Are you planning a vacation to Mexico City as a first-time traveler? Well, deciding the best things to see and do in a place like Mexico City can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first trip. But no worries! In this blog post, I'll help you distill the top things to do in Mexico City.
Mexico City is rapidly evolving as a popular tourist destination in Latin America. With a population of 22 million, the city is bustling with museums, art galleries, cultural sites, street food, restaurants, bars, and hipster neighborhoods. You can spend a lifetime exploring this capital city and still find new things.
So, where to start? Check out this blog for a list of things you can't miss to see and do in Mexico City on your first trip.
Mexico City At a Glance
Before discussing the best things to do in Mexico City, let me first give a snapshot overview of the capital city.
- Mexico City is officially known as Ciudad de México or CDMX in Spanish.
- CDMX is the capital and largest city of Mexico and the most populous city in North America.
- Locals of Mexico City are known as chilangos.
- Mexico City is located at an elevation of 2,200 meters, sitting on the top of a drained lake.
- The original name of Mexico City was Tenochtitlan, in the local Nahuatl language. Later, it was changed to Mexico.
- Chapultepec Forest in Mexico City is the largest urban park in North America.
- Mexico City has over 180 museums, more than any other city in the world.
- Mexico City has the largest subway system in Latin America. It is also the cheapest in the world: one ride costs only 5 pesos.
- The city has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- The best time to go to Mexico City is from March to May.
Best Things To See and Do in Mexico City
Whether you're a solo adventurer, traveling with kids, or on a romantic getaway, the following list of must-do things accommodates all travelers. Let's dive in!
Architectural Sites in Mexico City
1. Visit Centro Historico
Start your Mexico City itinerary at Centro Historico, the city's historic center. Also known as Downtown, the Historic Center, or Centro, this 668-block neighborhood is the beating heart of Mexico City. Built on the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, the area has great historical and cultural significance.
As you explore its colonial buildings and monuments, you'll see how Mexico City has transformed from the ancient city of Tenochtitlan to the modern metropolis we know today. This UNESCO World Heritage Site might not be as hippy or trendy as Roma or Condesa, but it is a true feast for history nerds. Consider booking this guided walking tour of the Historic Center of Mexico City.
Centro Historico: Google Directions
2. Take a Walking Tour of Zocalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
Looking for free things to do in Mexico City? Head to El Zocalo in Centro Historico!
Officially known as Plaza de la Constitución, El Zocalo is the main public square in Mexico City. This bustling square is a fantastic place for people-watching. Whenever you visit, you'll see locals in traditional Aztec outfits dancing and playing drums, vendors selling trinkets and souvenirs, political protests, and often concerts and parades. A giant Mexican flag stands in the center of the square. The square is bordered on three sides by the Templo Mayor, the Palacio Nacional, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Visitors can book a free walking tour to explore this world's largest public square. You can spend hours visiting the attractions in and around Zocalo. It is an unmissable part of your Mexico City itinerary.
3. Explore Templo Mayor
Originally, Templo Mayor (Main Temple) was the ceremonial center of the Aztec Empire.
The temple was destroyed and replaced by a church during the Spanish conquest in 1521. Today, the giant stone ruins stand at the heart of Mexico City's Historic Center. More than 7,000 artifacts were recovered from the excavations. Some of these objects are displayed in the on-site museum. Here, you'll see the largest Mexican sculpture representing the goddess of the Earth, Tlaltecuhtli, and a large circular monolith depicting the Moon goddess, Coyolxauhqui.
Book this Exclusive Templo Mayor Tour and let a local historian or archaeologist guide you through the ruins!
- Open Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
- Entrance Fee: $95 MXN
- Templo Mayor: Google Directions
4. Enjoy Mariachi Bands in Plaza Garibaldi
Plaza Garibaldi is a famous place in Mexico City where you can see and listen to mariachi bands. The plaza feels like a full-time fiesta with mariachi music playing at its heart. You can hire a mariachi band to play your favorite songs, join spontaneous dance parties, check out a few bars, or visit the Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal to learn about these classic Mexican drinks. If you want to go with a guide, F&S Tours Garibaldi is the best option.
