10 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Mexico City

Selecting just 10 things to see and do in Mexico City is a very complicated task: the capital of Mexico is the largest city in America and there are thousands of places to visit and plans to enjoy.

But as we imagine that your time will be limited, after having walked around for 4 days we have chosen the best 10 places to visit in Mexico City , those places that seemed essential to us on a first trip. Of course, at the end of the article we leave you a few more recommendations, that's how we are.

Before telling you everything that awaits you in CDMX, we are going to reassure those who arrive with some uncertainty about the level of security . We have felt comfortable at all times, in fact, it has seemed like a beautiful city and we have not suffered any unfortunate incidents . Obviously, as in every big city, you have to be cautious and use common sense, but if you are going to move around central and tourist neighborhoods, you will only have to worry about enjoying yourself.

Also, choosing the right area to stay is very important. Ideally, you should look for something in Roma, Colonia Condesa or Cuauhtémoc , cosmopolitan and modern neighborhoods that are very safe. We stayed at VIVE MX Cuauhtémoc , a chain of small designer hotels, and it seemed like a good choice.

Now, let’s tell you everything there is to see in Mexico City…

Mexico City (CDMX) not only has an almost endless range of leisure activities , but also has many emblematic buildings and interesting monuments that somehow project the evolution of the city. Its history dates back more than 700 years… Founded on the ruins of the ancient capital of the Mexica empire Tenochtitlán , Mexico City has gone from being the jewel of Mesoamerican civilization to becoming a modern whirlwind of culture, chaos and tacos.

Here everything is possible: ancient pyramids compete in height with glass skyscrapers, traditional markets mix with hipster cafes, mariachis steal the spotlight from the masked wrestlers... every day is an adventure!

⭐ Check out our tips for visiting Mexico City to make the most of your time in the capital of Mexico.

WHAT TO VISIT IN MEXICO CITY — *In Mexico City every day is an adventure!*

If you have a few days to explore it, here are our recommendations with the 10 must-sees (and a few extras!) to enjoy it to the fullest. But first, let's tell you how we spent our 4 days in Mexico City :

Day 1 : historic center.
Day 2 : Anthropology Museum, Chapultepec Forest, Roma and Condesa neighborhoods, and wrestling.
Day 3 : tour to Teotihuacan and Basilica of Guadalupe .
Day 4 : Coyoacán, Frida Kahlo Museum and Xochimilco.

Ready to explore the top places to visit in Mexico City? Let's head to Mexico's capital!

1. Route through the historic center of CDMX

We're starting off with a little trick: Mexico City's historic centre has a good handful of places to visit , so instead of recommending one, we're going to suggest a complete route that took us a morning and part of the afternoon to complete. You'll only need your feet and the map that we share with you at the end of the post, but other ways to explore the area include taking the tourist bus, which is reasonably priced, and of course, signing up for the free tour of Mexico City that will take you to many of these places.

› It starts at the Plaza de la Constitución , better known as the Zócalo , a gigantic and lively square considered the beating heart of the city since Mexica times. It is an effervescent place where demonstrations, events and celebrations often take place, and it is surrounded by some of the most important buildings in the city. We name some of them…

› The National Palace (free) is the seat of the federal government and inside it is exhibited the mural " History of Mexico " by Diego Rivera that tells the history of the country, from pre-Hispanic civilizations to the Mexican Revolution, highlighting key moments and characters such as Moctezuma, Hernán Cortés, Benito Juárez, Emiliano Zapata and many more.

› Right next door is the Metropolitan Cathedral (free), one of the largest and oldest churches in Latin America, which will impress you with its splendid baroque architecture and vast collection of sacred art. Guided tours are offered and at certain times/days access is permitted to the top of the bell tower and the catacombs.

› Not far away, the Templo Mayor (entry $95) will give you a glimpse of pre-Hispanic Mexico. It is an archaeological site with the ruins of the most important religious center of Tenochtitlan and has a museum that houses a collection of ancient objects and artifacts from that time. Unfortunately, it is the only vestige that has survived to this day of the ancient capital of the Mexica empire.

