Mexico is the number one cultural getaway for Americans: not only are flights there short, the weather great, and the cuisine unrivaled, but the cultural offer is boundless.
There’s just one caveat.
As beautiful as they may be, there are certain cities you wouldn’t go out of your way to visit if you deem safety paramount, such as Zacatecas, where crime levels are higher; Colima, infamous for its gangs, or Morelia, where drug-related violence is rampant.
Like any other country, Mexico has both safe, and not-to-safe parts, but the good news is a majority of culturally-significant destinations fit in the former category.
These include 4 of the country’s most beautiful gems, where immersing yourself in History does not entail putting yourself in harm’s way:
Aguascalientes
Located in North-Central Mexico, Aguascalientes is known for its intact colonial structures, centered around a Spanish-built Plaza de la Patria, art museums, and abundance of spas and thermal springs––in case you haven’t noticed, it’s literally in the city’s name.
Some of the main points of interest are the Baroque Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Cathedral, with its imposing twin towers, the 17th-century Government Palace, richly-decorated with murals depicting the city’s founding, and the San Marcos Thermal Springs:
Located in the historically-charged San Marcos district, this is one of the oldest and most traditional wellness havens in town: the water is said to have healing properties, there are lush gardens to be enjoyed, and entry tickets start from $5.10.
Whether you’re here for relaxing or soaking up the culture, you definitely don’t need to stay hyper-vigilant: as Numbeo reports, crime levels are low, and the U.S. State Department itself has listed it as a Level 2 destination, meaning it is about as safe as Mexico City or Cancun.
Oaxaca City
The charming capital of the state with the same name, Oaxaca is a compact, historically-significant city characterized by its melting pot of cultures, with contributions from the native Zapotec and Mixtec peoples and Spaniards alike.
Planned out in 1529, its Plaza de la Constitución (commonly called Zócalo) is one of the oldest in Mexico, and the nearby grand cathedral is one of a handful in the New World to feature Gothic-style high-vaulted ceilings––like the ones you see in Europe!
The Xochimilco district is an Instagrammer’s fever dream, with its cobbled streets and colorful low houses, and if it’s Ancient Mexican History that floats your boat, you can’t miss out on a visit to Monte Albán, an abandoned pre-Columbian city dating back over 2,524 years.
Similarly to Aguascalientes, Oaxaca is also a Level 2 destination, and though pickpocketing is common, particularly in the busy Downtown, drug-related violence and armed robbery is less of an issue affecting tourists.
Villahermosa
The capital of Tabasco State, in the southeast, Villahermosa is an unsung cultural hotspot founded in the mid-16th century upon the demise of the once-vast Olmec civilization, and one of the centerpieces of colonial-era Mexico.
The landmark Cathedral of the Lord is among the most grandiose in Mexico, with its towering twin belfries, and if you’re looking to get your mind blown, definitely pay Casa de los Azulejos a visit: a small museum displaying ancient artifacts, it is almost completely clad in deep-blue tiles.
The grandiose Government Palace is not to be missed, either, and just between us, everyone’s heading for Mercado de Pino Suárez for a quick bite to eat, but we prefer the more offbeat Mercado de La Terminal instead: the $10 tortas are to die for.
By the way, we hate to be repeating ourselves at this point, but like its Level 2 counterparts, Villahermosa offers just as much safety to tourists: in simple terms, keep your wits about you and a watchful eye on personal belongings when stepping out, but no need to fret, either.
Puebla
Last but not least, Puebla is the jewel in its namesake state’s crown, and a thriving cultural center boasting noteworthy architectural feats, culinary delights, and expansive museums celebrating pre-Hispanic art––think a monumental Museo Amparo.
As per usual, the most important building in town is a Renaissance-era cathedral, which looms over a central square, though the maze of pedestrian-friendly, winding streets starting from the Zócalo are just as charming:
They lead to gilded Baroque chapels, such as national treasure Church of Santo Domingo, storied institutions like Biblioteca Palafoxiana, one of the oldest in the American continent housing rare books, and the stately Municipal Palace, designed by English architect Charles James S. Hall.
You know how what’s coming next: Puebla sits comfortably alongside other entries on this list in the State Department’s Level 2, and as a tourist, your main concern should be restricting your movement to the highly-surveilled historic center, steering clear of untouristy suburbs, and exercising caution.
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