The 20 Finest Issues to Do in Mexico Metropolis (Up to date 2024)

Posted: 2/19/24 | February nineteenth, 2024

Mexico City is the fifth largest metropolis on this planet, a sprawling metropolis the place historical past and tradition converge in a dynamic tapestry of shiny colours, numerous cuisines, and vigorous districts.

I adore it right here. I’ve been a handful of occasions and by no means get uninterested in exploring and consuming my means across the metropolis. I at all times have a tremendous time. In truth, I like town a lot I even ran excursions right here (and each single individual I confirmed round was blown away). Nobody hates this place.

Unsurprisingly, in a metropolis so massive and with such an extended historical past, there’s a ton to see and do right here, from visiting world-class museums to feasting at tiny taco stands to exploring offbeat neighborhoods. You possibly can simply spend every week right here and never even scratch the floor.

Listed below are what I believe are greatest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis as a way to have enjoyable and actually get to know town and tradition in your journey to this vibrant capital!

1. Take a Strolling Tour

Strolling excursions are a superb strategy to be taught a vacation spot’s historical past and keep away from lacking any must-see stops. I at all times begin my journeys off with a minimum of one strolling tour because it’s the easiest way to get the lay of the land and join with an area information that may reply all of your questions.

Estación Mexico Free Tours and the Monkey Experience each have a free historic downtown tour that may present you what town has to supply. The previous additionally provides 4 different free excursions of various neighborhoods too. Though the excursions are technically free, at all times bear in mind to tip your information on the finish!

For extra strolling tour suggestions (together with paid choices), check out this post.

2. Go to the Museo Nacional de Antropología

Discovered inside Chapultepec Park, this world-class anthropology museum is the most important museum in Mexico (it’s additionally probably the most visited, receiving over two million visitors per 12 months). Since 1964, it has housed the most important world assortment of sculptures, jewels, and artifacts from historical Mexican civilizations. The completely different time durations are grouped into complete (and large) exhibition halls with bilingual data indicators, so you’ll want to give your self ample time to discover all of it. There’s a gorgeous courtyard within the middle the place you may sit and people-watch for a bit.

Av. P.º de la Reforma s/n, +52 (55) 5553-6266, mna.inah.gob.mx. Open Tues-Solar 9am-6pm. Tickets are 95 MXN. Guided tours of the highlights start at 375 MXN (consists of admission).

3. Tour Frida Kahlo’s Home

Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera are two of the largest names in Mexican artwork. Frida was significantly well-known for her portraits and self-portraits. A tour of their outdated residence (“Casa Azul”) is a worthwhile expertise to see the place and the way she lived, in addition to a few of her authentic art work. It’s a extremely attention-grabbing home with a gorgeous backyard and many details about her life. The residence additionally hosts quite a lot of creative workshops month-to-month, so try the schedule in case you’re .

This guided tour of Coyoacán (the encircling neighborhood) features a ticket to the museum, which you’ll go to at your individual tempo after studying concerning the space during which the 2 artists lived and labored.

Londres 247, Del Carmen, +52 55 5554 5999, museofridakahlo.org.mx. Open Tues-Solar 10am-6pm (Wednesdays at 11am-6pm). Tickets are 250 MXN (270 MXN on the weekends). It’s essential to purchase your tickets properly prematurely (a minimum of a month out), as a result of they’re in extremely excessive demand.

4. Attend a Lucha Libre

Mexican “free wrestling” is a favourite nationwide pastime. Extraordinarily entertaining and reasonably priced, lucha libre takes the game to an entire new stage. Seize a beer or a shot of tequila, and no matter you do, don’t look away throughout a match as something can — and can — occur. (Don’t deliver your digicam although, as you can be pressured to examine it on the door.)

Enviornment México and Enviornment Coliseo are the principle locations to see a match. Common seating tickets may be as little as 56 MXN (don’t purchase from scalpers, as a result of the police are at all times round and also you’ll get in bother). Search for a taquilla (ticket sales space) signal to make certain that you’re paying the proper worth.

Guided experiences, like this lucha libre experience, are additionally out there. Throughout the match, you’ll get pleasure from a mezcal tasting and munch on chips and guacamole, and on the finish, you’ll go away along with your very personal lucha libre masks.