› Now take Avenida de Francisco I. Madero , a lively pedestrian street full of life. It is perfect for strolling and experiencing the hustle and bustle of the city, with its shops, restaurants and cafes.

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› We will pass by the Casa de los Azulejos , an old colonial palace with a spectacular façade covered in tiles and a wonderful patio occupied by the Saborns restaurant (you can take a quick look without having to sit down to eat).

› Directly opposite stands the Torre Latinoamericana , the tallest skyscraper in Latin America when it opened in 1956. You can go up to the 44th floor to enjoy the views from the Mirador Latino ($200), 139 metres high.

› We continue with the emblematic Palacio de Bellas Artes , an architectural masterpiece that combines neoclassical and art deco styles. It hosts a rich cultural programme that includes operas, ballets and concerts and, of course, a collection of murals that you can see if you dare to go inside. Admission costs $90 and they offer free guided tours at certain times, but if you just want to see its façade we recommend going up to the top floor of the Sears department store which is right in front.

› We will cross the Alameda Central , a green lung in the center of the city and the ideal place to rest in the shade of the trees, disconnecting for a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City. We found it to be a very well-kept place, with fountains, monuments and statues.

› If we talk about murals, we cannot forget one of the most beautiful in Mexico City: “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central,” a masterpiece by Diego Rivera, which is located in the Museo Mural Diego Rivera ($45). In its more than 15 meters of length, it shows a walk through the Alameda Central, bringing together key figures of Mexican history, such as La Catrina, Hernán Cortés, Frida Kahlo or Rivera himself as a child.

› If we continue walking, we can reach the Monument to the Revolution , a huge mausoleum where the remains of prominent figures in the Mexican Revolution of 1910 rest, such as the national hero Pancho Villa who had the courage to defy and even invade the United States. Entry to the museum and the panoramic viewpoint costs $150.

› To finish this walking tour of the center of Mexico City, we recommend taking Paseo de la Reforma , one of its busiest arteries, until you reach the Angel of Independence monument , which, as its name indicates, celebrates the independence of Mexico and is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic symbols of the city.

TIP : The Cityzen restaurant (on the rooftop of the Sofitel hotel) has some very nice panoramic views, although the prices are high (breakfast or cocktail for about €15).

⭐ Here we recommend 13 restaurants where you can eat in Mexico City (good and cheap) .

What a great route we've had, huh? This has only just begun: there are many things to do in Mexico City, keep discovering them!

route through the center of CDMX — *Route through the center of CDMX*

2. Coyoacán and the Frida Kahlo Museum

One of the things we enjoyed the most in CDMX was visiting the vibrant Coyoacán neighborhood, a corner full of history and charm , with its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial houses, lively squares and modern establishments. Of course, it's better to go around noon or in the afternoon, because there isn't much atmosphere early in the morning :-p We did have a delicious coffee at Café Negro though .

To discover every corner of the neighborhood, the free tour of Coyoacán seems like an excellent option, although if you prefer to visit it on your own, here is a post with everything to see in Coyoacán (coming soon).

In the heart of this charming district located in southern Mexico City lies the Frida Kahlo Museum , known as the Blue House , the former home of the iconic artist. Upon entering, you will be surrounded by Frida Kahlo's personal and creative world, with walls adorned with her celebrated works and her unique style. Each room tells a story, from her self-portraits to the objects that marked her life. Don't miss the garden, a serene space that perfectly complements the experience.

Read our Frida Kahlo trivia post to learn more about one of the most well-known (and beloved) Mexican artists of all time. And if you haven't had the chance yet, we highly recommend watching the movie Frida.

TIP : the entrance fee is $320 (for those over 60 it costs $30, including Europeans) and remember to book your tickets in advance on the official website , as it is one of the most visited places in Mexico City (closed on Mondays). The entrance also includes access to the Diego Rivera-Anahuacalli Museum, designed by the same artist and which houses an immense collection of pre-Columbian art.

*Visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum or “Casa Azul” in Mexico City*

3. Teotihuacán, the best excursion from Mexico City

Just an hour's drive away are the ruins of the fascinating Teotihuacan, the most populous and prosperous city in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica . Walking along the Avenue of the Dead —which sounds a lot more sinister than it really is—and gazing at its majestic pyramids of the Sun and the Moon , it's easy to transport yourself back to a time when civilizations had the sky as their limit.

Although the city reached its peak between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD , its fall in the late 7th century leaves us with an intriguing note of mystery , like a season finale in a series that never had a continuation. The real irony is that, even though Teotihuacan fell into oblivion, it remains a towering reminder that, throughout history, greatness and decline are often two sides of the same coin.

We loved it! It's a must-see in Mexico City, don't miss it.

TIP : Although you can go on your own by combining buses (estimate about 2 hours), we recommend hiring a guided tour , as it makes transfers much easier and the prices are not high (includes entrance, transportation and guide). And if you want to enjoy an unforgettable experience, go for a balloon ride over Teotihuacán , which, compared to other sites, is not expensive. In the post on how to visit Teotihuacán we tell you everything about this site (coming soon).

⭐ We expand the list in our article on the best excursions from Mexico City .

Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan — *Teotihuacan Tour from Mexico City*

4. Colonia Roma and Condesa

If there are two trendy neighborhoods that are the place to be in Mexico City, they are Roma and Condesa. Colonia Roma , with its bohemian and hipster vibe, is full of colorful murals, cafes and art galleries and has become the epicenter of urban creativity in the city. Condesa , on the other hand, has a more chic feel, tree-lined streets for leisurely strolls and buildings from the 30s and 40s that give it that sophisticated and relaxed touch at the same time.

Some of the things to do here are:

Visit the El Parian Shopping Passage .
Take a walk around Mexico Park .
Discovering that there is a copy of the Cibeles Fountain .
Have a coffee in a modern café with specialty coffee such as Amamba, Cumbé or the café-bookstore El Péndulo .
Try the local cuisine , such as tacos from Taquería Orinoco or tamales from Doña Emi . If you are looking for plant-based alternatives, Gracias Madre or Gatorta are good options.
Visit the Roma Market .
Take a walk and find the replica of Michelangelo's David in Plaza Rio de Janeiro park .
Visit the Witches' House .

This area is also one of the best places to look for accommodation in Mexico City . We provide more information and interesting accommodation options in our article on the best areas to stay in Mexico City.

witches house in mexico city — *Witches' House, in Colonia Roma*

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5. National Museum of Anthropology

We continue with the places to see in Mexico City with one of the ones we were most looking forward to visiting and that, in the end, became one of our favorite museums in the world. At the National Museum of Anthropology you will have an overdose of pre-Hispanic artifacts that will drive you crazy. In its more than 20 rooms you will take a fascinating tour of the Mesoamerican past , exploring the Olmec, Mayan, Mexica, Zapotec cultures and many more.

Among its treasures are the Sun Stone , one of the most emblematic pieces of Aztec art, and an extensive collection of figures, sculptures and objects from these mysterious Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Mask of Pakal , the Atlanteans of Tula , the Monolith of Tlaloc or the Colossal Head 6 .

TIP : We bought our tickets directly at the ticket office and didn't have to wait in line ($95), but if you're travelling during the high season you can buy them online in advance . Allow 3-4 hours for the visit, as it's a really big and interesting museum. It's closed on Mondays.

*National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City*

6. Chapultepec Forest

You won't have to go far to make your next stop: Chapultepec Park, with an area of 2,000 hectares, is one of the largest urban parks in the world and one of the green lungs of the city, which, by the way, is very green ! During the tour you will pass by paths, forests, lakes, monuments, gardens and fountains, as well as some interesting buildings such as the Museum of Modern Art, or the Tamayo Museum or…

… Chapultepec Castle was originally built by Aztec leaders on the top of this hill and has had multiple functions in the following centuries. Today it houses the National Museum of History, dedicated to the history of Mexico from pre-Hispanic times to the 20th century, and has beautiful gardens from which there are panoramic views of the city.

