When many people think of Mexico travel, they picture kicking back in a beach chair with a margarita in hand. The great thing about this country is that beach bumming is only one of several awesome things to do in Mexico.

Whether you want that Caribbean getaway, a big city break, an epic outdoor adventure, or just want to dive into the fascinating history and culture, there’s something for you in this diverse country — plus, there really is no bad time to visit Mexico!

This is one of the cheapest countries to travel in the world and also one of the best countries for food.

On one trip to Mexico, you can enjoy world-class scuba diving, climb atop ancient Mayan ruins, explore colourful colonial towns, and indulge in the cuisine.

Best Things to Do in Mexico

With so much going on and so many amazing places to visit in Mexico, it’s a tough task to narrow it down to a compact list. I’ve spent many months living and traveling around Mexico and in this post I’ll share my list of the best things to see and do.

Instead of a standard top 10, we’re giving you 51 awesome things to do in Mexico!

Note: This post has been updated to reflect the current rates, and the best things to see and do in the country. Don’t miss our ultimate travel guide to Mexico to learn about the culture, places to see, top things to do, cuisine, currency and so much more. Enjoy your trip to Mexico.

1. Museum Hop in Mexico City

What better place to start this epic list of things to do in Mexico than in the capital city? Mexico City (or CDMX as it’s commonly known) is often overlooked by travelers, which is a horrible mistake.

We could honestly fill this entire list by covering the capital alone. There really is that much going on in Mexico City.

Did you know that the city is home to more museums than any other city in the world? It’s true! The most popular museum in the city is probably the Frida Kahlo House.

If you want to check out the home of one of Mexico’s most famous and beloved artists, it’s a good idea to purchase your ticket online in advance or just join a tour to skip the huge queue.

Other highlights include the massive Anthropology Museum and even a museum dedicated to tequila and mezcal. Be sure to carve out at least a few days for museum-hopping in Mexico City on your trip.

There are endless things to do in Mexico City, both during the day and in the evening. You’ll never be bored here.

Read More About Mexico City:

• 10 Best Tours in Mexico City
• 25 Top Things To Do in Mexico City
• Our Experience Travelling in Mexico City
• Mexico City Market and Food Tour (review)

2. Experience Day Of The Dead

If you only experience one traditional holiday in Mexico, make sure it’s Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). This festival has a history dating back thousands of years to the Aztecs and is meant to honor the dead.

While the subject of death is usually quite mournful in western culture, it’s exactly the opposite in Mexico. Rather, the Day of the Dead is a very festive celebration meant to celebrate loved ones who have passed and the lives they led.

Families will visit the cemetery to clean and decorate the graves. Some even spend the night and have a little fiesta right there in the graveyard!

As a visitor, your best bet for experiencing Día de Muertos is heading to a place like Mexico City or Oaxaca (it’s one of the best things to do in Oaxaca, and you won’t regret it!).

Thanks to the James Bond film “Spectre” – which featured a Day of the Dead parade before there ever was such a thing – the capital decided to go ahead and give it a try. It’s now an annual occasion and certainly one of the top things to do in Mexico.

3. Go Diving in Cozumel

There are numerous things to do in Cozumel to keep you busy, but the island is regarded as one of the best places to go scuba diving in the western hemisphere.

With crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life, the diving in Cozumel is definitely top-notch. From tiny seahorses to massive eagle rays, there’s a lot to see in the water here.

If you’re not yet scuba certified, this is the perfect place to do it. There are tons of dive shops on the island offering open water courses at very reasonable prices ($375-400). Once you’re ready to go, 2-tank dive trips only cost between $75-90.

For a professional, friendly team, you can’t beat Scuba Tony. We recently did 12 dives with them and highly recommend the company — the dive guides are great, safety is a priority, and the equipment is top-notch.

While there is an airport on Cozumel, most people arrive here via the ferry from Playa del Carmen. Ferries leave basically every hour and only take about 35-40 minutes to reach the island.

Don’t miss our article on how to get from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen — the quickest, and most comfortable option.

4. Be in Awe of Chichen Itza

When it comes to the most famous sights in Mexico, it’s hard to top Chichen Itza.

The ancient Mayan city is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and it attracts millions of visitors every year. A trip here is absolutely one of the best things to do in Mexico.

The highlight of Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kukulkan, which is dedicated to a Mayan feathered serpent god. Often referred to as El Castillo (The Castle), it’s an absolutely incredible sight to behold.

Every year on the spring and autumn equinoxes, a shadow is cast on the pyramid that resembles none other than a serpent. How the Mayans managed to figure this out without any modern technology or equipment is simply mind-boggling.

