Central Mexico attractions

Explore the underground wonderland of one of the world’s largest cave systems at Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park, located in the south of the Sierra Madre mountains. The caves comprise more than 90 chambers, some with ceilings that tower more than 230 feet (70 meters) overhead, and are just a 45-minute drive from the silver city of Taxco.

The village of San Andrés Mixquic, on the outskirts of Mexico City, is one of the best places in Mexico to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Every year in late October and early November, travelers make the long journey from Mexico City to the rolling hills of an otherwise quiet countryside to experience this truly unique cultural festival.

Keeping guard over the Port of Veracruz since the 16th century, the imposing San Juan de Ulúa Fortress was once one of the most important strongholds of the Spanish Empire in the Americas. Now preserved as a national historic monument; the long-abandoned fortress stands testament to the city’s colonial past.

At a cool elevation of 4,000 feet (1,220 meters), the Veracruz uplands have the perfect climate for growing Mexican coffee. At the Coatepec Coffee Museum, you can learn about some of the secrets behind Veracruz’s coffee, from its rich history in this part of Mexico to its production. Plus, you can taste coffee samples and take some local beans home with you.

One of Mexico’s lesser-visited archaeological ruins, Quiahuiztlán offers a quieter alternative to similar Totonac sites such as El Tajín or Cempoala. Highlights include commanding views over the Gulf of Mexico, numerous tombs, and the remains of both pyramids and a ball court.

Taking its name—which translates as “the place of twenty waters”—from the aqueducts and irrigation systems that fed its fertile farmlands; Cempoala was once one of the region’s most important pre-Columbian cities. Inhabited by the Totonac, Zapotec, and Chinantecas people, the scattered ruins date back to 1200 AD.

Impressively preserved and brightly colored colonial architecture characterizes downtown Tlacotalpan, a UNESCO-recognized former river port city. Highlights include the whitewashed San Cristóbal Church, the salmon-pink Church of the Candelaria, and the striking riverside sunsets.

Home to pieces by major 20th-century Mexican artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Rufino Tamayo, the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) is a circular, domed building with a wealth of mainly post-1930 Mexican art. Here, explore permanent exhibits, the on-site sculpture garden, and regularly rotated temporary exhibitions in the heart of Chapultepec Park.

The largest city in the state of the same name, Querétaro is a charming and often overlooked colonial city that’s easy to access from the Mexican capital. Ideal for visitors looking to escape the crowds, once there you can explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; admire the 18th-century Querétaro Aqueduct; and browse for arts and crafts.

While best known for vanilla production, proximity to the El Tajín ruins, and views of the striking Sierra Papanteca mountains, Papantla is also an attractive pueblo mágico (magic town) with a rich indigenous culture. Here, learn about the Totonac people at the Takilhsukut Theme Park and catch a live "Danza de los Voladores" performance.

Home to the largest collection of decorative art in Latin America, the Franz Mayer Museum (Museo Franz Mayer) houses a predominantly Mexican collection of artefacts and artworks that spans six centuries. In this converted 16th-century former hospital, explore the library and permanent exhibits of Mayer’s private collections, as well as garments, jewelry, and folk-art pieces donated by other collectors and creatives.

Stretching along the shores of Veracruz harbor, Veracruz Pier (Malecon offers stellar views across the water to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress, and a place for locals and travelers to congregate. The scenic seafront promenade serves as a tourist attraction, recreational area, and marketplace all rolled into one— it’s always buzzing with activity.

Located in the historical heart of Mexico City, the National Museum of Art (Museo Nacional de Arte) houses an extensive collection of Mexican artwork from the 16th century to the 20th, including early paintings by Diego Rivera and landscapes by Velasco. While the permanent collection is impressive, temporary exhibits are often also worth the trip.

Pay homage to Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky at the Leon Trotsky Museum (Museo Leon Trotsky), the Coyoacán home-turned-museum in which he briefly lived and was ultimately assassinated. Now dedicated to educating visitors about political asylum, you can also see the study where he was murdered, learn about his life, explore temporary art exhibits, and more.

Descend into the subterranean world of Mexico’s largest aquarium at Inbursa Aquarium (Acuario Inbursa), which opened in 2014. Throughout 48 themed exhibits, visitors can marvel over close to 15,000 marine animals, including penguins, axolotls, sharks, and stingrays; snap selfies with manta rays; watch jellyfish "dance"; and more during a fun and family-friendly day out.

