Best places to visit in Mexico for young adults in 2024

Tired of scrolling through the usual travel spots? Ready for an adventure that excites? We've got you covered. Mexico is a young adult's paradise with vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and rich culture. In this article, well uncover the top places to visit in Mexico for young adults, including:

• The best cities for nightlife
• Beaches perfect for relaxation and adventure
• Must-see cultural and historical spots

Read further and you might just find a few gems that you were looking for.

What makes Mexico a top destination for young adults?

It's a combination of cool places, fun activities and top tier vibes. Here's a few to mention:

Walk in Trendy Neighborhoods

Polanco is the place for upscale shopping. You'll find designer stores and chic cafes.

Roma Norte is perfect for contemporary art exhibits. The galleries and street art are a must-see.

Experience Nightlife

Zona Rosa and Condesa are nightlife hotspots. Clubs, bars, and dance floors abound.

Chapultepec Park offers a different vibe. Think romantic picnics and free movie nights under the stars.

Dine on Top Cuisine

Mexico’s food scene is a mix of contemporary fusion and traditional dishes.

Trendy urban menus and world-class cocktail bars are everywhere. You can enjoy tacos one night and gourmet cuisine the next.

Lots of Adventure and Fun Activities

Mexico is an adventure playground. Surf, snorkel, and parasail on the coast. Explore ancient ruins and historical buildings inland. Theres always something exciting to do.

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Top 10 places to visit in Mexico for young adults

1. Mexico City: Experience the vibrant culture and nightlife

Mexico City is a must-visit for its lively culture and nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are Roma, Condesa, and Polanco. Polanco is pricier, while Roma and Condesa offer a mix of budget and upscale options.

Typical costs for a night out include:

• Cover charges: $5-$30
• Beers: $1-$7
• Tequila or mezcal shots: $1-$10
• Bottles of liquor: $50-$200

For budget-friendly options, pre-drink at home or start at cheaper bars like McCarthys Irish Pub or Cottoritos, where beers and shots are around 20 pesos.

Popular nightlife spots:

• Jardin Paraiso: 200 peso cover
• Toledo Rooftop: Expensive drinks but great views
• Jardin Juarez: No cover, affordable drinks

For a unique experience, visit Montana Disco, a future-retro discotheque with a speakeasy vibe, or Patrick Miller, known for its dance-offs and affordable drinks.

2. Playa del Carmen: Relax on the beautiful beaches and explore the nearby cenotes

Playa del Carmen offers stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. Visit Playa Mamitas and Playacar Beach for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports. Explore the nightlife on 5th Avenue with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Adventure Activities:

• Snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet skiing
• Visit nearby cenotes for swimming and diving

Shopping and Dining:

• Stroll along 5th Avenue for shopping at boutiques and dining at various restaurants

Accommodation:

• Stay at The Reef 28 for its rooftop pool and bar
• Budget-friendly hostels like Selina Playa del Carmen

Nearby cenotes:

• Cenote Chaak Tun: 7 km away, 800 MXN entry fee, open 8:30 AM - 5 PM
• Rio Secreto: 26.7 km away, tours start at 79 USD
• Cenote Chikin-Ha: 31 km away, 350 MXN entry fee, open 8:30 AM - 5 PM
• Cenote Cristalino: 29.7 km away, 200 MXN entry fee, open 8 AM - 6 PM
• Cenote Azul: 29 km away, 140 MXN entry fee, open 8:30 AM - 5 PM

3. Tulum: Visit the ancient Mayan ruins, swim in crystal clear cenotes, and enjoy bohemian vibes

Tulum is perfect for adventure, culture, and nightlife. Activities include cenote diving, beach relaxation, and exploring Mayan ruins. The sunrise at Tulum beach is breathtaking. Wake up early at least once to experience it.

What to do in Tulum

• Explore Cenotes: Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos, and Cenote Calavera for swimming, snorkeling, and diving
• Visit Tulum Ruins: Ancient Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea
• Relax on Beaches: Playa Paraiso and Playa Ruinas
• Experience Nightlife: Popular spots like Gitano, Papaya Playa Project, and Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar
• Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: Guided tours to explore diverse wildlife and natural beauty
• Local Cuisine: Renowned restaurants like Hartwood, Arca, and Taqueria La Eufemia
• Shopping: Boutiques and markets for unique souvenirs and local fashion

4. Puerto Vallarta: Enjoy water activities like snorkeling, parasailing, and paddleboarding

Puerto Vallarta offers a mix of water activities and vibrant nightlife. Here's where to go and what to do there:

• Malecon Boardwalk: Sculptures, shops, restaurants, and open-air performances at Los Arcos amphitheater
• Romantic Zone: Charming streets, hidden gems, and vibrant nightlife
• Marina Vallarta: Nautical lifestyle with boardwalk, culinary delights, golf course, and artistic expressions
• Vallarta Botanical Gardens: Tropical forests, cactus gardens, tropical fruit orchards, and a conservatory of orchids and native plants
• Cuale River Island: Cultural Center for art exhibitions, musical evenings, and workshops. Cuale Archaeological Museum for Mesoamerican history and art

5. Guanajuato: Explore the colorful streets, historic buildings, and underground tunnels

Guanajuato is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful colonial architecture and historical significance. The city is famous for its narrow streets and underground tunnels that help regulate traffic.

What to do in Guanajuato:

• Climb to the Pipila Monument: Panoramic views of the city
• Experience the Nightlife: Local bars and clubs like Bar Fly and La Dama de las Camelias
• Attend the Cervantino Festival: Major cultural event in October with music, theater, and dance performances

6. Oaxaca: Taste authentic Mexican cuisine, visit local markets, and learn about traditional crafts

Oaxaca is a food lover's paradise with rich culture and history.