Plaza Garibaldi: Google Directions
5. Admire Artwork at Palacio de Bellas Artes
Known as the Palace of Fine Arts, this classical European structure is one of the best sites to visit in Mexico City. The building is a work of art comprising a mix of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. The palace has a beautiful lobby where you can walk for free. The lobby hosts opera, classical music, and ballet performances. Don't miss the chance to visit the on-site museum, known for its rotating art exhibits and a large collection of murals. My favorite mural is of Diego Rivera: "El Hombre Controlador del Universo" (Man, Controller of the Universe).
- Open Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
- Entrance Fee: $89 MXN, Sundays: Free entrance
- Palacio de Bellas Artes: Google Directions
6. Climb the Top of Torre Latinoamericana
If you want a bird's-eye view of Mexico City, climb to the 44th floor of the Torre Latinoamericana (Latin America Tower). Constructed in 1965, the tower is Mexico City's first skyline. It is a rare feat of engineering that miraculously survived the country's two strongest earthquakes (1985 and 2017).
The top-floor observation deck offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, but the lower floors also have different viewpoints. If you want to see the city view without going to the open-air observation deck, go to the recently renovated bar one floor below. Spend your money on a drink instead of the deck admission ticket and enjoy the equally magnificent view of the city landscapes.
- Open Hours: Daily: 9 am - 10 pm
- Entrance Fee: $170 MXN
- Torre Latinoamericana: Directions
7. Visit Chapultepec Castle and Park
Feeling overwhelmed by downtown's hustle and bustle? Consider visiting Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest), just 4.6 miles away. Also known as Chapultepec Park, it is one of the largest and most-visited urban parks on the planet. Inside this 1,700-acre park, you'll find biking trails, two lakes, the Chapultepec Zoo, and nine museums, including the Museum of Anthropology and the Rufino Tamayo Museum.
The Castillo de Chapultepec in the middle of the park is one of only two royal palaces in Latin America (the other is the Palace of Iturbide, which is also in Mexico City). It is perched atop a hill and overlooks the entire park, the Historic Center, and the rest of Mexico City.
The castle has a separate entrance, and the ticket costs about $95 MXN. The park is filled with vendors, entertainers, and families on weekends. It is one of the best things to do in Mexico City on weekends. The best way to visit all the must-see spots in this huge park is by bike. Join this 2-hour Chapultepec Park bike tour.
- Open Hours: Tue-Sun: 9 am - 6 pm
- Bosque de Chapultepec: Directions
Mexico City Museums and Art
8. Explore Museo Frida Kahlo (Frida Kahlo Museum)
No list of the best things to see and do in Mexico City is complete without the Frida Kahlo Museum. Located on the beaten path in the Coyoacan neighborhood, the museum is worth a visit, particularly for art lovers.
Known as Casa Azul (Blue House), the museum was the original house of Frida Kahlo, where she spent most of her life. This beautiful cobalt-blue building is filled with her personal items, self-portraits, and family photos. You can see beautiful paintings by Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera.
If you don't want to wait in lines, book this VIP Museuo Frida Kahlo Tour, which will also take you a bit beyond the museum.
- Open Hours: Tue - Sun: 10 am - 6 pm, Wed: 11 am - 6 pm
- Entrance Fee: $250 MXN on weekdays and $270 MXN on weekends
- Frida Kahlo Museum: Directions
9. See Pre-Hispanic Art at Museo Anahuacalli
Did you know that the entrance ticket to the Frida Kahlo Museum also includes the entrance to the Anahuacalli Museum of Deigo Rivera? Both museums are just a 10-minute drive apart and are worth visiting. Anahuacalli combines a museum, studio, and shrine of Mexican art.
