Top Things to Do in Mexico City

Top things to do in Mexico City

With world-class museums, awe-inspiring architecture, and hidden corners waiting to be discovered, there’s no limit to the adventures you can have. And that’s without even mentioning the food! From fiery salsas to delicious street tacos, the cuisine in Mexico City is a feast for both the stomach and the eyes. So, dust off your Spanish, and immerse yourself in the intoxicating vibrancy of Mexico City!

How to get around in Mexico City?

Mexico City is big and has a well-connected public transportation system of buses, trams, metro, Uber, and taxis.

• Metro: The fastest and most efficient way of getting around Mexico City is to opt for the metro. The metro connects the entire city as well as the suburbs. Just exercise extra caution from pick pocketers.
• Bus: Although the Metro might be the fastest alternative when there is a lot of traffic, Mexico City also has an efficient and well-connected bus system with dedicated bus lanes that facilitate the free flow of traffic on certain avenues.
• Walking: Wandering around the city center on foot is also a good alternative to exploring the city center. We felt safe at all times.
• Taxi/Uber: Using an app, like Uber or Cabify, to book a taxi is a good and very reasonably priced alternative if you’re tired of walking and want to avoid the bother of public transportation.

Must do activities in Mexico City

Mexico City is the city with the most museums in the whole world. At a staggering 170+ museums, you won’t see them all, but I made a list of the top ones.

The National Museum of Anthropology

The greatest museum on pre-Columbine civilizations in the world is a beast to visit. I was in the museum for 4 hours and only saw half of it, so you can easily spend a day there. This isn’t a problem, as it’s an awesome visit and you’ll learn a lot as you walk through its perfectly curated halls.

Tip: Free guided tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30, 12:30, 13:30, 15:00, and 17:00. Also, to avoid crowds, don’t visit on Sundays as Mexican residents receive free admission.

Ticket: 80 Pesos / 4 euros

Chapultepec Castle – National History Museum

This beautiful 18th-century castle sits on top of a hill with breathtaking views of the city and inside it, you’ll find the National History Museum which recounts the history of Mexico starting from its war of independence. However, even if you are not into history, the interesting architecture and stunning stained glass windows of the castle make it worth a visit,

Tip: Chapultepec Castle is a good follow-up to the Anthropology Museum since they are in the same area of the city.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

The Palace of Fine Arts is the most recognizable building in Mexico City. Its central location and grandiose neoclassical front make it worth a visit just to see it from the outside, but even better is what you will find inside.

Inside its large, opulent rooms are the National Theater, the National Museum of Architecture, and some jaw-dropping murals.

Ballet Folklorico de Mexico

The Ballet Folklorico is a spectacle that shows the traditional history and cultures of Mexico through several dances. It’s an exciting way to end your day in a fancy theater hall.

Since it’s only on the weekends, plan to make time for it. Also, make sure to buy the tickets in advance because you will get better seats at the same price range.

Tickets are available here and you will have to pick them up in person before the event begins.

Ticket: 300 Pesos / 13 euros

The Blue House – Frida Kahlo Museum

The world-renowned artist’s house where she was born, lived, and laid to rest is dedicated to her life and art. You’ll love the iconic blue building laid out as when she lived in it. So her studio, kitchen, and bedroom are all decorated in a quirky style and it is interesting to picture her in those corridors.

The tickets you buy are for a specific time since the museum is small and there are many visitors. Therefore, make sure to buy your tickets in advance online because you can’t buy them in person.

Ticket: 270 pesos / 10 euros

Museo Anahuacalli

Diego Rivera created this museum to showcase the part of Mexican culture he was most fond of, pre-Hispanic. This funky pyramid-shaped building is made of black volcanic rock and is an architectural marvel from top to bottom.

The entrance is included with the ticket for the Frida Kahlo Museum. Therefore, it’s certainly worth a visit and we went to see the museum before going into the Blue House as it’s in the same area of the city.

Bank of Mexico Museum

A cool museum dedicated to the history of coinage in the New World.

Museo de Arte Popular

Cute museum close to the Palacio de Bellas Artes. In short, this museum showcases Mexican artisanal arts and crafts.

Soumaya Museum

Mexico’s richest man, Carlos Slim, is also the owner of Mexico’s largest private collection. As a result, is an impressive display of Mexican art that is worth a look.

Templo Mayor Museum

It’s impossible to miss the Templo Mayor since it is in the heart of the city. However, it is much easier to miss its museum.

Since the museum exhibits archeological findings of the area, you can get a similar experience in the Anthropology museum however, if you are into history and have the time to spare it’s still a great museum in its own right.

Other Attractions in Mexico City

Xochimilco Gardens

Mexico’s Venice. If you had visited the Valley of Mexico before Spain arrived you would have seen a huge sprawling city on a lake, all interconnected by canals. The lake and canal-lined gardens of Xochimilco are the closest things to this you will still find around Mexico City. While a bit of a trek to get to with public transport, it is totally worth the trip!

Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan is THE day trip from Mexico City. It is one of the things you simply must do.

Coyoacan Market

This two-story complex has a maze of stalls with vendors selling textiles, fruits, and vegetables. This is a great place for souvenir shopping as well.

Lucha Libre at the Arena Coliseo

The cathedral of Mexican wrestling where Luchadores fight in highly stylized bouts to cheering crowds of up to 23,000 spectators!

Where else can you see masked, muscled men and women with absurd names like Little Dragon, The Saint, and King Mystery throw each other onto the ground repeatedly?

