Oaxaca is a city of colorful buildings, scenic rooftop restaurants and bars, ornate murals and street art, historic colonial churches, and picturesque parks. It’s also one of the gastronomic centers of Mexico and a hub for mezcal. 

As you plan your own visit to Oaxaca, this travel guide will help you see the best sites, do the best activities, and eat at the best restaurants.

Things to Do in Oaxaca

1. Wander the historic downtown

This is the perfect place to explore iconic landmarks like the Zócalo (the plaza in front of the National Palace), the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, and the Santo Domingo Cultural Center.

Spend some time wandering to take in the vibrant colors and historic architecture of all the buildings.

2. Explore Mercado 20 de Noviembre

This covered market, one of the biggest in town, is home to all kinds of delicious street food as well as local produce. Be sure to try some of the amazing grilled meats here (a local favorite).

3. See Monte Albán

The pre-Columbian UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte Albán, located just 15-minutes outside Oaxaca city, was founded in the sixth century BCE.

The must-see historical and archaeological attraction is one of the top places to visit in Oaxaca and full of ancient Zapotec pyramids that span several miles. Be sure to get a guide, since there’s not any signage here. 

4. Try a street-stall hamberguesa

The hamberguesa is a delicious, must-eat meal here. I know it’s weird to suggest “eating a hamburger,” but this a quintessential Oaxacan invention (meaning it’s not made for tourists) and is more than just a burger.

It’s a burger topped with a hot dog, sliced cheese, Oaxaca cheese, ham, pineapple, lettuce, tomato, and jalapeño! Cangreburguer near Santo Domingo sells one of the best.

5. Learn about Mezcal

Oaxaca is the main center of mezcal production in the world. If you want to learn more about this popular drink, Rambling Spirits runs the best tours in Oaxaca. Its guides have deep knowledge and good connections, so they can take you to places the bigger tours can’t. 

Additionally, you can pop into one of the many Mezcalerías in town to learn more. My favorites are Los Amantes Mezcalería, Mezcalogia, Tres Hermanas, Mezcalería In Situ, and Comere.

6. See the Templo de Santo Domingo

This Baroque Roman Catholic church was started in 1572, though it wasn’t completed until 1731. Originally used as a Dominican church and monastery, Temple de Santo Domingo was transformed into a museum in the 1970s.

It is now home to all kinds of religious and pre-Columbian artifacts, including famous ones from Tomb 7, which had the most intact Zapotec artifacts ever found. It is one of the best attractions in Oaxaca. You’ll learn a lot. 

7. Wander the Botanical Garden

These gardens span over two acres and feature plants from across the state (Oaxaca is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the country).

Self-guided tours are not allowed, so you’ll need to go with a guide. There is only one English tour available per day, so get there early as it is first come, first served.

8. Take a food tour

One of the best ways to get a sense of the local food scene is to take a guided food tour. I highly recommend doing one here since Oaxaca is such a center for gastronomy, with one of the most diverse selections of dishes in Mexico.

Oaxaca Eats runs several tours; you’ll get to sample 20+ dishes depending on the tour. I like its tours the best, because they go to some unique spots.

 9. Meander the Sunday market

Mercado Tlacolula is one of the most popular markets in the region. It’s essentially been in operation for centuries and is a good place to buy local crafts, produce, food, and everything in between.

It’s located 45-minutes outside town, so you’ll need to drive there or take the bus, but it’s absolutely worth the journey. 

10. Celebrate Day of the Dead

Día de Los Muertos is a big celebration in Mexico. Locals paint their faces, visit cemeteries, and give offerings to honor the dead.

Oaxaca hosts one of the biggest festivals in the country, and there are tons of events and parades throughout. It’s an incredible experience. 

Best Restaurants in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is considered one of the gastronomic centers of Mexico. There’s a lot of incredible food here. Here are some of my favorite restaurants: 

• Los Danzantes – This is the best restaurant in all of Oaxaca, serving a modern take on Oaxacan food in a beautiful courtyard. You have to eat here. Try the tuna tostados and the mole platter. 
• Las Quince Letras – A traditional Oaxacan restaurant serving incredible mole. 
• Casa Taviche – This restaurant changes its menu depending on what is in season, but it’s consistently good food. 
• Boulenc – A bakery and brunch spot with excellent breads, pizzas, and sandwiches. Get there early, because there is always a line. 
• Taquería El Padrino – This food truck in El Llano Park has some of the best tacos in town. 
• Tastavins – This inexpensive place serves cheap tapas and Italian food along with great wine. The more wine you drink, the bigger your tapas get. It’s got a good vibe and is really popular.