The museum houses Rivera's personal collection, 2,000 pre-Hispanic figurines, totems, and carvings, and Rivera's mural sketches. For a more fascinating experience, join this art-guided tour: Anahuacalli Museum and Diego Rivera Studio Tour with Admission Tickets.
- Open Hours: Tue - Sun: 11 am - 5:30 pm
- Entrance Fee: $250 MXN on weekdays and $270 MXN on weekends
- Museo Anahuacalli: Directions
10. Step Back in Time at El Museo Nacional de Antropologia
Spanning 23 exhibition halls, the National Anthropology Museum is the most-visited and best history museum in Mexico City. It is a one-stop guide that tells the story of 3,225 years of Mesoamerican civilization through a range of artifacts, such as a jade mask of the Zapotec god, an Aztec sunstone, a Coatlicue statue, and a replica of Moctezuma's headdress.
The exhibition halls are filled with bilingual information signs, so you don't need to worry if you don't know Spanish. If you're deeply interested in pre-Hispanic history, book this Exclusive Tour to the Anthropology Museum.
- Open Hours: Tue-Sun: 9 am - 6 pm
- Entrance Fee: $95 MXN
- El Museo Nacional de Antropología: Directions
11. Visit Soumaya Museum
Looking for unique things to do in Mexico City? Head to Soumaya Museum, a shiny rotated rhomboid at Plaza Carso in the heart of CDMX. This private museum is funded by Carlos Slim, the wealthiest man in Mexico, and is named after his late wife, Soumaya Domit. It spans 16,000 square meters and has six gallery floors. The museum features 6,6000 artworks, including those of Mexican artists like Rufino Tamayo and Diego Rivera and European Masters like Van Gogh and Rodin. The best part is you can see all these displays without spending a peso.
- Open Hours: Daily: 10:30 am - 6:30 pm
- Soumaya Museum: Directions
12. Visit Museo de Arte Popular
If you want to learn about Mexican culture and lifestyle, visit Museo de Arte Popular or the Folk Art Museum. The museum has a large collection of Mexican handicrafts and folk art, including pottery, textiles, glass, alebrijes, and pinatas.
- Open Hours: Tue-Sun: 10 am - 6 pm
- Entrance Fee: $60 MXN
- Museo de Arte Popular: Directions
Cool Neighborhoods to See in Mexico City
13. Explore Roma Norte
Roma is popular for its bohemian vibe, colorful street art, European-inspired architecture, and tree-lined avenues. This hipster neighborhood is located in the central southwest of Mexico City, almost a walking distance from Chapultepec Park.
Centered around the vast and green Avenida Alvaro Obregon, Roma is home to some of the best museums like Museo del Objeco del Objeco, Galeria OMR, and Casa Lamm and Gallery. The district is also popular for its taco stalls, cafes, and high-end restaurants. Join this local Roma food tour to get to know about Mexican cuisine all along the way. It is also one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Mexico City.
Roma Corte: Directions
14. Visit La Condesa
With its leafy tree-lined streets, green spaces, dozens of dogs, Art Deco buildings, and laid-back vibes, La Condesa is one of the best neighborhoods to visit in CDMX. The must-visit sights in Condesa include Avenida Amsterdam, Parque Espana, and Parque Mexico. The neighborhood is also a great place to stay in Mexico City, as it has a few metro stations nearby and provides easy access to other attractions in the city.
La Condesa: Directions
15. Spend the Day in Coyoacan
Visiting Coyoacan is one of the most underrated things to do in Mexico City. Besides the Frida Kahlo Museum, the neighborhood is home to the famous coyote fountain, Coyoacán Zócalo, and the oldest churches in Latin America, such as the Capilla de la Concita and the Parroquia San Juan Bautista.
Here, you'll also find some amazing restaurants and coffee shops. Don't forget to try tortas in the Mercado de Coyoacán. If you're short of time, you can hop on a Coyoacan day trip from Mexico City.
Coyoacan: Directions
16. Take a Day Trip to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan
If you can make only one day trip from Mexico City, I highly recommend it to Teotihuacan. Teotihuacan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas. This pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican city is located about 30 miles northeast of Mexico City.
