Things to do in Mexico City

Things to do in  Mexico City

These tacos need no filter

Discover Mexico City, where history, culture, and modernity blend seamlessly. Explore the iconic Zocalo and the National Museum of Anthropology to unveil the rich tapestry of Mexico's eventful history. From tacos to tamales, street food, and market tours give hungry travelers a tasty glimpse into the city’s culinary heritage. Art fans will find innumerable things to do in Mexico City, from Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul to the expansive murals that line the streets of the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods. For added adventure, go out of town to climb the Teotihuacan Pyramids or take a cruise along the Xochimilco Canals.

Top 15 attractions in Mexico City

Teotihuacan

star-524,714
Known as the City of the Gods, Teotihuacán was the metropolis of a mysterious Mesoamerican civilization that reached its zenith around AD 100. Once the largest city in the region but abandoned centuries before the arrival of the Aztecs, Teotihuacán boasts towering pyramids and stone temples with detailed statues and intricate murals.More

Frida Kahlo Museum (Museo Frida Kahlo)

star-4.59,208
Known as the Blue House (La Casa Azul) for its bold blue façade, the Frida Kahlo Museum (Museo Frida Kahlo) was the birthplace and childhood home of the well-known Mexican artist. Inside, the fascinating collection of personal items, furnishings, sketches, and paintings offer insight into both the life and art of Frida Kahlo.More

Xochimilco

star-57,596
With its brightly painted flat-bottomed boats called trajineras, traditional chinampas (floating gardens), and network of flower-perfumed canals, Xochimilco—the "Flower Garden"—is the kind of place that will have you reaching for your camera at every turn.More

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe)

star-511,923
Among the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, the Shrine of Guadalupe atop Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City honors the legendary 16th-century appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, a local peasant. The shrine, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), is devoted to the patron saint of Mexico.More

Coyoacán

star-4.57,996
Coyoacán, one of Mexico City’s oldest districts, is alive with color and culture. Centered around twin plazas perfect for people watching—Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario—Coyoacán is characterized by museums, quaint cobblestone streets, and roadside churro vendors.More

Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes)

star-54,173
As Mexico City’s major cultural center, the Palace of Fine Arts hosts art exhibitions and a range of live events, including music, dance, theater, and opera. The building is a mix of art nouveau, art deco, and baroque architectural styles referred to as Porfiriano, after Mexican President Porfirio Diaz who commissioned the project.More

Plaza de la Constitución (Zocalo)

star-52,842
Mexico City’s Plaza de la Constitución, better known as the Zocalo, is the cultural and historic heart of the city. This large open-air square in the Centro Historico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the city's top attractions, including Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and Great Temple archaeological site and museum.More

Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec)

star-52,181
The only palace on the continent, Chapultepec Castle sits more than 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) above sea level in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park. It has housed royalty, served as a military academy, and was even an observatory. In 1996, the castle was transformed into Capulet Mansion for the movieWilliam Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.More

National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología)

star-53,426
Considered one of the world’s most comprehensive natural history museums, the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) is Mexico City’s most visited museum. Its collection includes notable historical items such as the Aztec Stone of the Sun, the giant carved heads of the Olmec people, and the Aztec Xochipilli statue.More

Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)

star-51,269
Built on Aztec temple ruins, no building better exemplifies the history of Mexico City than the Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana). The vast stone edifice blends architectural styles and building innovations across four centuries. Highlights include the gilded Altar of Forgiveness and the painted canvases lining the sacristy.More

Centro Historico

star-53,009
Built on the site of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, the Centro Histórico is both the historical heart and the modern epicenter of Mexico City. Centered on the grand Zócalo—Plaza de la Constitución—the sprawling district is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of historic monuments, museums, parks, and hotels.More

Museo del Templo Mayor (Templo Mayor Museum)

star-51,680
What remains of the Aztecs’ Great Temple (Templo Mayor) sits right in the middle of Mexico City, but many tourists miss it. In 1978, a massive, 8-ton (7,000-kilogram) stone depicting Coyolxauhqui (the Aztec goddess of the moon) was unearthed, marking the location of the temple, a gathering place sacred for the Aztecs during the 1300s and 1400s.More

National Palace (Palacio Nacional)

star-5678
The National Palace (Palacio Nacional) has served as the seat of the Mexican federal government since the age of the Aztecs. Although it’s a working building with many offices that are off limits to visitors, there’s still plenty to explore and admire, including Diego Rivera’s famous panoramic mural, The History of Mexico.More

Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec)

star-52,350
Chapultepec Park, named for the Aztec word chapoltepec (at the grasshopper’s hill), is one of the world's largest city parks. The green space spans 1,695 acres (686 hectares) and is dissected by walking paths connecting quiet ponds, monumental buildings, and museums, including the Museum of Anthropology and the Rufino Tamayo Museum.More

Paseo de la Reforma

star-5565
Leafy pedestrian walkways, historical monuments, and numerous open-air art and photography exhibitions characterize Paseo de la Reforma, one of Mexico City’s busiest thoroughfares which splices Chapultepec Park and connects it with the historic center. Lined by towering skyscrapers and luxury hotels, Paseo de la Reforma is also home to Mexico City landmarks like the Ángel de la Independencia.More