In summary

Oaxaca is an incredible destination. It’s a vibrant place and full of life, like street parades and vendors and music in the park every day of the week. If you love food, history, and mezcal, then you have to visit. Even if you don’t, a journey here will make you love all three. 

For the best places to stay in Oaxaca, check out this post on the best hostels in Oaxaca if you’re looking for somewhere cheap.

Just like any major city around the world, there are areas that should be avoided, but if you stay on the tourist trail, you’ll quickly see that there are lots of things to do in Mexico City. 

CDMX, or Ciudad de México, is full of unbeatable food, charming tree-shaded streets, world-class museums, friendly locals, beautiful architecture, historical monuments, and a surprising amount of green space.

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City but you’re not sure what to do, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

In this guide, we’re sharing more than just the attractions in Mexico City, we’ve also picked the best food stops, places to stay, and shared our Mexico City travel tips from our personal experience of the city.

Whether you have 3 days in Mexico City or an entire week, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to CDMX!

Things to Do in Mexico City

Are you ready to explore Mexico City and find out the top attractions and things to do?

1. Take a Free Walking Tour

Looking for free things to do in Mexico City? We typically do a free walking tour on our first day in a new place so we get acquainted with the city.

Not only will you see some of the top Mexico City attractions, but you’ll also hear inside stories and tips from locals. And it’s a great time to ask your tour guide for their recommendations for the best restaurants and places to see.

This city is the largest city in Mexico, and there’s no way one walking tour could cover all the major sights.

But there are a handful of different free walking tours you can take like the Historic Downtown, Coyoacan neighborhood, and one that claims to show you the “real Mexico City”.

Read through all the free walking tour descriptions and find one that suits you.

2. Wander the Markets

Visiting local markets is one of the best ways to get a glimpse into the culture no matter where in the world you’re traveling.

You’ll see what ingredients are used in the country’s cuisine and you’ll see locals running errands, getting a peek into their everyday lives. Plus, markets are often one of the best places to sample street food!

Lucky for you, Mexico has a huge array of markets – ranging from those selling souvenirs to those only locals frequent.

Here are some of the best markets to check out when visiting Mexico City:

• Mercado de San Juan: With everything from locally-grown produce to imported European meats, the Mercado de San Juan is a treat for all sense. Wander past stalls selling fresh fish from the coasts and those selling exotic meats like crocodile, scorpion, and iguana. This centrally located market also has food vendors, so you can sample the local flavors.
• Coyoacan Market: with produce and food vendors, this market is a good stop to grab a fresh juice and taste the namesake Tostadas de Coyoacan to fuel up while exploring this beautiful neighborhood.
• Mercado de Artesanal Mexicano: If you want to bring home some souvenirs, this market will deliver an assortment of handicrafts, pottery, clothing, and textiles. Just make sure you walk through once to see all the vendors before buying anything.
• Sonora Market: Sometimes referred to as the “witch market”, you’ll find an interesting assortment of crystals, incense, tarot cards, and idols, as well as tons of cheap plastic toys and party decorations. While exploring this maze of a market, you’ll realize the patrons are almost all locals and there’s hardly a gringo in sight.

3. Rent a Bicycle

CDMX is the largest city in Mexico but a very bike-friendly city.

With affordable rental stations on just about every block in the city’s center as well as dedicated bike lanes on the major roads, getting around by bicycle is not only easy and cheap but one of the fun things to do in Mexico City.

You’ll get some exercise in, see parts of the city you might otherwise miss, and you’ll be surrounded by locals riding their bikes to work and around town.

If you happen to be here on a Sunday, be sure to ride your bike over to Paseo de la Reforma.

This is typically one of the most congested streets in CDMX, but it is closed to all motorized vehicles every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You’ll see hundreds, if not thousands, of locals and tourists alike taking over the street on bikes, rollerblades, and on foot.

This government-backed initiative is meant to encourage residents to lead a more active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for an area to bike around, Roma Norte is a popular place. It has lots of outdoor spaces and parks, and it’s known as the “culinary capital” of Mexico City.

