What is Mexico Famous For? Top 23 Popular Places & Things in Mexico

Mexico is globally famous for its iconic culture, stunning beaches, ancient ruins and delicious cuisine. There is a lot to explore, from the ruins of Mayan civilisation to the exciting water sports in Los Cabos, and Mexico's special dishes during your trip. It is the birthplace of chocolate, Tequila and Mariachi folk songs.

This country is full of inspiring things to do regardless of whether you choose the East or West Coast. For a great tour plan, you must know what the famous places in Mexico are, and here is a list to help you out.

The following is the list of famous places and top tourist attractions in Mexico:

1. Mayan Riviera

A magnificent coastline resort destination that Mexico is famous for is Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel Island, etc. Collectively known as the Riviera Maya, they make a magnificent landscape stretching along the Gulf of Mexico’s golden coastline.

Despite being crowded, this place will hardly make you feel suffocated because of the stretched beach of the Riviera. This locality always remains action-packed with plenty of delightful activities here.

2. Acapulco

Acapulco is the largest city in Guerrero State and is one of the most famous places in Mexico. Located on a semi-circular bay, this city is known for its traditional architecture found on one side and luxury skyscraper hotels on the other.

Some popular beaches attracting thousands of tourists are Hornos, Papagayo, Icacos, and Tamarindos. You may consider a trip to the Fort of San Diego, which exhibits the architecture of its historic buildings and museums.

3. Copper Canyon

Chihuahua, sharing its boundary with New Mexico in the United States, is one of the top famous places in Mexico.

It is the home to a few breathtaking natural attractions of Copper Canyon. Located in the Sierra Madre Occidental, it features an astounding group of deep canyons. Originating from the Rio Fuerte, six rivers have formed these distinct copper-green-coloured canyon walls.

4. Mexico City

Apart from being the capital of the nation, Mexico City is among the most appreciated travel destinations globally. With a range of world-class museums, cathedrals, and art galleries, it has been certified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Make sure to visit Constitution Square to explore the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and the Aztec remnants of Mexico. Adding to them, the two major volcanic mountains, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, which are over 5000 meters tall, are a must-visit.

5. Ancient Mayan Metropolis

Make sure to make a day’s trip while visiting Cancun, the wonderful Mayan city of this country. This is one of the most famous places in Mexico. It is known for its huge archaeological sites, for which it has been honoured as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

While visiting here, you must explore the gigantic El Castillo, popularly acknowledged as the Pyramid of Kukulkan and the observatory remains of more than 1000-year-old Caracol.

6. Guanajuato

Known as a city of art and independence, Guanajuato is home to several fine art galleries and exciting museums. It was the birthplace of the country’s independence.

One of them, the Museum of Quixote, has been dedicated to the artistic work collections of the prominent writer of Spain, Miguel de Cervantes. It also hosts the most popular International Cervantino festival in Latin America to show respect to the writer.

7. Taxco de Alarcón

Nestled in the southwestern part of Mexico, Taxco de Alarcón is known for its picturesque beauty surrounded by mountain ranges, hills and valleys.

Apart from its charming landscapes and panoramic views, Taxco also features elaborately designed silverware handicrafts and colonial architecture. This unique combination of Taxco makes it one of the most famous places in Mexico.

8. Los Cabos

Situated in the state of Baja California Sur in Mexico, Los Cabos comprises two towns, namely Cabo San Lucas and Cabo San Jose. The towns are bisected by a 20-mile long highway popular in the name of 'The Corridor.’ Cabo San Jose features an old-styled Mexican township with colonial architecture and a serene environment.

On the contrary, Cabo San Lucas, among the most visited tourist destinations in Mexico, features luxury resorts, high-rated restaurants, several golf courses and highly active city life.

9. Cozumel

Lying on the Caribbean Sea of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel Island is the most preferred diving destination in the Western Hemisphere. You can rent your diving gear from the shops spread all over this island.

Although all beaches are fantastic for parasailing and surfing, you can also indulge in other exciting water activities such as glass-bottom boat trips, and deep-sea fishing, and plan for a magnificent ocean cruise. These activities in the Cozumel are one of the most famous things to do in Mexico.

10. Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo

While enjoying tempting long golden-sandy beach resorts in Mexico, having a day’s offbeat trip to one of the many smaller holiday destinations is a great idea. You can choose towns like Ixtapa and its neighbouring beach, and a much smaller village Zihuatanejo lying on the Pacific coast.

Ixtapa has been planned diligently to make it a tourist hub where you can go around its beautiful beaches and streets. Furthermore, you can even rent a boat for a fishing expedition to catch a few fish of your own.

11. Guadalajara

Guadalajara, the capital city of Jalisco state, is one of the most famous places in Mexico for being the cultural hub. It is the place that invented mariachi music and the popular alcoholic drink of this country, Tequila.