Trip ideas

Top activities in Mexico City

Private Tour: Xochimilco, Coyoacan and Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Lucha Libre Experience and Mezcal Tasting in Mexico City
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan, from Mexico City
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Teotihuacan Private Tour from Mexico City
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Frida Kahlo Museum VIP: Skip-the-line & Bikes & Churros
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Full-Day Teotihuacan & Basilica Guadalupe Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Historic Center Food Tour in Mexico City
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Xochimilco VIP with unlimited drinks and snacks.
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Colonia Roma Food Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Colonia Roma Food Tour

star-5
494
From
$104.99
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

All about Mexico City

When to visit

Mexico City is a year-round destination with a mild climate. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, as both spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Plan your visit around cultural events and activities, such as Mexico’s Independence Day in September or the Day of the Dead celebrations in late October and early November.

Getting around

Getting around Mexico City is convenient due to its extensive public transportation system. Covering most areas of the city, the metro and Metrobús are both efficient and affordable. Buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services are also readily available. Use the Ecobici app to rent a bike from one of the numerous stands around the cycling-friendly city. Thanks to shaded and primarily flat sidewalks, Mexico City is also a delight to explore on foot.

Traveler tips

Head to the Xochimilco canals in Mexico City for a captivating experience steeped in history and natural beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these ancient waterways provide a glimpse into Aztec heritage and the region’s floating gardens. Visitors can explore the canals aboard colorful trajinera boats, enjoy live mariachi music, and feast on traditional cuisine. Located 17 miles (28 kilometers) south of the city center, visitors can reach Xochimilco by public transportation, taxi, or guided tour.

Attractions
71
Tours
1,152
Reviews
54,877

A local’s pocket guide to Mexico City

Luis Solórzano

Luis spent the first 25 years of his life in his native Mexico City. He now lives in London and loves exploring the world, frequently playing tourist in his own country of origin.

The first thing you should do in Mexico City is...

avoid public transport and use Uber instead. It’s safer, pretty cheap and, unless you get stuck in a traffic jam, you’ll get where you need to be much faster.

A perfect Saturday in Mexico City...

starts with brunch and people-watching at Saks San Ángel, browsing the Bazaar Sábado, and coffee in Coyoacán. Finish the day with dinner and drinks in Condesa.

One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...

the Anthropology Museum in Chapultepec Park, one of Mexico City’s largest green spaces. You can spend days there and still not see everything.

To discover the "real" Mexico City...

book a market and street food tour. You can tackle this on your own, but it’s difficult to know the best stalls and the last thing you want is “Moctezuma’s revenge” to ruin your trip.

For the best view of the city...

go up the Latin American Tower in the Centro Historico. Once Latin America’s tallest building, it’s withstood multiple earthquakes.

One thing people get wrong...

is thinking Mexico City is dangerous for tourists. Like any big city, you need to have your wits about you but Chilangos (Mexico City locals) are happy to help.

EN
82ce32ed-9eb9-4b51-bcd9-758243b9c613
geo_hub

People Also Ask

What is Mexico City known for?

Mexico City is best known for the grand architecture of its historic center (Centro Historico), including the Palacio Bellas Artes and zocalo, as well as its world-class museums, such as the Museo Frida Kahlo and the National Museum of Anthropology, and stunning cuisine, which ranges from street-side to Michelin-starred.

...More
What is the most visited place in Mexico City?

The most visited place in Mexico City is Chapultepec Castle, perched on the highest point of the Chapultepec Wood (Bosque de Chapultepec). Housed inside the castle—former home of the Mexican president—is Mexico’s National History Museum, with historic murals and indigenous artifacts dating back hundreds of years.

...More
What are three tourist attractions in Mexico City?

Three tourist attractions in Mexico City are Chapultepec Park—home to Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology; the Museo Frida Khalo, located in Casa Azul, the artist’s home with her husband Diego Riviera; and the city’s historic center, home to the Palacio de Bellas Artes and Metropolitan Cathedral.

...More
What can you do in Mexico City in one day?

If you only have one day in Mexico City, see the Zocalo in the historic center before strolling around Chapultepec Wood—home to Chapultepec Castle. Then, visit Casa Azul (Museo Frida Kahlo). At night, watch Mexican wrestling (lucha libre) and sample the city’s best tacos and tequila in the Roma neighborhood.

...More
How many days is enough for Mexico City?

Four days will give you time to explore Mexico City hot spots such as the historic center, Chapultepec Park, Coyoacán, and Roma, in addition to taking a day trip. Close destinations include the ancient Teotihuacán Pyramids or the charming Pueblos Magico of the state of Puebla.

...More
Is it safe to go to Mexico City?

Yes, Mexico City is safe to explore if you take the usual precautions, such as watching your belongings closely in busy areas like the historic center. The Condesa and Roma neighborhoods are safe, but keep an eye on your map and avoice areas like Doctores and Tepito—especially after dark.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions