So, you have been following our adventure and really want to visit Mexico, but you are overwhelmed with how much there is to see and don’t know where to go?

Fear not, dear readers, for we have compiled a list of our top 10 favourite cities in Mexico and why we love them. Bear in mind that no matter where in this magnificent country you go, you are sure to find friendly locals, delicious food, and stunning landscapes. Our list focuses on other aspects that make each of these cities stand out.

 

1. Mexico City

If there is one city that is a must-visit in Mexico, it has to be the majestic capital. Mexico City is the largest and most populous city of Mexico, spanning an area close to 1,500 km² and with a population of over 21 million. Yes, this city is BIG and there is a lot to see and do. Mexico City is diverse, lively, modern, and has incredible history and culture. There are plenty of museums for the history buff, numerous malls and markets for the shopaholic, a plethora of eateries for the foodie, and even neighbourhoods for different personalities. Looking for something fancy? Head to Condesa. Want to hang out with the hipsters? Roma Norte is where you need to be. Feeling artsy? Look no further than Coyoacán. No matter what you are in the mood for, Mexico City will never leave you feeling bored or disappointed.

 

2. Guanajuato City

With its cobblestone streets and colourful buildings, it is easy to see why Guanajuato is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Mexico. It is a hilly city with a network of underground tunnels where most of the traffic is directed, leaving the surface with many pedestrian streets for those who enjoy exploring on foot. Guanajuato is not a very big city, but it still has numerous little plazas, churches, and colonial buildings so filling up your time here is not a difficult task to accomplish. Also, did I mention all the colours? You will feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when you visit Guanajuato.

 

3. Taxco

If life in technicolour is blinding you, the pristine white and stone architecture of Taxco might just be what you need. This picturesque city is nestled in the mountains of Sierra Madre and looks like it is straight out of a Disney movie. The faint scent of marigold flowers permeates the city center and the streets are paved with flattened cobblestones, making it easy to navigate on foot. Taxco is heavily associated with the mining and crafting of silver so you will find multiple stores selling silver of excellent quality and competitive prices at every corner. Buying silver here is a fun experience.

 

4. Puebla City

The way I like to describe Puebla is as Guanajuato’s more laid-back younger sibling (even though it was founded 17 years prior) that is just as beautiful and charming in its own right. It is a tranquil city with many unique things to experience, including the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, which is a beautiful library from 1646 that houses numerous unique books and manuscripts from the 15^th to the 20^th centuries, and the Barrio del Artista, which is a neighbourhood that is full of local artists and art stores. The Great Pyramid of Cholula, Tlachihualtepetl, is just a short trip from the city. Puebla is also one of the few places that produces authentic talavera ceramics if you’re looking for a unique souvenir to take back home. If mole poblano is your jam (or sauce), Puebla is where it originated so don’t leave without having some.

 

5. Morelia

Entering Morelia feels like stepping back in time to when there were more horses on the streets than cars. It is different from majority of the cities in Mexico in that it is almost medieval in appearance with its towering stone buildings and matching cobblestone streets. Despite its old-world appearance, Morelia is a vibrant and lively city that never feels boring. It has a young population thanks to the many students that live and study in the city, and it has a night life to match. Great bars and restaurants with live music on weeknights and weekly firework displays are not unusual events in Morelia.

 

6. Guadalajara

Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city. Despite its size, it is laid-back and perfect for those who want to experience tradition and culture in a big and modern city. Guadalajara is beautiful and has no shortage of monuments, markets, restaurants, and music everywhere. The city provides an authentic experience of Mexico and the country’s culture, and is known to host major cultural events such as the International Film Festival and International Book Fair. Don’t forget to have some tequila and listen to live mariachi music when in Guadalajara as it is the city where they both originated.

 

7. San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a warm-hued colonial city that houses a large number of foreigners and is said to have originally been built for relaxing. With its charming facades and tranquil ambiance, it is easy to see why so many people from more developed countries choose to retire here. The cobblestone streets in San Miguel are much more uneven than most cities and, as a result, are harder on the legs and feet so its compact size is a great benefit. The city is also a haven for artists with its numerous art institutes and galleries so you can unleash your inner Frida Kahlo or Diego Rivera. Be sure to check if there are any festivals when you visit as San Miguel is known to host many.

 

8. Campeche City

Don’t worry beach lovers, I have a beach city for you and one that is not overrun by tourists. Unlike the resort cities of Mexico, Campeche has a similar look to the rest of Mexico’s colonial cities and like the resort cities, it is clean and well-maintained. In fact, the city earned the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the state of preservation and the quality of its architecture. The old walls and fortifications that used to protect it from pirate attacks in the 17th and 18th centuries still stand. For those who prefer spending just a small fraction of time staring at the sea, Campeche has numerous stores, restaurants, and monuments and is a short trip from the Mayan ruins of Edzná.

 

9. Oaxaca City

Oaxaca looks like a bigger, less refined, but still beautiful Campeche. The city is a popular destination for both, local and foreign tourists due to its colonial structures, mix of Zapotec and Mixtec cultures, and archaeological sites. The city center is lively and lined with sidewalk cafes; however, sitting outside one of these cafes for a nice beverage and a bite to eat is not as enjoyable an experience as it could be due to the number of aggressive panhandlers and pushy vendors that constantly interrupt. Instead, pay a visit to one of the many closed restaurants that don’t look like much on the outside but, have beautiful interiors and usually with a garden in the center. Chocolate lovers, take a stroll through Mina Street as it smells like chocolate due to the many vendors specializing in the heavenly goodness. Time to get chocolate-wasted!

 

10. Durango City

This one will come as a shocker to many due to all the negative news coverage and no, I didn’t put it here as a joke. Durango is beautiful, vibrant, and very modern. It still has elements of the old-world charm that is found across cities in Mexico but, it is more developed and reminiscent of European cities. Durango has a gorgeous city center with many things to do and see, and a large number of restaurants. Canadians, if you miss home, head on over to Vancouver Wings and have some poutine.