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Where to Stay in Mexico City

Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Mexico City
Updated: February 19, 2024

My Favorite Mexico City Hotels
• 5-star: Las Alcobas
• 4-star: H21
• 3-star: NaNa Vida
• For families: H21
• For couples: Casa Polanco
• B&B: El Patio 77

The ornate Mexican Baroque façade of the Metropolitan Cathedral with the Zócalo in the background in the Centro Histórico neighborhood of Mexico City.

The ornate eastern façade of the Metropolitan Cathedral right next to the Zócalo in Centro Histórico.

Map of where to stay in Mexico City showing neighborhoods, attractions, and hotels.
Hotels on Map: 1. Las Alcobas • 2. Casa Polanco • 3. El Patio 77 • 4. NaNa Vida • 5. H21

Best Areas to Stay in Mexico City

The largest city in North America, Mexico City proper has almost a million more inhabitants than New York City, while the Greater Mexico City area is home to over 21 million. This vast metropolis occupies a bowl-shaped valley between the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. But even at its lowest point, Mexico City takes our breath away – it sits at an altitude of 2,250 meters, one of the world’s highest capital cities. Mexico City (often shortened to CDMX) can be a little bewildering, made up of dozens of distinctive colonias (neighborhoods), from the residential enclaves of the well-heeled to shiny business districts and from emerging arty enclaves to traditional neighborhoods where time seems to stand still.

We love Mexico City. There is no place quite like it, and we could spend our lifetimes exploring it. Fortunately, our favorite colonias and important historical and cultural sites can be visited over a few days. The city is easy enough to navigate with an excellent metro system plus inexpensive, ubiquitous taxis. Ubers are also plentiful, affordable, and convenient – especially great for returning to our room after a night on the town.

The heart of CDMX is the Centro Histórico, a walkable grid of streets surrounding the Zócalo (the main square), overlooked by the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palacio Nacional with its government offices. Besides the handsome colonial architecture, great street food, excellent traditional Mexican restaurants, and two good markets on its western fringes – the Mercado de San Juan (for food) and the Mercado Artesanías La Ciudadela (for crafts), this neighborhood is rich in cultural attractions. Two not to be missed, particularly for those into art, include the Museo Mural Diego Rivera and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Accommodations in the center tend to fall into the budget and midrange categories.

Neoclassical façade of the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México with four stories of columns, arches, and elaborate ornamentation on a busy shopping street in Centro Histórico, Mexico City.

The historic Gran Hotel Ciudad de México in Centro Histórico.

Adjoining the Centro Histórico to the west is compact, wedge-shaped Juárez, largely residential with a good mix of young hipster population and traditional Mexican cantinas and businesses, as well as contemporary restaurants and cafes. Its northern part is the famous, gay-friendly Zona Rosa – one of the city’s biggest nightlife districts, dotted with bars and clubs. Hotels are mostly mid-range, with some boutique options.

Just north of the Zona Rosa, across the busy road Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, is Colonia Cuauhtémoc, a triangle-shaped, skyscraper-studded neighborhood whose lifeblood is commerce and business. An outdoor art gallery and a historic mansion-museum aside, there are few sights to speak of, but the international dining scene here is excellent, and the bars here are popular with office workers. Here we found a good concentration of international hotel chains, largely aimed at business travelers.

Adjoining Colonia Cuauhtémoc to the north are two residential, arty colonias with a very local feel: San Rafael and Santa Maria La Ribera, separated from San Rafael by the street Avenida Ribera de San Cosme. Both are very walkable and dotted with an interesting mix of late 19th-century mansions and modernist apartment buildings. Between them, the two neighborhoods have the lion’s share of contemporary art galleries. San Rafael is dotted with vintage theaters. Street food is terrific here, and accommodations consist largely of small boutique and midrange hotels.

A sunny room with a wall of windows, a red ceiling, and contemporary furnishings in an elegant 1890s mansion at El Patio 77 in San Rafael, Mexico City.

The sunny Oaxaca Suite at the eco-chic B&B, El Patio 77, in the untouristy San Rafael neighborhood.

South of Juárez, across the main Avenida Chapultepec, is Roma, a large colonia divided into Roma Norte (north) and Roma Sur (south). Rapidly gentrifying, it’s a curious mix of traditional Mexican life and youth culture, reflected both in its architecture and mix of low-key and gourmet dining and contemporary art galleries. Adjoining Roma to the west is La Condesa, one of Mexico City’s more upscale residential neighborhoods. It’s compact, quiet, walkable, has a good international dining scene, and is close to the Bosque de Chapultepec. Boutique hotels dominate their accommodations.

Bordering La Condesa to the west is San Miguel Chapultepec, a small, triangle-shaped residential neighborhood with a contemporary art gallery, very low-key dining scene, and just a handful of budget accommodations. Its main draw is its proximity to the Bosque de Chapultepec, the huge urban forest it adjoins – not just CDMX’s most popular green space, but also home to the country’s best anthropology museum and a handful of other, family-friendly attractions.

Just north of the Bosque de Chapultepec is Polanco, Mexico City’s most exclusive neighborhood, complete with the best fine dining (including several Michelin-starred restaurants), designer boutiques, and the city’s biggest concentration of 5-star hotels. Immediately north is rapidly developing Nuevo Polanco, home of the amazing Museo Soumaya.

Coyoacán, far to the south of the city, is a very traditional residential neighborhood, complete with colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and attractive twin plazas. It’s far from the city’s other attractions but great for experiencing a slice of local life. There are low-key accommodations in the form of family-run guesthouses and small boutique hotels, and equally low-key dining, as well as one massive attraction – the Frida Kahlo Museum, and one smaller one – the Leon Trotsky House.

Other colonias worth mentioning include the edgy, working-class enclave of Xochimilco, also to the south of the city, with its centuries-old canals that go back to Aztec rule. Foodies may wish to check out the taco stands of Colonia Navarte, to the south of Roma Sur, and the Mercado de La Merced in Merced, adjoining the Centro Histórico to the east. Finally, Colonia Doctores, just south of the Centro Histórico, is a bit of a sketchy area, but it’s also home to lucha libre (Mexican freestyle wrestling). Visit for a bout, a beer, and some tacos, but stay elsewhere overnight.

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City to Stay for First Timers: Centro Histórico, Polanco
If you want to get a real sense of the city, its history, architecture, culture, and traditional (street) food, then the historic center is the best place to start. Plus, you’ll be within easy walking distance of several heavyweight attractions and markets, and near excellent public transportation connections to other parts of the city. If you have your heart set on Mexico City’s best dining (bear in mind that the Michelin-starred restaurants need to be booked weeks in advance), then glitzy Polanco is our best recommendation. As a bonus, Polanco is also within walking distance of the Bosque de Chapultepec and its stellar Museo Nacional de Antropología – by far the best museum in the country, devoted to Mexico’s Pre-Columbian cultures.

Best Places to Stay in Mexico City

A tree growing inside the bedroom of a suite next to the bed and with lanterns hanging from its branches at H21 boutique hotel in Coyoacán, Mexico City.

The whimsical Sabiduría Suite at H21 Hospedaje Boutique in the Coyoacán neighborhood.

Best Areas in Mexico City for…

    Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City for Sightseeing: Centro Histórico, San Miguel Chapultepec, Coyoacán, San Rafael, Santa Maria La Ribera

    The Centro Histórico is studded with historical sights, as well as some of the city’s most important art museums. Staying in San Miguel Chapultepec or Polanco will put you within walking distance of the best archaeological museum in the whole country. Coyoacán is the place to head to if you’re a fan of Frida Kahlo and her art. If it’s contemporary art that you’re after, then a visit to CDMX isn’t really complete without checking out the galleries in San Rafael and Santa Maria La Ribera. If you’re interested in pre-Columbian history, then a visit to the archaeological site of Teotihuacan is an absolute must; ditto: a visit to Xochimilco and its Aztec-era canals. But it’s better to visit these spots for the day rather than overnight.

The Aztec Sun Stone on display with visitors milling around in the National Museum of Anthropology.

The Aztec sun stone is a must-visit, on display at the incredible National Museum of Anthropology, one of many museums in the sprawling Bosque de Chapultepec city park.

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City for nightlife: Juárez, Polanco, Centro Histórico, Roma, La Condesa
There is something in Mexico City to sate every taste, and it’s no different when it comes to nightlife. The Zona Rosa in Juárez is famous for its LGBT-friendly nightclubs and bars. Polanco has a more exclusive clubbing scene and upscale wine and cocktail bars. Roma is the epicenter of hipster culture, with some of the most cutting-edge bars and clubs in town. La Condesa’s scene is more mellow and popular with young professionals, and ranges from craft beer pubs and whiskey bars to rooftop cocktail patios and traditional cantinas. Centro Histórico has some wonderful bars with a view as well as dedicated mezcalerias (mezcal bars) for serious connoisseurs of mezcal.

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City for Food and Restaurants: Centro Histórico, Polanco, Roma, La Condesa, Chapultepec, Juárez, San Rafael, Santa Maria La Ribera, Colonia Narvarte
The Centro Histórico is known for its decades-old restaurants specializing in traditional Mexican food, as well as its street food. San Rafael and Santa Maria La Ribera also boast excellent street food, while Colonia Narvarte is particularly renowned for its taco stalls. Chapultepec and Juárez are both good bets for international dining, and so are Roma, La Condesa, and Polanco, the former two dotted with trendy cafes and the latter well-known for its high-end dining and proliferation of Michelin-starred restaurants.

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City for Families: Polanco, Juárez, Colonia Cuauhtémoc, La Condesa

If you’re traveling with kids and looking to minimize culture shock, then Polanco is a good neighborhood to base yourself. Its advantages include its plethora of family-friendly, high-end hotels, an international dining scene, and its proximity to the Bosque de Chapultepec with its kid-centric attractions, such as the zoo, Children’s Museum, and Natural History Museum. Juárez and Colonia Cuauhtémoc also have the advantage of numerous international dining options, high-end and mid-range hotels with ample facilities, and proximity to Bosque de Chapultepec. Also near the Bosque, La Condesa leans more towards boutique lodgings with fewer family-friendly facilities, but it does have an attractive park of its own, popular with local families.

A vivid blue wall with the words "Frida y Diego vivieron en esta casa 1929-1954" written on it and a cactus garden in front at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán, Mexico City.

The Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán is the home where Kahlo was born, where she lived, and where she died. The museum houses a few of Frida and Diego’s paintings, but mostly offers a glimpse into her private life with her wheelchair, corsets, dresses, and even the artist’s ashes.

