15 Best Things to do in Mexico City

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I was super excited to visit Mexico. It was my first time in Central America and it was also from a super cheap flight deal that I’d found with Jack’s Flight Club. So, I was excited about both the savings and the prospect of a new country. Plus, I have a goal to see all 7 wonders of the world before I’m 30, so seeing Chichen Itza puts me one step closer. But first, on our Mexico itinerary, we landed in the capital, and, discovered that there are so many wonderful things to do in Mexico City.

The capital of Mexico is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history, culture, and thriving food scene. It is a city that is both bustling and beautiful; from the ancient ruins of the Aztecs and the colonial architecture of the Spanish conquest to the bustling street markets and contemporary art scene, there is something for everyone in Mexico City. The city does get a bit of a bad rep, but I felt nothing but safe while I was there. I felt no different than if I were wandering the streets of San Francisco or Paris. 

Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s historical sites, trying the local cuisine, or experiencing its vibrant nightlife, there is no shortage of amazing experiences to be had here. These are some of the best things to do in Mexico City, so you can make the most of your time in this fascinating city.

How many days do you need in Mexico City?

How many days you need in Mexico depends considerably on your personal interests and travel style. Generally speaking, most people find that 3 to 7 days is a good amount of time to explore the city and its most popular attractions.

In 3 days, you can see the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Templo Mayor and the National Palace. It will also give you time to visit a few of the city’s best museums, such as the National Museum of Anthropology (which we loved!). 

However, If you have more time than this, you can also venture out of the city to some of the nearby attractions. Visit the pyramids of Teotihuacán ( I cannot recommend this enough!) or the Xochimilco floating gardens. We spent 5 days exploring the city and it was the perfect amount of time.

Tip: Don’t forget your travel insurance for Mexico City. I recommend using Safety Wing. They’re affordable, easy to use and specialize in nomadic travel. Get a quote here.

What is the best month to visit Mexico City?

The peak tourist season in Mexico is from December to April when the weather is at its mildest and there is little rain. During these months, the city can get pretty busy and the prices of hotels and attractions can be higher.

However, if you prefer to avoid crowds and save money, consider visiting in the summer months of May to October. Although temperatures can be pretty balmy during these months and you certainly run the risk of more rain, there are also fewer crowds.

You also have to take in various festivals and events in Mexico. For instance, visiting Mexico in November to witness the Day of the Dead celebrations would be pretty amazing!

Where to stay in Mexico City

Mexico City is a big city. As such, there are lots of options when it comes to where to stay. You’ll want to stay near enough to the city centre but not so close that the prices are sky-high. But also not so far away that you can’t easily reach the city’s top attractions. Bearing all this in mind, here are a few of the best places to stay:

1. Centro Histórico: If you’re interested in history and architecture, the Centro Histórico is a great option. This neighbourhood is home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Templo Mayor, the National Palace, and the Catedral Metropolitana. You’ll also find a variety of street markets, restaurants, and bars.
2. Condesa: This neighbourhood is located in the central part of the city and is known for its trendy cafes, and beautiful parks. It’s popular with young travellers and ex-pats and offers a lively nightlife scene.
3. Coyoacán: Coyoacán is a charming, colonial neighbourhood located in the southern part of the city. It’s a great option for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre. It’s known for its bohemian vibe, street markets, and museums, including the Frida Kahlo Museum.

Regardless of which neighbourhood you choose, it’s best to stay somewhere well-located with good access to public transportation. Consider your budget, travel style, and interests when choosing a place to stay in Mexico City.

Discover more of the best places to stay in Mexico City.

The best things to do in Mexico City

So, without further ado, here are some of the absolute best things to do in Mexico City.

1. Explore Zocalo

Zocalo is one of the largest public squares in the world and the heart of Mexico City’s Centro Historico neighbourhood. It’s a hub of political, cultural, and social activity. It was also one of the busiest places we visited during our time in the city.

It’s surrounded by some of the city’s most important buildings, including the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor, making it an important cultural and historical landmark. It also makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s history.

It’s also a popular destination for simply viewing the culture. You can come here to people-watch, enjoy the street performers, and sample food vendors.

2. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral

The city’s largest cathedral is easily one of the best things to do in Mexico City. Located on the eastern side of Zócalo, it took over almost 250 years to build. The architecture is pretty amazing. A wonderful clash of styles (including Baroque, and neoclassical), it features ornate decoration, two towers, and intricate stone carvings.

Inside, the cathedral is just as impressive, with elaborate chapels, and stunning stained-glass windows. It’s also home to a number of important works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and altarpieces.

3. See the Angel of Independence

The Angel of Independence stands at the top of Reforma Boulevard. Erected in 1910 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s War of Independence, it is a symbol of Mexican independence and nationalism.

