Must-see places in Mexico

Mexico Essentials

Mexico’s architectural and natural history spans millennia, from the monumental Mayan pyramids of Chichén Itzá and the massive Teotihuacán complex to the Aztec ruins of Templo Mayor in Mexico City. This selection highlights world-renowned institutions like the National Museum of Anthropology and the Museo Soumaya, alongside colonial landmarks such as the neo-Gothic Parroquia in San Miguel de Allende. Diverse landscapes are represented by the seaside ruins of Tulum, the travertine rock formations of Hierve el Agua, and the traditional Aztec-era canals of Xochimilco.

Mexico Essentials — Map

ATSZ56 / Public domain

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Temple of Kukulcan

El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan is a Mesoamerican step-pyramid that dominates the center of the Chichen Itza…

AlejandroLinaresGarcia / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located in a sub-valley of the Valley of Mexico, which is located in the State of Mexico, 40…

kornemuz / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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National Museum of Anthropology

The National Museum of Anthropology is a national museum of Mexico. It is the largest and most visited museum in Mexico.

Kcreamersh1 / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Tulum

Walk through the impressive ruins of this seaside Mayan city. Most of it was built in the 14th century, however the buildings are still well…

Antony Stanley / CC BY-SA 2.0

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Zócalo

Historic central square dating back to the Aztec era, serving as a cultural, political, and social gathering place with significant surrounding landmarks.

Jeses / CC BY-SA 2.5

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Palace of Fine Arts

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is a prominent cultural center in Mexico City.

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Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe, officially called Insigne y Nacional Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe is a basilica of the…

Jflo23 / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

A popular spot for tourists and locals alike, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco are settled in canals that were left here by the Aztecs…

lion05 / CC BY 2.0

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Chapultepec Castle

Chapultepec Castle is located on top of Chapultepec Hill in Mexico City's Chapultepec park.

Dmadeo / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Ik Kil

Ik Kil is a cenote outside Pisté in the Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán, Mexico.

Jptellezgiron / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Independence Column

The Angel of Independence, most commonly known by the shortened name El Ángel and officially known as Monumento a la Independencia, is a…

Thelmadatter / Public domain

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Templo Mayor

The Templo Mayor was the main temple of the Mexica people in their capital city of Tenochtitlan, which is now Mexico City.

Luis Enrique Moreno / CC BY-SA 4.0

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St. Michael the Archangel Church

The neo-Gothic gem adorns the city - and stands out from the distance. Distinctly beautiful, with many details to behold.

eclecctica / CC BY 2.0

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Soumaya Museum

The Museo Soumaya is a private museum in Mexico City and a non-profit cultural institution with two museum buildings in Mexico City — Plaza…

AlejandroLinaresGarcia / GFDL

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Hierve el Agua

Hierve el Agua is a set of natural travertine rock formations in San Lorenzo Albarradas, Oaxaca, Mexico that resemble cascades of water.

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Editor's Choice: Mexico Mexico's Hidden Gems Ancient Archaeological Sites Top Museums & Art Centers Historic Churches of Mexico Mexico's Natural Wonders Mexico's Best Beaches & Resorts Mexico's Best Parks & Nature