Mexico, over the years, has gained a reputation for being an unsafe country to visit—violence, street crime, kidnappings, drug and human trafficking, murder, and notorious for its criminal cartels. But it's no different from any other country with its seedy underbelly in particular areas or cities. Don't let this notoriety put you off, as plenty of Mexican towns are safe. It's a question of using your safety protocols when traveling anywhere globally and taking note of government warnings regarding which cities are best to avoid.
With more than 42 million international tourists in 2023 alone visiting this astounding country, it’s safe to say that you can go and drink that tequila, do the ‘Mexican Hat’ dance in the streets to the sounds of mariachi music while wearing a sombrero, gawk at pyramids, catch a glimpse of a jaguar in the Yucatán Peninsula, or chill out in one of Mexico city's Michelin star restaurants. The towns below, plus many more, are safe:
Mexico City
The largest city in the country, every corner you turn will surprise you. Contemporary architecture is juxtaposed with the remnants of its long history of Spanish colonial and French influences, such as the incredible pre-hispanic buildings surrounding the central square known as the Zócalo; the Metropolitan Cathedral, built on the ancient meeting points of the four neighborhoods of the Aztec empire, creates a spiritual heart. The National Palace of Mexico has been modified numerous times over the last 500 years, showcasing Neoclassical, Baroque, and Neo-Colonial architectural elements.
Mexico City is a dynamic city that bristles with life amidst its stunning gardens, parks, colorful outdoor markets, and extraordinary museums. Streets are sprawling live art galleries splashed with murals and graffiti, and floating on the ancient canals of Xochimilco while listening to a mariachi band is a visual and auditory experience unlike any other.
Oaxaca City
The city to either frighten or tantalize your taste buds as you knock back a glass of smoky mezcal (with or without the fancy marketing addition of a worm) while happily indulging in 'pozole'—a traditional filling soup of beef or chicken with copious amounts of red chili garnished with shredded cabbage topped with thin slices of radish. The birthplace of corn and squash, Oaxaca is nicknamed 'the land of seven moles' (a spicy sauce). It's a city for eating; think tlayudas, tamales, cecina, and chapulines. Snack on tacos or grilled masa disc tostadas smothered in salsa, beans, guacamole, and cheese to stave off any hunger pangs. With a mild climate and rich culture, Oaxaca will make you smile, especially if you happen to be in the town on 23rd December when the 'Night of the Radishes' occurs—everyone carves radishes into scenes that are on display only for a few hours before they wilt. A quirky affair, the festival's origins stem from when the Spanish introduced radishes during the colonial period.
San Miguel de Allende
Believed to be the birthplace of the Mexican Revolution, San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO heritage site splattered with Mexican colonial architecture and cobblestoned narrow streets lined with buildings awash in ochre, rusty orange, and mustard yellow building facades festooned with multicolored ribbons tied to wrought iron window bars. Picture postcard perfect; it's considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its gently sloping streets are littered with brilliant purple jacaranda trees in spring. A hub for the arty and creative types, the town has many rooftop bars to linger at from which you can gaze over the jumble of rooftops. San Miguel de Allende is a tourist favorite to haunt, not just for its architectural beauty but for its numerous art galleries, specialized boutique shopping, and atmospheric cafes and restaurants.
Guadalajara
The town to satisfy those Mexican-inspired dreams, Guadalajara is the second-largest city in the country. Home to a few of the world's 50 Best restaurants, Guadalajara is not just about food but also being home to that fiery shot of tequila and the birthplace of Mariachi music—think 'El Son de la Negra' one of the most loved Mariachi songs that extolls Mexican culture. Annually in September, a massive festival celebrates its music and what is sometimes considered the national sport of Mexico, 'charreria’—the age-old practice of herding livestock while wearing their signature wide-brimmed hats. The largest indoor market, 'Mercado Libertad' (aka Mercado San Juan de Dios), is not to be missed. Everything you can imagine is under one roof covering a massive 40,000 square mts—3 floors with about 3,000 stalls. It should definitely be enough to satisfy the lust of any shopaholic. Guadalajara is the gateway to Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest freshwater lake, and to the panoramic scenes of agave fields necessary for the flow of tequila.
Other cities to drool over include the city-beach vibes of Playa del Carmen or Cozumel, Merida for its mind-boggling Mayan ruins, Cancún to gawk at masses of pelicans and flamingos, Campeche to meander around 17th Century buildings and swim with whale sharks at Los Cabos. Foodies should head to Puebla, where Mexico's traditional dish, mole, can be found on every street corner.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
