One of the highlights of fall is the return of Día de los Muertos and what better way to celebrate the holiday than in its birthplace, Mexico. Below, Expedia gathered 3 of the best Mexican destinations travelers should visit to experience the holiday, complete with beautiful ofrendas, seas of yellow and orange marigolds, and lively celebrations in person.

Mexico City: There’s perhaps no better spot for first timers to experience Día de Los Muertos than in Mexico City, the nation’s capital. A stay here also means mixing in plenty of culture at world-renowned museums like the Museo Nacional de Antropología and Museo Frida Kahlo, some of the world’s best restaurants, and a ton of fun in the festivities.

• Hotel demand in Mexico City this November is currently experiencing triple-digit increases compared to 2019, so Expedia recommends booking early. Thankfully, there are a lot of hotels with great prices (average daily rates or ADR just over $100) so you can’t go wrong.
• Where to stay:
  • Galeria Plaza Reforma
  • Krystal Grand Suites Insurgentes
  • Marquis Reforma Hotel Spa
  • Sofitel Mexico City Reforma

San Miguel de Allende: Located in Mexico’s central highlands, San Miguel de Allende’s main square becomes the epicenter for Día de Los Muertos celebrations, with altars set up to admire, vendors to shop from, and plenty of food to go around. On the night of November 1^st, the town comes together in their best La Calavera Catrina for an epic parade through the streets.

• Where to stay:

• Albor San Miguel de Allende, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
• Hacienda Los Picachos
• Hacienda El Santuario San Miguel de Allende
• Luxury option: Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende Urban Resort

Veracruz: In the state of Veracruz, arigolds blanket the streets leading to the cemeteries and the ofrendas are truly sublime. Visitors can explore its capital Xalapa to explore museums, historic buildings, and plenty of churches, or head to the coast for a Día de Los Muertos ceremony mixed with a little surf and sand.

• Where to stay:
  • Grand Fiesta Americana Veracruz
  • Veracruz Centro Histórico
  • Camino Real Veracruz