Most charming towns in Mexico to visit
Mexico is home to numerous picturesque towns, from historic colonial gems to quaint seaside spots often off the beaten path for many travelers. These cozy towns offer a glimpse into Mexico’s rich culture and history.
Most of these towns boast well-preserved historic buildings built over the centuries.
From colonial-era churches and majestic cathedrals to stately mansions and colorful adobe houses, these architectural buildings reflect the cultural heritage and influences from different historical periods and epochs.
Stroll through narrow charming cobblestone streets filled with quaint cafes, craft shops, and boutiques. The cobbled paths add to the town’s old-world charm and provide a picturesque backdrop for strolls and exploration.
Set amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, these towns offer stunning views. Whether nestled in the mountains, overlooking the ocean, or surrounded by lush countryside, each of these towns boasts its unique landscape.
From colorful festivals and traditional markets to local crafts and culinary delights, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, experiencing everything from folklore and live music to crafts and regional cuisine.
Many of these vibrant towns have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but still fly under the radar of most visitors. If you’re not sure what to visit, you might want to consider one of these charming Mexican towns.
Taxco, Guerrero
Nestled among the lush mountains, Taxco is known as the country’s silver capital. With its winding cobblestone streets and white houses with red tile roofs, Taxco exudes the old-world charm of Mexico’s rich colonial heritage.
Rich in history and tradition, this picturesque city offers a fascinating combination of Spanish colonial architecture and indigenous influences, creating a unique atmosphere that captivates visitors from near and far.
Main attractions in Taxco:
- Santa Prisca Cathedral
- Charming Plazas and Alleyways
- Vibrant Markets
What to eat in Taxco?
Try the local specialty, pozole verde, a hearty hominy soup flavored with aromatic herbs and spices. For dessert, enjoy sweet treats like churros dusted with cinnamon sugar or creamy flan topped with caramel sauce.
How to get there?
From Mexico City, visitors can take a scenic drive along the Autopista del Sol. Additionally, buses depart regularly from Mexico City’s Southern Bus Terminal, offering a convenient and affordable form of transportation.
Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
Located on the Pacific coast, Todos Santos beckons travelers with its bohemian charm and laid-back atmosphere. This eclectic town boasts a vibrant community of artists, surfers, and expats, creating a melting pot of cultures.
With its quaint picturesque streets lined with colorful adobe buildings, swaying palm trees, golden sands, and azure waters, Todos Santos exudes a relaxed vibe that invites visitors to unwind and explore at their own pace.
What to Eat in Todos Santos?
Savor the local specialties like fish tacos, ceviche, and seafood enchiladas, paired with refreshing margaritas or local craft beer. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample traditional Mexican desserts like churros or creamy flan.
How to get there?
From Cabo San Lucas, embark on a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Alternatively, shuttle services and buses are available from Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, providing convenient transportation options.
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Puerto Escondido enchants visitors with its pristine beaches and laid-back ambiance. With its golden sands, turquoise crystal waters, and breathtaking sunsets, this coastal town offers travelers a paradise away from the crowds.
What to do in Puerto Escondido?
- Visit Mercado Benito Juárez
- Surf on Zicatela Beach
- Visit the bioluminescent Laguna de Manialtepec
What to Eat in Puerto Escondido?
Indulge in the rich flavors of Oaxacan cuisine with local delicacies like tlayudas, mole negro, and fresh seafood ceviche. Try a refreshing michelada or mezcal cocktail for an authentic taste of Mexico’s culinary heritage.
How to Get There?
From Oaxaca City, travelers can reach Puerto Escondido via a scenic drive along the coastal highway. Additionally, buses and shuttles depart regularly from Oaxaca City, providing convenient transportation options.
Sayulita, Nayarit
Sayulita embodies the essence of bohemian charm and luxury. This seaside village has transformed from a surf haven to a vibrant cultural hub for travelers seeking sun, surf, and a taste of Mexico’s bohemian spirit.
What to do in Sayulita?
- Relax in a hammock on Sayulita Beach
- Discover the bustling town plaza – the main square
- Get diving lessons at Sayulita Surf School
What to Eat in Sayulita?
Taste fresh seafood tacos and ceviche, grilled fish and shrimp. Wash it all down with a refreshing agua fresca or a tangy margarita. Don’t forget to indulge in Sayulita’s famous street food, from savory tamales to churros.
How to Get There?
Sayulita is just a short drive or bus ride from Puerto Vallarta. Adventure seekers can drive along the scenic coastal route, enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and lush tropical landscapes along the way.
Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosi
Real de Catorce is a relic of Mexico’s mining past. This enigmatic ghost town, once a bustling silver-mining hub, now stands frozen in time, its cobblestone streets and abandoned buildings whispering tales of bygone eras.