At the top of the column is a statue of Victory, symbolizing Mexico’s triumph over Spanish rule. The statue is made of bronze and is 45 meters tall. It’s also illuminated at night, making it a popular photography spot.

4. Marvel at the Palace of Fine Arts

Possibly Mexico City’s most photographed building, The Palace of Fine Arts, also known as the Palacio de Bellas Artes, is a cultural centre and theatre located in Mexico City’s historic centre. 

It’s a simply stunning building with pale walls and a recognizable yellow and orange domed roof. It’s considered one of the finest examples of Mexican Art Nouveau architecture. Built between 1904 and 1934, it remains one of the country’s most significant cultural sites to this day. 

It was designed to showcase the best in Mexican and international artistic and cultural expression. The palace has hosted all sorts of events, from music to literature. Inside, you’ll find its elaborate decoration, including murals by some of Mexico’s most famous artists. 

One of the most important cultural events in the country, this is easily one of the best things to do in Mexico City.

5. Explore Templo Mayor

For your first dip into Aztec history in Mexico City, head to Templo Mayor. Located in the heart of the city centre, it has been left since pre-Columbian times in the 15th and 16th centuries. This fascinating site is one of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites.

Built by the Aztecs, this site used to be a temple dedicated to their gods, including the god of war, Huitzilopochtli, and the goddess of the earth and fertility, Tlaloc. The site was recovered in 1978 when workers were digging in the heart of Mexico City. Since then, it has been excavated and restored, and you can now explore the site and learn about the Aztec civilization.

6. Wander around Chapultepec Castle

Situated strategically on a hill overlooking the city, Chapultepec Castle was originally built in the 18th century. It’s had a rather varied history. Initially designed for the Mexican viceroys, it later served as the official residence of the President of Mexico. It’s the only palace in North America to ever have housed Royalty.

During the Mexican-American War, it was used as a military academy, and in the 20th century, it was transformed into a museum showcasing Mexican history and art. Today, the castle is still home to a number of museums including the National Museum of Mexican History. You can also explore some of the castle’s rooms which are filled with historical artefacts and works of art, and feature stunning views of Mexico City.

7. Visit Chapultepec Park

For a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, head over to Chapultepec park. As you may have guessed, this is where you’ll find Chapultepec Castle. It’s also an incredibly tranquil place.

Covering over 1,700 acres, it’s home to a variety of attractions, including museums, lakes, gardens, and cultural institutions. It’s also simply a popular space to enjoy the outdoors. 

Much like New York’s Central Park, you’ll find people boating, hiking, and birdwatching here. It is a popular place for picnics, jogging, and leisurely walks, and its extensive green spaces provide a welcome escape from the bustling city.

8. Visit the Soumaya Museum

The Museo Soumaya in Mexico City is a world-class art museum. It’s home to an impressive collection of more than 66,000 works of art, including sculptures, paintings, decorative arts, and more. The museum was founded by the Mexican businessman Carlos Slim Helu and is named after his late wife, Soumaya Domit.

However, even for those who aren’t huge fans of art, this museum is well worth a visit to look at the building alone. It’s housed in a striking, hexagonal-shaped building that is covered in 16,000 hexagonal aluminium tiles. The building’s unique architecture makes it one of Mexico City’s most recognizable landmarks and one of the best things to see in Mexico City.

Inside, the museum’s collection includes works by some of the world’s most famous artists, including Auguste Rodin, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and many others. It also houses an extensive collection of Mexican colonial art, for a further dip into the city’s extensive history.

9. See Torre Latinoamericana

As you may have guessed from some of my other articles, I love a good cityscape! And Mexico City doesn’t disappoint on this count. The Torre Latinoamericana is a skyscraper located in the heart of the city. 

It was completed in 1956 and was once the tallest building in Mexico. Today, it remains one of the most iconic buildings in the city and is one of the best things to do in Mexico City. From the observation deck on the 44th floor, you can see gorgeous panoramic views of the city, including great views of the Palace of Fine Arts, the bustling streets below, and distant mountains.

10. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum

One of the most curious museums in Mexico City is the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Casa Azul or the Blue House. This historic house and museum was the childhood home and later the residence of the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Today it serves as a museum dedicated to her life and work.

Located in the neighbourhood of Coyoacán (which is my favourite neighbourhood in the city) it is housed in a beautiful blue-coloured building. The funny thing is, if you didn’t know it was a museum, you’d probably just think it was a very bright house. But this is one of the things I love the most about it. Then, of course, you have the artwork. 

The museum contains a rich collection of Frida Kahlo’s paintings, personal belongings, and cultural artefacts, offering a unique glimpse into her life and work. You can also explore the gardens of the house which were once a source of inspiration for the artist, as well as its traditional Mexican-style rooms, offering a glimpse into the past.