Most Romantic Neighborhoods in Mexico City: Centro Histórico, Polanco, Coyoacán
We find it hard to beat the historic center, with its beautiful colonial architecture, intimate boutique hotels, and white-linen traditional dining for a romantic vacation. If you’re looking for something more upscale, the five-star hotels with Michelin-star dining in Polanco may be just the ticket. Or perhaps you prefer the idea of wandering the subtly-lit cobbled streets and checking out the art of Frida Kahlo in historic Coyoacán before returning to a snug boutique guesthouse.

Best Neighborhood in Mexico City for a Local Vibe: San Rafael, Santa Maria La Ribera, Roma, Coyoacán
We recommend the refreshingly untouristy San Rafael and Santa Maria La Ribera colonias with their terrific street food, unpretentious mom-and-pop restaurants, and an interesting mix of architecture – great for living like a local. If you’re looking for something with more of a hipster edge, then Roma is a great place to stay, with its unique vibe, plenty going on, and a mix of traditional and contemporary Mexican culture. Coyoacán is less convenient in terms of proximity to the city center, but it’s a unique neighborhood with striking colonial buildings, cobbled streets, and a very local dining scene.

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City for Shopping: Centro Histórico, Polanco, San Rafael, Roma, Coyoacán
If you’re looking for quality handicrafts from all over Mexico, the Mercado Artesanias La Ciudadela on the western fringes of the Centro Histórico is an excellent place to start. The nearby Mercado San Jose sells an excellent range of Mexican cooking ingredients, including those hard to find back home, while Fábrica Social works with several women’s collectives across the country and sells textiles of excellent quality. For fashion by international and Mexican designers and concept shopping, look no further than the boutiques along Avenida President Masaryk in Polanco. Contemporary art for sale can be found in the small art galleries of San Rafael. In Roma, Chic by Accident is a good source of 20th-century Mexican design items, while Casa de Luna in Coyoacán is a fair trade store specializing in jewelry, ceramics and textiles.

Safest Areas of Mexico City

While CDMX may have a bit of a sketchy reputation, the neighborhoods frequented by visitors are generally safe, though it pays to be aware of your surroundings and be cautious after dark. The safest colonias include Polanco, La Condesa, Roma, Juárez, Zona Rosa, Coyoacán, San Rafael, and Centro Histórico. That said, opportunistic pickpocketing does happen, particularly in the downtown area around the Zócalo and the markets. Standard precautions apply: avoid using your easily accessible pockets for phone or valuables, don’t flash lots of cash, expensive jewelry, or electronic gear, and avoid deserted, poorly-lit streets at night. Take a taxi back to your hotel if you’ve stayed out ’til late.

Unsafe Areas of Mexico City
As a rule of thumb, steer clear of neighborhoods to the very north or very south of Mexico City, particularly after dark. Avoid dicey Tepito, Mexico City’s black market area just north of Centro, Iztapalpa, a huge southern neighborhood with high assault rates, and Ciudad Neza, a large urban sprawl to the east of the airport with high levels of poverty and violent crime. Then there are neighborhoods that are okay during the day, as long as you take standard precautions. Explore Mercado La Sonora in the Merced colonia adjoining Centro, but watch out for pickpockets, both there and around the Centro Histórico. If you go to Colonia Doctores’ Arena México to watch a lucha libre (costumed fight), don’t hang around afterward, and do take a taxi back. Avoid Tlalpan, Xochimilco, and Tlatelolco after dark.

Two hot air balloons floating above one of the pyramids of Teotihuacan just outside Mexico City.

The ancient, pre-Aztec pyramids of Teotihuacan sit just outside of Mexico City. Visiting by hot air balloon is incredibly popular and allows a birds-eye view of the monumental architecture. Visiting on foot is, of course, a more economical option.

Staying in Centro Histórico

The opulent Palacio de Bellas Artes features an Art Nouveau and Neoclassical exterior with a domed roof, columns, arches, and manicured gardens in Centro Historico.

Our favorite colonia for first-timers to Mexico City. Built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, the oldest part of present-day Mexico City is the expansive Centro Histórico – the closest CDMX comes to having a downtown. It’s centered on the large, historic Zócalo square, busy with souvenir sellers and street performers. The surrounding grid of streets is lined with handsome colonial architecture dating from the 16th century onwards, many must-see landmarks, such as the Museo Nacional de Arte, Casa de los Azulejos, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and Templo Mayor, as well as some excellent restaurants, specializing in traditional Mexican cuisine. Good public transport connections via the Zócalo and Allende metro stations.

Best Hotels in Centro Histórico

Staying in Polanco

The contemporary Museo Soumaya in Nuevo Polanco looks futuristic with a swooping shape, cantilevered tp floors, and hexagonal tiles completely covering its exterior surface.

Along with Centro Histórico, Polanco is the best area of Mexico City for first-time visitors. Mexico City’s most affluent neighborhood, upscale Polanco is where you’ll find the bulk of the city’s luxury hotels, plus Presidente Masaryk, the city’s answer to Rodeo Drive, lined with designer boutiques. The smart, well-kept streets are also home to some our our favorite fine dining hotspots; this is where you’ll find Michelin-starred Pujol – one of the world’s top restaurants, among other stellar options. The heavyweight museums of the Bosque de Chapultepec are an easy walk south of Polanco. Just north of Polanco, separated by Avenida Ejército Nacional, is Nuevo Polanco. Formerly an industrial area, this colonia is the most rapidly developing zone in the city. This is where you’ll find the sleek, futuristic-looking Museo Soumaya (pictured above), plus an abundance of new condos, theaters, restaurants, and more. Polanco and Nuevo Polanco have only one metro stop serving both colonias; unsurprisingly, the station shares the same name, Polanco.

Best Hotels in Polanco

Staying in La Condesa

A tree-lined street with Art Deco building façades painted in pastel colors in La Condesa.

In the southwest of the city, this compact neighborhood used to be a quiet, residential, middle-class enclave. While it’s still largely residential, it’s rather upscale with appealing Art Deco and modern buildings. La Condesa has one of the best dining scenes in the city, with global cuisines and Mexican fine dining well represented. One of the most popular neighborhoods for tourists, as it minimizes the culture shock, it’s adjoined by the vast Bosque de Chapultepec Park and has a beautiful park of its own, Parque Mexico, complete with street food vendors and promenading families. While it’s light on attractions, La Condesa makes a good base for exploring the city. Chapultepec and Juanacatlán are the closest metro stops.

Best Hotels in La Condesa

Staying in Roma

A sidewalk in Roma Norte runs past stately buildings and under a canopy of trees.

We adore Roma. This expansive neighborhood, divided into Roma Norte and Roma Sur, has also been largely residential for most of its existence. Still gritty around the edges, a bit down-at-heel compared to neighboring La Condesa, and with a reputation as a bohemian enclave, Roma has been undergoing gentrification in recent years. It’s one of the most interesting parts of the city, with a mix of old-time residents and youth culture, reflected in its melange of 19th-century mansions, quirky art galleries, busy markets, hip cocktail bars, and specialty coffee shops. It’s a walkable neighborhood and a popular base for tourists due to its relative proximity to attractions in nearby parts of the city, plus good transport connections. Chapultepec, Sevilla, and Colonia Cuauhtémoc are Roma Norte’s metro stops, while Roma Sur is served by Chilpacingo and Centro Médico.

Best Hotels in Roma

Staying in Juárez and Zona Rosa

A statue of a man with wings and a pointy beak crouching on a globe in front of a theater in the Juarez neighborhood of Mexico City.

This compact, triangle-shaped neighborhood was one of Mexico City’s most exclusive before WWII. Afterward, many of the beautiful buildings were left in a state of genteel decay until a young, bohemian population injected some new life into the place after being forced out by rising rents in Roma and La Condesa. The result is a neat collection of quiet, tree-lined streets dotted with late-19th-century mansions, with a small-town feel and multiple generations of traditional families mixing with young hipsters at vintage luncheonettes, buzzy cafes, and speakeasies serving cocktails. The northern fringe of Juárez is where you’ll find a decent concentration of bars and nightclubs, collectively known as the Zona Rosa, as well as a few boutique hotels. Juárez is well-located for the exploration of Roma, Centro Histórico, Chapultepec, La Condesa, and Colonia Cuauhtémoc on foot, and connected to the rest of the city via the Sevilla and Cuauhtémoc metro stops.

Best Hotels in Juarez / Zona Rosa

Staying in San Miguel Chapultepec

View from above the Bosque de Chapultepec with the castle and Monumento a los Niños Héroes in the center.

Another arty neighborhood in the making, triangle-shaped San Miguel Chapultepec sits next to the Bosque de Chapultepec, a vast urban forest with running and cycling paths. Bosque de Chapultepec is home to Mexico’s City most important museums, including the show-stopping Museo National de Antropología, devoted to the wealth of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic cultures, plus a zoo, a Children’s Museum, and a Museum of Natural History, also popular with families. The neighborhood is pretty low-key, with a contemporary art gallery, a handful of unpretentious eateries, and several inexpensive accommodations. Constituyentes, Tacubaya, and Juanacatlán are the metro stops here.

Best Hotels in San Miguel Chapultepec

Staying in Colonia Cuauhtémoc

The Angel of Independence obelisk with a golden angel on top. The Sheraton and Sofitel hotels are in the background.

Not to be confused with Cuauhtémoc, the municipality that includes most of Mexico City’s central neighborhoods (including Centro Histórico, Las Condesa, Roma, and more), Colonia Cuauhtémoc is a trangle-shaped neighborhood directly north of Juárez, south of San Rafael, and east of Bosque de Chapultepec. There’s some spillover from Zona Rosa to the south, with a few bars found in this neighborhood, across the main Avenida Paseo de la Reforma. Largely an office and commerce district, Colonia Cuauhtémoc benefits from a lively international dining scene, its restaurants spanning the globe and located mostly along Calle Rio Lerma and the parallel Calle Panuco.

Best Hotels in Colonia Cuauhtémoc

Staying in Coyoacán

The stone-clad Mexican Baroque façade of the Church of San Juan Bautista on the main square in Coyoacán.

Before Mexico City expanded and incorporated outlying settlements into one big whole, Coyoacán was a colonial-era town and remains a rather quiet and traditional part of the city far to the south. It’s centered on the twin squares of Jardín Centenario and Plaza Hidalgo, popular with local families on weekends, while its cobbled streets and vintage architecture are a pleasure to explore, as is the Mercado de Coyoacán with its food stalls. The neighborhood is best known as the birthplace of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, and her childhood-home-turned-museum attracts massive crowds of visitors. Nearby is another offbeat attraction: the Leon Trotsky House, where the Soviet revolutionary leader lived in exile and was killed by one of Stalin’s assassins. Dining is a mix of traditional Mexican restaurants and stalls, along with a few international options. Accommodations mostly consist of family-run guesthouses and a few boutique hotels. Coyoacán is the nearest metro stop.