There’s lots more to see and discover at Chichen Itza, so it’s best to hire a guide to enhance your experience. Click here to learn more and to book a tour.

5. Eat All The Tacos

The most quintessential Mexican dish is without a doubt the taco.

There really is a taco truck on every corner here, and that’s an absolutely wonderful thing. If you think of a taco as a flour tortilla full of ground beef, cheese, and lettuce, you may be surprised when you arrive in Mexico.

Tacos here are typically made with two small corn tortillas. Popular fillings include carne asada (beef), adobada (marinated pork), or chorizo (sausage). On the coast, you’ll also find some amazing fish, shrimp, and even marlin tacos. It’s the bacon of the sea, and it’s delicious.

If you’re visiting Cancun, don’t miss this tasty taco tour which includes lots of food, transport and guide to show you the best places.

If you’re backpacking Mexico on a budget, tacos will most likely be your main food source…and there’s nothing wrong with that! You can diet when you get home, so go ahead and eat all the tacos – it’s one of the best things to do in Mexico.

6. Visit the Pyramids of Teotihuacan (one of the most fascinating things to do in Mexico)

While Chichen Itza may be the most famous among international tourists, there’s another archaeological site in Mexico that receives even more visitors. The ancient city of Teotihuacan welcomed over 4 million visitors last year, making it the most popular archaeological site in the country.

Once upon a time, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the Americas. It’s believed that up to 125,000 people may have called the city home. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best day trips out of Mexico City.

Climb atop the Pyramid of the Sun to take in the views and imagine what it was like during its heyday. Click on the images below to learn more about the tours to Teotihuacan!

7. Swim in a Cenote

A cenote is a natural sinkhole that results from the collapse of a cave ceiling. There are literally thousands of them in the country – mostly in the Yucatan – and a refreshing swim in one is for sure one of the top things to do in Mexico.

Once upon a time, the Mayans used cenotes for sacrificial offerings. These days, you’re more likely to find tourists cooling off from the intense mid-day heat and enjoying a bit of cliff jumping. Find out more about the cenotes in Mexico in our post.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, there are several cenotes that are easily visited on a day-trip.

It’s also possible to go snorkeling and even scuba diving in a cenote. It’s a far different experience from diving in the ocean and one of those unique activities that you should partake in when visiting Mexico. 

For a complete guide to travelling around Playa del Carmen, including the top things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and the best beaches, click here for our travel guide to Playa del Carmen.

8. Party in Guadalajara

As Mexico’s 2nd largest city, Guadalajara always lives in the shadow of the capital.

This Mexican metropolis has a lot going for it though and there are numerous fun things to do in Guadalajara. One of the best things about GDL is definitely the city’s great nightlife.

A popular choice for a night out on the town in Guadalajara is Avenida Chapultepec. There are tons of restaurants, bars, and clubs to choose from here.

On the weekends, the place is bustling with activity as vendors set up a night market. Eat, drink, shop, and dance your way up and down the street to make for an unforgettable night. Check out this super fun pub crawl around Guadalajara.

If you find yourself in nearby Puerto Vallarta, don’t miss the epic nightlife there as well!

9. See Lucha Libre

Whether you like wrestling or not, a night of lucha libre should be high atop your list of things to do in Mexico. Not only is it an important part of Mexican culture, but the high-flying, masked luchadores put on one hell of a show.

The best place to catch an evening of lucha libre is definitely Arena Mexico in the capital. Matches take place on Tuesday and Friday nights, as well as on Sunday afternoons.

For the most raucous atmosphere possible, try to be in the area for the Friday night matches — this is one of the top things to do in Mexico on a Friday.

Learn more about the sport and how you can see the matches in CDMX and Guadalajara in our comprehensive guide to lucha libre in Mexico.

Click here to book a tour to a night of Lucha Libre, including mezcal, food, ringside seating, a Lucha libre mask, transportation, and guide! If you’re looking for fun things to do in Mexico, this is it.

10. Walk the Malecon 

Many coastal cities in Mexico have a malecon, which is an esplanade along the waterfront.

Perhaps the most famous and most beautiful malecons in all of Mexico can be found in Mazatlan, Campeche, Veracruz and Puerto Vallarta. A stroll along the malecon is usually the first order of business for visitors to PV, and for good reason.

In addition to feeling the ocean breeze and seeing palm trees sway, you can also enjoy what’s basically an open-air museum. Walking along the malecon, you’ll spot dozens of sculptures from notable artists.

You may also catch the Danza de Los Voladores (Dance of the Flyers), an ancient Mexican ceremony where men climb a 10-story pole and then spin all the way down.

