Mexico City is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the world, brimming with history, culture, and incredible food. There’s so many things to do in Mexico City, you could easily spend a month exploring! If you’re planning a Mexico City itinerary, here are my recommendations on the best things to do:
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What to Do in Mexico City: Explore the Historic Center
In order to get an overview of the city, I’d recommend exploring Mexico City’s Historic Center (Centro Histórico) as your first stop. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site where the city’s rich history is on full display and you’ll get a great understanding of the city’s origins. I decided to go with a guided tour in order to get a deeper understanding of the city’s history and it was definitely worth it as I learned so much!
Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
We started at Plaza de la Constitución, one of the largest public squares in the world. It’s surrounded by stunning architecture, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.
Metropolitan Cathedral
Next we made our way to the Metropolitan Cathedral. The cathedral was completed over the course of three centuries (from the 16th to the 19th century) and is one of the oldest and largest cathedrals in Latin America. One interesting fact we learned was that Mexico City is sinking due to its position on top of a swamp. Because of its location on unstable soil, the cathedral has undergone multiple restoration efforts to try to stop the sinking issues. You actually can see several of the cracks in the ceiling from the unstable soil and earthquakes when you visit.
National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
Also in the main square is the National Palace, a vital center of Mexican government and heritage. It was actually built on the former residence of the Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II! Since the Spanish conquest, it has served as a government building and remains the official residence of Mexico’s president today. The National Palace also houses the Mexican Treasury and visitors can take tours to learn about Mexico’s colonial past, independence, and revolutionary history.
Templo Mayor
Templo Mayor was the main temple of the ancient city of Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital, which now lies under modern Mexico City. It was dedicated to the god of war and the god of rain and agriculture, serving as a central site for religious ceremonies, sacrifices, and spiritual life. Unfortunately, most of it was destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors and was thought to be lost under Mexico City’s streets until utility workers accidentally uncovered a large carved stone, the Coyolxauhqui Stone, which led to an archaeological excavation that unearthed remaining parts of the Templo Mayor and other artifacts.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
We finished our tour at the iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts). This building is a masterpiece of both Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture and hosts regular performances and exhibitions. It’s one of the most photographed buildings in Mexico City due to its impressive design!
Things to Do in Mexico City: Coyoacán and Museo Frida Kahlo
This museum is a must see for art lovers. Known as the La Casa Azul (the Blue House), this was the home of the famed Mexican painter Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera. You’ll be able to see personal artifacts, artwork, clothing, and rooms preserved as they were during her life. If you’re planning to visit this museum, definitely buy tickets in advance as it is one of the most popular things to do in Mexico City and is usually sold out each day. You can buy tickets directly on their website and will get a timed entrance slot for your visit with a 15 minute window to enter. This is one of the few attractions where you absolutely need to get tickets beforehand. I saw several people ask the staff if there were any tickets left for the day only to be turned away!
After your visit to the museum, definitely explore the vibrant neighborhood of Coyoacán. It’s an extremely charming area with its architecture, cafes, and markets and has great shopping as well.
What to Do in Mexico City: Chapultepec Park and Its Museums
In the midst of the bustle of Mexico City is one of the largest parks in the world, Bosque de Chapultepec. There’s tons of walking paths, a lake, and several cultural institutions such as the Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Castle.
Museo Nacional de Antropologia
If you’re a first time visitor, this is definitely one of the top things to do in Mexico City. The Museum of Anthropology is a world class museum, home to an extensive collection of artifacts from Mexico’s indigenous cultures, including the famous Aztec Sun Stone. Definitely set aside a few hours for this museum, since it is absolutely massive and there is so much to see.
Chapultepec Castle
Once an imperial palace, this castle now houses the National Museum of History and also offers breathtaking views of the city. Built in the late 18th century, it’s actually the only royal castle in North America and has served as both a military academy and presidential residence. The National Museum of History has a massive collection of historical artifacts, paintings, weapons, and documents, with key exhibits highlighting Mexico’s colonial period, independence, and revolutionary history. It’s an impressive museum with lots to see. I’d also recommend having the Google Translate app on your phone so you can take pictures and translate some of the descriptions, since many of them are not in English.
Chapultepec Castle also offers one of the best vantage points to see Mexico City. It has a terrace where you can see the entire skyline, and is a popular spot for photos and reflection. In order to get to the castle, you’ll have to walk up Chapultepec Hill which can be moderately challenging, so definitely wear comfortable shoes. There’s also an elevator for those with accessibility needs, but you’ll need to contact the staff to arrange.
Things to Do in Mexico City: Savor Mexico City’s Food Scene
Countless visitors say one of the top things to do in Mexico City is eat, and they are right! Mexico City is a foodie’s paradise and there are so many options from casual street tacos to high end dining. Some must try experiences include:
Street Food: no Mexico City itinerary would be complete without a street food tour. Definitely try tacos al pastor, tamales, and elotes from street vendors. You can definitely explore the street food on your own throughout your trip, but I also decided to do a street food tour with a local guide to explain the origins and significance behind the different types of food we tried. I lucked out and was actually the only person on what was supposed to be a group tour so I pretty much had a private tour!
Mercado de San Juan: This traditional market offers a taste of local specialties, including exotic meats, cheeses, and artisan foods. It’s also a fantastic place to pick up fresh ingredients if you’re a foodie or love to cook.
High End Restaurants: Mexico City is home to world renowned restaurants, and has several Michelin star options. Reservations go quickly for some of the fine dining options, so you’ll need to book several months in advance.
What to Do in Mexico City: Day Trip Ideas
Teotihuacan
About an hour’s drive away, this ancient city features the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and offers a glimpse into the life of the Teotihuacan civilization. One of my favorite things to do in Mexico City is taking a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan. You get breathtaking views of the pyramids and a sunrise sky filled with colorful hot air balloons. It is definitely a bucket list experience that I’d recommend to anyone visiting!
Xochimilco
If you’re researching what to do in Mexico City, you may have seen images of beautiful, colorful boats on the water. Xochimilco, known for its canals and colorful trajineras (boats), offers a unique experience with music, food, and nature—a bit like a Mexican Venice. Many of the boats are more of a party experience with drinks, so it can be more fun to go as a group.
Other Tips for Visiting Mexico City
- Transportation: Mexico City’s metro system is affordable and extensive, making it easy to get around. Ride-hailing services like Uber are also widely used.
- Safety: Like any large city, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas. Stick to well-known neighborhoods and avoid isolated spots at night.
- Altitude: Mexico City sits at a high altitude (about 2,240 meters or 7,350 feet above sea level), so take it easy for the first day or two if you’re not used to it and stay hydrated!
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Mexico City is from November to April, when the weather is dry and mild. However if you decide to visit during the rainy season, you can still have a great experience (I went in the middle of July and still had a great time!). The rain is fairly predictable, with heavy showers in the late afternoon between 4-6pm, so morning activities are usually safe from weather.
If you’re researching what to do in Mexico City, there’s so many options it can get overwhelming! Mexico City is an exhilarating destination that combines centuries of history with a thriving modern culture. Whether you’re exploring its historic center, sampling street tacos, admiring world-class art, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of its neighborhoods, this city promises a rich and unforgettable experience.
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