You can ride around and stop off at hipster cafes and restaurants set in refurbished mansions or at one of the street food stalls.

4. Bike around Bosque de Chapultepec Park

Just shy of 1,700 acres, the famed Chapultepec Park is one of the largest parks in the Western Hemisphere. Yes, that means it’s bigger than New York City’s Central Park!

Renting a bicycle is the best way to explore this outdoor space that encompasses a lake, forest, 3 Mexico City museums, and even a zoo.

Meander past street vendors selling snacks and balloons, and find a peaceful spot near the water to take a break and see families spending time together outside.

5. Explore Chapultepec Castle

While you’re in Chapultepec Park, don’t miss a visit to the famous castle on the grounds. Chapultepec is the only royal castle in North America, and it was even the home to several Mexican presidents.

Tickets are 70 MXN (about $3.60 USD) to enter, and once you pass through the gate you’ll swear you’ve been transported from Mexico to Europe.

Much of the existing décor can be attributed to Emperor Maximilian I, who wanted it to embody the neoclassic style that was popular in Europe at the time of his reign.

Peek inside rooms that will transport you back in time, and wander through the onsite museum that houses more weapons and artifacts than you’ll be able to wrap your head around.

And don’t forget to explore the gardens, one of the prettiest things to see in Mexico City.

Bonus: On the castle grounds, you’ll find one of the best views over the city!

6. Learn about Mexico’s history at the National Museum of Anthropology

Here’s one of the cool Mexico City facts – did you know that this city takes the title for the most museums of any city in the world? We didn’t know either!

With an overwhelming amount of museums, it can be hard to know where to start. So why not just go with the one that’s known as the best museum in Mexico City.

Touted as the best of the city’s 150+ museums, Museo Nacional de Antropología is well worth a visit even if you’re not a history buff.

You could easily spend an entire day exploring the 11 permanent exhibits devoted to the history and anthropology of Mexico’s 31 states. (Editor’s Note: A friend of mine recently spent an entire day just on one floor of this museum!)

But if you don’t have lots of time to spare, join one of the free tours that take place several times on most days.

They are led in English and break down some of the most important takeaways the museum has to offer. We found this to be particularly informative since not all of the displays have English text.

7. Learn about Frida Kahlo at La Casa Azul

This iconic artist is a feminist symbol around the world, and Mexicans are very proud to call her one of their own.

A visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum will surely be a highlight of your trip as it is one of the top things to do in Mexico City.

This museum is set up in the home Frida spent her childhood and later years of life, called La Casa Azul (the blue house). You’ll see many pieces of her original artwork, as well as personal belongings and places she spent lots of time.

We’d definitely recommend opting for the audio guide, which is an additional 80 pesos (on top of the 200 peso entrance fee), but is completely worth it.

In addition to guiding you through the house, it also shows pictures and shares stories you’d never hear by just reading the signs.

8. Wander the Coyoacan Neighborhood

Located 10 kilometers south of the Zocalo (or city center), the Coyoacán neighborhood is one of the oldest boroughs.

With small plazas, quaint cobblestone streets, and colonial mansions, Coyoacán is full of history and is undeniably charming as well.

After experiencing the Frida Kahlo museum, one of this neighborhood’s most famous Mexico attractions, be sure to designate some time for exploring the rest of Coyoacán.

People watch in the main public square, Plaza Hidalgo, and stop at one of the many fantastic coffee shops in this neighborhood for a pick-me-up.

When your stomach starts to rumble, sample as much street food as you can (see #12 for tips), and don’t leave this area without a stop at the Coyoacán Market.

9. Visit Teotihuacan Ruins

The ruins of Teotihuacán lie just 40 kilometers (25 miles) outside of the city, and are all that’s left of what was once a thriving Mesoamerican metropolis.

Pronounced “tay-oh-tee-wah-KAHN”, these ancient Aztec ruins are one of the best Mexico City day trips.

The archaeological ruins are famous for their iconic pyramids. You can climb both the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which offer panoramic views of the park and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Pack plenty of water and a sun hat as they are exposed to the sun!

While there are plenty of companies that run guided tours of Teotihuacán, it is also possible to visit on your own using public transportation and purchasing a general admission ticket for just 70 pesos ($3.60 USD).