On the weekends, you’ll usually find some sort of live music or cultural performance going on in the small amphitheater here.

On Sunday nights, in particular, locals gather in the square just across the street to dance and sample the various street food. A stroll along the malecon is one of the top things to do in Puerto Vallarta for sure. 

When planning your trip to Puerto Vallarta, you might be confused about which part of the city you should base yourself in. Lucky for you we’ve put together this epic neighbourhood and accommodation guide to Puerto Vallarta! If you’re wondering where to stay in PV, we have you covered. 

11. Listen to Mariachi

When it comes to music in Mexico, mariachi is king. Mariachi music is believed to have originated in the state of Jalisco and has a history dating back to the 18th century. It was heavily promoted after the Mexican Revolution to help the country establish some sort of national identity.

If you’re looking for traditional things to do in Mexico, one of the best places to listen to mariachi music is Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City.

Bands roam the square in their traditional outfits and can be hired for an on-the-spot serenade. If you really want to dive into this famous style of Mexican music, consider checking out the International Mariachi Festival that takes place in Guadalajara every year.

☞ See Also: Things To Do in Cabo San Lucas – A List of The Top 21

12. Study Spanish

If you’re looking to improve your español, there are few better countries to do so than Mexico. For starters, Mexico has the biggest population of any Spanish-speaking nation, meaning you’ll have 128 million people to practice with.

It’s also easy to find high-quality, affordable Spanish lessons in Mexico. Whether you want to stay in the big city, a colonial town, or right near the beach, you can find a reputable Spanish school to sign up with.

I personally enjoyed taking classes at Spanish School Vallarta and then hitting the beach after class. Other popular places include San Pancho, San Miguel de Allende and Playa del Carmen.

13. Carve Up Some Waves

Surfers have been drawn to Mexico for decades in search of the perfect break. The Pacific coast of Mexico stretches for over 7,000 kilometers and is full of excellent surfing spots for all levels.

This is one of the things to do in Mexico if you’re feeling active. Whether it’s your first day on a board or you’re a pro, there’s a wave for you in Mexico.

While northern Baja California is constantly full of day-trippers from north of the border, there are plenty of lesser-known surfing hot spots along the coast.

A great spot for beginners and intermediate surfers is Sayulita, which is just up the coast from Puerto Vallarta. More advanced surfers may want to head further south to Puerto Escondido for more challenging breaks.

14. Explore a Colonial Town

All across Mexico, you can find beautiful colonial towns. With cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and peaceful tree-lined squares surrounding cathedrals, exploring at least one of these towns is a must when visiting Mexico.

Just a few hours by bus from Mexico City, you can find the gorgeous towns of San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato. Both are very popular with tourists, expats, and retirees alike. Pay either one a visit and you may like it so much that you decide to move there further down the road.

Other great options include San Cristobal de las Casas in the state of Chiapas, or Valladolid in the Yucatan. The former makes a great last stop in Mexico if you’re headed overland to Guatemala, while the latter is very easily visited from Cancun.

15. Celebrate Carnaval

Rio and New Orleans may have the most famous Carnaval bashes, but Mexico knows how to throw down as well. The biggest Carnaval celebrations in Mexico take place in two coastal cities — Mazatlan on the Pacific and Veracruz in the Gulf of Mexico.

Mazatlan has been celebrating Carnaval since 1898, making it the oldest in all of Mexico.

There are several concerts, parades, and even a coronation of a king and queen of Carnaval. It’s a very festive atmosphere and a ton of fun to be a part of, it’s one of the top things to do in Mazatlan.

At night, the party goes hard along the city’s oceanfront malecon. There are several stages set up, where bands play super loud banda music to thousands of revelers.

Grab a liter of margarita (no joke) and join in the massive fiesta. Check out some highlights and get a glimpse of what it looks like in this video. 

16. Experience a Baby Turtle Release

One of the best and most rewarding things to do in Mexico is to experience a baby sea turtle release. Like clockwork, sea turtles return to the beach that they hatched on to lay their own eggs and begin the cycle all over again.

Turtle season lasts between May and November, but the best time to witness the baby turtles hatching is from late August to early October. If you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to assist in the turtle liberation by helping the baby turtles get back to the sea safe from predators.

There are many places to take part in this magical activity, including Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, San Pancho, Isla Mujeres, and Akumal. In Cancun, many of the bigger hotels also participate and have their own programs that you can join.

17. Sample Tequila & Mezcal

Did you know that there’s actually a town called Tequila in Mexico? Well there is, and it’s where the country’s most famous beverage comes from. Tequila is actually a type of mezcal, which is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from agave.

