitchen is impressive .

The vibe : Hidden design oasis.

Notable amenities : Washer/dryer, kitchen, elevator, terrace.

Nearby attractions : Sip your morning coffee on a bench in Parque España, savor an order of tacos at El Pescadito, and take a moment to admire Fuente de Cibeles, a stunning replica of the fountain in Madrid bearing the same name.

Pianist 1900s House , Roma

This 1909-era home was built by Gustavo Peñasco and renovated by local architects and interior designers (many of whose showrooms are in the neighborhood). It’s situated in Roma Norte and, echoing the vibrancy of the surrounding streets, strikes a balance between contemporary and classic. (Don’t miss the piano, which dates back to 1901.)

The vibe : Classic bones with contemporary charm.

The space : 3 bedrooms, 2 bath

Notable amenities : Washer/dryer, piano, kitchen, rooftop, bbq grill.

Nearby attractions : People watch at Rio de Janeiro park, nibble on a fresh pastry from Rosetta bakery, and dive into current exhibitions at OMR Gallery.

Bright, Spacious, and Views , Polanco

This property is in ‘Polanquito’ (the heart of Polanco), which is known for narrow streets and town squares lined with luxury shops and restaurants. The views in the apartment are an instant jaw-dropper, but look closer and you’ll also fall in love with thoughtful uses of color, texture, and composition.

The vibe : Sprawling views meet colorful interiors.

The space : 3 bedrooms, 2 baths

Notable amenities : Kitchen, BBQ grill, elevator, balcony.

Nearby attractions : Dine within a renovated Spanish Revival-style mansion at Malix , pop into luxury boutiques along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, and stop by the Niños Heroes Monument in Chapultepec Park.

Poetry Meets Design , Roma

The owner of this apartment hand picked each piece of furniture, textile, plant pot, craft, and lamp to ensure the aesthetic was representative of the Mexican design experience. It would make for an ideal space for a couple’s getaway, or even a remote work sojourn (especially considering the private roof terrace with its dappled light and lounge chairs).

The vibe : Authentic Mexican design.

Notable amenities : Kitchen, private roof terrace.

Nearby attractions : Pick up fresh fruits for breakfast from Mercado de Medellín, catch a film at Cine Tonalá, and sip on mezcal at Montejo , an old world cantina with southeast Mexican cuisine.

Splendid Rooftop Patio , La Condesa

A two-level apartment with a stylish kitchen that can merge with the patio by opening up a glass wall. (Perfect for pre-dinner drinks and snacks, we suspect!) The bedrooms are awash in calming sand tones with dark wood ceiling beams above and the general ambience takes cues from nature. Plus, thanks to the higher occupancy, this would make for the perfect getaway for a group of friends or family.

The vibe : Picturesque open-air kitchen.

The space : 4 bedrooms, 4 baths

Notable amenities : Washer/dryer, kitchen, rooftop terrace.

Nearby attractions : Visit 18th-century Chapultepec Castle at the entrance of Chapultepec park, then fuel up for the day with fuss-free tacos from El Tizoncito.

Mario Pani Design , Cuauhtémoc

Nestled in one of Mexico City’s oldest (and quieter) neighborhoods, Casa Pani was once a private single-family home built by Mario Pani in 1962. Now, guests can book the house and its six rooms (each with bathroom en suite) plus communal indoor lounges, outdoor terraces, and a sculptural swimming pool.

The vibe : Restored architectural gem.

The space : 1 bedrooms, 1 bath

Capacity : 3

Notable amenities : Kitchen, shared backyard.

Nearby attractions : Admire sprawling murals and fascinating galleries at Palacio de Bellas Artes followed by tacos al pastor at Taquería Don Felipe.

Private Terrace , Condesa-Roma

This rental is located on Veracruz street, which is the dividing line between the Roma and La Condesa neighborhoods. The first impression when entering is how dramatic the ceilings are in this double-height apartment, followed up by an appreciation for the plants peppered throughout the neutral-toned space.

The vibe : Soaring ceiling and plenty of plants.

Notable amenities : Dryer, kitchen, doorman.

Nearby attractions : Sample jamón ibérico and pulpo a la plancha at world famous Lardo , enjoy surf and turf cuisine by chef Jair Téllez at Merotoro , and read your book beneath a canopy of trees at Parque España.

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

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How One Family Lost $900,000 in a Timeshare Scam

A mexican drug cartel is targeting seniors and their timeshares..

Hosted by Katrin Bennhold

Produced by Asthaa Chaturvedi and Will Reid

With Clare Toeniskoetter and Lynsea Garrison

Edited by Brendan Klinkenberg and Michael Benoist

Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Rowan Niemisto ,  Dan Powell ,  Pat McCusker and Will Reid

Engineered by Chris Wood

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Warning: this episode contains descriptions of violence.

A massive scam targeting older Americans who own timeshare properties has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars sent to Mexico.

Maria Abi-Habib, an investigative correspondent for The Times, tells the story of a victim who lost everything, and of the criminal group making the scam calls — Jalisco New Generation, one of Mexico’s most violent cartels.

On today’s episode

Maria Abi-Habib , an investigative correspondent for The New York Times based in Mexico City.

Background reading

How a brutal Mexican drug cartel came to target seniors and their timeshares .

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Katrin Bennhold is the Berlin bureau chief. A former Nieman fellow at Harvard University, she previously reported from London and Paris, covering a range of topics from the rise of populism to gender. More about Katrin Bennhold

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