Discover the Top Things to Do in Mexico City

Surprising fact: when I first visited in 2016, this city topped the NYT “52 Places to Go,” and that honor still feels earned every time I return.

I started traveling here for design, architecture, and food. I’ve gone back often since that first trip, chasing meals at Pujol, Quintonil, Contramar, Rosetta, and Máximo Bistrot. Street staples like El Huequito and El Turix kept afternoons simple and joyful.

I’ll share practical tips from my repeat visits: where I stay, how I get around, and the bookings that need advance notice. I use Uber, sometimes Mozio for airport rides, and I pull cash from bank ATMs while avoiding Santander.

This post is my friendly, on-the-ground guide. Expect a mix of big-name culture and low-key local gems that shaped my best experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Book top restaurants weeks ahead to avoid disappointment.
• Use Uber and Mozio for safe, easy transfers.
• Carry cash from bank ATMs; skip Santander machines.
• Balance famous sites with neighborhood favorites for a real experience.
• Consider travel insurance like World Nomads or SafetyWing for peace of mind.

Things to Do in Mexico City

This metropolis unfolds like a set of neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and surprises. I build days around an anchor — a museum, park, or market — then layer nearby meals and short walks. That approach keeps transit low and the rhythm relaxed.

Centro Histórico is my history primer: Zócalo and Templo Mayor kick things off. From there I weave in Chapultepec for green space and the National Anthropology Museum for big-picture context.

I return often to Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, Reforma, and Coyoacán because they pack museums, markets, and memorable restaurants into compact routes. Markets like La Merced and San Juan add sensory contrast to museum mornings.

This friendly guide helps you pick which places are musts and which you can save. Walk a block and you’ll find galleries, coffee bars, or a street stall that changes the day. That little openness is the best way to feel the city’s culture.

• Plan by neighborhood to cut travel time.
• Anchor a day with one major stop and layer food and markets.
• Leave room for serendipity — the best finds are often unplanned.

Start in the Historic Center: Zócalo, Culture, and Iconic Sights

I begin most mornings in the Centro Histórico, where the city’s layers meet at the Zócalo. This enormous plaza sits atop the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán and feels like a living history classroom.

The short loop here gives you big returns. Walk the Metropolitan Cathedral, then cross to the Templo Mayor ruins and museum. Nearby, the National Palace houses Diego Rivera’s sweeping murals—an essential stop.

• I pop into the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México for its stained-glass ceiling; it’s a quick, memorable detour.
• Casa de Azulejos sits a block away, its blue facade perfect for a pause and photos.
• When the square gets intense, rooftops offer calmer views and a chance to reset.

I plan this block for the morning so I can wander side streets and small museums. Keep wallets zipped and backpacks forward here; it’s the busiest part of the city and vigilance pays off.

For more context on this neighborhood, see my historic center guide.

Chapultepec Park: The Green Heart of the City

My favorite reset is a slow morning at chapultepec park, where broad paths and old trees make the day feel softer. The green expanse ranks among the largest urban parks worldwide and invites a calm pace.

Bosque Chapultepec spans roughly 686 hectares, so I plan about a half day here. I hike up early for quieter trails and better light.

Chapultepec Castle and panoramic views

I tackle chapultepec castle first. Entry is modest (about 90 MXN), and the stained-glass corridor is a highlight. From the hilltop I take in sweeping views that frame the whole city.

Museo de Arte Moderno and the Botanical Garden

After descending, I visit Museo de Arte Moderno for rotating exhibitions and outdoor sculptures that meet the breeze. Then I wander Jardín Botánico to see native plantings and breathe again.

• I like lunch nearby, then I walk or ride to Roma or Polanco.
• Weekends bring vendors and families—perfect for people-watching if you have extra time.
• All told, a half day here balances culture, calm, and great views without rushing.

Museums You’ll Love: From Anthropology to Modern Art

I lost hours inside galleries that stitched ancient artifacts to bold modern art. Start with a plan: the big museums are rewarding, but vast.You can learn about best-time-to-visit-alaska

Museo Nacional de Antropología is huge (about 90 MXN). I pick a few civilizations and linger where the displays grab me. That focus keeps the visit meaningful rather than rushed.

Polanco’s pair—Museo Soumaya and Jumex— offers contrast. Soumaya’s exterior makes for a photo stop, while Jumex often serves free modern art that surprises me.

Around Alameda Central I browse Palacio de Bellas Artes and nearby spots. MUNAL is a must for its architecture and sweep of Mexican art.

The Bank of Mexico Museum breaks up heavy galleries nicely. The immersive vault and interactive exhibits are clever and free.

“It’s easy to see why this place is a global museum capital; there’s always another collection around the corner.”

• I balance large museums with café breaks and fresh air so I don’t burn out.
• If I have an afternoon, Anahuacalli feels like stepping into Rivera’s volcanic-stone vision.

