Located in the southern region of North America, Mexico, offers diverse ethnicities, cultures, and terrain that’s as big as the nation itself. Rooted in long-held traditions and tight-knit family structures, Mexico’s friendly meter is off the charts. From cool Mexico-City-bohemian types and bashful yet intriguing indigenous villagers to mountainous regions and thick rainforests, this country of Mayan temples and Teotihuacán pyramids leaves a significant impression on many. Because Mexico is a huge country, you need an easy way to discover top areas to hang out, chill, and enjoy “the good life.” So scroll down to see the best places to live in Mexico.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. San Miguel de Allende (from USD 132)
San Miguel de Allende is a feast for the eyes. A UNESCO World Heritage-awarded city, San Miguel de Allende boasts exquisite colonial Spanish architecture. From the neo-Gothic church with eye-catching pink-hued towers that fit prominently above the main plaza to the 18th-century church with an intricately Spanish Baroque-style facade, this place is an architectural lover’s dream. A lovely cobblestoned hill town, San Miguel de Allende also showcases a successful art scene and an array of cultural celebrations that draws countless. It’s no surprise Hacienda El Santuario San Miguel de Allende is a best seller. Oozing opulence and grace from every corner of the property, this former convent dating back to the 16th-century features amazing architecture, large deluxe guest rooms, and soothing spa treatments.
Tip from Content Creator
If you’re headed to San Miguel de Allende, here are six museums to check out:
1. Casa de Cultura Banamex (Old bank building, free)
2. Museo Histórico Casa de Allende (Allende’s house, 70 MXN [4.11 USD])
3. Centro Cultural El Nigromante (& Sala de Murales Siquieros, free)
4. Instituto Allende (free)
5. Museo La Esquina del Juguete (Toy museum, 80 MXN [4.69 USD])
6. Fabrica la Aurora (artist studios and galleries, free)
7. Mask Museum
Hacienda El Santuario San Miguel de Allende
Address: Aldama 41, Zona Centro
234.3 km (145.6 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes
2. Tulúm (from USD 16)
Residing on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s divine Yucatán Peninsula, Tulúm is a popular tourist destination. For locals, it’s a slice of heaven. The lure of this peaceful beach town is the awesome white sandy beaches paired with warm turquoise-colored waters. There are also compelling ruins of a centuries-old Mayan port city. Tulúm exudes a laidback bohemian feel that’s hard to resist. Days can be spent exploring fabulous natural sinkholes, witnessing seasonal sea turtle nesting, and savoring the freshest and most flavorful ceviche in the region. An adults-only lodging, Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel Tulum is a trendy hostel in a lush setting lined with tall palm trees. A tasty continental breakfast is served daily and every unit provides wooden bunk beds with handy privacy screens.
Mayan Monkey Tulum
Address: Avenida Coba Carretera Tulum KM. 25
1225.7 km (761.7 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes
3. Huatulco (from USD 120)
Reasonably priced rooms with ocean views and spacious bathrooms. Discounted dining for hotel guests.
Two pools, on-site restaurant, convenient parking, and attentive staff. Some rooms offer private pools.
Convenient hilltop location overlooking Bahia Chahue, with easy access to beaches, shopping, and supermarkets.
Delicious dining options including huevos rancheros and hotcakes. Good value for money, but breakfast service can be slow.
A tropical paradise, Huatulco has sparkling waterfalls, dramatic canyons, abundant coffee, and tropical fruit plantations. Huatulco is a wonderful mix of mountain adventures and fascinating villages in secluded jungles. Water escapades like exciting snorkeling, adrenaline-pumping diving, and fun boat excursions are plentiful in Huatulco. This resort town touts a fabulous national park where four species of sea turtles inhabit the water. There’s also an array of marine life from lively dolphins to colorful butterflyfish. If you adore dazzling displays of nature and fun water recreation, you’ll definitely fall in love with Huatulco. Residing in lovely tropical gardens, Princess Mayev is a popular hotel boasting attractive amenities. Within strolling distance of the beach, this accommodation offers an exhilarating infinity pool, air-conditioned rooms, and room balconies to relax and drink in the incredible sea view.
Princess Mayev
Address: Paseo Punta Santa Cruz, Manzana 1 lote 4
518.75 km (322.4 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes
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4. Puerto Vallarta (from USD 99)
Found on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is an irresistible utopia filled with lovely beaches, great water sports, and vibrant nightlife. Regarded as the gay beach capital of Mexico, this coastal city displays an LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere and offers a dizzying range of day and nighttime diversions. By day, relax surfside, go on a diving exploration, or take an expedition to the lush palm-blanketed mountains of Puerto Vallarta’s interior. After the sun goes down, head to inviting restaurants for delicious cuisine, or visit energetic bars to dance the night away. Tropicana Hotel Puerto Vallarta is a laidback casual accommodation on a beautiful private beach. The beachfront lodging offers sunny spacious rooms with subtle decor or you can upgrade to receive cool air conditioning, convenient kitchenettes, and breezy balconies.
Tropicana Hotel Puerto Vallarta
Address: Amapas 214 PlayaLos Muertos
649.97 km (403.9 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes
5. Oaxaca (from USD 54)
Lovely Oaxaca is encompassed by mountains and awash in bewitching indigenous culture. From jaw-dropping Spanish-colonial architecture to lush outdoor splendor like the rare petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca is a mesmerizing collection of man-made buildings and natural beauty. Food is a big deal here, and many consider Oaxaca to be the culinary capital of Mexico. Notable is Oaxaca’s seven classic versions of a mole! Foodies love this city because it’s replete with bustling open-air markets stocked with fresh fruit, crisp vegetables, and more. Exuding a true Mexican flair, Hotel Dainzu is an eye-catching accommodation boasting a pretty garden courtyard. The rooms are low-key but very appealing with units featuring handsome furnishings and airy balconies.