Best Hotels in Coyoacán

Staying in San Rafael

Outside the modern Mercado San Cosme with shops selling clothing in the San Rafael neighborhood.

If you’re looking for a largely untouristy experience while being within walking distance of attractions, the artsy residential neighborhood of San Rafael has much to recommend it. The university campus gives San Rafael a youthful vibe, and the streets are dotted with vintage theaters, late-19th-century houses, and small mom-and-pop restaurants. You won’t find gourmet cuisine or much nightlife here, but you will find lots of excellent street food, particularly around Mercado de San Cosme. There are a couple of art galleries worth your time, including the contemporary art museum, Museo Experimental el Eco. Gentrification is slowly creeping in in the form of specialty coffee shops, but overall San Rafael feels like a refreshingly ‘local’ part of the city. San Cosme is the main metro stop.

Best Hotels in San Rafael

Staying in Santa Maria la Ribera

The Morico Kiosko in the Santa Maria la Rivera neighborhood features elaborate mosaic details and vivid colors in the Moorish Revival style.

This compact, mostly residential neighborhood bordering San Rafael is centered on a tree-lined plaza, the Alameda, surrounded by food stalls with a loyal local following. The architecture is an interesting mix of down-at-heel, fin de siècle mansions, and modernist and Art Deco apartment blocks. It’s an arty, up-and-coming place with a unique vibe. Low-key attractions include a geology/dinosaur museum and the National University’s El Chopo Museum, which showcases edgy installations by local artists. Other sights include small contemporary art galleries and the Kiosko Morisco – a Moorish-style gazebo that hosts everything from rock gigs and poetry slams to ballroom dancing. Buenavista and San Cosme metro stops connect Santa Maria la Ribera to the rest of the city, and Centro’s attractions are within walking distance.

Best Hotels in Santa Maria la Ribera

Staying in Greater Mexico City

Brightly festooned, flat-bottomed, party boats float in the canals of Xochimilco on the south side of Mexico.

Several outlying neighborhoods in Mexico City are worth a daytime visit but can be sketchy at night or just not worth staying overnight in. To the northeast of Mexico City (though not technically part of the city) is the vast archaeological complex of Teotihuacan, one of the county’s top Pre-Hispanic sights, complete with intact pyramids; it’s well worth setting a day aside to go and see. At the very south of the city, head for Xochimilco (pictured above), a gritty working-class neighborhood with a village feel and tiny alleyways, to take a flat-bottomed boat tour of the centuries-old canals, once used by the Aztecs for transportation. South of Roma Sur, the residential Colonia Narvarte is known for its superb street food – particularly its taco stands. Adjacent to the southern border of the Centro Histórico, Colonia Doctores has a bit of a bad rep, but its Arena México is well worth a visit if you want to attend a lucha libre – Mexican freestyle wrestling – a unique and very local pastime. Mercado La Merced, just to the east of the Centro Histórico, is Mexico City’s largest produce market for traditional food; it’s also a red-light district in the evenings.

Two masked lucha libre wrestlers in the ring with the referee at Arena Mexico in Mexico City.

Lucha libre wrestling at Arena Mexico in Colonia Doctores. The neighborhood can get a little dicey at night, but several companies offer small-group guided tours to see the fights, often with a stop beforehand for tacos and mezcal. This is a super fun and safe way to see authentic lucha libre.





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Mexico City Itinerary

Mexico › Mexico City › Itinerary
Updated: January 11, 2024

See Also

Highlights of Mexico City.

The Best of Mexico City

    • Best Things to Do in Mexico City: Cruising the waterways of Xochimilco; Visiting museums dedicated to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera; Enjoying a night of mariachi in Plaza Garibaldi; Visiting Museo Nacional de Antropología
    • Best Tours: Mexican Food Tours • Mexico City Urban Adventures • Sabores Mexico Food Tours • Amigo Tours
    • Best View: Torre Latinoamericana
    • Best Restaurant: Pujol
    • Best Nightlife: Zona Rosa
    • Best day-trip: Teotihuacán
    • Best Hotels: Gran Hotel Ciudad de México • Histórico Central • Zócalo Central

      Top 5 Mexico City Highlights

      1. The Zócalo

      The traditional heart of Mexico City is the vast central plaza known as the Zócalo, and any visitor to the city should aim to spend a good chunk of time here. Once the focus of Aztec Tenochtitlán, today it hums with tour groups, drummers, street vendors, buskers, souvenir markets, and political protesters. Dominating it all is the Catedral Metropolitana, the largest church in Latin America and one of the oldest, dating back to the 1570s. Its cavernous interior is crammed with ornate altars and side chapels. Not much remains of the Aztec city, but the nearby Museo del Templo Mayor preserves the remnants of its once great pyramid temple – mostly foundations, but spine-tingling nonetheless. The connected museum adds context and displays artifacts retrieved from the site. The other key attraction here is the Palacio Nacional on the east side of the Zócalo, which is free to enter and contains a series of stunning Diego Rivera murals. Rivera began working here in 1929, his México a Través de los Siglos a vast, multi-colored trip through Mexican history from Quetzalcoatl to Pancho Villa. The best view of the Zócalo can be had from the rooftop restaurant in the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México on the west side of the plaza.

      2. Museo Mural Diego Rivera

      Mexico City is crammed with fabulous art museums, from the classical Museo Nacional De Arte to the relatively new and space-agey Museo Soumaya, but the Diego Rivera Mural Museum really is a must-see. Rivera’s huge Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda encompasses almost every famous Mexican historical figure (Cortés is depicted with his hands stained with blood).

      3. Museo Nacional de Antropología

      Anyone even slightly interested in the great civilizations of ancient Mesoamerica should aim to spend at least half a day in Mexico’s top museum. Every Mexican culture is represented here, from the Olmecs to the Maya. Some of the objects on display are truly spectacular, such as the iconic 24-tonne Piedra del Sol, or “Aztec Calendar Stone”. The galleries are arranged chronologically around the central courtyard – it’s advisable to buy a guidebook in the museum shop or rent an English audioguide before you start, to make the most of your visit (most labels are otherwise in Spanish only). The upper floor focuses on the cultures of Mexico’s indigenous groups today.

      4. Coyoacán

      The affluent southern suburb of Coyoacán makes for an enticing day-trip, its blossom- and tree-lined colonial streets perfect for exploring on foot. The Museo Frida Kahlo is a fitting tribute to the beloved Mexican artist, displaying Kahlo’s signature tehuana dresses and numerous examples of her work – including her famous final painting, Viva la Vida, the inspiration for the Coldplay song of the same name. The museum occupies the “Blue House” where Frida was born and spent most of her life (sometimes with husband Diego Rivera, who also has work displayed here). Soviet exile Leon Trotsky was often a guest here in the 1930s, and his abode has been preserved as the Museo Casa de León Trotsky. This where Stalin had Trotsky assassinated in 1940 – with an ice axe – and the rooms have been preserved as he left them.

      5. Xochimilco

      Cruising the flower-lined canals and floating gardens in the suburb of Xochimilco is an iconic Mexico City activity, made even more enticing at the weekends when locals come out to eat and drink, creating a festive atmosphere. Renting a candy-colored boat (with captain) is relatively easy and cheap, allowing for a few hours of chugging along the canals, passing vendors in small canoes selling flowers, fruits, and hot snacks, as well as marimba players and entire mariachi bands. The floating gardens themselves – or chinampas – are rafts of mud and reeds anchored to the canal floors by tangles of roots. Xochimilco itself is a great place to sample the city’s pulquerias, traditional bars specializing in pulque, an alcoholic drink produced from agave plants since pre-Hispanic times.

      Planning a Mexico City Itinerary

      One Day in Mexico City

        • Explore the Zócalo, Mexico City’s huge central square, home to the cathedral, the Aztec ruins of Templo Mayor, and the Diego Rivera murals in the Palacio Nacional
        • See Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda at the Museo Mural Diego Rivera
        • Visit Museo Nacional de Antropología, the country’s premier museum, with displays on all of Mexico’s major pre-Hispanic cultures
        • Eat or drink at the historic Bar La Ópera, or Enrique Olvera’s vaunted restaurant Pujol
        • Listen to the roving mariachi bands in Plaza Garibaldi, or see a performance by the Ballet Folklórico de México

      Two Days in Mexico City

        • Explore the Zócalo and stroll the streets of the old city
        • Visit Museo Nacional de Antropología and Museo Mural Diego Rivera
        • Eat at the historic Bar La Ópera and Enrique Olvera’s Pujol
        • Check out the roving mariachi bands in Plaza Garibaldi
        • See the Ballet Folklórico de México
        • Explore Mexico City’s largest and most colorful retail market, La Merced
        • Spend time in the upmarket suburb of Coyoacán, visiting the Frida Kahlo and León Trotsky museums, and its art and craft markets

      Three Days in Mexico City

        • Take in the views from the Torre Latinoamericana (if it’s smoggy wait till sunset when the lights highlight the city far more clearly)
        • Soak up the history in the Zócalo and old city
        • Visit the stunning Art Deco Palacio de Bellas Artes, home to some of the city‘s most flamboyant murals
        • Peruse La Merced market
        • Eat at Bar La Ópera and check out the mariachi bands in Plaza Garibaldi
        • Explore Coyoacán and San Ángel, home to the studios of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, and the historic restaurant San Ángel Inn (housed in a 17th-century Carmelite monastery)
        • Take a cruise around the floating gardens of Xochimilco, and visit local pulquerias (traditional bars) such as Pulqueria El Templo de Diana
        • Visit the Museo Nacional de Antropología and Museo Mural Diego Rivera
        • Dinner at Pujol, with cocktails in the Zona Rosa
        • Devote a half-day to visiting the giant pyramids of Teotihuacán – go early before the crowds arrive (it opens at 9am). Take a organzied tour (Amigo Tours) or go solo with a direct public bus from Terminal Norte
        • Shop for regional crafts and souvenirs from all over Mexico at La Ciudadela market
        • See the Ballet Folklórico de México