Frida Kahlo’s World: Casa Azul and Coyoacán

I plan a day around Casa Azul, where Frida Kahlo’s objects still pulse with memory. The house preserves her studio and many rooms as she left them, which makes the visit quietly moving.

I always prebook the Frida Kahlo Museum, and I aim for the earliest slot. That calm hour lets me study paintings and personal items without the crowds. Tickets also include entry to Diego Rivera’s Anahuacalli, which I pair on the same day when time permits.You can learn about best-cities-to-visit-in-spain

Nearby history and slow afternoons

The Leon Trotsky House is a short walk and deepens the era’s context. After museums I wander the plazas and mercado in this relaxed area.

• I sip coffee at Café El Jarocho and watch locals drift by.
• I nibble tostadas at the market and pick small souvenirs.
• The neighborhood pace offers a gentle break from central mexico city energy.

Markets I Keep Returning To

I block mornings for markets—each one teaches me a piece of the local rhythm. These hubs mix food, craft, and lively human exchange. I use them as a fast course on the city’s flavors and faces.

La Merced: the sprawling, sensory maze

La Merced is the largest market and a true labyrinth. I wander aisles of produce and spices when I want full sensory overload.

Mercado de San Juan: from street eats to edible insects

For central sampling I stop at San Juan. It’s a great spot for unusual bites and classic street food samplers.

La Lagunilla (Sundays): vintage clothes and antiques

Sundays mean La Lagunilla. I hunt vintage clothes and quirky antiques among crowded stalls.

Mercado Jamaica: rows of flowers and photo ops

Jamaica dazzles with endless blooms. I grab cheap bouquets and take photos of the color.

Mercado de los Insurgentes: artisan souvenirs

Near the Ángel, Insurgentes offers easy-to-pack crafts. I pick souvenirs that feel local without heavy bargaining.

Jardín del Arte Sullivan and Dr. Ignacio Chávez: weekend finds

On weekends I stroll these gardens for open-air art and retro discoveries in a relaxed area.

• I keep small bills handy and eat where the lines are.
• Chatting with vendors reveals neat backstories and better buys.
• Markets are some of the best places to meet local people and learn quick lessons about things mexico.

Street Food I Crave in Mexico City

I chase the small counters and bakeries that make quick meals unforgettable. Short stops often shape my best afternoons and teach me more about local life than long meals do.

Al pastor at El Huequito

El Huequito sets my bar for al pastor. Multiple locations mean I can grab a taco between visits and keep exploring.

Cochinita pibil at El Turix

When I roam Polanco I detour for cochinita pibil at El Turix. The menu is simple, the payoff is huge, and it’s cash-only—bring small bills.

Churros and chocolate at El Moro

El Moro is non-negotiable for afternoon churros and thick chocolate. I time this stop after a walk or late dinner for a sweet reset.You can learn about best-caribbean-island-to-visit

Panadería Rosetta’s guava pastry “para llevar”

I grab a guava pastry at Rosetta and nibble it on a bench nearby. It’s the perfect grab-and-go moment that feels like a mini celebration.

Guided food tours: Roma, Centro Histórico, Polanco

If I want context with my bites, I book a guided tour—most run three to five hours and cover several neighborhoods. It’s an efficient way to learn while tasting.

“Street food is the easiest way I’ve found to connect with the city’s flavor and daily rhythm.”

• I plan snack runs around known stalls and follow the crowds for fresh turnover.
• Small bills and hand sanitizer live in my pockets for every outing.
• I pace myself: sample early and often so I can taste more without getting full fast.

Where I Book Tables: Restaurants Worth the Hype

Booking the right table has become one of my favorite parts of each trip. I plan meals as anchors for days, mixing landmark tasting menus with casual seafood counters and neighborhood bistros.

Pujol and Quintonil are the hardest reservations. I lock them as soon as flights are set—sometimes weeks, sometimes months ahead. Their tasting menus are unforgettable and worth the planning.

Contramar I treat differently. Lunch is my aim: tuna tostadas and whole grilled fish are why locals and visitors line up. If timing is right, I’ve snagged bar seats as a walk-in.

Rosetta offers a romantic dining room and gently Italian-leaning plates. I book a slow dinner there when I want a quieter, elegant evening.

Máximo Bistrot blends French technique with Mexican ingredients. When the suckling pig appears on the menu, I order it without hesitation.

• I keep backups and set reminders for late-released tables about one to two weeks before the trip.
• I balance tasting menus with street tacos so the food spectrum feels complete.
• Lunch reservations often free up more easily and still deliver the full experience.

“These are the places I recommend when friends ask for the one best meal—each visit stays with me.”

For a solid roundup of other top spots, check this guide on best restaurants.

Roma Norte and Condesa: Leafy Strolls, Cafés, and Nightlife

I find the best slow hours along the tree-lined avenues that connect roma norte and Condesa. These neighborhoods feel lived-in: dogs tug on leashes, runners pass, and people occupy stoops while afternoon light softens the blocks.

Parque México and Parque España are perfect pauses. I park myself on a bench, watch local life, then walk a short loop and peek into galleries and small shops.

