Explore this map, I made as the ultimate Mexico guide, to get inspired and discover the places that will become the highlight of your next trip. Many of the places in this map will have helpful booking links and/or links to social media posts with more inside information.
I see all my Guide Maps as perpetual works in progress and will do my best to add to and update them as my knowledge expands.
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Mexico City is the densely populated, high-altitude capital of Mexico. It's known for its Templo Mayor (a 13th-century Aztec temple), the baroque Catedral Metropolitana de México of the Spanish conquistadors and the Palacio Nacional, which houses historic murals by Diego Rivera. All of these are situated in and around the Plaza de la Constitución, the massive main square also known as the Zócalo.
Discover the Old World elegance of the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, an exquisite turn-of-the-century property perfectly located in downtown Mexico City.
In a grand building bordering Zócalo square, this genteel hotel is a 4-minute walk from a metro station and an 11-minute walk from the ornate Palacio de Bellas Artes theater.
"A design-forward boutique hotel with a killer rooftop pool scene, Downtown Mexico recently underwent a major renovation. The chic hotel is set in a renovated palace and is surrounded by Mexico City colonial era homes." -OOO
Wide, tree-lined avenues, stately art nouveau mansions and well-maintained art deco apartment buildings give chic La Condesa a distinctly European vibe. Hipsters walk dogs in shady Parque España and young professionals browse the fashions in cutting-edge boutiques. Stylish sidewalk cafes, trendy international bistros and casual taquerias dot the area. At night, posh bars and clubs fill with a younger crowd.
Once a rural hamlet far outside the city, San Ángel today is a charming neighborhood of cobblestone streets and bougainvillea-covered colonial homes. Sidewalk cafes and upscale restaurants line leafy Plaza San Jacinto, and the 17th-century El Carmen monastery is now a major museum. The area also offers galleries, popular Saturday art markets and the side-by-side homes of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, now a museum.
Built as an aristocratic enclave of 19th-century mansions, Juárez today is a dynamic area that draws both punks and young professionals. The area is home to the Zona Rosa, a gay-friendly district of busy streets, sidewalk bars and lively nightclubs, as well as a thriving Korean immigrant community. Dining options include international fast food and trendy eclectic restaurants, as well as low-key Korean eateries.
This down-to-earth neighborhood is mostly home to middle-class families, though it's seen spillover from hip Condesa on its north end. Off the loud, traffic-filled avenues, children play on tree-lined streets. No-frills taquerías line Avenida José Martí. The area is also home to the classic old-school pulquería La Pirata and traditional cantinas like El León de Oro.
In southern Mexico City, a gritty working-class neighborhood gives way to the famous canals of Xochimilco, the last remnants of a vast water transport system built by the Aztecs. Colorful gondola-like boats take visitors on cruises while food vendors, artisans and mariachi bands float past. The atmosphere is festive, especially on weekends. Tourists can also visit the eerie, purportedly haunted Island of the Dolls.
My favorite coffee shop in Mexico City. Get their signature ‘Chiquitito Cafe’ if you like your coffee sweet. They also have the best chai latte. And if you’re hungry, get one of their sandwiches. The cafe is small (hence the name), but if you can find a table outside, it’s a great place to work or read.
This place is pretty low-key. The lavender chai latte is a must and their pastries are nice and fluffy. They also have a little plant shop in the back.
This place is amazing! So much seating both indoors and outdoors. There’s good internet and a nice ambiance. If you’re hungry, there’s also some light bites.
"This farm to table restaurant is a must-visit in Mexico City. Em is a high-end hotspot that serves decadent Mexican-influenced global cuisine. Book ahead, and be sure to try the spicy chicken and anything topped with mole sauce." -OOO
Oaxaca de Juárez, or simply Oaxaca, is the capital and largest city of the eponymous Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is the municipal seat for the surrounding municipality of Oaxaca.
Mérida, the vibrant capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, has a rich Mayan and colonial heritage. The city’s focal point is Plaza de la Independencia, bordered by the fortresslike Mérida Cathedral and white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, both colonial-era churches built using relics from ancient Mayan temples. The Casa de Montejo, a 16th-century mansion, is a landmark of colonial plateresque architecture.
Cancún, a Mexican city on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea, is known for its beaches, numerous resorts and nightlife. It’s composed of 2 distinct areas: the more traditional downtown area, El Centro, and Zona Hotelera, a long, beachfront strip of high-rise hotels, nightclubs, shops and restaurants. Cancun is also a famed destination for students during universities’ spring break period.
Tulum is a town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It’s known for its beaches and well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city. The main building is a large stone structure called El Castillo (castle), perched on a rocky cliff above the white sand beach and turquoise sea. Near the ruins is the Parque Nacional Tulum, a coastal area with mangroves and cenotes (natural limestone sinkholes).
In a forested areas overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this upscale beachfront hotel is 13 km from the Gran Cenote sinkhole and 89 km from Cozumel International Airport.
In a complex of buildings inspired by Mexican artists, this upscale all-inclusive hotel along a Caribbean Sea beach is within 3 km of a collection of sister theme parks. It's 11 km from Playa del Carmen International Airport.
Underwater cave system popular for snorkeling & cave diving, plus wildlife viewing. "One of the best cenotes sites in Tulum, and there are many. This one is often recommended by locals and features multiple cenotes (underwater sinkholes) as part of a larger cave system. It's aa beatiful spot for swimming and snorkeling. Go with a guide." -OOO
$$$$ "Skip the dinner experience and go to Bagatelle for the beach club. This is a beach club for partying, not relaxing, FYI. The service is elevated and the space is beautifully edited and more modern than typical Tulum spots." -OOO
"Mía is the best beach club in Tulum, a place that is characterized by its bohemian and relaxed atmosphere. It is surrounded by coconut palms and white sand dunes, which harmoniously combines the turquoise sea, a restaurant with international signature cuisine and the best beach club for electronic parties." -Mia
Nestled in the jungle in Tulum, WILD pays tribute to the diverse landscape of the Mexican Caribbean. A fusion of traditional mayan craftsmanship with rustic elements alongside modern elegant and abstract influences.
WILD features an international menu with a Mexican twist by Executive Chef Norman Fenton, using fresh produce and ingredients from local producers, featuring a variety of meats, seafood, and local vegetables. Our signature WILD cocktails are a delicious accompaniment to our cuisine.
A fine-dining tribute to Mexico's roots, ancient ingredients, and cooking techniques. Created by our Chef Luis Escamilla, the menu recovers flavors and dishes from all over the country, from the Baja California desert to the Yucatan peninsula.
$$ "A foodie mecca in Tulum, known for its no-frills inland setting and amazing tacos. The street-style tacos are less than $1 each and the shop is open 6am to 3pm. Get the cochinita pibil and carne asada ones when you go." -OOO
"Modern Mexican in a jungle setting, Arca brings the party vibes and also authentic cuisine. The micro-seasonal restaurant focuses on open-fire cooking, and the jungle courtyard is a total vibe." -OOO
$$ We are 100% plant-based, free of refined sugar, dairy, preservatives, and we don't use any animal products. - with the exception of honey
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Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, in Jalisco state. It is known for its beaches, water sports and nightlife scene. Its cobblestone center is home to the ornate Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church, boutique shops and a range of restaurants and bars. El Malecón is a beachside promenade with contemporary sculptures, as well as bars, lounges and nightclubs.
Cabo San Lucas, a resort city on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, is known for its beaches, water-based activities and nightlife. Playa El Médano is Cabo’s main beach, with outdoor restaurants and numerous bars. Past the marina is Land's End promontory, site of Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach) and El Arco, a natural archway in the seacliffs.