10 Best Things to Do in Mexico City 

In search of the best things to do in Mexico City—a sprawling metropolis in the heart of Mexico—I spent a few months exploring and uncovering the most iconic, off-the-beaten-path, and memorable experiences in the city. The country’s capital is home to over 8 million people and a large and growing population of expats from the US and Canada. It’s a great place to visit for solo travelers, groups, and families alike. This place is full of culture, great food, art, museums and super unique day trips that combine history, culture and adventure.

If you decide to check out the city and see what it has to offer, here are the 10 best things to do in Mexico City. I’m even adding some of my favorite places to eat and stay while visiting Ciudad de México! 

The oldest city in the Americas holds a special place in my heart, and I hope you’ll enjoy it just as much as I did! Please take note that this post may include affiliate links that help me earn a small commission (at no cost to you) when you make a purchase through them. I appreciate your support!

Learn about Mexican Art & Politics at the Frida Kahlo Museum

The Frida Kahlo Museum is an essential stop for any culture lover visiting Mexico City. Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist and political activist, widely remembered for her self portraits, her depictions of pain and passion, and her vivaciously bold and vibrant colors of dress and expression. She has been celebrated for her attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and her depiction of the female experience. She was married to famous Mexican muralist Diego Rivera and the Blue House was their shared home and studio. 

The famous home of the artist and her husband Diego Rivera—the Blue House—features original works of art, Frida’s studio, and numerous pieces of recognizeable clothing from her closet. While videotaping inside the studio is not allowed, you are sure to walk away with some new knowledge of Frida and her famous muralist husband.  You will absolutely need to book in advance for this tour as its one of the most popular places to see in the city and tickets sell out months in advance.  Grab tickets to the Frida Kahlo Museum if you’re thinking about visiting!

Take a Gondola Ride on the Canals of Xochimilco

One of Mexico City’s oldest boroughs is the UNESCO site of Xochimilco. Located 28 kilometers south of the city center, these historic canals are the last remnants of a vast water transport system originally built by the Aztecs. Every day of the week, you will find these canals filled with colorful flat-bottom gondolas that take visitors on cruises while food vendors, artisans and lively mariachi bands float past.

There are more than 100 miles of canals to travel, although visitors will likely just see a few. The atmosphere is vibrant and festive—most gondolas serve guacamole and drinks while rowing through the canals. Flowers are a common sighting in the canals, as this region is where most of the flowers sold in Mexico City come from. Find a tour of Xochimilco to start planning your journey down the canals.

Explore Mexico City’s Largest Urban Park: Bosque de Chapultepec

The Bosque de Chapultepec is located right along the Paseo Reforma, spanning over 1,600 acres. It’s home to several of the city’s museums and attractions, including:

• The zoo
• Museum of Modern Art
• National Museum of Anthropology
• Botanical gardens
• Castillo de Chapultepec

You’ll also find miles of walking and biking areas, a lake with paddle boats, and hundreds of open-air stores to browse. On weekends, the park really comes alive with food and merchandise stalls while people are out enjoying nature. There are often live performers in the park, as well as lots of places to picnic or enjoy watching the birds. The bosque is also the lungs of the city, containing one of the largest forested areas in the city.

While in the park, leave time to explore the Presidential Palace: Castillo de Chapultepec, located on a hill in the center of the park. This now serves as the National History Museum, but over the last several hundred years, it served as the Presidential Palace and residence for many kings, queens, and dignitaries of state. The palace also has 360-degree views over the park and greater Mexico City. The museum is open every day but Monday and costs around $90 pesos to tour.

Looking to rent a car in Mexico City so you can visit the largest urban park and its many attractions? You’ll want an International Driving Permit. Get your IDP here.

National Museum of Anthropology

Also located in the Bosque de Chapultepec along the Paseo Reforma is the National Museum of Anthropology. This museum houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican art and ancient artifacts from its earliest indigenous inhabitants. It features ethnographic exhibits of early man and early Mexico as well as reproductions of some of the areas most important pre-Columbian cities. Its main hall is filled with Mexican artifacts and houses the Aztec Sun Stone, once believed to be the Aztec Calendar.

Tickets can be purchased in advance here or at the door.

Walk, Eat and Shop Your Aay Through Zocalo

Zocalo is the most-visited area of Mexico City and serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the city. Other names for this area are the Plaza de Constitution and the Historic Area of Tenochtitlan. It features many of the most important government buildings in the city, centered around a huge square that has been home to ceremonies, festivals, and religious events for more than 700 years!

