The most magical places in Mexico (not considered pueblos mágicos)

Read our list of towns and cities that are not officially considered pueblos mágicos, but are nonetheless the most magical places in Mexico.

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The pueblos mágicos is a program of Mexico’s tourism department (Secretaría de Turismo). The aim of this program is to highlight towns and populations which represent the best of Mexico to national and foreign visitors.

However, there are truly magical places in Mexico that for one reason or another did not get classified as a pueblo mágico. These places are also amazing, therefore we’re giving them honorary pueblo mágico status in this article. 😉

To see my list of top (actual) pueblos mágicos in Mexico, check out my article The Best Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Towns) in Mexico.

Tlacotalpan, Veracruz

Tlacotalpan is a magical place in the state of Veracruz that doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its colorful architecture and colonial-era style. Today, this small town keeps its peace and charm, as not many tourists get to visit it (road less traveled!).

You can enjoy its river front, its colorful streets, and its palm tree-decorated main square: Plaza Zaragoza. The Santuario de la Virgen de la Candelaria church gives a wonderful backdrop to its main plaza.

Agustin Lara, one of the most famous composers and interpreters of his era, was born in Tlacotalpan. You can go see his house, and a museum that hosts newspapers, photographs, and other pieces that tell the story of this musician.

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Yes, if you’ve heard of one pueblo in Mexico, it’s probably San Miguel de Allende. Does it live up to its hype? Is it too Americanized to get a true taste of Mexico? Coming from a Mexican’s perspective, it does live up to the hype! San Miguel is definitely one of the most magical places in Mexico. Let me tell you why…

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, has also been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The area protected by this designation also includes the town of Atotonilco. San Miguel de Allende hosts a wealth of history. Ignacio Allende, a hero of the Mexican Independence, was born in a house right in the main square: Jardin Allende.

The town is known for its picturesque cobblestone streets and many courtyards. You can walk the blocks of this town at your leisure, drink a coffee at the main square, visit its colorful markets, and stay at a colonial-style bed & breakfast. And yes, you will most definitely feel like you’re getting a taste of Mexico!

Guanajuato, Guanajuato

Guanajuato is a super-sized pueblo magico. Walking through its historic downtown and its narrow alleys, will transport you back to the colonial era as well. The streets were not designed for cars, and many of its alleys are for pedestrian traffic only. Guanajuato, too, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage City.

The town of Guanajuato was founded in the late 1550’s when gold and silver was found in the region. In fact, you can visit some mines to learn more about the mining past of the region.

Although this colonial city is a bit large, its narrow alleys (or callejones) and multiple tunnels give it a small-town feel. Traditions like the callejoneadas have a personal feel to them and the locals are friendly.

Enjoying Guanajuato at night at the Jardín de la Unión, or visiting its market are definitely characteristic experiences of a pueblo mágico!

Puebla, Puebla

The city of Puebla is well worth a visit for multiple reasons. First, the historic center is incredibly well-preserved. You can spend days exploring the multiple churches (there are over 70 of them) and colonial-era buildings in the historic center.

Second, you can try some of Mexico’s most iconic dishes. These includes culinary delights like mole poblano, chiles en nogada, cemitas, and chalupas to name a few.

Lastly, the relaxing atmosphere. You can walk around town at your leisure, with none of the gridlock and traffic you’ll get at other cities of similar size.

Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes

The city of Aguascalientes, located in the state sharing the same name, hosts an amazing historical downtown. It is a very large city, but walking the streets in this part of the city will make you feel like you’re in a small town.

Prior to the Spanish colonization, this place was inhabited by Chichimecas. The city was formed by four primary barrios (or neighborhoods): del Encino, de San Marcos, de Guadalupe, and de la Estación. Each with its charm, museums, churches, and historical buildings.

Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Oaxaca is an amazing city with plenty of things to see and do. You could easily spend a few days here exploring all that the city has to offer. Nevertheless, this has a small town feel, which you can explore by foot.

Like most other small cities in Mexico, there is a central plaza or zócalo ringed with stores and a beautiful 18th century cathedral. Spend some time here shopping, eating or just people watching. This is always an interesting place to just hang out.

Oaxaca is also known for its delicious food. In fact, Oaxaca was recently featured in Netflix’s “Street Food: Latin America” series. This city can offer top notch street food, rivaled only by a few: tlayudas, quesadillas de huitlacoche (one of my favorites), tamales, and the delicious meats at the mercado. Can’t forget the exquisite chocolate from the cacao in the region.

Oaxaca is definitely one of the most magical places in Mexico and well worth the visit.

Morelia, Michoacán

Another colonial jewel that has resisted the test of time. Formerly named Valladolid (1545-1828), this city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well due to its colonial buildings and historic city center. After the war for independence ended, it was renamed to honor one of its independence heroes, Jose Maria Morelos.

Morelia is a larger city, but again, if you visit its historic center, you will be transported back to the time of the Spanish colonization. In it, you can find the Colegio de San Nicolás, in which Miguel Hidalgo (independence hero) taught, as well as the house where José María Morelos was born (now a museum).

The city has well preserved churches, streets, buildings and an aqueduct, which started construction in the 1600’s. You can still admire several parts of it throughout the city.

Zacatecas, Zacatecas

Zacatecas city, in the state of Zacatecas, is one of those places that stays under the radar for both foreigners as well as people from Mexico—I was one of those people. For this reason, Zacatecas remains a town that holds a lot of its local charm and colonial past, with less tourists than other, higher profile destinations.

Zacatecas is an old mining town. It has preserved numerous buildings that are distinguished by their artistic layout in pink quarry. Walking the streets of historic downtown is a pleasure that is difficult to top. Its colonial architecture will draw you to it. Enjoy an ice-cream, a cup of coffee, or have a meal. This is the right spot to do this.

Zacatecas also hosts several museums, such as Museo Rafael Coronel, which is housed in an ex-convent and has an impressive mask collection.

Similar to Guanajuato, you can mingle with the locals in a traditional callejoneada. A callejoneada is a tradition where people walk and sing through the emblematic streets and callejones (alleys) of the city. The music is generally a “tamborazo” band.

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Without a doubt there are many magical places in Mexico. Have you visited these places before? Which are your memorable places? Let me know in the comments below!

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