Named in honor of philanthropist and collector Dolores Olmedo, this museum in Mexico City’s Xochimilco suburb houses a collection of more than 130 original works by Mexican painter and muralist Diego Rivera. Paintings by Frida Kahlo and Rivera’s first wife, Angelina Beloff, also line the halls of the 16th-century building.

Wonder at the more than 250 native and international species, spread across 10 exhibitions and ranging from ethereal jellyfish to salt-water sharks and even penguins, at the Veracruz Aquarium (Acuario de Veracruz). Considered one of the largest aquariums in Latin America, it's focused on marine conservation and education.

Created by a volcanic eruption millennia ago, Lake Catemaco (Laguna Catemaco) is best known for its non-native population of Stumptail Macaque monkeys. Take a boat to Monkey Island or get spiritual during the annual Witchcraft Festival, before using the lake as a jumping-off point for exploration of the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve.

One of the most important contemporary art museums in Mexico City, much of the Tamayo Museum’s permanent collection was personally collected and curated by Oaxacan artist Rufino Tamayo. A must-visit for art fans in Mexico City, Tamayo Museum is now home to a continent-spanning collection of artworks, from artists such as Picasso and Miró, as well as several temporary exhibits.

At the heart of one of Mexico City’s most chaotic thoroughfares, the glass-roofed Reforma 222 shopping mall offers air-conditioned respite from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city. Across four floors, visitors can browse stores, grab lunch, catch a film, or workout at the on-site gym.

Head up to the 45th floor of Mexico City’s World Trade Center for near-exclusive panoramic views from Mirador Giratorio, the only revolving lookout in the country. Then round out a romantic, relaxing vacation by dining in style at Bellini, the lookout’s eclectic restaurant.

Mexico City’s Memory and Tolerance Museum (Museo Memoria y Tolerancia) examines the impact of indifference, discrimination, and global violence through eye-opening exhibits. This groundbreaking museum is divided into two major sections—aptly named Memory and Tolerance—that illustrate the international struggle between harm and hope.

Opened in 2006 to popularize and preserve Mexico’s artisan heritage, the Popular Art Museum is a principal attraction for both casual travelers and avid art fans alike. Inside the striking art deco building, visitors seealebrijes (fantastical wooden figurines), piñatas, pottery from across the country, handblown glassware, and more.

One of the oldest churches in Mexico City, the 16th-century San Juan Bautista Church (Parroquia de San Juan Bautista) is a marvellous example of New Spanish baroque. Beyond the unassuming whitewashed facade, visitors can attend weekly services, relax in the courtyard, or simply marvel over the lavishly reconstructed interior, dominated by intricate frescoes and gilded detailing.

One of the oldest buildings in Mexico City, the 17th-century Museum of El Carmen is home to dozens of religious artworks, including paintings by Miguel Cabrera, as well as a permanent exhibit about the Carmelite order. However, this former monastery is perhaps most notable for the dozen-strong collection of mummified corpses in the crypt.

Once the largest stadium in Mexico, Estadio Olímpico Universitario was built for the Pan American games in 1955. While it’s now the second-biggest stadium in the country, the sporting venue is one of the world’s only UNESCO World Heritage-listed stadiums, thanks to being part of the Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).

Design and function come together at the futuristic Vasconcelos Library (Biblioteca Vasconcelos) in Mexico City’s Buenavista neighborhood. In this vast building with glass panels, geometric balconies, and suspended sculptures such as Gabriel Orozco’s Ballena, the stark and industrial design is as interesting as the books within.

A small network of canals south of sprawling Mexico City, the UNESCO-listed Floating Gardens of Xochimilco offer a glimpse into the area’s pre-Hispanic past. Brightly colored, gondola-style boats (trajineras) navigate these waterways and artificial islands constructed by the Aztecs, while mariachi bands play live music on board many of the vessels.

Spread over at least half a dozen blocks, the streetside La Lagunilla Market is a Sunday-only tianguis (flea market), where curious visitors can browse for vintage household wares, camp knick-knacks, and antique furniture. A favorite among locals and travelers alike, La Lagunilla Market is a quirky spot to pick up a one-of-a-kind Mexico City souvenir.

Formerly known as Estadio Azul due to being the home of the Cruz Azul soccer team, Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes is a 36,000-seater stadium in Mexico City. Now home to Atlante Football Club, the sporting venue hosts high-octane matches throughout the soccer season.