In 2023, Mexico received 42 million international tourists. That made Latin America's second-most populous country the region's most visited tourist destination. Drawn to its superb climate, low cost of living, and world-class food and culture, digital nomads have recently flocked to Mexico City in droves. In fact, InterNations recently ranked CDMX the fifth-best city in the world for expats.
Along with Mexico City, some of the country's most popular tourist destinations include the Pyramids of Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza and the resort cities of Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta. While I wouldn't dissuade anyone from checking out Mexico's stunning beaches or plentiful pyramids, visiting its cities might just be the best way to take in its vibrant culture in 2025.
Merida
Merida is a center of Mayan culture and the capital of Mexico's Yucatan state. Visitors will be captivated by "Pok ta Pok", a traditional Mayan ball game which is played at the city's Plaza Grande each Saturday. Merida also closes off some of its busiest streets to automobile traffic on Sundays as bikers take over the roads from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bike rentals are cheap and a convenient way to explore the city.
As with all of Mexico's regions, the Yucatan has its own traditional cuisine. Dishes like cochinita pibil (roast suckling pig), pavo relleno negro (turkey in black sauce), papadzules (enchiladas in pumpkin seed sauce) are unique and delicious.
Merida can also be used as a base for some popular tourist destinations. Chichen Itza is just 90 minutes away from Merida by car and the Uxmal Archaeological Zone is just over an hour's drive away. Meanwhile, the beach town of Celestun (90 minutes) is well worth a visit to see its flamingos and mangroves.
Puebla
A big city of 1.6 million inhabitants, Puebla is overshadowed by Mexico City, which is just a couple of hours away by car. However, Puebla's contribution to Mexico's national cuisine is undeniable. Mole Poblano and chiles en nogada reign supreme, while first-time visitors should also try regional specialties like chalupas, cemitas, and tacos arabes, which are served in pita bread.
The city's Zocalo, or main square, is a superb place to people watch and there are plenty of beautiful churches to visit in the city. The standout of the bunch is the Templo de Santo Domingo which contains the ornately decorated Rosario chapel. Don't miss the Artist Quarter and stately Palafoxiana Library nor a day trip to nearby Cholula.
In Puebla, there are numerous pedestrian avenues like Callejon de los Sapos and Calle 5 de Mayo. The Battle of Puebla, in which the Mexican Army defeated France on May 5th, 1862, was also the genesis of the Cinco de Mayo holiday. At the Loreto Fort Museum, visitors can learn about the history behind the battle.
Campeche
Campeche is the capital of the Mexican state named after it. A port city on the Yucatan peninsula just a few hours from Merida, Campeche is a solid option for travelers wanting to see a less busy side of Mexico. The city walls, which are the only well-preserved ones in Mexico, are a significant tourist attraction and Campeche has plenty of Spanish colonial architecture.
Visitors can also take a relaxing walk on the waterfront promenade, called the Malecon. Given its location on the Gulf of Mexico, seafood plays a prominent role in Campeche's cuisine. Adventurous travelers can try pan de cazon, which is a casserole made with layered tortillas, beans, tomato sauce and shark or fish meat.
One of Mexico's most underrated archaeological zones, Edzna, is under an hour away from Campeche. To beat the crowds and climb the pyramids, which you can no longer do at Chichen Itza or Teotihuacan, I'd highly recommend visiting earlier in the day.
Xalapa
Xalapa is a laid-back and hilly university city four hours east of Mexico City by car. It has a cooler climate than the other cities on this list and is surrounded by cloud forests and volcanic peaks. While undoubtedly under the radar, Xalapa is the capital of the state of Veracruz.
Tourists flock to the city for the Anthropology Museum, which has the largest collection of Olmec artifacts in the country. I was especially impressed by the various parks in the city, which felt like urban oases. I'd recommend Parque Ecológico Macuiltépetl, which has panoramic views of the city, along with the more central Parque de Los Lagos and Parque Los Tecajetes.
Xalapa is the kind of city that's best explored by wandering around. There are plenty of coffee shops and art galleries to stumble upon. Plus, pickled jalapenos were first commercially sold in Xalapa.
San Cristobal de las Casas
Last but not least, San Cristobal de las Casas is a can't-miss destination in the Southern Mexican state of Chiapas. Visitors going to or coming from the famed Palenque ruins frequently make stops in San Cristobal. It is notable for its indigenous communities and crafts, thriving international food scene, and Spanish colonial aesthetic. The pedestrian-friendly Real de Guadalupe is the center of the action, with the San Cristóbalito and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe churches at either end.
There are plenty of day trips travelers can take from San Cristobal. I had a great time on a boat tour of the picturesque Sumidero Canyon and the nearest pier is just a 50-minute drive from San Cristobal. You can also start the tour from Chiapa de Corzo, which is worth a visit in its own right for the convent of Santo Domingo and Plaza de Armas.
San Juan Chamula is an indigenous community just north of San Cristobal and visitors often head to the San Juan Chamula church, which is like stepping into a time capsule. The community combines indigenous rituals with catholicism and visitors should refrain from taking pictures or videos to be respectful of their customs.