I like to travel anywhere anytime, but I continually find myself drawn right back down to Mexico. If you think Mexico is just walled-off, all-inclusive beach resorts and crowded tourist strips, you are completely missing out on the real magic of this country.
Time Out just released their massive list of the Best Cities in the World for 2026, and I was absolutely thrilled to see two of my favorite spots right at the top of the list: Mexico City and Guadalajara.
I am officially telling you right now: you need to visit both of these cities at least once in your life. Here is an in-depth look at why they are completely awesome, what you should do when you get there, and why they need to be on your radar this year.
1. Mexico City (CDMX)
The Ultimate Cultural Thriller
Time Out ranked Mexico City 6th in the entire world for 2026, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a powerhouse of culture, art, and food that constantly pushes boundaries.
The Atmosphere: Walking around CDMX is a sensory overload in the best way possible. It is a massive metropolis, but no matter what neighborhood my wife Liz and I wander into, there is always this incredible, welcoming energy that makes us feel right at home. We like to stay in Roma usually, but try out Condesa as well.
The city has an unbeatable, visually stunning mix of quirky colonial buildings and sleek, modern architecture.
Deep Dive Into Culture: The locals here actively brag about their museum scene, and they have every right to. The city boasts a whopping 182 museums!
You could spend a decade here and not see it all. I am completely obsessed with the iconic Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) down in Coyoacán, the ultra-modern, silver-scaled Museo Soumaya, and the massive National Anthropology Museum located right in Chapultepec Park.
If you love contemporary art, you absolutely have to explore the galleries hidden away in the San Miguel Chapultepec neighborhood.
My Strategy: When we go, our entire trip revolves around eating. CDMX has some of the best street food imaginable seemingly waiting on every single corner, but the culinary revolution happening right now is insane.
We love grabbing breakfast in the leafy, relaxed neighborhood of Condesa, hitting up the dark kitchens and trendy cafes in Roma Norte, and then booking a reservation at one of the city’s globally ranked fine-dining spots at night.
I always try to spend a Sunday renting a bike to ride down Paseo de la Reforma when they close the streets to cars, or wandering the shaded pathways of Alameda Central right next to the stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes.
2. Guadalajara
The Creative Heartbeat of Mexico
Guadalajara is the legendary birthplace of mariachi and tequila, but it is so much more than just its history. It is Mexico’s second-largest city and the absolute epicenter of the country’s underground creative scene.
The Atmosphere: Time Out previously named Guadalajara’s Colonia Americana the coolest neighborhood in the entire world, and I completely agree. The vibe there is unmatched. It is an edgy, beautiful blend of art deco mansions, incredible street food carts, sleek cafes, and dive bars where you can sip the best tequila of your life.
I love how this city balances its deeply traditional roots with a massive, boundary-pushing creative community.
Deep Dive Into Culture: The architecture and art here will absolutely blow you away. Walking through the historic center, you are immediately greeted by the towering yellow neo-Gothic spires of the Guadalajara Cathedral. But the absolute must-see is the Hospicio Cabañas (Centro Cultural Cabañas), a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring mind-bending, dramatic ceiling murals painted by the legendary Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco.
My Strategy: We always base ourselves right in Colonia Americana so we can just walk to the best music venues and coffee shops. During the day, I highly recommend taking a quick Uber ride over to Tlaquepaque, a charming artisan neighborhood filled with cobblestone streets, colorful galleries, and incredible ceramics.
Walking into sculptor Sergio Bustamante’s gallery there feels like stepping into a surrealist fantasy world. Finally, you cannot visit Guadalajara without experiencing the tequila culture. We love booking a ride on the Jose Cuervo Express train for a scenic day trip out to the actual town of Tequila to wander the blue agave fields and tour the working distilleries.
A note on safety: Yes, Guadalajara just made headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. Understandably, many are hesitant to book a trip. However, for what it is worth, I recently went on a trip with another journalist who lives in the city, who told me life was totally back to normal within a few days, and now everything is business as usual.
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Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.