Depending on how good you want your seats, tickets will cost between 5 and 20 dollars. A cheap price for a show that lasts up to 3 hours. Since we’re not into Lucha Libre we only stuck around for the first hour to see a complete fight, but it’s really worth the time investment as it’s a unique facet of Mexican culture.

Where To Stay in Mexico City

• Centro Historico: is the old town of Mexico City. With many tourist attractions and some great stays, both low and high on budget, this very “central” location is a great option if you’re looking to see the sites.
• Polanco: is the place to be if you’re all about luxury hotels and stores. Polanco is the upscale part of town, full of fancy but expensive stays.
• La Condesa: Chic and trendy area with posh bars and a bohemian heart. La Condesa is one of the two areas I would really recommend staying in due to its great location and plenty of nearby hip locales.
• La Roma: The hipster part of town, the hottest restaurants, and the buzzing nightlife make this my favorite part of CDMX to stay in.
• Zona Rosa: Large selection of hotels, malls and an LGBT scene at night mean Zona Rosa is one of the most international and diverse parts of Mexico City.

Did you Know

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Where to Eat in Mexico City

Breakfast and Brunch

• Lalo!: This trendy spot in the Roma neighborhood serves up delicious brunch and lunch dishes, like the chilaquiles with duck confit and the fried chicken sandwich with a side of elotes.
• El Moro: For a sweet treat, head to El Moro for churros and hot chocolate. This historic spot has been serving up the classic combo since 1935, and it’s still a must-visit for any foodie in Mexico City.
• El Cardenal: For a traditional Mexican breakfast, head to El Cardenal. The chilaquiles and huevos rancheros are both delicious, and the ambiance in the historic building is lovely.
• Triana Cafe Gourmet: Was at one point voted the best coffee in Mexico. Stop in for a delicious cuppa.

Classic Mexican

• Quesadillas Allison: On the corner of Plaza Domingo you can have some of the most delicious and best-priced quesadillas in the city. Sit in one of their rickety plastic chairs and enjoy eating like a local.
• Mercado Roma: While not entirely Mexican, this food hall has a variety of options sure to please any palate.
• Mercado San Juan: This is very much a food market. The best restaurants in CDMX will source their fresh ingredients from here. You won’t find a sit-down meal, but you can definitely eat your fill of delicious fresh fruits, small prepared bits of meat, and even insect snacks.
• Taqueria Frontera: For some well-located, quick, and cheap tasty tacos.
• Tacos El Huequito: Considered by many to be the best tacos in the city. Their classic is the al pastor, but the bistec and suadero are also worth trying.
• Republica del Taco: These were our favorite tacos that we ate on this trip. Delicious and then pairing them with great margaritas with a solid happy hour deal made us very happy.
• Rosetta: This Italian-Mexican fusion restaurant is known for its fresh pasta and delicious pizzas. The ambiance in the converted mansion is also a draw, with a beautiful courtyard and cozy interior.

Fine dining

• Fonda Fidna: This upscale Mexican restaurant in the trendy Juarez neighborhood serves up traditional dishes with a modern twist. The mole is a standout, as are the ceviches and salsas.
• Pujol: This award-winning restaurant is known for its modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine. The tasting menu is a must-try, featuring dishes like octopus with black garlic and charred avocado.
• La Docena Oyster Bar & Grill: As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and oysters. Try the grilled octopus or the seafood platter for a feast of flavors.

Where to Drink in Mexico City

Cocktails

• Limantour: This upscale cocktail bar is known for its creative and expertly crafted drinks, with a focus on local and international spirits.
• Hanky Panky: This speakeasy-style bar is hidden behind a taco stand, and offers an intimate and cozy atmosphere for enjoying delicious cocktails made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Jules Basement: Another hidden gem, this underground bar is accessed through a refrigerator door and features a stylish and dimly lit atmosphere. The cocktails are creative and expertly crafted.

Craft Beer

• Fiebre de Malta: This craft beer bar has a rotating selection of local and international brews on tap, as well as bottles and cans for takeout.
• La Graciela: A cozy, neighborhood bar that specializes in Mexican craft beer. There are always new and interesting brews on tap, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

Wine

• Balmori Rooftop Bar: This rooftop bar offers stunning views of the city and a carefully curated selection of wines from Mexico and around the world.
• Casa Virginia: A charming wine bar in the trendy Condesa neighborhood, with a cozy and intimate atmosphere and a great selection of wines by the glass or bottle.

Mezcal

• Mundana Mezcal: This is a mezcaleria with friendly staff, a quiet location, and a lot of mezcal to choose from.
• La Clandestina: This mezcaleria offers a wide selection of mezcals from different regions of Mexico, and has a knowledgeable staff to guide you through the different varieties and flavors.
• La Nacional: A cozy and rustic bar in the historic center, specializing in mezcal and other agave spirits. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, with a focus on enjoying good drinks and conversation.

Live Music

• Zinco Jazz Club: A beloved institution in the city, Zinco Jazz Club offers live music every night of the week, with a focus on jazz but also featuring other genres. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, with great acoustics and a full bar.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re exploring the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán and the colonial-era architecture of Centro Histórico, making your way through Mexico City’s amazing catalog of modern and contemporary museums in the colorful neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma or enjoying some of the best street food in the world. You’re always doing something amazing that only Mexico City can offer.

But perhaps the most compelling aspect of Mexico City is the warmth and hospitality of its people. The locals are friendly and welcoming, eager to share their culture and their love for their city. Don’t miss out on one of the coolest cities in the Americas, Mexico City.