While mezcal can be made from 30 different types of agave, tequila is only made from blue agave.

The best way I can describe the difference is that mezcal has a much smokier flavor. That’s because it’s cooked inside earthen pits that are filled with wood and charcoal before being distilled.

Both are incredibly popular in Mexico, and sampling them is one of the top things to do in Mexico.

Forget about doing shots of tequila with salt and lime, though. That’s for the kids on Spring Break. The real way to drink it is neat, casually sipping it to enjoy the flavor.

Of course, you can always just order a margarita as well! Of all the things to do in Mexico, sampling some tequila and mezcal is a must.

18. Take the Tequila Express

Why just drink tequila when you can take a tequila train? The Tequila Express train runs from the city of Guadalajara to the Herradura distillery, one of the most famous brands of tequila in all of Mexico.

Aboard the Tequila Express, you’ll listen to live mariachi and sample some of the product, of course. You then visit the blue agave fields of the hacienda and take a tour of the distillery, with even more tastings.

This just might be the coolest train ride on the planet! The train usually only operates on the weekends, so be sure to plan in advance if you want to take it.

19. Admire the Art of Diego and Frida

If you’re an art lover, then you’re probably familiar with Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. If not, let me introduce you to them.

They are probably the most legendary Mexican artists ever, and they were actually a married couple for many years. Their art and likenesses seem to be everywhere you look in Mexico even though they both died in the ’50s.

The best place to admire the art of Diego and Frida is in Mexico City.

Here you’ll find some of Rivera’s most famous murals in the National Palace and Museum of Fine Arts, including the controversial Man at the Crossroads. Be sure to look up the story on that painting, as it’s incredibly interesting.

Of course, you’ll also want to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, which is commonly referred to as La Casa Azul (the Blue House).

Amazingly, the famous artist was born and died in this very house. The museum is an excellent tribute to her and her life’s work. Just be prepared to deal with crowds, as it’s one of the most popular things to do in Mexico City.

20. Check Out the Street Art

While Kahlo and Rivera definitely made some timeless art, there are plenty of modern artists in Mexico putting out compelling work as well. You don’t have to go into a museum to see it, either, as the street art scene has absolutely exploded in Mexico lately.

You can find excellent street art all over Mexico, especially in the big cities (there’s also some great art in La Paz). Wander around the central part of Mexico City known as the Zocalo, and you’ll find impressive murals around every corner.

If you’d prefer some company, there are also some great tours you can join to learn more about the art and the people who created it.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out our detailed post about street art in Mexico, which is packed full of awesome pictures. And, if you find yourself in Mexico City, don’t miss this awesome street art tour.

21. Sample Mole

There’s a lot more to eat in Mexico than just tacos.

One of the most common ingredients you’ll find all across Mexico is a sauce called mole. There are many different recipes, but it generally contains fruit, chili peppers, nuts, spices like cinnamon or cumin, and chocolate.

While there are many varieties of mole, the most ubiquitous is mole poblano. The sauce contains over 20 ingredients and is dark thanks to the chocolate and mulato peppers. It’s traditionally served on turkey but is also commonly used with chicken and pork.

Both Puebla and Oaxaca claim to be the originators of mole. Regardless of who made it first, they both make it very well. Be sure to dig in and give some mole dishes a try when you travel to Mexico, it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Oaxaca.

22. Visit the Basilica of Guadalupe

Next to the Vatican, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Catholics. Several million people visit the church just north of Mexico City every year. If you’re visiting CDMX, be sure to take at least half a day to explore the large grounds and the many sights.

There’s actually both a new and an old basilica here.

When the old one started sinking, it was deemed unsafe and was closed. A more modern version was built right next door and is now where they hold services. The old one was reopened, so you can still go inside to check it out.

If you really want to take part in a unique cultural experience, come here around December 12th. This is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe and is the busiest time of the year.

23. Guelaguetza Dance Festival

There are several different cultural festivals in Mexico throughout the years.

One of the best ones is definitely Guelaguetza in the city of Oaxaca. This area is home to many indigenous groups, and they all flock to the city for a few weeks every July for a massive dance festival.

It’s a big celebration of the diversity of Oaxaca and all the unique traditions of the area. This is definitely one of the things to do in Mexico you don’t want to miss.

The main event of the festival takes place on the last two Mondays of July in an auditorium on Fortin Hill.

You’ll need to purchase tickets to attend the event, and they tend to sell out far in advance. If you don’t score tickets, there’s still plenty to do here, including a mezcal festival and many handicrafts markets.