Hotel Dainzu
Address: Miguel Hidalgo 1013
367.38 km (228.3 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes
6. Ensenada (from USD 111)
With the Mexican flag flying high over the sunny waterfront promenade, Ensenada is a colorful resort town with a cheerful atmosphere. Located on the cool Pacific coast of Mexico’s beautiful Baja California peninsula, this breezy seaport city is only a two-hour drive south of San Diego, California, making it a popular weekend getaway for pleasure seekers from Southern California. This delightful coastal town hosts a curious mix of people, from mellow locals to cruise-ship-arriving tourists. If you’re a wine connoisseur, Ensenada boasts an outstanding and flourishing wine country in Valle de Guadalupe. Vibrant decor highlights the contemporary brilliance of Hotel Cortez. Enjoy a swim in the heated outdoor pool or unwind at the cozy onsite restaurant and bar that offers a pleasant terrace.
Baja Inn Hoteles Ensenada
Address: Avenida Lopez Mateos 1089
2225.78 km (1383.1 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes
7. Mérida (from USD 115)
If you want to experience a pleasing tropical climate, explore Mayan culture, shop for exotic produce at an airy outdoor market, swim in freshwater sinkholes, and tour stunning cathedrals, then Mérida is the place. The capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatán, this spirited destination is referred to as “The White City” because it showcases structures comprised of brilliant white stone. Yucatecan cuisine is a worldly mix of yummy flavors: robust Mayan staples and enticing Middle Eastern and European ingredients. Dishes like marinated pork cooked in a pit and gooey stuffed cheese are standout food items. Set in a prized locale, City Express Plus Merida is a four-star lodging with a fanciful exterior and ultra-stylish interior. The standout feature is the stupendous rooftop terrace with a lively bar and wonderful infinity pool.
City Express Plus by Marriott Merida
Address: Calle 60 No. 346 Colonia Centro
1008.16 km (626.5 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes
8. Cancún (from USD 23)
Affordable pricing for a beachfront location with $5 breakfast deals and happy hour specials.
Large clean rooms with curtains for privacy, swimming pool, kitchen, and co-working space available.
Conveniently located near Chacmool beach, bars, and public transportation stops.
Delicious breakfast options, affordable nearby food, and fun activities like cooking classes and happy hour.
Cancún offers an idyllic setting that’s unmatched in its temperate climate and clear clean waters. Found on the Yucatán Peninsula adjacent to the sparkling Caribbean Sea, Cancún is a fun-filled place awash in pristine, white sandy beaches, bright turquoise-colored waters, multiple first-class resorts, and festive nightlife. It is easy to see why Cancún is one of the most-visited Mexico destinations for globe-trekking travelers. The city is also a prime travel spot for university students at spring break so expect lots of college-age partygoers during this time. Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel Cancun is a waterfront accommodation with a whimsical and fun atmosphere. Ideal for the young and hip crowd, this lodging offers attractive rooms and prime spots to gather like the crystal-blue pool and the laid-back outdoor lounge.
Mayan Monkey Cancun
Address: Blvd Kukulcan Km 9.5, Zona Hotelera
1305.69 km (811.4 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes
9. Mexico City (from USD 157)
Oozing with such an addictive vibrancy, Mexico City is one of the biggest cities on the globe. Packed with plenty of panache, this sprawling megacity is adored by locals for its limitless, escapist diversions: lively age-old cantina settings and fun boating trips through beautiful ancient canals. There is also an array of legendary, historical, and cultural sights that are worth exploring here. Springtime is absolutely lovely in the city with blooming jacaranda trees dotting the urban landscape and the heart of downtown brimming with gorgeous colonial-era architecture to add to this capital city’s flair. As sleek on the inside as the outside, Barceló Mexico Reforma is an in-demand hotel providing guests with five-star treatment. This modern luxury lodging offers a pleasantly heated pool, a rejuvenating spa, and a well-equipped fitness facility.
Barceló Mexico Reforma
Address: Paseo de la Reforma # 1, Col. Cuauhtémoc
897 meters (0.6 ft) from Palacio de Bellas Artes
10. Guadalajara (from USD 68)
Touting the liveliest mariachi music and smoothest tequila, Guadalajara exudes tempting delights. This city offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan brilliance and bygone-era traditions. Adding an extra layer of quirky character to Guadalajara’s image is the invention of charreria–a rodeo-inspired competition that’s Mexico’s official national sport. When dining in Guadalajara, the must-have eats is tortas ahogadas, a quintessential food staple. Messy and truly delectable, this sandwich is overstuffed with tasty meats, succulent shrimp, or gooey cheese overflowing in fiery tomato sauce. A popular accommodation, Hotel Real Maestranza showcases a mix of excellence and comfort. Efficient rooms feature everything you need for a comfortable stay including a pristine private bathroom, a cushy bed, and a handy coffee machine.
Hotel Real Maestranza
Address: 161 Francisco I. Madero Centro
460.24 km (286.0 mi) from Palacio de Bellas Artes
Mexico's splendid spots to live
Mexico is a gem boasting no less than two captivating coastlines: the incomparable Pacific and the gorgeous Caribbean. From tasty tequila and mouthwatering culinary dishes to exciting cities and ancient ruins, it’s understandable how Mexico easily casts a spell. Those who live within the borders of this incredible North American country are truly blessed.
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