Fun fact : Chapultepec Castle was the residence of Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg and his wife, Carlota of Belgium , during the Second Mexican Empire (1864-1867). We found this funny because they also lived in another castle, Miramare , in Trieste (not far from Lety's house) and in fact, he renamed Chapultepec Castle as Miravalle Castle .

7. Basilica of Guadalupe

We continue with the best things to see and do in Mexico City with one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Catholic world. Located on Tepeyac Hill, where the apparitions of the Virgin took place, the Basilica of Guadalupe is a place of great religious and cultural significance for the Mexican people .

Although we should speak of Basilica(s) in the plural, since there are actually two: the New Basilica , with its modern architecture that leaves no one indifferent, and the Old Basilica , built between 1709 and 1737 in Baroque style and with a visible inclination due to earthquakes.

Inside the New Basilica is where the famous image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is protected , which attracts millions of visitors every year. The funny thing is that, so that everyone can admire it without creating crowds, they placed a moving walkway underneath it so that the traffic of believers flows without stopping 😉

The atmosphere is impressive , with an aura of devotion and emotion, especially during religious festivals, when the place is filled with pilgrims who come from all over to pay homage and take part in the celebrations. By the way, entry is free.

You can finish the visit by climbing a few steps to reach the Capilla del Pocito at the top of Cerro del Tepeyac , the specific place where, according to Christian tradition, the apparitions of the Virgin took place. In addition to its historical significance, it offers some very cool views.

Legend of the Basilica of Guadalupe . On December 9, 1531, Juan Diego, a Chichimeca Indian, had an incredible encounter on Tepeyac Hill. The Virgin Mary appeared to him and asked him to build a church in her honor. But when he told the bishop, Fray Juan de Zumárraga, he didn't believe him and asked for proof. After several apparitions, the Virgin told him to gather flowers and present them to the bishop. When he did, surprise! the image of the Virgin miraculously appeared on his tilma. This convinced the bishop (now yes, huh?) and he ordered the construction of the church, making the Virgin of Guadalupe a symbol of faith and unity for Mexico.

what to see and do in cdmx basilica of Guadalupe — *Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City*

8. Xochimilco, one of the most fun things to do in Mexico City

And here we come to one of the most fun and random things to do in Mexico City: get on a trajinera and take a ride through the canals of Xochimilco . Trajinera? Trajineras are colorful traditional boats, decorated with flowers and striking designs , very typical of the Xochimilco neighborhood (by the way, the oldest in the city). They are rented by the hour, regardless of the number of people (currently they cost about 750 pesos/hour) and once you get on, the festival begins…

The tour through the canals of Xochimilco is not a calm and relaxed ride, but rather a full-blown floating party. The atmosphere is contagious , with music , laughter and a lively bustle that makes you feel part of a great celebration. Mariachi songs, freshly prepared food offered to you by vendors on other kitchen boats, and all this shared with dozens and dozens of trajineras.

We admit that we thought it was going to be a tourist trap (it is) but what a cool tourist trap ! We loved it hehe, in fact we celebrated my mother's 60th birthday there and it is already a memory forever.

TIP : We organized the visit on our own, but you should know that there is a very interesting tour that allows you to visit Coyoacán and Xochimilco in one day . Check it out! As for food/drink, you can bring everything from outside, but it is a bit more expensive there (always ask for prices).

trajineras in xochimilco — *Trajinera ride in Xochimilco, CDMX*

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9. Markets to visit in Mexico City

Mexico City is a true paradise for lovers of local markets, and visiting at least one of them seems essential to us to experience the most authentic and traditional atmosphere of any destination. These markets are not only a feast for the senses, but they also offer you a total immersion in the local culture . You will find yourself surrounded by unique crafts and peculiar souvenirs, natural remedies and mouth-watering snacks.