The main highlights of Teotihuacan are the gigantic pyramids, especially the Pyramids of the Moon and the Sun and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. You can even climb them. Taking a hot-air balloon ride over the Teotihuacan Valley is one of the adventurous things to do in Mexico City. Check out this full-day tour from Mexico City to Teotihuacan.
17. Visit the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco
If you're traveling with a group, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco is one of the hipster things to do in Mexico City. Xochimilco is a network of artificial canals hand-dug by the Aztecs centuries ago. The fun way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site is by boat tour. Hop on traditional trajineras (brightly colored gondola-style boats) that will take you through the floating gardens, called chinampas, and canals. For those who are short on time, book this city tour and Xochimilco Floating Gardens.
18. Fun Things to Do in Mexico City with Kids
Heading on a family vacation to Mexico City? Here are some exciting things to do in Mexico City with kids.
Inbursa Aquarium
Take your kids to Inbursa Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Mexico. It is home to over 350 marine species, including manta rays, sharks, and barracuda. The aquarium has five underground stories. Its main attractions include chinstrap penguins and a colony of Gentoo.
Skip the line and book your entrance tickets here!
Lucha Libre at the Arena Coliseo
If you or your kids crave entertainment, head to Lucha Libre, one of the crazy things to do in Mexico City. The arena hosts action-packed wrestling matches, known as Lucha Libre. After the show, enjoy the meal and drink at the taqueria. It is also a great place to have a fun night with friends. Get your Lucha Libre tickets here. Your package will include shuttle transfers from Mexico City and a souvenir wrestling mask.
Museum of Chocolate (MUCHO)
MUCHO in the Juarez neighborhood of Mexico City is a must-visit for chocolate lovers. This small museum is all about Cacao, the native chocolate of Mexico. The museum celebrates chocolate with exhibits showing Mesoamerican Cacao's history and the modern chocolate-making process. Buy your entrance ticket to this chocolate world to treat your kids and yourself.
19. Explore Mexico City Markets
Do you want to buy some Mexican souvenirs to take back home? Prepare your wallet—Mexico City has more than 400 public markets!
- Ciudadela Market: This is one of the best arts and crafts markets in Mexico City. You can buy love wool blankets, stone-plated jewelry, loom-woven blouses, and hand-carved gourds. The market is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm. (Google Directions)
- Mercado de La Merced: This is one of the biggest and oldest markets in Mexico City, and it is super crowded. It is a sprawling, chaotic place with street food stalls, sacks of spice mix, and local and fresh produce. (Google Directions)
- Mercado de Sonora (Sonora Market): Looking for unusual things to do in Mexico City? Go to Mercado de Sonora. Here, you'll find healing crystals, allegedly magical objects, and herbal medicines. (Google Directions)
- La Lagunilla: This Sunday antiques market has roots in the pre-Hispanic era. Here, you can buy vintage clothes, original pressed lithographs, mid-century modern furniture, jewelry, and much more. (Google Directions)
20. Attend Popular Festivals and Events in Mexico City
Mexico City hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, and you must try to catch at least one if you can. These festivals are great opportunities to meet Chilangos and see Mexican culture and lifestyle. Here are some must-attend events in Mexico City.
- Vive Latino: This Ibero-American festival is one of the biggest music events in CDMX and covers more genres than rock music. This two-day event is held in Foro Sol and usually takes place in March and April. It is one of the best things young adults can do in Mexico City.
- Corona Capital: This three-day annual rock and alternative music festival is held in the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Spanish-speaking bands are not allowed to perform. You can book your festival ticket here.
- Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos): This two-day festival is one of the best cultural events in Mexico City. It includes large ofrendas at city museums, the Zocalo, and the colorful Day of the Dead parade in the city center. If you're visiting CDMX in November this year, don't forget to book your tickets to the event.
