10 of the Best Things to do in Mexico City 

Mexico City is a sprawling metropolis in the heart of Mexico. The country’s capital it is home to over 8 million people and a large and growing population of expats from the US and Canada. I had the pleasure over the last 2 years to spend a few months in Mexico City, which gave me time to explore some of the best parts of the city. It is a great place to visit for solo travelers, groups and families alike. It’s full of culture, great food, art, museums and super unique day trips that combine history, culture and adventure. If you decide to head to Mexico City for work or play here are 12 of the best places to visit. I am even adding some of my favorite places to eat and stay while visiting Ciudad de México. 

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, politcal activist and is widely remembered for her self portraits, depictions of pain and passion as well as bold and vibarant 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 home and studio. 

The famous home of the artist and her husband Deigo Rivera aka the Blue House features original works of art, Frida’s studio and numerous pieces of 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.  Tickets to Frida Kahlo Museum 

Take a Gondola Ride on the Canals of Xochimilco

One of Mexico Cities oldest boroughs is the UNESCO site of Xochimilco. Located 28 Km south of the city center these historic canals are the last remnants of a vast water transport system 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 mariachi bands float past. There are more than 100 miles of canals although visitors will likely just see a few. The atmosphere is lively and festive and most gondolas will serve guacamole and drinks while rowing through the canals. Flowers are a common sighting in the canals as this region is also where most of the flowers sold in Mexico City come from.  Find a tour of Xochimilco   

Explore Mexico Cities Largest Urban Park Bosque de Chapultepec

The Bosque de Chapultepec is located right along the Paseo Reforma, it spans 1600 acres and houses several of the cities museums including the Zoo, Museum of modern art, the National Museum of Anthropology, the Botanical Gardens and the Castillo de Chapultepec as well as miles of walking and biking areas, a lake with paddle boats and hundreds of open air stores. On weekends the park comes alive with food and merchandise stalls and people out enjoying nature. There are often live performers in the park, as well as lots of places to picnic or just enjoy watching the birds. The bosque is also the lungs to 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 which is located on a hill in the center of the park. This now serves as the National History Museum but has over the last several hundred years 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 $90 pesos. 

Looking to rent a car in Mexico City? You’ll want an International Driving Permit. Get your IDP here 

 

National Museum of Anthropology

Also located in the Bosque de Chapultepec and 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 early indigenous inhabitants. It also has 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 on Mexican artifacts also houses the Aztec Sun Stone, once believed to be the Aztec Calendar.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.

Walk, Eat and Shop your way 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. Outside of being the area with many of the most important government buildings in the city it features 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 will also find the Palacio de Bellas Artes and a large city park.

Check out some of my Mexico City favorite places, hotels and restaurants in the map below. 

 

Shop at the Sabado Bazaar

One of the best arts and crafts fairs in the city is called Bazaar Sabado. Only 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 south of the main tourist center in San Angel at Plaza Del Carmen. Nearby you will find bustling restaurants, shops and great architecture.

Watch a Lucha Libre Match 

In America we have the WWE, but in Mexico they have the 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. Shows last about 90 minutes and are a fun and unique thing to experience. Get Lucha Libre tickets. 

 

Check out the video Below for more on 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, and should be on your list if you’re heading to Mexico City. Teotihuacan loosely translates to “the city where the gods were created.” It is located some 50 km north of Mexico City and 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 some other mesoamerican populations. 

Its greatest features are the pyramid of the sun and the pyramid of the moon, which are both enormous sculpted pyramids  layed out on a perfeect cosmic harmony. These are connected by a long and straight avenue, called the Avenue of the Dead, 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 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 some local caves, or you can 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 trip up to this hot springs oasis is a must. Grutas Tolantongo is the largest outdoor hot springs park I have ever visited. It is located about 4 hours North from 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 onto a hillside and heated naturally. There are also waterfalls, caves you can swim into, steam caves and a river that has had big pools blocked into it where visitors can float or swim. The upper pools and lower pools are conencted by a road and a zipline, for those looking for a quick way down. There is also a camppground and hotel on site as well as places to eat, drink and shop.

The best day tour is the Grutas Tolantongo Full Day Tour with Breakfast  This tour includes 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, and that is because there are restaurants and food stalls from every corner of the globe. There is everything from high end and exclusive world class establishments to taco stands, sushi, indian, italian and Greek. For fancy foodies make a reservation at Pujol where you will have a 7 course vegetarian tasting menu, which includes an aged Mole and specialty cocktails. Ceviche lovers should stop by Agua & Sal for dinner; a 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.

** Water in Mexico City is an issue, 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 not on a tour only go to street food vendors with lines and bring some charcoal tablets with you in case of an upset stomach.

Where to Stay

Mexico City is massive and has dozens of areas one could 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 which are close to the best restaurants, attractions and shops.

Polanco

I stayed in Polanco on two occasions. Polanco is a high end area, sometimes referred to as the Beverly Hills of Mexico City as it is full of high end shops, fantastic restaurants and long 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, swimming pool and fitness center as well as conference center, located right on the edge of the park. Get Rates Orchid house is a smaller elegant boutique hotel in a long standing Mansion with beautiful rooms, free breakfast and a hot tub. Intercontinental Presidente Mexico City is a higher end hotel featuring 6 restaurants, cocktail lounge, fitness center and spa. It has a great location with dozens of restaurants and activities just steps from the front door. Roma Norte  Roma Norte is the center of Mexico City’s culinary and artistic region. Home to a lot of young professionals where you are sure to see hipsters riding bicycles, eclectic eateries, street art and refurbished mansions.  Best Hotels in Roma Norte La Valise The urban oasis of La Valise is 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.  La Condesa  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 Condesa Casa Cleo Combining modern elegance with the comforts of a mid century mansion Casa Cleo is a luxury private apartment with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom right in the heart of Condesa.  Sustainable Lodges  Hotel Organico For a unique experience in the mountains of Mexico City a stay at the eco lodges Organico Hotel Boutique is unforgettable.  The hotel offers visitors private lodges with fireplaces and king size beds, there are ample adventure activities like ATV tours, rappelling, horseback riding and trekking and more relaxing endeavors like movie nights, picnics in the garden and even craft beer tastings.

Tips for Visiting Mexico City

Mexico City is a fantastic city for all kinds of travelers, but I know some people have concerns about visiting Mexico, so here are a few tips to make your journey smooth.

Drinking Water & Food 

Definitely 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 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. 

Eat at well regarded and rated restaurants. And 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 

You will also want to bring some charcoal tablets with you just in case, which you should be able to get at your local pharmacy. As an added backup I love the Jase Case, which is a personalized medical kit perfect for travel. 

Getting Around 

For transportation Uber is a great way to get around and safe, there is also a subway which  is safe, cheap and reliable just try to keep your phones and electronics close to you when entering and exiting the subway stations. 

If you take a taxi get the price first and only pick them up from established places not just from the street. 

If you have other questions about visiting Mexico City drop me a comment down below, I’ve also got a full video on visiting the pyramids of the sun and the moon right here. 

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