Enviornment México: Dr. Lavista 189, +52 55 5588 0266, cmll.com/arenas/arena-mexico. Exhibits on Fridays at 8:30pm, Sundays at 5pm, and Tuesdays at 7:30pm

Enviornment Coliseo: República de Perú 77, +52 55 5588 0266, cmll.com/arenas/arena-coliseo. Exhibits on Saturday nights at 7:30pm.

5. Day Journey to Teotihuacán

For those who do solely in the future journey out of city, make it this one. Teotihuacán was an historical Mesoamerican metropolis positioned about 50 kilometers (30 miles) northeast of present-day Mexico Metropolis. At its peak (150-450 CE), it was one of many largest and most influential hubs within the pre-Columbian Americas, with a inhabitants estimated to be over 100,000. It’s identified for its spectacular city structure and pyramids, together with the Avenue of the Useless, the Pyramid of the Solar, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl).

I’ve been a couple of occasions and might’t suggest it sufficient (particularly in case you’re a historical past buff). We took our tour teams right here and everybody at all times had a tremendous time.

You may both do the day journey your self (there are many buses) or go on a guided tour that also stops at the Guadalupe Basilica, an necessary pilgrimage web site. Both means, don’t overlook to deliver sunscreen, because the solar is punishing, and there’s little to no shade.

Admission to the pyramids is 80 MXN, whereas a full-day tour together with transportation and an area information is 540 MXN.

6. Peruse the Mercados

Mexico Metropolis boasts a kaleidoscope of bustling markets, every with its personal distinctive attraction. Among the many most well-known is Mercado de la Merced, a sprawling market hailed as the most important on the town. Positioned east of the Zócalo, it’s primarily targeted on meals, with vibrant shows of fruits, greens, meats, and spices.

One other iconic market is Mercado Roma, a recent gastronomic hub that showcases town’s culinary range via gourmand treats and artisanal merchandise. For one thing a little bit completely different, Mercado Jamaica is a gorgeous flower market, stuffed with vibrant colours and fragrances. And for distinctive souvenirs, head to La Ciudadela, an artisan market which boasts an in depth assortment of conventional textiles and handicrafts.

Lastly, Mercado de Sonora stands out for its mystical ambiance, famend for catering to non secular and esoteric wants, providing all the things from conventional herbs and potions to ritualistic artifacts. There’s really a marketplace for all the things in Mexico Metropolis!

For those who don’t wish to discover by yourself, you may join a guided tour that visits each Mercado de la Merced and Mercado de Sonora, together with many stops to pattern a number of genuine native treats Tickets are round 1,100 MXN.

7. Take a Meals Tour

Conventional Mexican delicacies is so culturally wealthy and distinct (and scrumptious) that UNESCO has included it on its Intangible Cultural Heritage listing. When you can definitely go on a self-led taco tour, you gained’t be taught almost as a lot as you’ll by taking a meals tour, a superb strategy to get a crash course on native delicacies.

My buddy Anais runs Devoured Tours, providing in-depth excursions into the meals scene of CMDX, with 5 completely different four-hour choices to select from. On every tour, you’ll meet an area “tastemaker,” an professional of their craft who shares the method behind Mexican gastronomic traditions like making mouthwatering tacos or crafting beautiful mezcal cocktails. Excursions begin at 1,625 MXN.

For those who simply wish to eat all of the tacos (who doesn’t), be part of Sabores Mexico Meals Excursions on its Tacos & Mezcal Night Food Tour. You’ll get pleasure from tacos at a mixture of conventional and up to date taquerias and finish your evening sampling within the first mezcal bar in Mexico Metropolis.

8. Pattern Mezcal

I like mezcal. It’s is a conventional Mexican distilled spirit, crafted from agave, that’s famend for its smoky taste and complexity. I’ve realized a ton about it over the course of my visits to Mexico, however I’m at all times seeking to strive new flavors and dive deeper into the distilling course of.