      One Week in Mexico City

        • Explore the Zócalo and visit all 7 of Mexico City’s big art museums: the Museo Mural Diego Rivera, the Museo Nacional de Antropología, Museo Soumaya, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Museo Rufino Tamayo, Museo de Arte Moderno and Museo Nacional de Arte
        • Lunch at rooftop Terraza restaurant, on the7th floor of Gran Hotel Ciudad de México, with sensational views over the Zócalo
        • Enjoy a few nights out in the Zona Rosa
        • Peruse the shops and top-class restaurants in upmarket Polanco; or grab a gourmet burger at Butcher & Sons
        • Check out the outdoor cafes and bistro-style restaurants of Condesa – and slurp an ice cream at famous Neveria Roxy
        • Spend an afternoon in leafy Chapultepec Park, boating on the lake and visiting the Museo Nacional de Historia in Chapultepec Castle
        • Trawl the food stalls and mescal bars at Mercado Roma
        • Spend a day in San Ángel and Coyoacán
        • Soak up the scene in historic cafes and restaurants like Café de Tacuba, Café del Palacio inside Bellas Artes, Hostería de Santo Domingo and El Taquito
        • Pay homage to Mexico City’s wrestling culture and take in some live lucha libre at Arena Coliseo
        • Shop at the Ciudadela market
        • Catch a Mexican soccer match at Estadio Azteca, home to América (“The Eagles”), the nation’s most successful club
        • Ride the ancient waterways of Xochimilco
        • Visit the Museo Dolores Olmedo Patiño, housing a huge collection of work by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, and the Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli, home to Rivera’s collection of pre-Columbian sculpture
        • Listen to the mariachi bands at Plaza Garibaldi
        • Explore La Merced market
        • Visit the giant pyramids of Teotihuacán
        • Visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Mexico’s most important religious site

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Tulum Cenotes

Mexico › Tulum › Best Cenotes
Updated: January 3, 2024

See Also

Cenote near Tulum, Mexico.

What is a Cenote?

Cenotes are limestone sinkholes filled with fresh water, formed when bedrock collapses and exposes groundwater below. Most of the Yucatan’s 6000 cenotes are small, underground, and inaccessible, though a notable number are large enough to swim, snorkel, or dive in. Many are crystal blue and open to the air, while others are accessible by stairs leading down into caverns and are connected to large underground river systems. If you do only one thing during your time in Tulum visit a cenote.

Cenote Dos Ojos in Tulsayab, near Tulum

Dos Ojos (Two Eyes) is the most famous cenote, made up of 5 cenotes including the its namesake cenotes: the Blue Eye and the Black Eye.

Tulum Cenotes: My Advice

  • Most cenotes have a charge of 80 to 150 pesos to enter and offer lockers, restrooms, and snack bars. Just take a towel, taxi money, and snorkel-mask (optional), and you’ll have an amazing time at any of these cenotes.
  • Getting to cenotes by bike is easy from Tulum. Pedaling 10 to 30 minutes north from the pueblo along Avenida Coba takes you past Cenote Zacil-Ha, Cenote Car Wash, and Gran Cenote to name a few. Cycling 20 minutes west along the main road through the pueblo Carretera Cancun-Tulum (aka Carretera Cancun-Chetumal) leads to Cenotes Cristal y Escondido; 15 more minutes leads to Kaan Luum Lagoon. Heading east along the same road leads to Caleta and Cenote Tankah in 15 minutes and Casa Cenote in 30 minutes. These are all open-air cenotes, cheap to enter, no guide required.
  • Some of the farther-flung cenotes (some of which are part of underground cave systems) are easily accessible by driving or taxi. These include Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Sac Actun, Jardin del Eden, Cenote Azul, Yal Ku Lagoon, and the Cobá cenotes Choo-Ha, Multum-Ha, and Tamcach-Ha. Taxis in Tulum do not use meters; instead, they charge a flat rate based on what zone they travel through. There is no Uber in Tulum. Reaching most of these should cost between 400 and 600 pesos. It is best to have the driver wait for you at the cenote to take you back, rather than standing on the highway trying to flag one down. The open-air cenotes and Cobá underground cenotes are cheap to enter and don’t require a guide. The cavern cenotes Dos Ojos, Sac Actun, and others listed in the article below will require a guide and gear, and cost 400 to 600 pesos to enter.
  • Do not wear sunscreen. Cenotes are fragile environments interconnected by underground river systems. The chemical agents in sunscreens, even the biodegradable types, can cause irreparable damage to the already threatened ecosystems here. Many cenotes have showers near the entrances, where guests are required to rinse before entering the water.
  • You can easily visit cenotes on your own, but if you don’t want to worry about arranging transportation, I highly recommend this cenote and snorkeling tour with hotel pickup and drop off.
Scuba diving lessons at Casa Cenote in Tankah, near Tulum

Scuba lessons at Casa Cenote.

The Best Tulum Cenotes

1. Cenotes Dos Ojos • Tankah, northeast of Tulum

Snorkeling at Dos Ojos in Tankah near Tulum
Dos Ojos (Two Eyes) is the most impressive cenote group in Tulum, named for its two largest cenotes, the Blue Eye (a sparkling, open-air cenote) and the Black Eye (a pitch-dark cavern with stalactites and stalagmites; you’ll need a guide and a flashlight to see this one). Dos Ojos is a flooded cave system with 5 cenotes total and connecting with Sac Actun (more info on Sac Actun below). Public access is available for its 2 open-air cenotes for 350 pesos (definitely on the high end for cenote rates), while its 3 cave cenotes require a guide (rates vary, but it’s worth the price). Experienced divers can also set up scuba tours through parts of Dos Ojos inaccessible to swimmers and snorkelers. • Map

2. Cenote Zacil Ha • Avenida Coba, northwest of Tulum

Cenote Zacil Ha in Tulum
Popular with local families, Zacil Ha is a small, open-air cenote with a zip line, diving platform, and 2 pools. The cenote is only about 3 meters deep, but the zip line is what keeps people coming back (it’s just 10 pesos a zip). There is a small, affordable snack bar on site, but most local families bring their own picnic. At 80 pesos to enter, this is among the cheapest cenotes to visit. • Map

3. Jardin del Eden Cenote • Xpu Ha, northeast of Tulum

The rock islands of Cenote Jardin del Eden in Xpu Ha near Tulum
Enormous, open-air cenote in the jungle with emerald-sapphire water. Jardin del Eden has a cliff at one end topped with a diving platform, and toward the center is a group of flat rocks just beneath the surface of the water (formerly the roof when the cenote was inside a cave), where people tend to sit and hang out. Visibility is excellent and many people bring their masks to snorkel (though there is not much aquatic life to see here), while divers visit to explore the cenote’s deep underwater caves. There are restrooms, life jacket rentals, and a small snack bar here. Entry is 200 pesos. • Map

4. Cenotes Cristal y Escondido • West of the Pueblo

Diving into Cenote Cristal in Tulum
Though very close to the Tulum pueblo, these two open-air cenotes with lovely, clear waters are off the tourist radar, so they tend to be pretty quiet. Cenote Cristal is the busier of the two, with a round shape, a diving platform, and a few little hangout spots built around. Across the street, Cenote Escondido is a long, skinny strip of water teeming with fish and with a rope swing at one end. Both cenotes are connected by an underwater tunnel, though you’ll need scuba gear to swim its length. 120 pesos includes entry to both cenotes. Enter and pay at Cristal; park at either cenote. Don’t confuse Cenote Cristal with Cenote Cristalino. Though Cenote Cristallino in Xpu Ha is beautiful, the operators have made life jackets mandatory, which takes the fun out of swimming there. • Map

5. Cenote Azul • Xpu Ha, northeast of Tulum

Cenote Azul near Tulum and Playa del Carmen
Cenote Azul is a collection of open-air pools all connected by a network of walkways with a few diving platforms spread throughout. The main cenote is the deepest, though there are a few deep pools mixed with mostly shallow pools radiating out from the central area. This is a popular cenote for families, as there are plenty of shallow areas for younger kids to enjoy. The cenote is shaded by jungle and rocky shelves over the water, letting in dappled sunlight for most of the day. Several flat, partially submerged rocks offer a perfect spot to chill in the water while tiny fish nibble your feet. There is a small store with snacks and drinks for sale. 120 pesos to enter. • Map

6. Casa Cenote (formerly Cenote Manatí) • Tankah, northeast of Tulum

Kayaking at Casa Cenote in Tankah near Tulum
This busy cenote is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba lessons. What makes Casa Cenote so special is its mix of freshwater and saltwater, its lazy-river current (the vast majority of cenotes don’t have a current at all), and its abundance of wildlife. Coati, birds, and butterflies visit its banks, while tropical fish and blue crabs flock around the mangrove roots. Panchito, a solitary little crocodile, lives near the back of the cenote; he’s never bitten anyone in all his years living there, but still, be sure to give him a wide berth. 120 pesos to enter, no guide required. There is a security checkpoint after you turn off the highway on the road Fraccionamiento Tankah leading to Casa Cenote. Tell the guards you are headed to Casa Cenote, and they will let you pass. There are not many services here other than porta-potties and life jacket rentals, but there are a handful of good restaurants in the area (the best is Chamico’s, about 2.5 km north along the beach). • Map

7. Cenotes Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha • Cobá, northwest of Tulum

Cenote Multum Ha, near Cobá
On the same patch of land about 6 km from the Cobá ruins are three underground cenotes, each with unique features. Choo-Ha is the most “cavey” filled with stalagmites and stalactites and shallow, jewel blue water. Tamcach-Ha is the largest, deepest, and most popular with 2 diving platforms set at 5 and 10 meters high. Multum-Ha, the quietest of the three, is an almost perfect dome with hanging vines coming down through a small hole in its top. Life jackets, showers, and restrooms are available. The cenotes cost 100 pesos each to enter. • Choo-Ha Map • Tamcach-Ha Map • Multum-Ha Map

8. Yal Ku Lagoon and Cenote • Akumal, northeast of Tulum

A school of fish at Yal Ku Lagoon and Cenote in Akumal
Yal Ku is a large park with a cenote that flows into a lagoon that flows into the sea. This the best snorkel spot in the whole of Riviera Maya (aside from the coral reef) due to its mix of fresh and saltwater. Snorkelers will find tons of wildlife here with the small colorful fish (angelfish, parrotfish, and more) mostly near the cenote and mangroves and the larger fish, barracudas, rays, and sea turtles near the ocean end of the lagoon. There are two companies sharing control of Yal Ku with two different entrances. The blue and white entrance (cenote end) is the best for snorkelers, as they do not require life jackets, but there are few facilities here and almost no shade. The pink entrance (ocean end) offers palapa rentals, a snack bar, and cabins, but life jackets are mandatory, even for certified divers. Once in the lagoon, you can swim to any part of Yal Ku, no matter where you came in. Both companies charge 280 pesos to enter and both have snorkel masks available to rent. • Map

