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The capital of Mexico, Mexico City, is a place where history, art and culture collide. Because of the unique combination of ruins, colonial style, and contemporary sights, the city is perfect for any type of traveller. From crisscrossing its medieval districts to enjoying its legendary cuisine, you will never run out of things to do in Mexico City. The city will be a memorable trip for those who love ancient civilisations and art or want to dive into traditional Mexican culture. The attractions and activities listed in this guide will make your trip to Mexico City an unforgettable experience.
Best Things To Do In Mexico City
From visiting museums to lavishing on Mexican street foods, stay with us as we explore what to do in Mexico City on your trip to this part of the world.
1. Visit The Historic Center
Photo: Adrian Sampson / Wikimedia Commons
The Centro Histórico is Mexico City’s historical centre and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Zócalo is at the heart of the square, an expansive area dotted with monuments like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, where Diego Rivera’s murals can be found. The nearby Templo Mayor, an Aztec temple, offers a curious insight into the pre-Hispanic history of the city. Strolling around its streets, colonial architecture, markets, and handicraft shops offer a perfect mixture of the old and new.
Location: Zócalo, Mexico City
Nearby Attractions: Palacio de Bellas Artes, Alameda Central Park
2. Stroll Through Chapultepec Park
Photo: EneasMx / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chapultepec Park is a sprawling urban garden of more than 1,600 acres, one of the largest city parks in the world. It boasts of the iconic Chapultepec Castle, a former castle-turned-museum built on top of a hill overlooking the city. The park also includes the prestigious National Museum of Anthropology, where you can marvel at pre-Columbian relics such as the Aztec Sun Stone. There are also picturesque boating lakes, the Chapultepec Zoo and the Museum of Modern Art. Chapultepec Park is a wonderful break from the city’s hectic street life if you’re looking for peace, entertainment, or just a place to unwind.
Location: Avenida Reforma, Mexico City
Nearby Attractions: Museo Tamayo and Polanco neighbourhood
3. Visit Frida Kahlo Museum
Photo: katiebordner / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán’s picturesque neighbourhood gives you an up-close glimpse of the life and art of one of Mexico’s most renowned artists. La Casa Azul, named for its dazzling blue facade, was Frida Kahlo’s home and studio. Inside, visitors can see her items (her clothes, jewellery, art materials) and some of her most famous works. The hummingbird-filled courtyard garden captures her appreciation for the natural world and is a tranquil place to contemplate her memory. So make sure to get there early or book your tickets online so you don’t have to wait in lines because this museum is extremely popular.
Location: Coyoacán, Mexico City
Nearby Attractions: Leon Trotsky Museum and Coyoacán Market
4. Discover The Ruins Of Teotihuacan
Photo: Wernervp / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Just an hour’s drive out of Mexico City lies the ruins of Teotihuacan, one of the richest archaeological remains in the Americas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been known as the “City of the Gods”, was a vibrant city during its golden age around 500 AD. Climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon to witness a breathtaking panorama of the valley. Visit the Avenue of the Dead and explore the city’s history in its on-site museum. The trip to Teotihuacan promises to be an unforgettable journey into the mysteries of Mexico’ pre-Hispanic societies.
Location: 40 kilometres northeast of Mexico City
Nearby Attractions: Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
5. Wander Through The Roma And Condesa
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Roma and Condesa are two of Mexico City’s coolest neighbourhoods, with tree-lined streets, art deco structures and buzzing vibes. These places are great for walking around, with plenty of boutique stores, books stores and art galleries. From fine dining to Mexican taco bars, Roma has everything a foodie needs. Condesa, on the other hand, is home to energetic nightlife and peaceful parks such as Parque México and Parque Espaa. Together, they offer the perfect combination of rest, creativity and urban enchantment, making them very popular among locals and visitors.
Location: Roma and Condesa, Mexico City
Nearby Attractions: Mercado Roma and Avenida Insurgentes
6. Indulge In Mexican Street Food
Photo: Missvain / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The street food in Mexico City is legendary, and the delicious flavours on offer come from the country’s culinary tradition. Everything is mouthwatering, from tacos al pastor to blue corn tlacoyos to fatty tamales. The street food markets in neighbourhoods such as La Merced and Polanco are excellent places to savour authentic food made right there on the spot. Delicious desserts like churros and atole are the best way to finish off your culinary adventure. Other than the cuisine, visiting the city’s street markets and stalls gives you a glimpse of its street culture.
Location: Various neighbourhoods, Mexico City
Nearby Attractions: Mercado de San Juan and Plaza Garibaldi
7. Experience Xochimilco’s Floating Gardens
Photo: ProtoplasmaKid / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Xochimilco is also home to one of Mexico City’s best unusual excursions: a relaxing trip in colourful trajineras up its old canals. These canals, echoes of the city’s Aztec history, are flanked by enchanted gardens and bustling markets. On the way, you can also eat traditional snacks, and mariachi music plays as part of the festivities. If ecology interests you, Xochimilco is home to chinampas, ancient floating farms whose distinctive features highlight alternative ways of cultivating food.
Location: Xochimilco, Mexico City
Nearby Attractions: Dolores Olmedo Museum and Cuemanco Market
8. Admire The Murals Of Palacio de Bellas Artes
Photo: Jptellezgiron / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Palacio de Bellas Artes is an artistic monument and is one of the best things to see in Mexico City. With stunning Art Nouveau and Art Deco stylings, this structure is an eye-catcher from inside and out. Upon arrival, you will be amazed by the murals painted by the Mexican greats, such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco. Such murals weave powerful narratives about Mexican history and culture. The museum also offers opera, concerts and art exhibitions in the building, making it a cultural hotspot.
Location: Centro Histórico, Mexico City
Nearby Attractions: Alameda Central and Torre Latinoamericana
9. Visit The Soumaya Museum
Photo: Museo Soumaya / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The futuristic silver façade of the Soumaya Museum, one of Mexico City’s great cultural monuments, is a masterpiece of modern architecture. This large, privately owned museum exhibits a centuries-old art collection by European artists (such as Rodin, Dal and Van Gogh) as well as Mexican art. It is a masterpiece in terms of its curving facade of thousands of hexagonal aluminium tiles. There is no charge to enter the museum, making it a free cultural visit for all. Its location in the trendy Polanco neighbourhood also allows you to dine at one of the top restaurants and shopping amenities nearby.
Location: Polanco, Mexico City
Nearby Attractions: Museo Jumex and Antara Fashion Hall
10. Tour The National Palace
Photo: Gobierno CDMX / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
On the east bank of the Zócalo is the National Palace, which is an essential historical and artistic destination. This massive colonial structure has the offices of Mexico’s president and is known for its Diego Rivera murals. Rivera’s “The History of Mexico” mural, which stretches across many walls, portrays the nation’s complex past, from pre-Hispanic civilisations to post-revolutionary Mexico. The palace also has magnificent gardens and rooms containing ancient relics.
Location: Zócalo, Centro Histórico, Mexico City
Nearby Attractions: Templo Mayor and Metropolitan Cathedral
Mexico City is one of the diverse places where there’s something for everyone. It is one of the most interesting cities in the world because of its history, vibrant culture, and incredible food. Whether it is visiting the ruins of Teotihuacan, exploring the streets of Roma and Condesa or sampling the street food, the city never ceases to amaze you. The people and the stories on the city’s street make a lasting impression above all other attractions. With many things to do in Mexico City, you can’t miss a trip to this city. So, plan with TripXL soon and get lost in the streets of Mexico.
Cover Photo: ProtoplasmaKid / Wikimedia Commons