Advice for visiting:

Try to arrive as early as possible to avoid crowds (the site opens at 9 a.m.). Don’t forget to pack plenty of water and wear sunscreen, as there isn’t much protection from the sun at this archeological site.

10. Go on a Food Tour

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, there is no better place in the world to get your fix than CDMX! From tacos sold on the street to refined dining experiences, this international capital city truly has it all.

The best way to sample it all is on a food tour, where a guide will bring you to local hotspots and hidden gems that you likely wouldn’t find on your own.

There are plenty of food tours in Mexico City – from those that are highly acclaimed (and have a price tag to match!) to those that are very affordable.

11. Take a Cooking Class

If you want to take your knowledge of Mexican cuisine to a whole new level, one of the cool things to do in Mexico City is to take a cooking class.

Your foodie heart will delight as you learn the local secrets for making handmade tortillas, marinated meats, and freshly prepared mole.

Not only will you have the best meal of your time in Mexico, but you’ll also learn a ton.

We always find that a country’s culture has strong ties to its food, and cooking classes are one of the best (and tastiest!) ways to get a deeper understanding of a country’s past, present, and future.

12. Sample the Street Food

Even if your budget doesn’t allow you to take a food tour or cooking class, you’ll still have plenty of opportunity to taste incredible dishes in this foodie heaven! Street food in Mexico City is king.

Sure, you’ll have no problem finding fine dining in this metropolis, but do not leave CDMX without trying at least one (or 17!) items bought from a stall or street vendor. You will not be disappointed!

Here are some dishes to try in Mexico City that you’ll find street vendors selling all around the city:

• Quesadillas: For something that you’ll only find in Mexico, order a huitlacoche quesadilla. This local delicacy is made from the fungus on corn, and while it doesn’t sound appetizing, it really is delicious. Just trust us! FYI: Quesadillas aren’t always served with cheese in Mexico, so they might be different from what you’re used to.
• Horchata: This creamy drink, made of rice, milk, cinnamon and vanilla is popular all around Latin America. After one taste, you’ll understand why!
• Tacos al Pastor: This type of taco is unique to central Mexico, and is made by carving pork from a shawarma spit. Lebanese immigrants brought the spit-grilling technique to Mexico, and locals added their take with spices and serving it with grilled pineapple and fresh salsas. The blend of cultures in this dish is oh so delicious!
• Elote (aka Mexican street corn): You’ve never had corn on the cob like this! Once the corn is grilled to perfection, it is topped with cotija cheese, mayo, sour cream, chile powder, and lime for a taste explosion that will have you rethinking your go-to butter, salt, and pepper toppings.
• Tostadas: This popular dish is a layered creation starting with a crispy, deep-fried tortilla, topped with generous portions of meat or seafood, veggies and salsas. The best place to try tostadas in Mexico City is in the Coyoacán Market.
• Aguas Frescas: Mexicans love their fresh juices, and you should definitely give them a try on your trip. From classic flavors to exotic fruits you’ve likely never heard of, sample as many as you can! You won’t have to look far to find a fresh juices or licuados (milk-based smoothies).
• Tortas: You’ll find stands selling tortas, or Mexican sandwiches, on just about every block. Typically, they’re served on a crusty white roll and are grilled, but the topping combinations are practically endless. Often times, tortas have the flavors of a taco, but when the fillings are sandwiched between bread, it creates a whole new taste bud experience!

Insider Tip:

If you want a decent selection of all types of street food, the small Antojitos Mexicanos Market will deliver.

When we visited, we were the only foreigners in sight, and there were tons of dishes to choose from.

13. Taste Mezcal, not just Tequila

Tequila is often referred to as Mexico’s national liquor, but don’t be fooled. Mezcal is the local spirit of choice.

So what’s the difference?

While both types of alcohol are made from the agave plant, tequila is made from a specific type (Blue Agave), while Mezcal can be made from more than 30 kinds of the plant.

Plus, they are produced in different regions and the actual distilling process is a bit different, and Mezcal is not served with salt and lime, like its cousin tequila.

Instead, you’ll receive a dish of orange slices and a small amount of red powder, in which you’re supposed to dip your orange wedge. It has a distinct salty and almost smoky flavor.

So what is this mystery powder?

Sal de Gusano, which translates to “worm salt”. It’s a blend of ground mezcal worms (aka moth larva that live in the mezcal plant), rock salt and dried chili.