In Zocalo, you will find the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, Federal District Buildings, and (one block away) the Templo Mayor, which is the ancient site of the Aztec structures the city was built on top of. The area around the Plaza has blocks and blocks of shopping, restaurants, and museums, making it one of the best areas in the city for exploring. Nearby, you’ll also find the Palacio de Bellas Artes and a large city park to stroll.

You can check out some of the best things to do in Mexico City (my favorite places, hotels, and restaurants) in the map below.

Shop at the Sabado Bazaar

One of the best arts and crafts fairs in Mexico City is called Bazaar Sabado. It’s only open on Saturdays, as the name implies. This is a weekly gathering of food stalls, art, and antiquities that covers several blocks and the main square in San Angel. It is located south of the main tourist center in San Angel at Plaza Del Carmen. Nearby you will find bustling restaurants, shops, and great architecture to take in while you do some sightseeing and shopping around Mexico City.

Watch a Lucha Libre Match

The United States of America has WWE, but in Mexico City, the equivalent is Lucha Libre. Luchadores wear colorful masks and have a huge cult following much like professional athletes. They perform wrestling fights with several other competitors almost every night of the week to excited crowds that are invested in the outcome of these lively events. Shows last about 90 minutes and are a fun and unique thing to experience while you’re in Mexico City. You can get Lucha Libre tickets here.

Check out my video below for more on the best things to do in Mexico City!

Visit the Ancient Pyramids of Teotihuacan

A visit to the ancient pre-Hispanic pyramids and city of Teotihuacan was one of my favorite day trips while in Mexico City and it should definitely be on your list of the best things to do here. Teotihuacan loosely translates to “the city where the gods were created.” Located some 50 kilometers north of Mexico City, Teotihuacan was built sometime between the 1st and 7th centuries. Who built it has largely been debated over the years, as it was used by the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican populations. The allure of the mystery makes it even more exciting to visit! 

Its greatest features are the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon—both enormous sculpted pyramids laid out in perfect cosmic harmony. These pyramids are connected by a long and straight avenue, called the Avenue of the Dead, so named for its symbolism as it served as a final walkway for those being sacrifed to the gods. The city also has several other buildings and pyramids to explore, as well as local vendors selling food and crafts.

There are multiple day tours out of Mexico City that will take you to see these pyramids on foot or in combination with touring some local caves. You can even join an early morning hot air balloon trip over the pyramids, which includes pick-up in Mexico City. 

Soak in the Hot Springs at Grutas Tolantongo

If warm water and waterfalls sound good to you, then a day trip up to this hot springs oasis is a must while you’re exploring Mexico City. Grutas Tolantongo is the largest outdoor hot springs park I have ever visited (and I’ve been to several!). It is located about four hours north of the city and can be visited by private vehicle or group tour.

The park is owned and operated by the local indigenous population and is open daily from 7am to 8pm. The park has dozens of cascading pools of mineral-rich water built into a hillside and heated naturally. There are also waterfalls, caves you can swim into, steam caves, and a river with big pools blocked into it where you can float or swim. The upper and lower pools are connected by a road and a zipline for those looking for a quick way down. You’ll find a campground and hotel onsite, as well as a few places to eat, drink, and shop.

The best day tour is the Grutas Tolantongo Full Day Tour with Breakfast. This tour includes your transportation, entrance fees, a guide, and a few stops for souvenirs on the drive to and from Mexico City.

Be a Foodie in Mexico City

Mexico City is one of my favorite cities for foodies because there are restaurants and food stalls from every corner of the globe! You’ll find everything from high-end and exclusive world-class establishments to taco stands, sushi, Indian, Italian, and Greek cuisine.

• For fancy foodies, make a reservation at Pujol to have a 7-course vegetarian tasting menu, including an aged mole sauce and specialty cocktails.
• Ceviche lovers should stop by Agua & Sal for dinner—it’s a great seafood restaurant focusing on ceviches and fresh fish.
• If tequila and tacos are more your thing, an evening on a food tour is a great option.