What to do in Oaxaca:

• Savor Oaxacan Cuisine: Try tlayudas, enmoladas, chapulines, and the seven types of mole. Recommended restaurants include Criollo, El Tendajon, and Origen
• Swim at Hierve El Agua: Natural mineral infinity pools and surreal calcified waterfall
• Experience a Temazcal Ceremony: Traditional sweat lodge ceremony at RenaSiendo Temazcal
• Celebrate Day of the Dead: Vibrant Dia de los Muertos festival from October 31 to November 2
• Sip Mezcal: Mezcal bars like La Mezcalerita Oaxaca
• Travel to San Jose del Pacifico: Mountain town known for pine forests, hippie community, and magic mushrooms
• Road Trip to the Coast: Beach towns like Huatulco, Puerto Escondido, Zipolite, Puerto Angel, and Mazunte for surfing and laid-back vibes

7. Cancun: Party at beach clubs, dance in nightclubs, and relax on the white sand beaches

Cancun is famous for its beaches and nightlife. Here's what you should consider doing:

• Beaches: Playa Delfines for stunning views and less crowded atmosphere
• Nightlife: Coco Bongo for spectacular shows and energetic atmosphere
• Adventure Activities: Snorkeling or scuba diving at the MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art)
• Cultural Experiences: Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of El Rey and nearby Tulum
• Day Trips: Isla Mujeres for beautiful beaches and a relaxed vibe
• Shopping: La Isla Shopping Village for high-end and local shops, and dining options
• Accommodation: All-inclusive resorts like the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach for luxury and convenience

8. Puebla: Wander through colonial architecture, visit museums, and try traditional mole dishes

Puebla offers rich history and delicious cuisine. Want to plan your trip to squeeze the most out of Puebla? Here's how you can do that:

• Cinco de Mayo Parade: Attend the parade and month-long fair at Zona Historica de los Fuertes in early May
• ValQuirico: Day trip to this medieval village-like tourist development in Tlaxcala
• Pasita and Rompope: Traditional liqueurs at La Pasita
• Cemita Poblana: Popular sandwich with various fillings
• Cholula: Day trip to this nearby pueblo magico, home to the largest pre-Hispanic pyramid in Mesoamerica
• Capilla del Rosario and Templo de Santo Domingo: Visually striking church with a 24k gold interior. Entrance to the Rosary Chapel is MXN 20
• Chiles en Nogada: Seasonal dish with stuffed poblano peppers, walnut sauce, and pomegranate seeds
• Museo Amparo: Art and archaeology museum with contemporary and pre-Hispanic art
• Mole Poblano: Celebrated dish at Restaurante Casareyna or on a food tour

9. San Miguel de Allende: Discover art galleries, attend cultural events, and admire the architecture

San Miguel de Allende is known for its art and culture. Perfect for people who want to soak up the culture, lay back and relax.

What to do in San Miguel de Allende:

• Stroll the City: Explore the walkable city, especially in the morning and evening. Visit Plaza Cívica and enjoy live bands and mojigangas at night
• Shop Local Design Stores: Mixta, Laura Kirar Shop, La Calaca, Arte Zapoteco, Dôce 18 Concept House, Mercado Collective, and Roma Quince for unique finds
• Soak in Sunset Views from El Mirador: Popular viewpoint for sunset views of the city
• Nightlife: Rooftop bars like Tunki and Bekeb for cocktails and sunset views
• Dining: Creative and modern cuisine at Restaurante del Parque, Andanza, Tostévere, El Pegaso, La Mezcalería SMA, Jacques, Inside Cafe, and Chocolates y Churros San Agustín
• Accommodation: Casa Hoyos for a budget-friendly option or Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel for a luxurious experience

10. Sayulita: Surf the waves, shop in the bohemian markets, and dine at beachfront restaurants

Sayulita is a surf town over an hour from Puerto Vallarta, keeping it less crowded.

Main surf spots:

• Main Break (El Punto or La Derecho): Ideal for intermediate surfers with consistent waves about 1-2 meters tall
• Sandbar: Gentle waves perfect for beginners
• La Lancha: Multiple breaks, less crowded, accessible via a 10-15 minute jungle walk or shuttle service from Sayulita
• Other notable surf spots: Anclote, Stinkys, and Burros

What to do in Sayulita besides surfing:

• Visit the Marieta Islands: Protected area with limited daily visitors, famous for Playa del Amor, a hidden beach accessible by a short swim or snorkel
• Spend the Day on a Catamaran: Daily catamaran tours with open bar, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Companies like Chica Locca and Ally Cats are popular
• Catch the Sunset at Carraccitos: Peaceful spot accessible via a jungle hike, perfect for sunset views
• Party Every Night: Vibrant nightlife with bars and beach clubs like Cocos, Yambak, Lucid, Attico, and Don Patos
• Escape to San Pancho: Quieter town nearby with great restaurants and beautiful sunsets

To wrap up, Mexico is a treasure trove of experiences perfect for young adults seeking adventure, relaxation, and vibrant nightlife.

From the lively streets of Mexico City to the serene beaches of Playa del Carmen, this country provides something for everyone.

Key Takeaways from This Post:

• Mexico City: Culture, nightlife, and street food.
• Playa del Carmen: Beautiful beaches and cenotes exploration.
• Tulum: Ancient ruins, cenotes, and bohemian vibes.
• Puerto Vallarta: Snorkeling, parasailing, and paddleboarding.
• Guanajuato: Colorful streets and historic sites.
• Oaxaca: Authentic cuisine and traditional crafts.
• Cancun: Beach clubs, nightclubs, and white sand beaches.
• Puebla: Colonial architecture and traditional mole dishes.
• San Miguel de Allende: Art galleries and cultural events.
• Sayulita: Surfing and bohemian markets.

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