It has a unique flavor and Mexico is the best place to give it a try (unless you’re a vegetarian, of course!).

While most mezcal comes from the Mexican state of Oaxaca, there are plenty of venues where you can taste this spirit in Mexico City.

14. Drink Pulque

Speaking of beverages, another must-try drink is pulque.This is Mexico’s oldest alcoholic beverage and is created by lightly fermenting the sap of the agave plant.

Pulque dates back to Mesoamerican times and was used for medicinal purposes and rituals.

This somewhat thick, frothy beverage is milky in color and has a tangy, yet yeasty flavor, reminiscent of kombucha and sour beer.

Pulque spoils easily and therefore cannot be exported, so it is quite difficult (if not impossible) to find this elixir outside of Mexico. So why not give it a taste?!

15. Explore the Zocalo

The Historic Center, colloquially known as “Centro”, is the most visited area in CDMX for good reason.

It is here you’ll find some of the city’s most important buildings as well as street performers, excellent food, and locals going about everyday life.

The central feature of this area is the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is the largest in Latin America.

Not far from the church lie the ruins of Templo Mayor, which was the centerpiece Tenochtitlán, the ancient Aztec capital.

Constructed in 1325, what remains of this temple is preserved for all to see.

16. Eat Churros & Hot Chocolate

If you find yourself craving a sweet treat while exploring the Zócalo, give in and indulge with the best churros and hot chocolate in town.

Churrería El Moro has been a CDMX staple since 1935 and has both tourists and locals licking their cinnamon-sugar coated fingers in delight!

Located in the historic city center, or centro historico in local language, and open 24 hours a day, you have no excuse for not making it to this delicious stop on your trip – put this on your places to visit in Mexico City!

17. Glimpse the Palacio de Bellas Artes

A Mexico City must see and arguably the most iconic piece of architecture in the city, so be sure to at least take a stroll past this stunning museum.

If you’re a patron of the arts and have time, you might want to actually go inside the Palace of the Fine Arts and see for yourself murals painted by famous artists like Diego Rivera.

But even just glimpsing this building from the outside is worth a place on your tour of downtown CDMX.

18. Sneak a Peek inside the Golden Post Office

If you’re an architecture buff, be sure to take a peek inside the city’s Main Post Office, also called Palacio Postal or Correo Mayor.

Situated in the City Center, this building boasts turn-of-the-century architecture and oozes opulence.

Nearly every surface you see is golden, making it arguably the most beautiful post office in the world.

And when you step inside you’ll notice that it’s not just a historically beautiful interior, but it is still very much functioning as a post office.

19. Snap a Selfie in front of the House of Tiles

Instagrammers will love snapping selfies in front of this blue-tiled wall known as Casa de los Azulejos, or “The House of Tiles”, which is just around the corner from the Post Office.

It’s become one of the popular Mexico City tourist attractions for photos!

20. Find Peace in the San Angel Neighborhood

If you need an escape from the chaos of the city, make the short trip to the San Angel neighborhood, one of the Mexico City hidden gems. 

With cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and flowering trees, there’s no arguing the San Angel neighborhood is perhaps one of the most peaceful and charming areas in all of Mexico City.

Wander through the gardens in front of the centuries-old Iglesia de San Jacinto (Church of San Jacinto), people-watch in the main plaza, stop into one of the many art galleries and refuel at a cute café.

You can even visit the house Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera shared towards the end of their lives.

And if you happen to be in the city on a weekend, don’t miss the San Angel Saturday Bazaar, where vendors fill the plaza, selling handicrafts and works of art.

21. See a Lucha Libre Match

Watching a Lucha Libre match is an unforgettable way to spend an evening, and is one of the top things to do in Mexico City at night.

Think of it as somewhat similar to WWE Wrestling, which is a blend of theatrics, humor and, well, wrestling. Let’s just say it’s more of a performance than a true sport, but it is entertaining nonetheless!

The wrestlers wear the token Lucha Libre masks and perform a variety of stunts.

The crowd, at least when we were there, seemed to be mostly locals with pockets of visitors mixed in. We saw families, groups of friends, couples and tour groups, all of which seemed to be having a great time.

While you can book an organized tour, we’ve put together an article that walks you through how to go to a Lucha Libre match on your own.

