Top Things to do in Mexico
10 Architectural Buildings in Mexico That You Shouldn't Miss
With 26 UNESCO-declared world heritage sites, charming colonial towns and dozens of thrilling cities, there's plenty to explore in this country of 109 million. Outside the cities, stunning Pacific beaches, stark deserts, mangrove swamps and swimming holes provide all you need for a relaxing, romantic or adventurous vacation. Captivating, cosmopolitan and chaotic Mexico City and the 32 states offer an incredible abundance of experiences, from laid-back and leisurely to upbeat to adrenalin-charging.
Restaurants in Mexico
1. Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,227 reviews
Built in 1683, this pastel pink church is the city's most recognizable landmark.
Reviewed By Retired_teacher_56 - Dwight, Canada
The centerpiece and focal point and one of the best things to do in San Miguel Allende is the unmissable church. La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel or the Church of St. Michael the Archangel is as impressive as it is massive. This is arguably the most photogenic spot in the city inside and out. Enjoy the view from the well-manicured garden in the plaza directly in front of the church that looks almost like an ornate pinkish orange cake! On Sundays, the plaza out front is filled with families and their children enjoying the park. The Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar in the Rosewood Hotel is a great place to have a cocktail enjoying both the sunset and this amazing church
2. Palacio del Gobierno
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Historic building that dates back to the 18th century that traces the period from the Spanish Conquest to the Revolution.
Reviewed By marcain - Washington DC, United States
Outstanding. You will be welcomed in front of the museum, with help in buying the tickets for admission (50 pesos/person, cheaper for seniors). The person who helps you will offer a tour of the museum, take the offer. The guides are very knowledgeable, and clearly love what they're showing you. I offered a tip at the end of our very helpful tour through the exhibits, which our guide very graciously but definitively declined. So, a donation to the museum. Which is quite wonderful.
3. Zona Arquelogica Edzna
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 855 reviews
Reviewed By fits87 - Miami Beach, United States
Amazing place!! A hidden mayan gem, just make sure to take water and mosquito repellent as there are many. But great place to take pics
4. La Biblioteca Publica Gertrudis Bocanegra
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By jwycoffmex - Ajijic, Mexico
Murals are complex bits of visual history. My guide, Jaime Hernández with Pátzcuaro Magic Tours explained the mural to me and helped me see things I would never have seen otherwise.
5. National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,308 reviews
This historic building was once occupied by Hernán Cortés, the Spanish explorer who conquered the Aztecs, and includes a famous panoramic mural of Mexican history by Diego Rivera.
Reviewed By k7vidya - London, United Kingdom
The National Palace building covers the one side of Zocala. Entry to this amazing Spanish Colonial building is free, but you must hand in a photo ID when you enter and get it back on your way out. Just make sure they are originals, not photo copies. The National Palace houses some of Diego Revera's murals. The one by the big staircase was my favorite. There are other exhibitions about Mexican history and culture along with a museum dedicated to Benito Juarez, the father of Mexico - showing the history of Mexico and his living area along with beautiful ground around the building. Again it's a shame that most of the information was in Spanish not in English.
6. Casa del Tunel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
7. Teatro Degollado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,460 reviews
Opened in 1886, this large neo-Classical building is home to the city's opera and orchestra.
Reviewed By devola1 - Chicago, United States
I’m staying near the Teatro Degollado and I walked past it a few times. This morning was quiet and cool and I stopped at the small cafe for breakfast. The server was very nice and polite, considering my terribly limited Spanish. The food was delicious. I recommend the chilaquiles rojo with an iced coffee. Sitting beside the old and beautiful architecture, feeling the breeze, watching couples and families and performers film and take pictures (it’s a very photogenic plaza and a lot of ppl were taking advantage of that) was a great way to start my day.
8. Catedral Mazatlan Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,117 reviews
Located in downtown Mazatlan, the architecture makes it well worth a visit.
Reviewed By TravelOffPath - Kelowna, Canada
The Mazatlán Cathedral (formally known as The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception) is a gorgeous Baroque-Revival style Church in the middle of downtown’s ‘Centro’ area. Construction started on this church is 1856 but didn’t finish until 1899, due do financial troubles within the church. The outside is painted a lovely yellow, while the inside is uniquely ornate with chandeliers, wood, marble and gold. Sometimes the church is closed to the public for Catholic weddings, but most of the time you’ll find it open to wander inside. Tip: A very interesting fact about its history is that the Jewish Community actually stepped in and funded the completion of the church, and in turn had the Star of David put into some of the windows. See if you can find them! Cost: free. But it’s always appreciated to leave a contribution to the church. How to get there: Type ‘Mazatlán Cathedral' into Google Maps or Uber. Walkable from cruise port. Address: 21 de Marzo, Centro
9. Plaza Grande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,478 reviews
Also known as Plaza de Armas, this city square contains some of the most historically significant and aesthetically pleasing buildings in Merida.
Reviewed By JimP988 - Los Angeles, United States
In Merida's typical hot weather, it is relaxing to get a shoe shine and watch the crowds. You will have people try to sell you handicrafts, but that could be fun, too. On Sundays, the entire plaza is full of food and drink stalls and vendors of artesanias.
10. Catedral de Zacatecas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 726 reviews
Formally known as Nuestra Senora de Asuncion, this 18th-century church is a leading example of Churrigueresque architecture.
Reviewed By elyem
Especially the outside of the building is fascinating, I couldn't get enough from looking up to all that beautiful stonework. The modern altar is unusual and impressive.