Important: Water quality in Mexico City is an issue to be aware of. While almost all restaurants use filtered water for cooking and washing of food items, I recommend being a bit more careful when eating at food stalls. If you’re not on a tour, only visit street food vendors with lines and bring some charcoal tablets with you in case of an upset stomach.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Mexico City is massive and has dozens of areas you can stay in, so here are a few tips and suggestions on where to stay while visiting. Most visitors will want to stay in one of three main areas, all of which are close to the best restaurants, attractions, and shops—all the best things to do in Mexico City!

Polanco: Best for Luxe, High-End Stays

I stayed in Polanco on two occasions. Polanco is an upscale area, sometimes referred to as the Beverly Hills of Mexico City. It’s full of high-end shops, fantastic restaurants, and well-maintained, pedestrian-friendly streets. It is just north of the Bosque de Chapultepec and has many options for hotels and vacation rentals in some of the high-rise residential buildings.

Best Hotels in Polanco

• Camino Real is a large hotel with several restaurants, a swimming pool, and fitness center as well as conference center. It’s located right on the edge of the park with beautiful views. Check Camino Real’s current rates here.
• Orchid House is a small but elegant boutique hotel in a long-standing mansion with beautiful rooms, free breakfast, and a hot tub to soak in.
• Intercontinental Presidente Mexico City is a high-end hotel featuring 6 restaurants, a cocktail lounge, a fitness center, and spa. It has a great location with dozens of restaurants and access to some of the best things to do in Mexico City just steps from the front door.

Roma Norte: Best for Trendy, Eclectic Stays

Roma Norte is the center of Mexico City’s culinary and artistic region. Home to a lot of young professionals, this is where you are sure to see hipsters riding bicycles, find yummy and eclectic eateries, see tons of street art, and walk past refurbished mansions. 

Best Hotels in Roma Norte

• La Valise is an urban oasis and perfect for someone wanting to feel like they are at home while on vacation. This boutique hotel is housed in a 1920’s French-style townhouse, adorned with Mexican antiquities and one of a kind art that immerse you in the district’s vibes. 

La Condesa: Best for Modern, Laid-Back Stays

This area of Mexico City is defined by its tree-lined avenues, art nouveau mansions, and well-appointed art deco apartments. There are lots of stylish cafes, trendy bistros, and posh bars in this neighborhood. 

Best Hotels in La Condesa

• Casa Cleo combines modern elegance with the comforts of a mid-century mansion. This luxury private apartment with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom sits right in the heart of Condesa for quick access to eateries, bakeries, and galleries nearby. 

Best Sustainable Hotels in Mexico City

Organico Hotel Boutique offers a unique experience in the mountains of Mexico City as an eco-lodge. The hotel offers visitors private lodges with fireplaces and king size beds. There are ample adventure activities like ATV tours, rappelling, horseback riding, trekking, and more relaxing endeavors like movie nights, picnics in the garden, and craft beer tastings.

Tips for Visiting Mexico City

Mexico City is a fantastic city for all kinds of travelers and one that I’ve abundantly enjoyed each time I’ve visited, but I know some people have safety concerns about visiting Mexico. Here are a few tips to make your journey smooth while you’re taking advantage of all the best things to do in Mexico City.

Drinking Water & Food 

Bring a water filter! I like the Lifestraw Portable Insert that fits every water bottle. This will allow you to fill up your water bottle at the hotel. Almost every restaurant and hotel has water filtration systems and only serve filtered water to guests. You do not need to ask for filtered water at established restaurants or hotels.

Single use plastic is a massive problem in Mexico, so every bottle you refill helps. If you are too afraid to use a water filter, another option is to buy the large gallon jugs of water at the store and refill your bottles from this. I never had any issues with water or ice while visiting Mexico City. 

Remember to eat at well-regarded and rated restaurants. If street food is on your agenda, don’t do it on your first or last day. Only go to places with a long line or ones based on a recommendation. 

Health 

Bring some charcoal tablets with you just in case you experience stomach upset while visiting Mexico City. You should be able to get charcoal tablets or capsules at your local pharmacy. As an added backup, I love the Jase Case, which is a personalized medical kit perfect for travel. 

Getting Around Mexico City

For transportation, Uber is a great way to get around Mexico City safely. There is also a subway—safe, cheap, and reliable. Just try to keep your phone and electronics close to you when entering and exiting the subway stations. 

If you take a taxi, get the price first and only hail cabs from established places—not just from the street. 

If you have other questions about visiting Mexico City, I’m all ears! Drop me a comment down below. I’ve also got a full video on visiting the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon right here.

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