Things To Do
in Mexico

One of the city's largest traditional markets—great for fresh produce, street food stalls and sampling regional snacks like tlacoyos and pan dulce; be mindful of crowds and pickpockets.

Tourist-friendly market in Cancún with seafood, handicrafts and street food; try fresh ceviche and marquesitas nearby.

A food lover's paradise—try tlayudas, mole, memelas and mezcal tastings; many artisan food stalls and communal seating.

Small stalls and family-run eateries across cities serve authentic tacos, tortas, sopes and regional stews—best to follow local recommendations and look for busy, clean vendors.

Handshakes are common in formal settings; friends and acquaintances often greet with a single cheek kiss. Use 'usted' for older people or formal situations until invited to use 'tú'.

Politeness matters—use 'por favor' and 'gracias'. Respect family and religious customs, and be mindful when photographing people, especially in indigenous communities—ask permission first.

Casual dress is acceptable in most places, but dress more conservatively for religious sites. Public displays of drunkenness are frowned upon; be polite with service staff.

Haggling is normal in markets for crafts; do so respectfully and with a smile. Fixed-price shops and supermarkets expect no bargaining.

Restaurants: 10–15% is customary if service charge isn't included. Bars: round up or tip 10–20 pesos per drink. Hotel porters: ~20–50 MXN per bag; housekeeping: 20–50 MXN per night. Tour guides: 10–20% or more for private/custom tours.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban and tourist areas; small markets, street food and remote locations prefer cash (pesos). Use ATMs in banks for better rates and beware of dynamic currency conversion—choose to pay in pesos when offered.

Mostly dry with warm temperatures—ideal for sightseeing and festivals (Semana Santa can be busy). Early spring offers pleasant conditions across much of the country.

Rainy season begins—afternoon thunderstorms are common, humidity rises in coastal/jungle areas. Inland highlands remain milder; start days early to avoid heat and rain.

Hurricane season affects Pacific and Caribbean coasts through November—watch forecasts if traveling to beach destinations. Cultural events like Día de los Muertos in late October/early November are highlights.

Dry season with cooler nights in the highlands and comfortable beach weather—excellent time for whale watching in Baja California and visiting central highlands.

Primary gateway for the capital with many international and domestic connections; accessible to the city by taxi, authorized airport shuttle and some bus services (permit times for traffic).

Major airport for the Caribbean coast and Yucatán Peninsula with frequent flights and shuttle services to hotel zones, Playa del Carmen and Tulum; busy during high season.

Serves western Mexico and Guadalajara; good domestic connections and several international routes—car rentals and shuttles available to the city center.

Gateway to Baja California and cross-border travel to San Diego; convenient for northern Pacific destinations and access to the Baja peninsula.

People of mixed indigenous and European ancestry form the majority of Mexico's population and shape national cultural norms.

Numerous indigenous groups (e.g., Nahua, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec) maintain distinct languages, traditions and crafts—many live in southern and central highland regions.

Afro-descendant populations are especially present along the Pacific coast of Guerrero and in parts of Veracruz and the Costa Chica, contributing unique cultural elements.

Major cities host diverse urban professionals, artists and growing expatriate communities, adding to multicultural neighborhoods and international cuisine.

The most popular sport nationwide—Liga MX draws passionate local support, and match days are major social events with vibrant stadium atmospheres.

Boxing is a high-profile sport with many famous Mexican boxers; local fights are popular and televised events draw national interest.

Popular in northern states and the Yucatán Peninsula—regional leagues have strong followings and lively stadium experiences.

Mexican professional wrestling is a cultural spectacle involving masked wrestlers and theatrical performances—fun, affordable entertainment in many cities.

Vegetarian options are increasingly available in cities—look for quesadillas with huitlacoche, cheese, nopales or mushroom-based dishes; friendly markets and vegetarian restaurants in tourist centers.

Vegan dining is growing in urban areas, but in smaller towns ask about lard in beans or animal broths in soups; use phrases like 'sin carne, sin pollo, sin caldo de pollo' to clarify.

Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free and common; ask about breaded items and sauces thickened with wheat. Many restaurants understand 'sin gluten' but cross-contamination can occur.

Drink bottled or filtered water if unsure, choose busy stalls for street food, and avoid unpeeled raw fruits from vendors if water quality is a concern.