9. Cenote Chaak Tun • Playa del Carmen

Cenote Chaak Tun in Playa del Carmen
Two underground cenotes, one with a hole in the top letting in sunbeams and dramatic hanging vines, the other low lit (even pitch black in parts) with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Chaak Tun is available to visit only as a 2-hour snorkeling tour package, beginning with a shaman’s blessing and ending with a Maya meal and tequila with a little hiking and over an hour spent in the water. Tours in English and Spanish begin every 30 minutes from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; come early or at the tail end of the day to avoid the tourist crowds that flock here on day trips from Cozumel. The 550 pesos admission includes an enthusiastic guide, all gear, a wetsuit, and food. • Map

10. Kaan Luum Lagoon and Cenote • West of Tulum

Kaan Luum Lagoon and Cenote in Tulum
Kaan Luum is the only spot on this list that is still more popular with locals than travelers (though that is fast changing). This family-friendly lagoon is ideal for young swimmers with most of it shallower than 1.5 meters. Its pale jade water abruptly turns dark blue where a deep cenote begins. The cenote is also marked off with a rope and buoys; only scuba divers are allowed in. Facilities include a large palapa (where locals picnic), a pier and group of small palapas (where everyone hangs out), 2 overwater swingsets, and an outhouse. 100 pesos to enter; to discourage drones, they charge an extra 150 to bring one in. • Map

11. Cenote and Caleta Tankah • Tankah, northeast of Tulum

Cenote Tankah near Tulum
This hidden gem offers the best of both worlds: an open-air cenote in the jungle and a caleta (small cove) on the beach. The caleta is a nearly circular cove at the edge of a sandy beach with saltwater waves washing in and freshwater heading out to sea from an underground river system; the clash of waters is fun for stronger swimmers. Walking inland along a jungle path leads to a shallow, round cenote ringed with palm trees. The cenote is fairly rocky, better for lounging than swimming. Entry to both is through the beach club at Caleta Tankah Hotel. 150 pesos includes access to the restaurant (good drinks, so-so food) and restrooms there. • Map

12. Cenote Car Wash (aka Cenote Aktun Ha) • Avenida Coba, northwest of Tulum • $

Cenote Car Wash, as seen from the platform
An open-air cenote with crystal clear water, a diving platform, great visibility, and underwater caves popular for diving. This is one of the quieter, less crowded cenotes, known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Its nickname comes from its history as a pit stop for taxis traveling between Tulum and Cobá, who used to wash their cars here. Like Casa Cenote, there is a current (though not as strong) and a small, elusive crocodile living here (just a little baby – for now). Facilities include restrooms, showers, lockers, and snorkel gear. Cenote Car Wash is the cheapest cenote near Tulum, only 50 pesos to enter (200 pesos for divers). • Map

13. Cenotes Sac Actun • Tankah, northeast of Tulum

Blue water of Sac Actun in Tankah near Tulum
Cenote Sac Actun is part of Sistema Sac Actun, the longest underwater cave system in the world. Archaeologists have found remains of a mastodon here, as well as a skull and partial skeleton of a teenage girl dating back 13,000 years – the oldest skeleton ever found in the Americas. Located near and connecting with Dos Ojos, Cenotes Sac Actun offer a similar feel with its flooded caverns studded with stalagmites and stalactites, but unlike Dos Ojos, Sac Actun’s cenotes are all underground. A guide is necessary here, but advanced reservations are not. 600 pesos includes entrance and guided tour. • Map

Map of Cenotes Near Tulum

Map of cenotes near Tulum.
Hotels on Map: Jashita • Una Vida • Mezzanine • Ahau

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Maps of Tulum

Mexico › Tulum › Tulum Hotel Maps
Updated: January 3, 2024

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Map of Where to Stay In Tulum

Tulum Where To Stay Map and Where To Stay on Tulum Beach
Hotels on Map: 1. Jashita 2. Conrad 3. Hilton 4. O’ Tulum 5. Mereva 6. Alea 7. Nerea 8. Bespoke 9. Bardo 10. Una Vida 11. Casa Don Diego 12. Coco Hacienda 13. Milam 14. Holistika 15. Hotel Tiki Tiki 16. Naay 17. Secrets Resort 18. Kimpton Aluna 19. Villa Pescadores 20. Mezzanine 21. Diamante K 22. Mi Amor 23. Our Habitas 24. Azulik 25. Punta Piedra Beach Posada Hotel 26. Zamas 27. El Pez 28. Hotel Esencia 29. Coco Tulum 30. Cabañas La Luna 31. The Beach Hotel 32. Shibari 33. Ahau 34. Kanan 35. Lula 36. La Zebra 37. Casa Violeta 38. Sueños 39. Encantada 39. Xela 40. La Valise 41. Nest 42. Be Tulum 42. Nômade 43. Casa Malca

Map of Tulum Hotels

Map of Tulum Mexico and the best hotel, restaurants, and things to do.
Hotels on Map: Jashita • O’ Tulum • Hotel Mereva • Alea • Nerea • Conrad • Hilton • Bespoke • Bardo • Una Vida • Coco Hacienda • Hotel Milam • Hotel Tiki Tiki • Holistika • Naay • Secrets • Kimpton Aluna • Mezzanine • Mi Amor • Our Habitas • El Pez • Tago • Coco Tulum • Dune • Cabañas La Luna • The Beach Tulum • Cabañas Tulum • Hotel Shibari • Ahau • Kanan • Lula Hotel • La Zebra • Alaya • Casa Violeta • Sueños • Hotel Panamera • Xela • Encantada • Radhoo • La Valise • Nest • Be Tulum • Nômade • Casa Malca • Casa Gitano

Map of Cenotes Near Tulum

Map of cenotes near Tulum.
Hotels on Map: Jashita • Una Vida • Mezzanine • Ahau

Map of Cancun to Tulum

Getting from Cancun to Tulum map

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Cancun Restaurants

Mexico › Best Cancun Restaurants
Updated: January 3, 2024

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The 9 Best Restaurants in Cancun

  1. Casitas • $$$$
    Romantic, special occasion dining in Cancun
    Beachfront fine dining at Kempinski Hotel with a sumptuous menu of grilled fresh seafood and tender steaks. Specialties include their elevated version of Yucatecan tikin xic, a whole fish coated in spices and citrus and cooked in a banana leaf, as well as their flawlessly prepared steaks. The wine selection is robust, featuring international labels as well as Mexican wines (Mexico is known for their reds, especially cabernets and tempranillos). The romantic ambiance is most profound in their signature private casitas directly on the beach, wrapped in sheer veils with softly illuminated tabletops, though they also have tables on a nearby terrace. Service is impeccable, attentive, and friendly. Reservations are required for the beachfront casitas and there is a surcharge, but it is entirely worth it, especially for special occasions. Reservations are recommended for terrace seating.

  2. La Fonda del Zancudo • $$-$$$
    Date night dining in Cancun
    Atmospheric dining in an old abandoned house, serving gorgeous, Mediterranean-inspired dishes using fresh, local, organic ingredients, some grown onsite in their tiny garden. Standout dishes include their rich tuna tartare, baked figs, and empanadas, along with their refreshing cucumber martini and sangria. They also have a chalkboard menu with daily specials, with a lot of variety, especially for seafood and veggie dishes. Seating is in an open courtyard surrounded by crumbling stucco walls with dramatic vines climbing up the sides and fairy lights strung through the trees. Reservations are not required for small groups, but larger tables may want to reach out via Facebook; they answer very promptly. This Downtown restaurant is open for dinner only.

  3. Les Cepages • $$$$
    The best French restaurant in Cancun
    Contemporary, French cuisine in an elegant setting with rich flavors, exquisite presentation, and fantastic wines. The sophisticated menu changes seasonally, taking inspiration from locally-sourced produce and fine meat cuts, though certain popular items appear regularly, like the brie salad, lamb chops, and chocolate soufflé. The restaurant is helmed by the amiable and talented Chef Sal Luna, who makes sure to personally greet all guests he’s cooking for and to answer any questions or make suggestions, even going off-menu. Table service is always warm, attentive, and personal. Les Cepages is located in Downtown and is open for lunch and dinner.

  4. La Habichuela • $$$$
    Garden patio dining in Cancun
    Flavorful Mexican-Caribbean restaurant, famous for its unique recipes featuring delicious seafood and beef and its tropical garden vibe. Their most popular dish by far is their cocobichuela (so popular it ended up being a $600 question on Jeopardy): curried lobster and fish over rice served inside a coconut and topped with a grilled pineapple ring. Decorated with Maya statues, dense palm fronds, and strings of lights, the garden patio is the preferred spot for dining. Save room for dessert and order a Mayan coffee to end the night; it comes with a fun tableside fire show. There are two locations, but you definitely need to visit the original one in Downtown, open since 1977, to experience the true Cancun spirit.

  5. Surfin’ Burrito • $
    Cheap eats budget dining in Cancun
    This well-loved hole-in-the-wall has a full menu of California-style comfort food, like coconut shrimp, fish tacos, and ceviche. But they are best known for their massive mahi-shrimp burritos, loaded with grilled veggies, beans, and rice; topped with tamarind and habanero sauce, as featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Their build-your-own burrito option is super popular, especially for those who don’t do seafood; their arrachera beef is particularly delicious. Burritos are always finished off on the grill to give a little crunch and a fuller flavor. Go easy on the drinks here; the cocktails are bigger than your head, ice-cold, and strong. Seating is limited to three high-top tables and assorted bar stools, so waiting for a table can take a while; food and cocktails are all available to-go, and they deliver from 8:00 a.m. until midnight. The restaurant is in the middle of the Hotel Zone, near the nightlife and open 24 hours.

  6. El Galeón del Caribe • $
    Best local dining in Cancun
    The only authentic, local-style restaurant in the Hotel Zone, El Galeón serves tasty, affordable seafood dishes under a palapa roof with a dirt floor and picnic tables arranged near the lagoon. The specialty of the house is pescadillas (fish tacos); order 3 or 4 per person. Their mixed ceviche with shrimp and octopus is outstanding and huge; two people can share this one. Pair your meal with a michelada and finish it off with their sweet fried bananas. Service is friendly but very casual, so don’t expect to be doted on. This gem of a restaurant is hidden from the street. At kilometer 19.4, you’ll see their sign and a small parking lot on the lagoon side of the street. The restaurant itself is down a set of wooden steps hidden in the foliage. Hours are loose, from noon-ish to 7:00ish. Cash only.