22. Take a boat ride in the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

Some love it and others hate it, but no matter where you stand, there’s no arguing this UNESCO World Heritage Site is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

This colorful canal area is one of the most touristy Mexico City sightseeing spots, yes, but it’s also a popular place for locals to celebrate special occasions, like birthdays and quinceañeras.

The waterway is filled with brightly colored boats, called trajineras, which you can rent by the hour and ride through the canals, past mariachi bands, and food vendors.

Located 30 kilometers south of Mexico City, visiting Xochimilco requires a good portion of the day, but it is easy to get there on public transportation.

23. Check Out the Latest Installations at Museo Jumex

Mexico City is a fast growing artists haven and there are many fantastic art galleries in the city to explore. Museo Jumex opened in 2013 as a space to showcase contemporary art.

The museum celebrates experimentation and innovation with art, and its ever changing exhibits show original pieces of modern art.

It’s not a huge museum, but if you’re a fan of modern art you should definitely add this to your list of things to do in Mexico City.

24. Eat Delicious Food at Pujol

Pujol is a world-famous restaurant in Mexico City that was named “the best restaurant in Mexico City” by the Wall Street Journal.

After appearing in the WSJ, the restaurant soared in popularity and it’s now one of the top attractions in Mexico City. It serves up traditional Mexican cuisine with a fine-dining flare.

The restaurant is run by chef Enrique Olvera, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America, and still uses indigenous ingredients in his dishes.

25. Try Salsa Dancing

Salsa is a popular type of Latin American dancing that originated from Cuba and Puerto Rico, but has been widely adopted in Mexico.

Salsa dancing is a social affair, usually held in night clubs or salsa bars where you can drink, eat tappas and choose a partner.

Salsa dance socials are commonly held in nightclubs, bars, ballrooms, restaurants, and outside, especially when part of an outdoor festival.

If you love dancing, and want to give it a try, then consider taking a Cuban inspired salsa lesson with live orchestras.

Lessons are suitable to all levels, so no worries if you’re a complete novice!

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Mexico City

This city is a vibrant metropolis full of color, culture, and plenty of things to do for all types of travelers.

Whether you’re backpacking through Mexico and Central America on a budget, traveling with kids in tow, or you’re seeking the finest foodie and cultural experiences money can buy, visiting Mexico City is sure to blow away your expectations.

If you’re anything like us, one visit to this exciting city simply won’t be enough.

After a taste of what CDMX has to offer, you’ll find yourself wishing to come back for more!

Popular walking tours of Mexico City

Where to Stay in Mexico City

For Mexico City hotels or resorts, check out the options through our hotel partner, Booking.com.

We find that Booking.com have the widest range of properties. You get free cancellation on most rooms, a best price guarantee, and they have verified reviews from guests who have actually stayed at the property!

Popular Hotels in Mexico City include:

• Best Seller: Camino Real Aeropuerto (6,000+ reviews and one of the best places to stay in Mexico City)
• Location: Best Western Majestic ( in the historical center of Mexico City, this hotel offers stunning views of the Zocalo)
• Top Reviewed: Hotel Historico Central (1,400+ reviews)

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It features historic ruins, great food and endless beach clubs set along the spectacular Caribbean Sea on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Although Tulum’s popularity continues to increase, it remains quieter than nearby Cancun and Playa del Carmen, offering a more laid back and authentic experience for travellers.

There are plenty of chilled and adventurous things to do in Tulum, Mexico.

Tulum is split between a central area with shops, restaurants and hotels that run along the main road to Playa del Carmen and Cancun in the north, and the beachfront, approximately five kilometres from town.

The small road running the length of the beach has hotels and restaurants on both sides and is where you will likely spend most of your time while in Tulum. Whether you stay by the beach or in the centre of town, it is easy to get between the two areas.

If you’re on a budget, it’s cheaper to stay in central Tulum and make your way to the beachfront either by car, taxi or bike.

While you could easily spend all your time in Tulum eating, drinking, and swimming, the town is close to a number of popular attractions in the surrounding area.

Here are some activities you should not miss during a visit to Tulum.

Things to do in Tulum, Mexico

Spend a lazy day at one of Tulum’s beach clubs

There are more than 50 beach clubs along Tulum’s main stretch of beach. Many are hotels as well, with most offering access to day visitors either for free or for a minimum spend at a bar or restaurant on site.