Other cultural events you can attend in Mexico City are Feria De Las Calacas, Corredor Cultural Roma Condesa, and Feria de Las Cultural Amigas.
21. Take a Mexico City Food Tour
No trip or travel itinerary is complete without trying local food! Whenever I travel to a new city, I always go for a food tour as it is the best way to explore the local cuisine, and Mexico City is no exception.
You can take dozens of food tours in different neighborhoods throughout the city. These tours will let you experience authentic Mexican cuisine from the city's traditional markets, restaurants, cantinas, and street food stalls.
Most of you might know that Mexico City is famous for tacos, which can be found everywhere. Other local specialties include tortas, churros, pambazos, and conchas.
Here are the top Mexico City food tours — all led by CDMX locals. Pick the food tour according to the neighborhood you want to visit in Mexico City, whether it's Centro Historico, Colonia Roma, La Condesa, Polanco, or any other.
22. Enjoy Nightlife in Mexico City
Last but certainly not least! Pack up your day in CDMX with a drink at a bar! Bar hopping is one of the best things to do in Mexico City at night. Whether you prefer wine, beer, or cocktails, Mexico City is full of nightlife surprises at every corner. These are some of the best bars in the town:
- Licoreria Limantour: This buzzy bar is located in Roma Norte and offers the best cocktails in the city. You should try their Margarita Al Pastor.
- Handshake Speakeasy: This highly-rated bar in Mexico City greets each customer with a shout of "Bienvenidos" (welcome). Their signature drink is Matcha Yuzu.
- Bar Las Brujas: This is a perfect spot for relaxing after a tiring day. The bar feels like a refined hotel bar—cozy and dimly lit. All the staff members are female and called a coven. Their cocktails are inspired by feminist activists and writers.
- Cityzen Rooftop Bar: This rooftop bar is located inside the Sofitel and offers drinks with stunning panoramic views. Their signature drink is the pretty-in-pink Montparnasse.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
If you want to experience Mexico City like a local, live like a local. Whether you want a cozy hotel in Condesa, a trendy apartment in La Roma, or a beautiful B&B in Coyoacan, Mexico City has numerous accommodation options.
If you're coming to Mexico City for a few weeks or months, consider subleasing an apartment in one of CDMX's neighborhoods directly from an owner. Renting a room or apartment using sublease.ai will not only give you a more authentic experience, but you'll likely save quite a bit over a hotel or an Airbnb. Booking your stay before you travel will give you peace of mind and save you from any last-minute hassle.
FAQs
How Long Should I Stay in Mexico City?
Plan a four- to five-day trip to Mexico City to explore its main attractions and tourist areas, such as the Frida Kahlo Museum, Teotihuacan, and Basílica de Guadalupe. Xochimilco, and more.
Is Mexico City Safe to Travel?
The short answer is yes! However, Like any densely populated city, crimes like pickpocketing are not uncommon in Mexico City. Polanco, Condesa, Roma Norte, and Centro Historico are safe neighborhoods to visit and stay.
How to Get Around Mexico City?
The best way to get around Mexico City is through public transport. CDMX public transportation includes seven Metrobus lines, 12 Metro (subway lines), public buses, trolleybuses, RTP buses, public taxis, shared taxis, and bikes.
Is Mexico City Cheap to Visit?
A trip to Mexico City can be cheap or expensive as you make it. If you stick to street food, public transport, self-guided free attractions, and free walking tours, you can spend less or save more. However, Mexico City is not cheap for Mexicans.
Final Thoughts
There you go! Now, you might have found that there is so much to see and do in Mexico City – exploring CDMX architectural sites and museums, visiting hipster neighborhoods, enjoying street food, bar hopping, shopping in local markets, attending musical festivals, taking day trips to nearby areas, and much more.
While this blog post lists only the 22 best things to do in Mexico City, there are countless other options. I hope you have got a bunch of ideas from this list and are now more prepared and excited about your trip to Mexico City. Enjoy your time visiting Mexico City and its hotspots like a local!