  7. Los Aguachiles • $$-$$$
    Best Ceviche in Cancun
    Casual, authentic spot for super fresh seafood and ice-cold drinks. The restaurant is best known for its house ceviche, made with shrimp, octopus, or a combo of the two served with their house salsa blends. Other menu highlights include the tuna tostada, grilled octopus, and chilorio tacos (spicy pork) for the non-seafood eaters. Mezcal features heavily on the drink menu, mixed with various aguas frescas, most popularly the pepino fresco (cucumber lime) and the maracuyá (passion fruit). This humble Downtown spot is a favorite among locals – clean, welcoming, and family-friendly. Open for lunch and early dinner from 1:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

  8. Sushi Go • $$-$$$
    The best sushi in Cancun
    Unassuming local chain serving super fresh and affordable sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese favorites. Rolls are definitely the stars here, with the Dragon Roll (tempura shrimp, cream cheese, and eel sauce) topping the list of favorites, along with the #4 (salmon, mango, cream cheese) and #21 (spicy tuna wrapped in avocado). Their tempura udon, ribeye roll, and gyoza are also top-notch. Diners will also find a few Mexican-inspired appetizers on the menu, like spicy tuna tostadas and salmon taquitos. The atmosphere is casual and clean, with friendly staff, table service, a full bar, and killer tempura fried ice cream. They also deliver to anywhere in the Hotel Zone. Open daily from 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm.

  9. Porfirio’s • $$$$
    Upscale Mexican restaurant in Cancun
    Upscale, Mexican restaurant with a lively atmosphere. Porfirio’s serves a wide range of Mexican staples like tamales, chicharones, and elote, along with more traditional, adventurous fare, like chapulines (fried grasshoppers) on guacamole. The cocktail menu features unique house recipes, like their chilimango (with fresh mango, vodka, chili and peach liqueur) and a robust selection of Josefinas (spicy mezcal cocktails with sweetened lemon and fresh, local fruits). Dinner is accompanied by live mariachi performers dancing among the tables, miming along with the music over the speakers. Yes, it’s cheesy but way fun. Open for lunch and dinner from 1:00 pm -1:00 am in the Hotel Zone.

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Tulum’s Best Tacos

Mexico › Tulum › Best Tacos
Updated: January 2, 2024

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The Best Tacos in Tulum

    Taqueria Honorio – Pueblo

    Counter service at Taqueria Honorio in Tulum
    A family-run taco stand best known for their Yucatecan pork fillings, including conchinita pibil (slow-roasted pulled pork), lechón al horno (roast suckling pig), poc chuc (grilled pork with citrus marinade). This spot has become popular in recent years, so expect to pay a little more here than at other taco stands (though it’s still super cheap). Open from 6:00 a.m. until they run out of food, usually around 1:00 p.m. Cash only, limited seating.

    • Location

    El Carboncito – Pueblo

    The dining area of Taqueria El Carboncito in Tulum
    Tulum’s best tacos al pastor (spit-roasted pork with a Mexican-Middle Eastern spice blend). Chorizo and beef tacos are also amazing, especially when washed down with a glass of jamaica (sweet hibiscus tea) or horchata (sweet cinnamon rice drink). Though the seating area is large, it’s usually super busy with a long wait for a table, so arrive early or take it to go. Cash only.

    • Location

    Antojitos la Chiapaneca – Pueblo

    Night scene at Antojitos la Chiapaneca in Tulum
    Some of Tulum’s best tacos are also the cheapest, starting at 10 pesos each (15 pesos with cheese). Go for the al pastor. This stand is also known for its Yucatecan snacks, especially salbutes (open-face, deep-fried, mesa flour tacos) and panuchos (salbutes with refried beans added). Covered or open-air seating is available, but it’s standing room only most nights. Hours are not strictly kept, but usually the shop is open after 5:00 p.m. Cash only.

    • Location

    Tacos y Tortas El Tío – Pueblo

    The taco stand Tacos y Tortas El Tío in Tulum
    Authentic, cheap, delicious street tacos and tortas. There are only 5 chairs at this popular little cart, so plan on ordering to go. Hours aren’t set, but the cart is open at night only and usually on weekends, though you may catch them some weeknights, too. El Tío parks in front of the Oxxo convenience store at the corner of Avenida Tulum and Calle Geminis Sur. Cash only.

    • Location

    Burrito Amor – Pueblo

    Outside Burrito Amor in Tulum
    Not technically tacos. But Burrito Amor cooks up a rich, flavorful menu based around a clean-eating philosophy. Burritos are made with their fresh, homemade tortillas (flour, gluten-free, or grain-free) and stuffed with a variety of fillings (meat, vegetarian, vegan, egg-free, dairy-free, and/or paleo-friendly). They also have a killer bar, mixing up signature cocktails, aguas frescas, fresh squeezed juices, and fragrant coffee. Great menu and service all day. Cash only.

    • Location

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Tulum Restaurants

Mexico › Tulum › Best Restaurants
Updated: January 2, 2024

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tacos beer Gitano beach club

Tulum Dining – Tips & Advice

  • Cash: Most restaurants in Tulum accept cash only, even the fine dining restaurants. Some accept U.S. dollars, but most require payment in Mexican pesos. If given the option, pay in pesos to get the best rates; you will always overpay if using dollars. Many restaurants that do allow credit cards charge an additional 3% surcharge.
  • Tipping: Tipping is part of the custom here, and 10 to 15% is the standard rate. But first, check bill for the word “propina” (meaning tip) to see if it has already been added to the bill. If so, add the necessary amount to bring the propina total up to 10 to 15%. Tipping in pesos is best, so the staff don’t have to pay a bank to exchange it into pesos.
  • Most of Tulum’s best restaurants are in the Pueblo or Middle Beach Zone. The Pueblo has more authentic, affordable restaurants, while the Middle Beach Zone has more chic, upscale spots. Most restaurants in the beach zones are on the jungle side of the road with outdoor seating.
  • Best Cooking Class : Rivera’s Kitchen (Pueblo)
  • Best Breakfast: Potheads (Beach Town) • Del Cielo (Pueblo) • Taqueria Honorio (Pueblo)
  • Best Sunsets: Kin Toh (Beach Town) • Mateo’s Mexican Grill (Beach Town)
  • Best Ice Cream: Campanella Cremerie (Pueblo) • Panna e Cioccolato (Pueblo)
  • Best Coffee: Ki’bok Coffee (Pueblo)

Tulum’s Best Restaurants – Video

The 19 Best Restaurants in Tulum

  1. Arca – Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

    2. The entrance to Arca Restaurant in Tulum
    High-end restaurant serving contemporary, flame-cooked, Maya-Mexican dishes. The menu changes often, but always offers the freshest, local seafood, meat, and produce from nearby Maya farms. Open for dinner Tuesdays through Sundays. Reservations strongly recommended. Cash only.

  2. Hartwood – Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

    3. A full house at Hartwood in Tulum
    Tulum’s premier fine dining restaurant offers a new menu each night highlighting seasonal produce from local markets and farms, along with sustainable seafood and meats. Totally off-the-grid, all food is cooked over fire and most of the lighting comes from candles. Open for dinner only from Wednesday through Sunday. Email for reservations about a month in advance. Cash only.

  3. Cetli – Pueblo • $$$

    4. Outside Cetli in Tulum at night
    A romantic, candlelit hacienda-turned-restaurant just outside of town, Cetli serves up amazing Oaxacan mole (rhymes with olé) dishes. Local, fresh ingredients are ground with a metate stone in pre-Hispanic style. Open for lunch and dinner; reservations recommended for dinner. Cash only.

  4. La Gloria de Don Pepe – Pueblo • $$

    5. Night tapas at La Gloria de Don Pepe in Tulum
    Charming little spot for Spanish tapas and fantastic wine. Their greatest hits include paella, fideuà (seafood pasta), and chistorra sausage. Buzzing atmosphere, especially in the evenings. Open for lunch and dinner. Cash only.

  5. NÜ – South Beach Zone • $$$$

    6. Dining in the jungle at Nü in Tulum
    Contemporary Maya-Mexican cuisine served in the jungle under the stars. Dishes feature traditional, local ingredients prepared in a creative, modern style. Its romantic ambiance makes this an ideal spot for special occasions. Dinner only; reservations recommended.

  6. Posada Margherita – Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

    7. tulum restaurant Posada Margherita beach dining
    Upscale yet unfussy beachfront Italian restaurant serving delicious handmade pasta and outstanding pizza made according to an old family recipe. The wine list is broad with an ever-changing selection of excellent labels. The restaurant is open all day, but the lunch and dinner menus are best. Cash only; no reservations.

  7. Safari – Aldea Zama • $$

    8. The fire pit and kitchen at Safari on the beach road in Tulum
    Rustic, Yucatecan-Mexican dishes prepared in a retro-chic Airstream trailer, and cooked campfire-style over an outdoor fire pit. The menu is small and simple, pairing well with Mexican craft beer, signature cocktails, and house-made aguas frescas.

  8. WILD – South Beach Zone • $$$

    9. Open-air dining space at The Wild in Tulum
    Ultra-chic, open-air dining in the jungle. The menu features gourmet Mexican-international gastronomy, using locally-sourced ingredients cooked over a wood fire. The inspired cocktail bar offers signature drinks made with fresh juices, homemade syrups, and edible flowers. Ideal for weddings and special events. Reservations recommended.

  9. El Asadero – Pueblo • $$

    10. Sidewalk dining at El Asadero in Tulum
    The best steakhouse in the Pueblo, El Asadero serves up succulent meats (don’t miss the arrachera) with Mexican accompaniments, including chorizo, grilled cactus, and roasted potatoes. Dinner only; reservations recommended.

  10. Casa Banana – Middle Beach Zone • $$$

    11. Outside Casa Banana in Tulum
    The best steakhouse on the beach road. Casa Banana offers a high-end Argentine-Mexican menu with excellent meat cuts, homemade chorizo, local beer, and a long list of mezcal cocktails. Open all day, but dinner service is the best. Cash only.

  11. MEZE – Middle Beach Zone • $$$$

    12. Dining area at Meze in Tulum
    A stylish Greek taverna specializing in meze plates (the Greek version of tapas) and creative cocktails. All dishes are made to share, so bring a friend and an appetite.

  12. Potheads – Beach Town and Pueblo • $$

    13. Exterior of Potheads Restaurant in Tulum
    A hearty menu of Mexican and international favorites, from chilaquiles to eggs Benedict, with friendly faces and a relaxed vibe. Excellent coffee. All day brunch from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Cash only.