It is one of the major centres of art, culture, business, technology and tourism. Most sightseeing tours begin here and let you explore the stunning cathedral of Guadalajara, the UNESCO World Heritage site Templo Expiatorio, and others.

12. Tulum

Located on the Caribbean coast, Tulum is another attractive place that Mexico is known for. It is known for its well-conserved ruins of an old port of a Mayan city and its dazzling beaches.

The main structure of the building is called El Castillo, and it rests on a cliff off a rocky wall just next to the white sandy beach. With a 12-meter-high wall, the site resembles a fortress and appears to protect the historical city.

13. Merida

Also known as the ‘White City’, Merida, the capital city of Yucatan, is acknowledged as one of the most charming old colonial cities of Mexico.

Located centrally, it can be a convenient base from where you can explore the most prominent tourist destinations like the Mayan metropolis, Tulum and Chichen Itza. At every corner of this city, you will experience European influences.

14. Oaxaca

If you want to feel the real taste of Mexico, having a trip to Oaxaca must be on your list of tour plans.

An interesting fact that makes Oaxaca one of the most famous places in Mexico is that it has remained completely untouched despite the fast developments taking place in most tourist destinations.

Besides the ancient architecture boasting native Spanish and Indian elements, it has become popular as a cultural centre.

15. National Museum of Anthropology

The National Museum of Anthropology is undisputedly the nation’s largest and most-visited museum. Situated in Chapultepec Park in Mexico City, the museum features a huge collection of artefacts while exhibiting the pre-Columbian legacy and its relation to the country.

This includes Aztec and Mayan artefacts, namely the famous Stone of the Sun, which boasts the original Aztec calendar.

16. San Ignacio Lagoon

While you will find numerous spots in Mexico to go for electrifying whale watching, San Ignacio Lagoon is simply matchless. Being one of the most famous places in Mexico, it attracts a lot of tourists every year.

Located near the Baja California Sur coast, the lagoon is the winter home to countless grey whales of the Eastern Pacific. During the chilly months, these grey whales arrive here to give birth in the lowest areas of the lagoon.

17. The Historic Centre of Morelia

Established in 1541, Morelia should be high up on your touring list. You can spend a lot of time exploring the incredible layout of the enormous public square, Plaza de Armas, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the way, you will come across many great restaurants, cafes, shopping centres, and statues of legendary personalities.

Apart from its tourist places, Mexico is also famous for some other things like food, bullfighting, scuba diving, and so on:

18. Eating Delicious Food

The amazing recipes and delicious taste of Mexican food are famous all over the globe. A remarkable fact regarding Mexican cuisine is that while Mexicans belonging to its southern parts love vegetables and chicken, those living in the Northern region prefer enjoying pork and beef in their food dishes.

So, do not leave Mexico without trying a few popular and delectable dishes such as Taco, Tacos al pastor, Chilaquiles, Churros etc.

19. Watching a Bullfight

One of the most popular things in Mexico is bullfighting. This country is popular for its great bullfighters and has an abundance of rings. If you want to observe the high-voltage atmosphere of a bullfight event, be there on any Sunday afternoon.

This event takes place at 4 PM, while spectators silently pray for the bullfighter. Even though this game is highly dangerous, it is a popular one.

20. Having Authentic Mexican Chocolate

Mexico is one of the best destinations in the world for enjoying chocolate. In fact, Mexico is the country that gave birth to chocolate! As believed, around 4,000 years ago, the Olmec Indians were the first to harvest magic cocoa, an integral element of chocolate.

21. Scuba Diving

Having coastlines along both the North Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Oceans, Mexico features scuba diving opportunities throughout the year. It is one of the most famous things in Mexico.

Riviera Maya and the small coastline islands of the Yucatan Peninsula are a few famous places. Here you can enjoy the magical beauty of the underwater world, including tropical fish, sharks, turtles and other submerged things.

22. Knowing About the Rich History of Mayan Civilisation

Mexico is globally known for its iconic ancient history. While travelling to Mexico, you will observe the evolution of its Mesoamerican civilisations, including Maya, Olmec, Maya, Aztec and Zapotec, spread all over the country. You will experience this in the temples, pyramids and various other ruins.

23. Mariachi Bands

source: liveabout

When it comes to Mexican culture, another thing that makes Mexico famous is the Mariachi Band and folk music. Traditionally any mariachi group should consist of 4 or more members, and they should wear charro suits while playing a range of guitars as well as brass instruments to produce a melody.

Now that you know the most famous places in Mexico and the things that Mexico is famous for, you can easily plan the schedule of your Mexico trip. However, there are some norms that you must follow while stepping into a foreign nation. Go through them carefully and understand the local culture before getting your backpack ready.