The Most Colorful Cities in Mexico You Should Visit
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Mexico is one of my favorite countries in the world for many reasons, including its amazing beaches, friendly people, delicious food, and so much more. One unique reason Mexico is also a lovely destination is because of its colorful cities and towns. Although many countries in the world have colorful buildings, Mexico does it a bit better.
In Mexico, color is everywhere! It’s not just on the buildings. The streets have colorful flags, gorgeous doors, and beautiful murals. There is even color in the street food that you find! Indeed, there is no place like it.
Although Mexico is most famously known for its party beaches, I assure you it’s easy to fall in love with its gorgeous colors too. These cities are so amazing that many of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Here are some of the most colorful cities in Mexico that you should visit.
The Most Colorful Cities in Mexico
1. Campeche, Campeche
Campeche is one of the most colorful cities that I’ve been to in Mexico. What I like about this city are the pastel colors that give it an aesthetic look. My favorite street is Calle 59. Here, restaurants set up tables on the colorful streets so you can enjoy a meal while looking at them.
Surprisingly, Campeche gets few tourists even though it’s considered one of the safest cities in Mexico. Therefore, you can enjoy the charming streets tourist-free while taking pictures of every corner.
Campeche is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a wall built around it. The city built it to protect it from pirates who used to attack it, considering it’s a beach city. On that note, some of the best sunsets I’ve seen in Mexico are here.
2. Merida, Yucatan
Not too far away from Cancun is the beautiful city of Merida. This vibrant city joins the list of cities with colonial-style buildings and cobblestone streets. What’s gorgeous about Merida are the haciendas that take you back in time.
The city is also easy to love because it has an abundance of cenotes to swim in and has the best cuisine in Mexico. It’s a place to taste everything! In addition, Merida is also one of the safest cities in Mexico, and it’s a great escape from the crowds nearby that hang out in Cancun. It may not have the best beaches, but it’s rich in culture and gastronomy.
3. Guanajuato, Guanajuato
Guanajuato is officially Mexico’s most beautiful city, and in my opinion, it’s the most beautiful in the world. This charming and colorful city with cobbled-stone streets and underground tunnels stole my heart the moment I set foot in it. The maze-like streets are fun to get lost in, and they remind you of the movie Coco.
This romantic city is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its colonial center and architecture. It will remind you of Italy and Spain, although at the same time it’s one of the cities with the most authentic Mexican culture. When you walk around the tree-lined center, you hear Mariachi and live bands playing music.
If you head to the Pipila Mirador, you get panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss Callejon del Beso, the Mummy Museum, and join a Callejoneada.
4. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
In 2013, San Miguel de Allende was named the best city in the world by Conde Nast Travel Magazine. When you visit, you’ll understand why. It’s absolutely stunning! San Miguel also has colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and beautiful plazas. A unique character of the city is its colorful doors. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of them all!
It’s also a UNESCO city for all these reasons, and it’s no wonder so many expats and retired Americans are living here.
5. Valladolid, Yucatan
Yucatan’s magical town (Pueblo Magico) is only a few hours away from the famous Cancun. It’s located on the way to the ruins of Chichen Itza. It’s a perfect place to stop and wander the beautiful streets with pastel-colored buildings.
Yucatan is famous for its cuisine, so make sure you taste the food while exploring the city. There are also a lot of cenotes (sinkholes) nearby that are perfect for swimming in after a hot day of exploring.
6. Puebla, Puebla
Puebla de Los Angeles is a popular destination near Mexico City. It sits at the foot of Popocatepetl Volcano. UNESCO has also recognized it for its colonial architecture and culinary heritage.
It’s a lovely city to explore because of its well-preserved city center and over 70 churches that remain in historical character. Last but not least, it’s a city that thrives in art. You can find all types of handicraft work, but it’s specifically known for the Talavera (ceramic tile).
7. Oaxaca, Oaxaca
Oaxaca is another one of my favorite cities in Mexico. This colorful city is a mecca for artists and artisans that display their handcraft and artwork. You can find all types of souvenirs to take back home. It’s also a top destination for food in Mexico and cultural experiences. It’s even nicknamed the “Soul of Mexico.”
Oaxaca is so colorful and lovely that I couldn’t put my camera down. There are beautiful murals and a lively plaza, the Zocalo. At the Zocalo, there are goods and food vendors. You will see clowns putting on shows and street musicians entertaining the crowds. I spent the majority of my time here enjoying the vibe of the city.
8. San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas
I now understand why San Cristobal is a popular backpacker destination. Despite being such a busy town, it has a charm that makes you want to stay longer. San Cristobal is lovely and has a relaxed vibe.
I loved the colorful streets, colonial buildings, and cobblestone streets. In addition, there are restaurants with flavors from all over the world.
San Cristobal is also an excellent destination for nature lovers. It has many waterfalls nearby, and the jungle surrounds Palenque, a historical ruin. You can also find a few Pueblos Magicos to visit nearby, and you can cross over to Guatemala for your next country to tick off your bucketlist.
9. Queretaro, Queretaro
Queretaro is a bright and lovely city located just 130 miles north of Mexico City. Its colonial and colorful streets are perfect for getting lost while wandering around. There are many churches to check out, lovely plazas lined with trees, and a lively scene to enjoy.
In recent years, Queretaro has become one of Mexico’s top wine-producing regions. You can find various tours that take you to wineries. Cheese tours have also become quite popular, and it was one of my favorite things to do while I was there. Lastly, there are some beautiful Pueblos Magicos nearby, such as Tequisquiapan and Bernal.
The Most Colorful Cities in Mexico
These aren’t the only colorful cities to explore in Mexico. There are many more, but I haven’t been to them yet. There are also many, many towns full of color! I’ll try to make a post of that soon. What city would you add here?
What to Pack to Mexico
Here are some essential items you can pack to take with you to Mexico..
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
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The Most Colorful Cities in Mexico You Should Visit