  13. Del Cielo – Pueblo • $$

    14. The entrance to Del Cielo
    Del Cielo Tropical Bistro offers a mix of Mexican, Caribbean, and international favorites. Don’t miss the tartine and French toast. The restaurant is open all day, but brunch is when they truly shine. Cash only.

  14. Raw Love – Middle Beach Zone • $$

    15. The dining space at Raw Love in Tulum
    Vegan, raw food restaurant on the beach and in town. Gluten-free superfoods fill the menu, while standout dishes include the raw pad thai and the açai bowl. Find them in Ahau Tulum hotel. Cash only.

  15. Mateo’s Mexican Grill – Beach Town • $$

    16. Outside the ground floor bar at Mateo's Mexican Grill in Tulum
    Multi-storied, Tex-Mex bar and grill with a rooftop deck offering sunset views over the jungle. Another terrace is filled with hammocks. Standouts include the fried fish tacos, ceviche, and cocktails. Open all day; live music most nights. Cash only (ATM onsite).

  16. Ukami – Middle Beach Zone • $$

    17. The entrance of Ukami in Tulum
    Unique fusion menu of “Mayapanese” creations, blending Maya and Japanese culinary traditions. Expect fresh sushi alongside wild concoctions, like gyoza made with yuca, teriyaki tacos, and miso soup with fried tortillas. The restaurant has covered and open-air seating with colorful murals, eclectic décor, and a casual atmosphere. Dinner only.

  17. Mezzanine – North Beach Zone • $$$

    18. The dining room at Mezzanine in Tulum
    Mezzanine Hotel is home to a surprisingly authentic Thai restaurant. Run by 2 Thai chefs and incorporating local ingredients, the restaurant offers subtle twists on classic dishes and pairs them with Asian-inspired cocktails. Elegant yet casual atmosphere, perfect for a date night.

  18. El Vegetariano Mar y Tierra – Pueblo • $$

    19. Outside El Vegetariano in Tulum
    Tasty, casual vegan/veggie restaurant in the heart of town with a savory menu of Mexican and international dishes. Great chile relleno, burgers, falafel, and more, best enjoyed on the cozy garden patio in the back.

  19. Kin Toh – Beach Town • $$$$

    20. The lounge area of Kin Toh in Tulum
    Stylish treehouse restaurant and bar with striking architecture and dreamy sunset views over the jungle. This so-cool-it-hurts spot is all about the atmosphere, so come for sunset cocktails in one of their nest perches or have a shisha while lounging on their hanging nets. The food is Maya avant-garde and a bit pretentious, but the ambiance is truly original and well worth the trip. Reservations recommended. A 25 USD minimum consumption fee will be charged to a credit card on arrival.

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Cheap Hotels in Tulum

Mexico › Tulum › Budget Hotels
Updated: December 29, 2023

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The 8 Best Budget Hotels in Tulum

1. Teetotum – Budget

Featuring four contemporary guest rooms, this charming, good value hotel offers free breakfast, an outdoor plunge pool, restaurant, spa services, and free bicycles for guest use. Each guest room has air conditioning and a minibar, and the hotel is located 3 km from the Archaeological Zone and 4 km from the beach.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 143 8956
Hotel website • Check prices for Teetotum

2. Casa Don Diego – Budget

Within walking distance of the restaurants of downtown Tulum, this colorful hotel features free breakfast, an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar, spa, free parking, laundry service, and bike and scuba equipment rentals. Rooms have air conditioning, terraces, private bathrooms, and no TVs. Located 5 km from the Archaeological Zone and the beach.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 745 9305
Hotel website • Check prices for Casa Don Diego

3. Posada Yum Kin – Budget

Located just north of downtown Tulum, this eco-friendly budget hotel is 5 km (15-minute drive) from the Archaeological Zone, and offers complimentary continental breakfast, outdoor pool and hot tub, free parking, and a lush garden. All rooms feature traditional architecture and local artwork, and most rooms have air conditioning, terraces with hammocks, and kitchenettes.
Hotel phone: +52 1 920 858 2127
Check prices for Posada Yum Kin

4. Mango – Budget

Located 3 km from the Archaeological Zone and 4 km from Gran Cenote, this cozy and affordable hotel is positioned just outside the center of Tulum, but within walking distance of many restaurants and shops. Minimalist guestrooms feature air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and refrigerators, as well as free coffee, tea, and filtered drinking water. An outdoor pool and a garden are on-site.
Hotel phone: +52 984 142 6462
Hotel website • Check prices for Mango

5. Cabañas La Luna – Moderate

Beachfront property made up of 10 bungalows, a pool, and a restaurant, and situated about 8 km from downtown Tulum as well as the Archaeological Zone. Bungalows vary in size but all offer direct beach access and filtered drinking water, and some feature multiple bedrooms, air conditioning, and private bathrooms.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 146 7737
Hotel website • Check prices for Cabañas La Luna

6. Villas Geminis Boutique Condohotel – Moderate

Situated in the heart of downtown Tulum and 4 km from both the beach and Gran Cenote, this art-focused hotel offers an outdoor pool, garden, free continental breakfast, and free bicycles for guest use. Every spacious room has a balcony or patio, traditional decor, and air conditioning, while some rooms feature full kitchens and sitting areas.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 277 6298
Hotel website • Check prices for Villas Geminis Boutique Condohotel

7. Biwa – Moderate

Known for its scenic rooftop bar, this modern mid-range hotel offers free breakfast, free bicycles for guest use, an outdoor pool, several lounge areas, free parking, and an elevator. Rooms feature air conditioning, minibars, coffee makers, desks, private bathrooms, and bathrobes. The hotel is located 4 km from the Archaeological Zone and within walking distance of the restaurants of downtown Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 871 2200
Hotel website • Check prices for Biwa

8. Naay – Moderate

Charming boutique hotel situated 4 km from the beach with complimentary breakfast, free bikes for guest use, and a large rooftop deck with two pools, cabanas, and a restaurant. All rooms feature modern amenities like air conditioning, smart TVs, Bose speakers, and memory foam beds; some rooms have balconies.
Hotel phone: +52 1 800 504 5000
Hotel website • Check prices for Naay Curamoria

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The Best Time to Visit Mexico City

Mexico › Mexico City › When to Go
Updated: December 21, 2023

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Best time to visit Mexico City.

When is the Best Time to Visit Mexico City?

If you’re looking for dry weather and moderate temperatures the best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May. During these spring months, the city enjoys warm, pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The daytime temperatures are comfortable, and the nights are cool, offering a perfect balance for exploring the city. This period also allows you to experience the vibrant cultural life of Mexico City in full swing, with various festivals and events taking place. October and November are also great months to visit, though crowds are larger and hotel prices higher.

  • Best Time to See Flowers: Many look forward to the time Jacaranda trees bloom in late February and early March. The broad trees with lavender blooms light up Reforma Avenue. The Chapultepec Botanical gardens are open year-round and be sure to catch the Festival de Flores y Jardines there in April, or head to the neighborhood of San Angel for Feria de las Flores in July.
  • Best Time to Visit Teotihuacan: The spectacular ancient Mesoamerican city, just 30 miles north of Mexico City, is open year-round. If the weather is hot, as it can often be in May and June, you may want to arrive when the site opens at 9 am. You can also get a jump on the crowds that way. Speaking of crowds, the spring equinox at Teotihuacan is a huge happening with hundreds of thousands of white-clad people flocking to the site to take in its energy as it alights with the sun. If your purpose is to see the site and learn about its history, it is best to avoid the days around the equinox.
  • Best Time for Music Fans: March is the month for the Vive Latino Music Festival, a huge event featuring an eclectic array of international and local pop and rock music stars. If your taste leans more towards violins and oboes than electric guitars and synthesizers, you might want to look at the schedule of the Festival de Mexico en el Centro Historico. This 2-week-long festival, which begins at the end of March, includes jazz, classical music, and dance performances, as well as children’s events. In November, you can catch another pop extravaganza: the Corona Capital Music Festival.
  • Best Time to Catch a Soccer Game: If you enjoy spectator sports, sitting in the raucous stands of a Mexico City soccer game will be an experience to remember. Mexico City has 3 teams in the Liga MX, the top-level professional league in Mexico. They have 2 seasons, one from July 20 to November 24 and the other from January 5 to late May.
  • Best Time to Ride a Canal Boat in Xochimilco: The best time to set out with a group on one of these colorful canal boats depends on your travel appetite. Do you want to hit the canals with the locals? Then go on a weekend or during the week before and after Easter, when many Mexicans are on holiday. Want to avoid crowds? Weekday mornings are the best bet.
  • Best Time for Visiting Markets: Mexico City has wonderful public markets and weekly open-air farmers markets. They operate year-round, but availability for some items, such as some fruits and traditional crafts, depends on the time of year. The best time for a fresh mango is in June and July. Mamey Sapote, a brown fruit with rich orange flesh and a taste similar to a sweet pumpkin with cherry overtones, is most often found in the winter months. The best time to buy a hand-made piñata is in December, in the 2 weeks before Christmas.
  • Best Time for Bargains: Chilly winter nights keep some visitors out of the city, so hotel bargains may be found from December to February. There may also be some good hotel deals from June to August.

Mexico City Travel Seasons

  • High Season (September to November): Compared to many destinations, Mexico City doesn’t see a big variation in the number of visitors at different times of the year, but September-November is when tourist traffic in Mexico City is the highest. The last weeks of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season mean mild temperatures and a good backdrop for popular festivals such as Day of the Dead. September has frequent rains and warm temperatures. The dry season sets in during October and nights get increasingly cool.
  • Shoulder Season (March to May): Another popular time of year, when nights warm up but before the rainy season starts, are the spring months, which are a great time to explore the outdoors. Be sure and reserve in advance, particularly if you are visiting during the weeks before and after Easter – times when Mexicans go on vacation. Besides the pageantry of holy week, there are quite a few festivals to enjoy this time of year.
  • Low Season (December to February): The coolest and driest months of the year have some of the lowest tourist crowds and pleasures of their own, such as Mexico City’s exuberant celebrations of Christmas, New Year’s, and Epiphany. While daytime temperatures are pleasant, nighttime temperatures can reach near freezing, and it is important to take into account that central heating is unusual in Mexican buildings.
  • Low Season (June to August): The summer months are a little less popular for tourists than spring or fall because it rains almost every day during these months, usually in short, intense bursts. Luckily, Mexico City has no shortage of museums, indoor markets, and other diversions that are out of the weather. Because of the rain, air quality is at its best this time of year. The hottest month of this period is June.