If you wish to strive mezcal and be taught extra about it, some distinctive locations to pattern it embody La Mezcaloteca (a bar/library the place you are able to do a tasting of 5 mezcals) and La Clandestina in Condesa (with 25 mezcals from everywhere in the nation)

On the Museum of Tequila and Mezcal close to Plaza Garibaldi, educated guides will lead you thru the intricate technique of manufacturing, from harvest to distillation. You’ll additionally get to pattern forms of mezcal alongside completely different tequilas, so you may recognize the variations between Mexico’s principal two spirits. A ticket that includes tastings costs 340 MXN.

9. Float Alongside the Xochimilco Canals

Whereas the Xochimilco Canals are notorious for his or her celebration boats, full with bottomless drinks, a kayak tour is a enjoyable and completely different strategy to discover the enchanting waterways of this UNESCO World Heritage Website. On this tour, led by a educated native information, you’ll paddle via the colourful floating gardens, often known as chinampas, witness the vigorous environment of conventional trajineras (colourful boats), and recognize the scenic great thing about the environment. All of the whereas, you’ll get insights into the historical past and significance of Xochimilco and its canals. This was one other actually widespread a part of our excursions and one thing most vacationers don’t expertise.

For those who’re an early riser, you may even go for a dawn tour, throughout which you’ll get the waterways just about to your self. Excursions begin at 890 MXN.

10. Admire the View from Torre Latinoamericana

Torre Latinoamericana is an iconic skyscraper within the coronary heart of Mexico Metropolis. Accomplished in 1956, it was as soon as the tallest constructing in Latin America. Designed by architect Augusto H. Álvarez, the tower rises 183 meters (600 ft) and consists of 44 flooring. (It has resisted quite a few earthquakes, because of its progressive design that includes a stabilizing core.)

The tower provides panoramic views from its remark deck, giving a superb perspective on simply how huge town is. It prices 200 MXN to go to the remark ground (get advance tickets here), however in case you go to the bar on the ground slightly below, you’ll get the identical view for the value of a drink.

Francisco I. Madero Avenue 1, +52 55 5518 7423, miradorlatino.com. Open each day 9am-10pm. Tickets are 200 MXN.

11. Wander the Zócalo

The Zócalo is the guts of Mexico Metropolis’s historic middle. This huge sq. comprises the ruins of Templo Mayor (the traditional Aztec temple complicated), the Palacio Nacional (the president’s official residence), and La Catedral Metropolitana (constructed by the Spanish upon conquest of the realm).

Initially the principle ceremonial middle within the historical Aztec metropolis of Tenochtitlán (positioned the place Mexico Metropolis now stands), the Templo Mayor was destroyed to make room for the cathedral in 1521. In truth, the very stones that made up the temple have been used to create the cathedral. Now you can view historical artifacts uncovered from the positioning, rediscovered within the Nineteen Seventies, on the Museo del Templo Mayor (95 MXN to enter the museum and archaeological web site).

Whenever you’re completed, head over to admire the gorgeous Spanish colonial structure of the La Catedral Metropolitana. This Sixteenth-century constructing dominates the northern half of the Zócalo and is free to enter. Inside, it’s extremely ornate, with a ground that’s noticeably tilted because of the perpetual sinking of town (on account of its building on a lake and swamp).

12. Loosen up in Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec means “Hill of the Grasshopper” in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. Spanning 686 hectares (1,700 acres), this park within the coronary heart of Mexico Metropolis is the second largest city park in Latin America (the largest is in Santiago, Chile). It’s one of many world’s most visited too, not solely by guests however locals, who like to arrange store grilling and picnicking on Sundays. You can too hire a rowboat or paddleboat and exit on Chapultepec Lake. Each time I wish to simply calm down and absorb the solar, that is the place I am going.

Along with the numerous paths to walk, Chapultepec is residence to a zoo and several other necessary museums, together with the Museum of Anthropology (talked about earlier) and Chapultepec Citadel (see under).

The park is split into three sections. Part 1 homes many of the museums and is open Tuesday-Sunday 5am-6pm. Sections 2 and three are open 24/7, although like many metropolis parks, it’s possible not the most effective thought to stroll via it alone after darkish.