Spending the day at a beach club is one of the best things to do in Tulum if you are staying in central Tulum and not on the beachfront itself. There are a couple of public sections of beach, but if you want to relax on a sunbed under an umbrella with a choice of food and cocktails a Tulum beach club is the way to go!

Not all beach clubs are created equal, though, so do your research to work out which ones suit you best.

A great way to do this is to go for a walk along Tulum beach. From the ocean, side you can check out the different set ups of each club, something you can’t do from the road.

Personally, I loved Viento De Mar. This was a smaller beach club with a minimum spend that seemed to help keep numbers down. From my research, Viento De Mar had among the best sunbed set up of any beach club and has the advantage of not being listed in the tourist map handed out by most hotels in town meaning people won’t come searching it out.

If there are two of you and you have the choice, select an umbrella with two single beds, as opposed to doubles as during busy times you may find they put another couple next to you under the same umbrella, which kind of kills some of the exclusivity. Pack a book or two and you’ll be set for the day.

Explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum

The ruins of the former Mayan city at Tulum have to be the most beautifully situated I saw in all of Mexico. Right on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, many people come to the Tulum ruins for the photo opportunities alone.

The most impressive structure still here today is the Castillo, which sits atop a limestone cliff above a small sandy beach. There are palms below and turquoise water laps at the shore. It is easy to see why this is one of the most iconic images of Mexico.

Ancient Tulum was at its most powerful between the 13^th and 15^th centuries. The city served as a port and was the only Mayan city built on the coast, as well as one of only a few walled cities ever built by the Mayans. This makes the well-preserved ruins unique to explore.

It’s best to arrive early to visit the Mayan ruins at Tulum. The site opens at 8am and if you are there for opening time you can make your way through the old city wall and into the site before the tour groups arrive meaning you’ll get some great photo opportunities as well as some time to appreciate the site before it gets busy.

Book your Mayan ruins tour in Tulum with Viator here.

Swim in the Gran Cenote

Just three kilometres from Tulum on the way to Coba and Chichen Itza is the Gran Cenote, a popular swimming and snorkelling spot.

Cenotes are like natural sinkholes, created when limestone collapses to reveal the underground river systems below. Cenote means sacred well and the Mayans built cities close to cenotes as they were a reliable water source in an otherwise dry landscape.

There are many cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula but the Gran Cenote would have to be one of the best for swimming.

The water is so pure and fresh that it is as clear as glass. Plenty of fish and turtles are at home in the cenote and they don’t seem to be too shy so you’ll likely run into a few while you are swimming.

As you make your way through the cave system you will see stalactites, stalagmites and just like in any cave, lots of bats. As well as swimming and snorkelling in the Gran Cenote, you can also arrange scuba diving.

Like the Mayan ruins at Tulum, try and get here for opening time (8am) so you can be the first in the cenote. The cenote is not particularly big so you will have a much nicer experience if you are one of just a couple of people silently swimming around. The ambiance can be lost when noisy groups arrive.

Book your Tulum cenote adventure tour here.

Ride a bike through the jungle at Coba

The Mayan ruins at Coba, about 40 minutes from Tulum, are set among dense jungle and are different again from the ruins at Tulum and other popular Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza or Uxmal.

Large sections of this former city are still to be discovered and restored, meaning Coba has a much more wild and untouched feel to other ruin sites.

The site is huge and was once home to around 50,000 people. Much of the Coba’s construction occurred in the sixth and seventh centuries and you can see the remains of roads, homes and temples still today.

There are bikes for rent inside the complex and I really recommend you grab one for exploring Coba. It means you can cover more ground and it’s also lots of fun. The site is so large that at times you can find yourself in a little pocket with no one else around.

You’ll also ride past plenty of mounds that upon closer inspection prove to be pyramids and other structures not yet cleared of the vegetation that has taken hold over the years.

You are able to touch and climb the structures here and although it feels a little disrespectful to begin with, it is actually a great way to get up high and look out over the site.

Once you see all the people climbing the giant pyramid, known as Nohuch Mul, at the back of the site, you’ll want to give it a go to.

It’s a steep ascent, but the challenge is more in the mind than the body at times, particularly on the way down. At about 42 metres, be sure to only look a step or two ahead if you’re not a huge fan of heights.

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