11. Explore the National History Museum

Dedicated to the history of Mexico, this museum covers the country’s rich cultural heritage from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Housed within Chapultepec Castle, the museum features a vast collection of artefacts, paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts that chronicle Mexico’s rich history and cultural heritage.

You can explore history from the Aztecs, Mayans, and other civilizations, You can see fascinating artefacts from these eras too including paintings and sculptures. You can also learn about the Mexican Revolution and dive a little deeper into the meaning behind the Angel of Independence.

12. Visit Coyoacán 

By far my favourite area of the city, I loved Coyoacán. The charming southwestern part of the city is famous for its colonial-era architecture, bohemian atmosphere, and exciting artwork. You can easily get lost in the colours and art in this neighbourhood.

It was actually one of the first neighbourhoods in Mexico City to be established and has a rich history that dates back to the pre-Columbian era. Today, it’s far from this historical starting point though. 

You’ll now find a bustling neighbourhood filled with street vendors, artists, and musicians, an incredibly vibrant atmosphere, street-side cafes, and some pretty great restaurants. It’s a great area to explore and easily one of the best things to do in Mexico City.

13. Visit the National Museum of Anthropology

This museum is incredible. You could actually spend an entire day wandering around the various floors and exhibits and it’s completely and utterly fascinating. The world-renowned museum is dedicated to the pre-Columbian cultures of Mexico and Central America. It’s considered one of the finest museums of its kind in the world and it’s easy to see why.

Inside you’ll find an extensive collection of artefacts and objects from Mexico’s ancient civilizations, including the Aztecs, Mayans, and others. You can learn all about the history of Mayan culture, their art, religion, daily life, and much more.

We saw artefacts found at Chichen Itza, huge dragon-like statues, exhibits from Templo Mayor, and even a huge Aztec Calendar Stone. This massive stone carving is believed to have been used by the Aztecs for astronomical purposes. 

There’s even an outdoor section featuring more statues and entire temple-like structures that you can walk through. This is honestly up there with the best museums I’ve ever seen and one of the best things to do in Mexico City.

14. Take a Day Trip to Teotihuacan

One of my favourite things we did in Mexico City was a trip to Teotihuacán. This ancient Mesoamerican city is located about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Mexico City. It’s considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

To get there, we booked a tour via Get Your Guide. This was far easier than trying to get there ourselves, and the tour also includes a few other stops like Guadalupe Shrine and Tlatelolco.

Once we arrived at Teotihuacán I was literally in awe. The ruins are incredibly well-preserved and we got to see the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, also known as Quetzalcoatl. It was like I was looking back in time to this ancient civilization that once thrived at Teotihuacán. It was pretty amazing to think how they would have engineered these impressive structures.

Our tour guide also showed us how they used echo to communicate announcements. By saying something on one side of the pyramids, you could literally hear it clear as day on the other. It was super cool, and a little strange too.

In addition to its fascinating history and cultural significance, Teotihuacán also has breathtaking views and panoramic photo opportunities. You can climb the steps up some of the structures to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and gain a unique perspective on the ancient city.

Overall, with its rich history, well-preserved ruins, and breathtaking views, Teotihuacán is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Mexico.

15. Take a Day Trip to Xochimilco

For this trip, you have to embrace your inner tourist a little bit. A day trip to this unique neighbourhood in Mexico City is great fun and offers a taste of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. 

Xochimilco (like Amsterdam) is famous for its canals. The area has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see for anyone visiting Mexico City. One of the best ways to experience Xochimilco is by taking a ride on one of the traditional colourful boats known as “trajineras”. 

These boats are typically propelled by a man with a pole (a little like the punts in Cambridge)  and offer a tranquil and scenic way to explore the canals and the floating gardens that line them. You can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, listen to traditional mariachi music, and sample delicious Mexican food and drinks (hello margaritas!) as you float along.

Once again, this is a trip that’s easiest to book online (we used this Get Your Guide tour) as it’s a little outside the city. In addition to canals, you’ll also find lively marketplaces, where you can shop for local crafts, souvenirs, and other items. 

Overall…

Mexico City is a wonderful blend of history, culture, and scrumptious food. Whether we were exploring museums, wandering around the Zocalo and looking at the historic buildings, or taking a day trip, we had the best time here. And far from feeling unsafe, which worries some about travelling to Mexico, we felt completely at ease. The city is vibrant, culturally rich, and full of unique and exciting experiences. What’s not to love?

From visiting iconic landmarks such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Templo Mayor, to strolling through its charming neighbourhoods like Coyoacán, and sampling the local street food and craft beers, there are so many wonderful things to do in Mexico City. Whatever your interests may be, the city has something for everyone. It’s a must-visit destination for any traveller looking for an unforgettable experience.

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