13. Go to Castillo de Chapultepec

The one citadel in North America to accommodate monarchs, Chapultepec Citadel was in-built 1725 as a big manor home for the viceroy (the Spanish colonial administrator). Deserted throughout the Mexican Battle of Independence in 1810, it later grew to become the residence of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota in 1864, throughout the Second Mexican Empire (1864–67).

Right now, you may go to the citadel and meander via the magnificently embellished interval rooms, manicured gardens, and terraces providing spectacular panoramas. The citadel can be residence to the Museo Nacional de Historia (see under), which tells the story of Mexico from the time of Tenochtitlán to the Mexican Revolution.

Bosque de Chapultepec, Part I, +52 55 5256 5464, mnh.inah.gob.mx. Open Tues-Solar 9am-5pm. Admission 95 MXN.

14. Try the artwork and historical past museums

There are a lot of museums and galleries in Mexico Metropolis. Worthwhile ones embody the next:

• Palacio de Bellas Artes (Superb Artwork Museum): This spectacular Artwork Nouveau constructing with an Artwork Deco inside is a large cultural middle that hosts performing arts occasions. Its numerous galleries embody murals by Diego Rivera and rotating momentary exhibitions. Additionally it is residence to the Museum of Structure.
• Museo Nacional de Historia (Nationwide Historical past Museum): This museum, positioned in Chapultepec Citadel, tells the historical past of Mexico over 12 everlasting exhibition halls.
• Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Fashionable Artwork): Positioned inside Chapultepec Park, this museum focuses on trendy Mexican artwork. Its most well-known piece is Frida Kahlo’s The Two Fridas.
• MUAC (College Museum of Modern Artwork of UNAM): This artwork museum on the college’s grounds additionally focuses on up to date Mexican artwork, with video and sound installations, work, drawings, and extra.
• Museo Nacional de Arte (Nationwide Artwork Museum): Mexican artwork from the mid-Sixteenth century to the mid-Twentieth century is split into three principal time durations (colonial, post-independence, and post-revolution).
• Museo de Arte Well-liked (People Artwork Museum): This museum’s assortment of Mexican folks artwork and handicrafts options conventional textiles, pottery, glass, piñatas, and alebrijes (brightly coloured sculptures of fantastical creatures).
• Reminiscence and Tolerance Museum: This newer museum tells the historical past of genocides and crimes towards humanity, with a bit selling tolerance and inclusion of all teams of individuals.
• Tamayo Museum: Born out of the non-public assortment of artist Rufino Tamayo, this museum concentrates on Twentieth-century worldwide artwork (particularly of the avant-garde selection).

Ticket costs range, however typically vary from free to 100 MXN.

15. Tour a Megalibrary

The Biblioteca Vasconcelos, positioned within the Buenavista neighborhood, is a temple to books, also known as a “megalibrary.” The biggest library in the whole nation, it opened in 2006, covers an unbelievable 38,000 sq. meters (409,000 sq. ft), and homes over 600,000 books.

However the true draw for the customer is just not within the assortment (which, although massive, isn’t significantly noteworthy) however the constructing itself. The structure is gorgeous, that includes clear partitions, six deliberately mismatched flooring, and sculptures by outstanding artists. It additionally has a deal with sustainability, with rainwater assortment barrels on the roof, home windows designed to gentle virtually the whole inside naturally (but with out harming the books), and a inexperienced roof coated in crops that preserve the constructing cool.

Don’t miss popping across the again to walk via the quiet and spacious backyard crammed with bushes, shrubs, and herbaceous crops. Admission is free.

16. Marvel on the Soumaya Museum

Housing 66,000 items of Central American and European artwork, the Soumaya Museum shows works not solely by Mexican artists equivalent to Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo but additionally by well-known masters equivalent to Botticelli, Dalí, and Rodin. The museum was donated and constructed by one of many world’s richest males, Carlos Slim Helú (a Mexican enterprise magnate). The Soumaya is a shocking piece of artwork by itself, as it’s coated in 16,000 hexagonal aluminum tiles that sparkle within the daylight. It’s thought of probably the most lovely trendy constructing in Mexico Metropolis. Admission is free.

Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. +52 55 1103 9800, www.museosoumaya.org/. Open each day, 10:30am-6:30pm. Free entry.

17. Escape to the UNAM Botanical Backyard

For those who’re in search of a short lived escape from the hustle and bustle of Mexico Metropolis, look no additional than the Botanical Backyard on the Nationwide Autonomous College of Mexico (UNAM). Rooted in Aztec traditions that valued gardens for each medicinal and decorative functions, this sanctuary additionally emphasizes conservation and environmental schooling. It’s located round lava formations from the Xitle volcano eruption, and the paths meander via naturally fashioned grottoes and previous waterfalls and ponds teeming with koi and turtles.

The crops you may admire right here embody the world’s most numerous cactus assortment, with 800 completely different varieties; there’s additionally an orchidarium and a medicinal backyard. That is additionally a habitat for wildlife: preserve a watch out for woodpeckers, owls, hummingbirds, rattlesnakes, lizards, and the Pedregal tarantula, a species unique to this small space of Mexico Metropolis.

College Metropolis, Coyoacán. +52 56 22 90 63. www.ib.unam.mx/ib/jb/. Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, Saturdays from 9am-3pm. Admission is free.

18. Stroll Round Roma and Condesa

Roma and Condesa, two adjoining neighborhoods within the coronary heart of Mexico Metropolis, are price spending a while exploring (they’re additionally a number of the best neighborhoods to stay in). They bleed into one another a bit, as each have leafy, tree-lined avenues, fashionable boutiques, and an eclectic array of cafés, eating places, bars, and mezcalerías.

Roma is famend for its bohemian environment, European-inspired structure, and colourful road artwork. Condesa is a little more laid-back, high-class, and refined, that includes Artwork Deco buildings and many sidewalk cafés. Parque México and Parque España are iconic inexperienced areas that divide the 2 neighborhoods and are excellent locations to take a seat and people-watch for a bit.

19. Go to a Pueblo Mágico

The pueblos mágicos (magical cities) are cities and villages that the Mexican authorities has acknowledged for his or her cultural, historic, and pure significance. To be so designated, a spot should meet particular standards, together with having historic and cultural richness and distinctive structure, traditions, and folklore. These cities typically characteristic well-preserved colonial structure, vigorous cultural traditions, and a welcoming environment.

Whereas they’re scattered all throughout the nation, there’s one positioned simply over an hour from Mexico Metropolis: Tepotzotlán.

Identified for its lovely colonial structure, cobblestone streets, vibrant murals, and hikes to sacred websites within the surrounding mountains, it makes for a enjoyable day journey, or you probably have the time, even an in a single day. There are buses that go to Tepotzotlán from Taxqueña (Mexico Metropolis’s southern bus station) each half-hour. A ticket is 184 MXN.

20. Offbeat Issues to Do in Mexico Metropolis

There are many unconventional issues to see and do this a variety of guests don’t expertise. Listed below are a couple of solutions of a few of my favorites:

• Palacio de Correos de México: This lovely submit workplace is a captivating mixture of architectural kinds, together with Artwork Nouveau, Artwork Deco, Gothic Revival, and others. There’s a free museum on the bottom ground that includes numerous parts of the submit workplace’s historical past, together with an enormous mural made solely of stamps!
• Ballet Folklórico de México: This famend folk-dance ensemble showcases conventional Mexican dance and music. Their everlasting house is the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the place tickets start at 1,200 MXN.
• Museo del Objeto del Objeto (Museum of the Object of the Object): This quirky museum is devoted to on a regular basis objects, showcasing the evolution of design and shopper tradition in Mexico. Free admission.
• Museo del Chocolate: Be taught concerning the significance and cultivation of cacao all through Mexico’s historical past. There’s additionally an connected café, the place you may pattern sweets in loads of completely different varieties. Museum admission is 80 MXN.

Mexico City is likely one of the world’s biggest metropolises. From iconic landmarks just like the historic Zócalo and the majestic Teotihuacán pyramids to the colourful markets, numerous neighborhoods, and thriving culinary scene, it’s totally fascinating. Regardless of how lengthy you could have right here, these items to do will preserve you busy and guarantee that you’ve a tremendous go to.