Mexico has some of the most beautiful cities in Latin America: historic centers declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, culinary scenes that compete with the world's best, perfectly preserved colonial architecture, and nightlife that never stops. These are the cities you have to visit.
History
Mexico City was founded by the Aztecs in 1325 as Tenochtitlan — today it is the second largest megalopolis in the Americas. Guadalajara was founded in 1542 and is the birthplace of mariachi, charrería, and tequila. Puebla, founded in 1531, preserves Mexico's largest collection of baroque architecture. Oaxaca and San Cristóbal de las Casas maintain living indigenous communities in their markets and streets. Mérida was founded on the remains of the Maya city T'hó in 1542 and today competes for the title of Mexico's safest city. San Miguel de Allende won Travel + Leisure magazine's award for best city in the world in 2012.
Top 10
The most diverse megalopolis in America. World-class museums, cutting-edge gastronomy, and unique neighborhoods.
Cultural capital of Mexico: birthplace of mariachi, tequila, and lucha libre. Maximum tapatía spirit.
Mexico's culinary capital. Markets, mole negro, artisanal mezcal, and Zapotec art.
Elected best city in the world multiple times. Pink architecture, art, and international community.
The white city. Perfectly preserved historic center, cenotes 20 minutes away, and Maya cuisine.
The City of Angels. Talavera pottery, chiles en nogada, mole poblano, and 365 churches.
The most magical city of the south. Active Maya communities, textiles, amber, and perpetual mist.
The city of the lovers' alley, mummies, and Festival Cervantino. Declared UNESCO World Heritage.
Capital of pink stone. Baroque cathedral, conservatory, monarch butterflies in season.
Mexico's industrial city. Cerro de la Silla, Parque Fundidora, and the best carne asada.
Best dates to visit
CDMX, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are perfect year-round. Oaxaca explodes in November (Día de Muertos) and July (Guelaguetza). San Miguel de Allende has its most vibrant cultural life from October to May. Mérida is delightful from November to February when temperatures cool down. San Cristóbal de las Casas has cool weather year-round.
How to get there
CDMX, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Cancún have the largest airports with direct international connections. Oaxaca, Mérida, and Puebla have frequent flights from CDMX (less than 1 hour). San Miguel de Allende is reached via the Bajío airport (GTO) or by first-class bus from CDMX.
Mexico has some of the most beautiful cities in Latin America: historic centers declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, culinary scenes that compete with the world's best, perfectly preserved colonial a…