Main attractions in Real de Catorce:
- Plaza Hidalgo, the town’s historic central square
- La Parroquia de Immaculada Concepcion
- Tunnel of Ogarrio and silver mines labyrinths
What to Eat in Real de Catorce?
Savor the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with hearty dishes like carne asada tacos, chile rellenos, and savory tamales, served with a side of homemade tortillas and fiery salsas. Wash it all down with a glass of pulque.
How to Get There?
From San Luis Potosi drive through the rugged landscapes of the Catorce Mountains.
Bernal, Queretaro
Bernal welcomes travelers with its timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage.
This picturesque town captivates with its meandering cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and historic 18th- and 19th-century buildings, set against the dramatic backdrop of one of the tallest monoliths in the world.
Main attractions:
- Hike to the Peña de Bernal summit for panoramic views
- Visit local craft shops and artisanal markets
- Visit the Museum of the Mask
What to Eat in San Sebastian Bernal?
Taste traditional dishes like enchiladas queretanas, gorditas de nata, and barbacoa, accompanied by a refreshing glass of local wine or pulque. For dessert, treat yourself to local handmade candies and sweets.
How to Get There?
- From Querétaro City, Bernal is just a short drive away.
- Visitors can also reach Bernal by bus or taxi from Querétaro.
Oaxaca, Oaxaca
Oaxaca City stands as a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and tradition. Surrounded by the mountain range, this colonial gem enchants visitors with its colorful streets, centuries-old architecture, and rich indigenous heritage.
From its bustling markets and lively plazas to its world-renowned cuisine, Oaxaca offers a blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the magic of Mexico’s cultural capital.
Main attractions:
- Explore Oaxaca’s UNESCO-listed historic center
- Marvel at the ornate facades of the Templo de Santo Domingo
- Visit Mercado Benito Juárez
- Visit the ancient Zapotec capital of Monte Albán, perched atop a hill
What to Eat in Oaxaca?
In Oaxaca, the flavors of indigenous ingredients and centuries-old recipes come together to create a symphony of taste and texture. Sample tlayudas, tamales, and mole negro with a refreshing mezcal or tejate.
For dessert, treat yourself to a sweet empanada or ice cream.
How to Get There?
From Mexico City, travelers can reach Oaxaca City by bus, car, or plane, and long-distance buses connecting the two cities. Alternatively, embark on a scenic road trip through the rugged landscapes of southern Mexico.
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a town with timeless beauty and colonial charm. The town enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, and historic architecture, creating a picturesque backdrop for exploration and discovery.
From its courtyards and plazas to its world-class restaurants, San Miguel de Allende offers a captivating mix of old-world elegance and modern sophistication, inviting travelers to experience the magic of Mexico’s cultural capital.
Main Attractions:
- Marvel at the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
- Explore San Miguel’s UNESCO-listed historic center
What to Eat in San Miguel de Allende?
Indulge in the flavors of central Mexico with traditional dishes like enchiladas mineras, chiles en nogada, and pozole, served with a side of handmade tortillas and fiery salsas.
Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or mezcal for an authentic taste of San Miguel’s culinary heritage, and don’t forget to save room for dessert, whether it’s a decadent tres leches cake or a sweet concha from a local bakery.
How to Get There?
From Mexico City, travelers can reach San Miguel de Allende by bus, car, or shuttle.
Alternatively, adventurous souls can embark on a scenic road trip through the picturesque landscapes of central Mexico, enjoying breathtaking views of the countryside along the way.
Patzcuaro, Michoacan
Pátzcuaro enchants visitors with its colonial charm, indigenous heritage, and natural beauty.
This picturesque pueblo mágico (magic town) captivates travelers with its cobblestone streets, red-and-white adobe walls, and centuries-old traditions, creating a timeless haven where past and present converge.
From its bustling markets and historic plazas to its tranquil lakeside promenades, Pátzcuaro offers a captivating glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural tapestry, inviting visitors to explore, discover, and connect with the soul of Michoacán.
Main Attractions:
- Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, the city’s central square
- Admire the colonial architecture
- Marvel at the majestic Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud
- Embark on a scenic boat ride to Isla Janitzio
What to Eat in Pátzcuaro?
Indulge in the flavors of Michoacán with traditional dishes like uchepos (corn tamales), corundas (triangular tamales), and pescado blanco (whitefish), served with a side of rice, beans, and spicy salsa.
Wash it all down with a glass of local charanda (sugar cane spirit) or atole (hot corn drink), and don’t forget to sample the region’s famous artisanal sweets, including candied fruits, tamarind candies, and sugar-coated peanuts.
How to Get There?
From Morelia, travelers can reach Pátzcuaro by bus, taxi, or rental car. Alternatively, adventurous souls can embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque landscapes of Michoacán, enjoying breathtaking views of the countryside along the way.
Let us know if this article was useful for you