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Mexico is a proper must-see travel destination combining history and a rich modern culture, with the food and partying up there with anywhere in the world. Still, there’s more to a trip to Mexico than tequila and Mariachi bands. The Aztec and Mayan ruins that dot the landscape are still truly awe-inspiring sights. Check out our travel guide for advice on how to tour Mexico like a boss.
From epic mountains to buzzing Monterrey nightlife, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, there’s a lot to see in Mexico. It’s hard to pack everything in to one trip, so here are our top recommendations.
The legendary Día de Muertos celebration is a spectacularly colourful festival that has consistently been voted the best festival in the world. Fiestas are held countrywide, but if you want a memorable night out in Mexico City, the capital’s Day of the Dead celebrations is the Big Kahuna.
For more information on Day of the Dead, click here.
Head west to the Jalisco region for the most noted of the festivals in Guadalajara. A vibrant hub of contemporary arts, the city hosts a month-long roster of celebrations that features music from world class rock outfits, art exhibitions, food alongside much, much more.
For more information on the Fiestas de Octubre, click here.
It might not be Cannes, but this top quality event showcases the best in Mexican film. Celebrated for the diversity of themes and subjects, this festival is a great glimpse into modern Mexico and it’s influence on contemporary international arts culture.
For more information on the Morelia International Film Festival, click here.
Named after the whimsical 17th century Spanish author, this October event is held in the hip colonial city of Guanajuato. Visitors to the area around this time can expect to get stuck into a wealth of dance, theatre, literature and visual art expos.
For more information on Festival Internacional Cervantino, click here.
Another essential date for your calendar, 16th September sees the entire country down tools amid ceremonial celebrations take mark Independence Day. It’s a cacophony of traditional Mexican food, music and fireworks to celebrate the beginnings of Mexico as we know it today, and the patriotic locals get well stuck in.
Boy, do these guys know how to celebrate. Dozens of religious and public holidays offer plenty of fiesta opportunities, and there’s a healthy contemporary arts scene too. We hope you’re ready to party… better pack that Alka Seltzer.
Dolores Olmedo’s home in Xochimlico in Mexico City was adapted into a museum after her death. An ardent collector of Mexican art – from oil paintings, to sculpture and even crockery – you know where to go in Mexico City for an authentic flavour of the country’s creativity.
Even among the surplus of tourist attractions in Mexico City, this museum stands out. It is dedicated to Mexico’s pre-Colombian Mayan and Aztec heritage, with exhibits that tell the full story of these highly civilised ancient cultures.
For more information on the National Museum of Anthropology, click here.
Four metres under the sea off the glistening coast of Cancun is an unusual place to find a museum, but that’s where you’ll find 500 sculptures that are slowly evolving into a beautiful artificial reef. Grab a mask or your PADI qualification to get really up close and personal to this eerie and beautiful installation.
For more information on the Cancun Underwater Museum, click here.
With the highest visitor attendance of all the attractions in Mexico City, Museo Soumaya is a true sight to behold. The extraordinary building in Plaza Carso looks like a ship’s funnel and houses around well over 60,000 works of international art.
For more information on the Museo Soumaya, click here.
Exploring Mexico’s art scene wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Casa Azul, the blue house where the legendary Mexican artist lived out her entire life. Now a museum featuring her work and day-to-day possessions, it’s a must on any what to do in Mexico City list.
With such a colourful and culturally dynamic history, Mexico is chock full of heritage centres and museums. We think these are the best of a great bunch.
One of the biggest attractions in Puebla is the food. Try these ‘Arab tacos’, a famous Puebla food. Flour tortillas are stuffed with spiced rotisserie meat, like a kebab, and zinged up with limejuice and salsa. Delicious.
Best eaten at
Las Ranas, 2 Poniente # 102, Puebla
Similar to nachos, chilaquiles are made with strips of corn tortilla, not chips. Meats add even more flavour to the delicious salsa, cheese and sour cream combo. A proper favourite food in Mexico.
Best eaten at
Eno, Francisco Petrarca 258, Esq. Horacio | Polanco, Mexico City
This traditional Mexican stew made from hominy corn is prepared in a variety of ways. Meat, such as chicken, is the usual ingredient but meat-free versions are widely available, making this tasty dish a great option for veggies.
Best eaten at
El Pozole de Moctezuma, Moctezuma 12-E, Colonia Guerrero, Mexico City
The essential in Mexico street food, this is corn on the cob like you’ve never had it before. It’s the perfect snack during your Mexico travel mission.
Best eaten at
You’ll find stalls and vendors all over Mexico – this is food on the go.
There’s no better way to satisfy your sweet tooth than a few of these delectable fried dough treats. Eat on their own as a dessert with melted chocolate, or dip one in your morning coffee for a satisfying pick-me-up.
Best eaten at
El Moro, Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas 42, Mexico City
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