Experiences

Markets

The real center of any Mexican town. Which halls to eat in, which days matter, and how to shop them like you live there.

Central Mexico

Pueblo

Atlixco

Flower nurseries, volcano views, and a big Christmas glow

If nearbyCity

Mexico City

Where nearly every central-Mexico trip begins and half of them end

Must-seeCity

Puebla

UNESCO streets and the region's most serious kitchen

Must-seePueblo

Tepoztlán

Cliff-top pyramid, a famous market, weekend gridlock

Worth it

Baja

City

Ensenada

Cruise-port fish-taco capital and the gateway to the wine valley

Worth it

Pacific Coast

City

Guadalajara

Mariachi, tortas ahogadas and Mexico's second city without the polish

Worth it

Yucatán Peninsula

City

Mérida

Safe, walkable colonial capital and the smartest base in the Yucatán.

Must-see

Southern Mexico

City

Oaxaca City

Colonial capital where the food alone justifies the flight

Must-seeCity

San Cristóbal de las Casas

Highland colonial hub, Chiapas' cultural anchor and best base

Must-seePueblo

San Juan Chamula

Tzotzil town whose church fuses Catholic and Maya ritual

Worth it

Colonial Highlands

Pueblo

Patzcuaro

Purepecha lake town and the home of Day of the Dead

Worth itCity

San Luis Potosi

Low-key mining capital, good food, few crowds

If nearby