Places of Interest in Mexico: Things to do in Mexico

Museo Nacional de Antropologia

The National Museum of Anthropology is situated within the famous Chapultepec Forest and contains artefacts from Mexico’s pre-Columbian era, dating from about 100 B.C to A.D. 1521. The Museum includes artefacts, including the well-known Piedra del Sol and the famous Aztec Calendar Stone. As well as the iconic 16th-century statue of Xochipilli, the Aztec God of art, beauty, maize, games and dance. The museum offers a look at how Mexico’s culture, tradition and life were formed in all regions.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays) from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is 65 pesos (around $3.50)

Palacio de Bellas Artes

The Palace of Fine Arts is considered the cultural centre of Mexico City and is a must-see for a lot of travellers. The outside of the palace displays art deco-style and art nouveau architecture, while the interior features marble floors and domed glass windows.
In addition to its architectural beauty, the Palacio de Bellas Artes hosts cultural events at the National Theatre including dance, theatre, music literary and opera performances. The palace also features iconic murals, including the work of the legendary Mexican muralist Rufino Tamayo. Located on the top floor is the National Museum of Architecture, that displays the work and lives of renowned Mexican architects, and numerous art galleries and museums.
The Palacio de Bellas Artes is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 60 pesos (about $3.30), but you can save money by visiting on Sundays when admission is free

Templo Mayor

Templo Mayor served as the religious temple for the Aztec people before the Spanish colonisation. When the Spanish Invaders arrived in Mexico in the late 14th century, the temple was among many that were demolished and reconstructed. It was not until the end of the 1970’s that the temple tribute to the Aztec Gods Tlaloc and Huitzilopochtli brought to light in the heart of Mexico City. Today, the location is still an active archaeological site and the adjacent the museum is home to more than 7,000 artefacts from the site.
The museum and ruins are open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs 57 pesos (about $3.15) for adults and is free for children and senior citizens

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a huge Mayan archaeological site and one of the most famous and recognised landmarks on the Yucatán. The Chichen Itza itself was initially a main centre of Mayan civilisation and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site since. The pyramid-like El Castillo is the main attraction at the site; it was once used as a place of worship by the Mayans.
Because of the popularity of Chichén Itzá throughout the years, the site is now packed with tourists trying to snap pictures of one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Nevertheless, the amazing ruins are more than worth it, even for the jaded exhausted traveller. If you want to avoid, the crowds try visiting in the early morning.
Chichén Itzá is open year-round from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission costs 64 pesos per person.

Isla Mujeres

To get away from the frenzied beat of Cancún’s nightlife and beaches, head over to Isla Mujeres. There is not much to do on this small island, located just 8 miles off the Yucatán Peninsula, but travellers love it nevertheless.
Despite the sleepy reputation of Isla Mujeres, it is home to a few points of interest. One of which is the Hacienda Mundaca, the abandoned mansion of a 19th-century slave trader called Mundaca. The strange death of the mansion’s owner adds to the mysterious charm of the estate. Isla Mujeres is also known for its turtles, and you can get to see creatures at the local turtle farm or tortugranja. The farm features hundreds of turtles and a massive aquarium, with both Spanish and English tours. You can get to the aquarium via taxi from downtown Isla Mujeres. If you are looking for a beach day at Isla Mujeres, head to Playa del Norte, known among travellers as a beautiful beach.
You can reach Isla Mujeres by ferry from three different Cancún ports: Punta Sam, Puerto Juárez and Gran Puerto.

El Rey Ruins

While they might not have the wow-factor of Chichén Itzá, El Rey Ruins have accessibility on its side. Situated in the heart of the Hotel Area, these ruins are very accessible to visitors, In the small size of the site makes it easy to tour in a short time. But for most visitors, the ruins are not the main attraction: Visitors crowd the ruins to mingle with the numerous iguanas that made this former Mayan town their domain.
The El Rey Ruins are open for exploration between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and admission is $3 USD.

Faro Celerain Eco Park (Punta Sur Eco Beach Park)

If you love the wildlife, a day trip to the Faro Celerain Eco Park is ideal. Also known as Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, this ecological park stretches across the southern edge of Cozumel. The 2,500 acres of Punta Sur Eco Beach Park hosts a variety of indigenous species, including crocodiles, tropical birds and turtles. But don't get distracted by the wildlife, the park has a lot more to explore. Take some time to wander the El Caracol Mayan ruins Faro and the Celerain Lighthouse, where you will discover a small maritime museum. Make sure you also pack some swim gear to enjoy the tranquil waters of the Laguna Colombia.
The Faro Celerain Eco Park is open for visit every day of the week from 9 a.m to 4 p.m at $14 for adults and around $8 for children.

Discover Mexico Park

If you are looking for an amazing park to visit in Cozumel, Mexico. Just go and Discover Mexico Park. Situated along the coast a little to the south of San Miguel, this park is home to miniature versions of some of Mexico’s most popular attractions, including the famous Mayan Ruins and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City. The Mexico Park provides knowledge into Mexican culture, including the demonstrations on how to make tortillas and the famous tequila tasting exhibit.
Visitors say the place is perfect to visit if you don't have a lot of time and want to learn about Mexico. Mexico is open Monday - Saturday from 8 a.m. 4 p.m. Cost to enter $26 for adults and $14 for children.

Stingray Beach

A trip to Stingray Beach will grant you the similar interactive experience as scuba diving, just with less swim gear and less cost. Stingray Beach is located in San Miguel; this facility lets you get up close and friendly with these beautiful marine creatures, providing adequate opportunities for you to swim with them. The stingray's barbs are clipped, so don't worry about getting stung.
Often visitors couldn't get enough of the experience and brag about how friendly the stingrays are and how informative and reassure the staff are. Stingray Beach is open for visits from 7 a.m to 3 p.m and tours must be booked in advance. The cost to enter Stingray Beach is $64 for adults and $29 for kids.

Tulum Ruins

The prime reason Tulum is so popular is the Tulum’s, one of the most famous Mayan archaeological sites along the Riviera Maya. Situated on a rocky patch of coastline to the south of Tulum’s downtown, the ruins displaying several temples and castles from the once-thriving Colombian Mayans.
If you have already visited the Chichen Itza, Tulum might prove to be sub-par as visitors say the ruins and the Chichen Itza isn’t comparable.
The park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and there is a small admission of about $5.