Mexico City Weather by Month

    Year-round, Mexico City has weather that most people would call lovely, with daily highs between 20°C and 30°C.

  • Mexico City Weather in January: January is the coolest month of the year. Daytime temperatures are usually pleasantly warm, while nighttime temperatures can dip to freezing. Smog is a regular occurrence but rain is rare. Wear lots of layers to adjust to the changes in temperature. (Average Max Temperature: 22°C, Average Rainfall: 10mm.)
  • Mexico City Weather in February: February has temperatures that are cool by Mexico City standards: pleasant during the day and very cold at night. It’s still the dry season, so rain is rare, but smog might be an issue. Both indoor or outdoor activities are fine in February. Bring layers in either case. Jacaranda trees bloom at the end of the month, signaling that spring is on the way. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C, Average Rainfall: 5mm.)
  • Mexico City Weather in March: In March, daytime temperatures start getting warmer, though still pleasant. Nighttime temperatures rise with them, but it gets chilly. Rain is rare. This is usually a smoggy month unless an early Easter cuts down the traffic. (The week before and the week after Easter are holidays in Mexico, and many city residents leave town.) If you are sensitive to air pollution exposure, try to remain indoors during morning and afternoon commute times. (Average Max Temperature: 26°C, Average Rainfall: 6mm.)
  • Mexico City Weather in April: April weather is often beautiful. It can get fairly hot during the day while remaining quite cool at night. The 2-week school vacation around Easter usually eases up the traffic for a little while, giving a break from the smog. It rains a little more often than earlier in the year, but it is still very much dry season. (Average Max Temperature: 27°C, Average Rainfall: 14mm.)
  • Mexico City Weather in May: With May, Mexico City hits its hottest time of year. It’s even relatively mild at night. The sunny skies at the beginning of the month come with bad air quality, but when the rains get going at the end of the month, the smog eases up. (Average Max Temperature: 27°C, Average Rainfall: 24mm.)
  • Mexico City Weather in June: June has hot daytime temperatures, mild nighttime temperatures (lows are about 12°C), and frequent rains. Often, there will be a light shower in the morning and a heavier one, lasting 20 minutes to an hour, sometime after 4 pm. It’s humid but the smoggy days of the dry season are gone. (Average Max Temperature: 26°C, Average Rainfall: 61mm.)
  • Mexico City Weather in July: July sees daytime temperatures decrease a little from the highs of May and June, while nighttime temperatures stay mild. It rains a lot, sometimes with a light shower in the morning followed by a proper tropical downpour sometime after 4 pm. The air quality is relatively good this time of year. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C, Average Rainfall: 61mm.)
  • Mexico City Weather in August: August weather is much like July: warm during the day, mildly cool at night, and wet, with a period of rain almost every day, often after 4 pm. If a hurricane is in the area, expect some days of steady rain. Things can be soggy but the air quality is good. (Average Max Temperature: 25°C, Average Rainfall: 55mm.)
  • Mexico City Weather in September: In September, temperatures may start to cool off while regular rains continue. Most commonly, the rains are short showers in the morning and brief tropical downpours in the afternoon, but sometimes, particularly when hurricanes are about, the rain can go on for longer. Air quality is fine, and when there isn’t rain, it is usually pleasant outside. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C, Average Rainfall: 38mm.)
  • Mexico City Weather in October: October sees the weather shift from a wet season pattern of regular downpours to a dry season pattern of very little rain at all. Temperatures are still warm in the daytime, but nights get chillier (a low of 10°C is average). When the rains disappear, smog becomes part of life again. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C, Average Rainfall: 18mm.)
  • Mexico City Weather in November: A lovely month, November has comfortable temperatures during the day but starts to get quite chilly at night, which can be noticeable indoors because central heating isn’t a common feature in Mexican buildings. Rain is rare and air quality can be poor. (Average Max Temperature: 23°C, Average Rainfall: 1mm.)
  • Mexico City Weather in December: Dry, sunny days and chilly nights are the norms for December in Mexico City. Rain is rare while smog is a possibility. Once in a while, the nighttime temperature might go below freezing at night. (Average Max Temperature: 23°C, Average Rainfall: 2mm.)

Mexico City Events and Festivals

Mexico City in January

  • New Year’s Day – A public holiday when most businesses and restaurants will be closed, so people can relax with their families and recover from the New Year’s Eve parties the night before.
  • Día de los Reyes/Three Kings’ Day – On January 6, Mexicans commemorate the arrival of the 3 wise men after the birth of Christ by giving kids gifts.

Mexico City in February

  • Día de la Candelaria – On February 2, it is customary for families to dress up a doll of the baby Jesus in fine clothes and take him to church to be blessed.
  • Zona Maco Arte Contemporaneo – For 4 days in February, a gigantic international art fair takes over galleries and museums around the city, and also features lectures and other activities.

Mexico City in March

  • National Pyrotechnic Festival – This spectacular week-long festival takes place in Tultepec, a Mexico city suburb that is the center of Mexico’s artisanal fireworks industry.
  • Benito Juárez’s Birthday – The birthday of Benito Juarez, a 19th-century Mexican president who worked his whole life for democratic reform in the country, is an excuse for a national holiday on the third Monday in March.
  • Spring Equinox Teotihuacan – Hundreds of thousands of people, all wearing white with a red accessory, flock to the pyramids at Teotihuacan to absorb what they believe is energy released by the equinox, which can occur on March 19, 20, or 21.
  • Vive Latino Music Festival – A huge weekend-long music festival that includes popular international bands as well as up-and-comers in an eclectic spectrum of genres.
  • Festival de México en el Centro Histórico – A 2-week showcase of high culture: classical and jazz music and dance, along with literary and children’s events.

Mexico City in April

  • Semana Santa – Beginning with Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, when churches bless palm fronds, and continuing to Easter and the week after, Mexicans mark the most important festival of the Catholic calendar.
  • Passion Play of Iztapalapa – Taking place over 6 days with a cast of over 2,000 locals, 150 with speaking roles, plus thousands of followers carrying wooden crosses through the streets, this spectacular interpretation of the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion draws millions of spectators to Iztapalapa, a hardscrabble suburb of Mexico City.
  • Festival De Flores y Jardines – The Botanical Garden at Chapultepec and the nearby neighborhood of Polanco will pop with color during this festival featuring competitions in floral design.

Mexico City in May

  • Labor Day –  Mexico honors the contributions of working people with a statutory holiday on May 1.
  • Cinco de Mayo – The anniversary of the First Battle of Puebla, in which Mexican forces beat the invading French, is not observed in Mexico, except in Puebla, a beautiful city about 2.5 hours from Mexico City.
  • Corredor Cultural Roma Condesa – For a spring weekend, restaurants, bars, and stores in the hip Roma and Condesa neighborhoods host a tour highlighting design, art, and food.
  • Ambulante Film Festival – This festival stops by Mexico City in May for 2 weeks of documentaries and workshops.

Mexico City in June

Mexico City in July

  • Feria de Las Flores – The neighborhood of San Angel lights up its public spaces with this harvest festival featuring displays, flower sales, tours, dances, and concerts.

Mexico City in August

  • Festival Raices Cubanas – Held for 5 days in August, this very popular music festival features several international artistes, shows, parties, workshops, and competitions.

Mexico City in September

  • El Grito de Dolores/Día de la Independencia – Mexico City’s primary patriotic celebration starts the evening of September 15 when hundreds of thousands of people converge on the Zocalo to hear the bells ring and the President of Mexico read out the famous words of Miguel de Hidalgo, a priest whose cry of independence had set off a revolution.

Mexico City in October

  • Día de la Raza – This unofficial holiday on the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ landing was first conceived as a time to celebrate Mexico’s culture. For many, it is also a time to remember the suffering of indigenous peoples.
  • Alebrije Parade – In a celebration of folk art, people propel hundreds of Alebrijes – gigantic, brilliantly-colored, fantastical creatures – down a 3.5-mile route, while acrobats, musicians, and folks in costume add to the festive atmosphere.
  • Feria Nacional del Mole – San Pedro Atocpan, a town on the outskirts of Mexico City, is the world capital of mole, and spends much of October showcasing the spicy and savory wonders of the dish.
  • Dia de Muertos Parade – The annual Day of the Dead Parade through the Centro Historico was inspired by a fictional one, depicted in the opening of the 2015 James Bond movie “Spectre.”

Mexico City in November

  • Día de Muertos – Many public places are filled with families and shrines are elaborately decorated in yellow marigolds. The Zocalo is one place to go (it has a concert stage). More down-to-earth observances take place in the neighborhoods of Coyoacan and Mixquic.
  • Corona Capital Music Festival – For 1 weekend, an auto race track becomes a venue for a variety of pop music performers, many from English-speaking countries, with 4 stages open during the day and after-parties going into the night.
  • MUTEK – The Mexico stop of an international festival of electronic music and digital arts.
  • Día de la Revolución – Public holiday commemorating the 1910 revolution that overthrew President Porfirio Diaz.
  • Fiesta de Santa Cecilia – Mariachi bands can be found in Plaza Garibaldi day and night, year-round, but on this day, the square hosts lots of musicians and dancers who come together for a fiesta honoring the patron saint of music.

Mexico City in December

  • Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Thousands of pilgrims carrying flowers converge on the Basilica of Guadelupe. Outside the basilica there is music, street food (pastries called bunuelos are traditional), and dancing.
  • Christmas – In the weeks leading up to the holiday, Nativity scenes, many life-sized, decorate public spaces and there are holiday lights in the Zocalo, which also hosts a giant ice rink.
  • New Year’s Eve – The big public party is around the Angel de Independencia. Expect live bands and fireworks.

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The Best Tacos in San Jose del Cabo

Mexico › Los Cabos › Best Tacos
Updated: March 7, 2022

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The best tacos in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.

Lateral Crudo y Asado in San Jose del Cabo.

The 5 Best Tacos Places in San Jose del Cabo

La Lupita

Tacos in San Jose del Cabo.
Trendy taco restaurant in downtown San Jose del Cabo. They also specialize in mezcal. Reservations highly recommended.

Taqueria El Paisa

Pastor tacos in San Jose del Cabo.
Fast food taco joint with a street food feel. The best pastor in San Jose del Cabo.

Taqueria El Fogon

Tacos in San Jose del Cabo.
Fantastic local taco restaurant that’s open for breakfast.

Lateral Crudo y Asado

Tacos in San Jose del Cabo.
The best taco place near some of the best hotels in San Jose del Cabo.

7 Seas

Tacos at San Jose del Cabo beach.
The best tacos along the beach are found at the Cabo Surf Hotel’s beachfront restaurant.