These are 4 of the most famous, unique or recommended markets in CDMX:

San Juan Market , located in the heart of the Historic Center, is known for its huge selection of gourmet and exotic products. So now you know, if you want to try some chapulines or take a stroll among colorful and curious stalls, you have to go!
Mercado de Roma is the modern, hipster version of traditional markets. It's perfect for a casual and tasty meal before or after a stroll through the coolest neighborhood in the city.
Sonora Market , ideal for those looking for an esoteric vibe and hints of mystery. Here, Santa Muerte takes center stage and you can find all kinds of items related to her, from figurines and candles to amulets and offerings. In addition, the market has a wide variety of herbs and products for rituals and natural remedies. We didn't go because some of the latest Google Maps reviews were average (security issue). Check the reviews before your trip and hopefully things will change.
Tepito Market , one of the largest and where you can find some real bargains. We are going to mention it because there are shops specialising in good quality football shirts at reasonable prices.

vendor in mexican market — *Local market in Mexico City*

10. Wrestling in the Mexico Arena

Wrestling is an essential part of Mexican popular culture, and attending a show at the Arena Mexico is a unique, exciting and unforgettable experience. The Arena Mexico , known as the cathedral of wrestling , did not disappoint us and gave us a fun and different evening. And where else are you going to see such striking art?

Starting with the wrestlers , each dressed in a colorful costume representing a character, to the ever-popular masks that you can buy at the stalls set up before the entrance. And then the crazy choreographies of punches, jumps and landings that not only demonstrate the wrestlers' skills in the ring, but also know how to entertain the crowd. We really had a great time.

We tell you more about Mexican wrestling in this post . It is a good, nice and cheap thing to do in Mexico City. If you don't want to worry about finding tickets and transportation, you can book this wrestling + tequila museum activity .

TIP : The stadium is very big and we don't think there will be any problems getting a ticket, but it's a huge mess, with scalpers, etc. and we think it's better to buy it online at Ticketmaster . We did it that way and had no problems. The price depends on the location of the seats (between €3 and €20), we recommend choosing the area in front of the ramp where the wrestlers come out, so you can see them face to face.

arena mexico mexican wrestling — *Wrestling in the Mexico Arena*

More things to see and do in CDMX

We already told you: Mexico City offers endless plans, so here are a few more ideas.

For live music and a festive atmosphere, Plaza Garibaldi is the place to be. It is famous for its mariachis, who play traditional songs while you enjoy a drink.
The central campus of UNAM , known as Ciudad Universitaria, is a huge architectural complex that spans over 700 hectares. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007, thanks to its architecture and murals.
We've already told you where to eat in CDMX and the typical dishes to eat in Mexico, but a great idea for die-hard foodies is to sign up for this gastronomic tour : good, pretty and cheap. There's even a free taco tour. Long live Mexico, guys!
Here we tell you which are the best free tours in Mexico City .
A free thing to do in Mexico City is to visit the Soumaya Museum , a private art museum that was founded by Carlos Slim, one of the country's most important businessmen. It contains an immense collection of pieces from various styles and periods, from pre-Hispanic art to contemporary art.
And while you're at it, take a stroll through Polanco , the most exclusive area of the city. Here we recommend eating at Las hijas de las tostadas .
Another cheap plan to do in Mexico City is this night bus tour to see the city from another point of view and with different lighting.

WHAT TO DO IN CDMX — *What to see and do in Mexico City – Backpacking Around the World*

Map with the essentials of Mexico City

A promise is a promise: here is a map where we show everything to see and do in Mexico City during your visit:

As we said: the Mexican capital is surprising and full of amazing things to do that will make you fall in love with its vitality. We are already thinking of coming back with more time to continue exploring it as it deserves 😉 And you? Do you know more things to do and places to see in Mexico City ?

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