24. Relax in a Temazcal

A temazcal is a traditional sweat lodge that dates back to pre-Hispanic indigenous groups in the Americas. Rather than just sit and sweat, you’re led on a spiritual journey by a shaman. It’s certainly one of the most unique things to do in Mexico.

The 2-hour ceremony is meant to cleanse mind, body, and spirit.

In Mexican culture, it’s been used to heal the sick, purify the body after exertion, and even to help women with childbirth. Sweating it out in a temazcal is becoming more and more popular, and is actually one of the top things to do in Cozumel, Cancun and other touristy areas. Book your temazcal experirence here.

25. Visit a Pueblo Magico

In an effort to encourage tourism to other parts of the country, the Secretariat of Tourism in Mexico designated certain towns as Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Towns).

These towns offer visitors a magical experience through their natural beauty and traditional culture. Wherever you end up in Mexico, you’re probably not too far away from one of these magic towns.

So far, the program has been incredibly successful.

What started out as a list of 32 has grown to 111, reaching all corners of the massive nation. It has encouraged tourism to these towns and allowed local people to improve their standard of living thanks to the new opportunities.

One of the most popular towns is San Cristóbal de las Casas, which is located in the southern state of Chiapas. It’s a beautiful town to explore and there are also several great excursions in the area, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and some really nice botanical gardens.

Another great choice is San Sebastián del Oeste, which is easily visited on a day-trip from Puerto Vallarta.

26. Take a Street Food Tour

Eating street food in a foreign country can be intimidating.

First of all, you might not be able to understand the menu. Secondly, many travelers worry about hygiene and getting sick. Rather than skip out on street food entirely, you can join a tour and actually learn something as you stuff your face!

Street food tours are becoming more and more popular all across Mexico, especially in major tourist areas.

With a local guide, you’ll go around to a few different spots to sample Mexican street food. In addition to the mouth-watering food, you’ll get to learn about the dishes and the people cooking them. It’s certainly one of the tastiest things to do in Mexico!

You’ll find excellent street food tours in Puerto Vallarta, Guanajuato and Mexico City to name a few.

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Best Restaurants in Campeche

27. Ride the Copper Canyon Train

By far one of the most scenic trips you can take in Mexico is the train ride through Copper Canyon.

Known as Barrancas del Cobre in Spanish, this group of six canyons is located in northwest Mexico in the state of Chihuahua. While the Grand Canyon may be located north of the border, this one is actually deeper and bigger.

The best way to explore this natural wonder is on the train known as El Chepe.

This epic railroad goes over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels on its long journey, stopping in many scenic towns. Along the way, you can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more.

There are lots of options for tours of Copper Canyon, and you can even take the train all the way to the coast.

28. Go on a Free Walking Tour (one of the top things to do in Mexico – countrywide)

Free walking tours have really taken off in the past few years. Just about every major city around the world seems to be offering them now.

In Mexico, these free walking tours are also popping up in smaller towns that are popular with tourists, such as Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende.

I personally find the free walking tours to be the best way to get an introduction to a place. You’ll walk around for a few hours with a knowledgeable local guide and get an insight into the history and culture of the destination. Chances are you’ll make some new friends along the way as well.

When doing the free walking tours, just remember that these companies and their guides depend on your generous tips for their livelihood. If you enjoy your tour, a standard tip is about $10 per person.

29. Drink in a Cantina

There are few experiences more authentically Mexican than walking through a swinging door, pulling up a stool, and grabbing a cerveza in a cantina.

Men usually gather here to throw back some beers, have a snack, and play games like dominoes. They’re unpretentious, cheap, and a great opportunity to chat with locals.

While these local watering holes have traditionally been male-only establishments, things are changing slowly and it’s possible to find some cantinas where it’s perfectly fine for women to enter. When in doubt, it’s best to ask someone before going in.

30. Try a Michelada

Speaking of drinking in Mexico, one drink you absolutely have to try is a michelada. It’s basically a Bloody Mary but with beer instead of vodka, and it’s absolutely delicious.

There are many ways to make a michelada, but the key ingredients are beer, lime juice, salt, and some spices.

Many places also add Clamato, which is a tomato-clam juice mix. It sounds gross, but it’s actually pretty good! An ice-cold michelada is a perfect drink on a hot day in Mexico. It also helps with that hangover if you had a rowdy night.

31. Go to a Music Festival at a Resort

Live music aficionados will be thrilled to learn that you can go to music festivals on the beach in Mexico. All-inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya started hosting these kinds of events a few years ago, and these days it seems like there’s one every weekend from December to