Neighborhood cafés and ritual coffee

Coffee is a ritual here. Chiquitito Café is my go-to, but I always find a new corner spot worth lingering in. My way is simple: follow a scent, sit, and sketch a plan for the evening.

Where I spend night hours

By night I rotate between Departamento for cocktails, Mama Rumba for live Latin rhythms, and Pulquería Los Insurgentes for a pulque-fueled local vibe. When late cravings hit, Taquería Orinoco never misses.You can learn more about best-time-to-visit-bermuda

• Easy base: stay here and you can eat and go out without long rides across mexico city.
• Roma Norte keeps evolving; I add cafés and bars every trip.

Polanco, Reforma, and Beyond: Design, Museums, and City Vibes

Polanco feels like the city’s polished side: sleek architecture, wide boulevards, and curated retail. I plan a compact loop here when I want bold buildings and modern galleries in a single outing.

Museo Soumaya and Jumex double-header

I often book a Soumaya–Jumex double-header. Soumaya’s shiny exterior is a photo stop, and Jumex offers free entry and a bold collection that rewards a slow walk.

Upscale dining and shopping boulevards

After museums I stroll the polished avenues and pick a spot for a leisurely lunch. Reforma’s grand hotels—St. Regis among them—make a tempting pause for a spa hour or cocktail if I’m staying nearby.

• My way: pair a museum visit with a nearby café so I can review photos and plan the next leg of the trip.
• Polanco reads international; I add it when I want a change of pace from older neighborhoods.
• These places show the modern face of the capital while keeping culture at the core.

Architecture and Design Highlights

Some of my best afternoons have been spent following shafts of light through quiet, painted rooms. That habit led me to a compact loop of design sites that reveal a modern edge across mexico city.

Casa Estudio Luis Barragán: light, color, and space

I book Casa Estudio Luis Barragán well in advance for a small-group tour. The house is famous for how light and color shape each room. The visit resets how I look at buildings for the rest of the day.

AGO Projects and La Laguna’s creative hubs

AGO Projects showcases thoughtful interiors and modern art-led displays that feel intimate and polished. Nearby, La Laguna is a converted factory where independent sellers, good coffee, and compact galleries mingle.

Ex Fábrica: street art and repurposed industrial space

Ex Fábrica is my wild card. It was a flour factory and now hosts galleries, bars, food stalls, an arcade, and expansive street murals. I leave room to linger; details reward slow looking.

• I plan rides between these areas and let time stretch for photography.
• Design fans could easily spend an afternoon photographing textures and angles.
• These stops show the world of contemporary creativity without losing craft roots.

Libraries and Galleries: Quiet Moments and Bold Murals

Some mornings I trade crowds for quiet halls and spend an hour among shelves and skylights. That ritual resets my pace. It also reveals another side of mexico city that feels slower but just as rich.

Biblioteca Vasconcelos opened in 2006 and it feels like a futuristic temple of books. Its soaring stacks and long sightlines make it ideal for working, reading, or photographing calm corners.

The building never feels cold. Even with visitors, it holds a hush that helps me digest a busy itinerary or draft notes for a museum visit later that day.

Early muralism up close

Colegio de San Ildefonso showcases foundational murals by Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco. I linger there to watch how art, politics, and history converge on plaster and stone.

• I head to Biblioteca Vasconcelos for a reset—an hour of reading or photo play.
• I pair these quieter stops with a nearby coffee, then plan an afternoon gallery hop.
• If I’m central, I loop in Alameda Central’s museums for efficient museum visits.

“Murals here connect the dots between politics, history, and art in a way that always sticks with me.”

Views and Cityscapes I Never Skip

I plan one skyline stop each trip to stitch neighborhoods into a single view. My favorite is Torre Latinoamericana: the mirador sits on the 44th floor and the ticket is about 160 MXN.

Sunset is ideal but crowded. I aim to arrive about 45 minutes before the sun dips so I can watch the capital warm, then glow with lights. I clear my camera roll first; the 360-degree panorama rewards extra photos.

If the queue looks long I detour to Miralto Restaurant on the 41st floor. A drink there often gives the same skyline payoff without a ticket. On hazy afternoons I still go—the shifting light can be gorgeous even without perfect clarity.

“The view has a way of stitching the whole trip together in one glance.”

• I use this stop as a compact, high-impact break between museums and dinner.
• It helps me orient where I’ve been and plan the next short route.
• If you’re short on time, this is the single viewpoint that delivers a quick win.

Day Trips Worth the Time

When I want a change of scale, I head beyond the bustle for a single-day adventure. These short escapes give history, color, or a calm soak without switching hotels. I pick one per trip and plan it around sunrise or an early start.

Teotihuacán: pyramids and sunrise balloons

Teotihuacán hosts the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, a world-class archaeological site where the scale still surprises me. I book a guided tour so transport, timing, and entry are handled—especially if I add a hot air balloon at dawn for epic views.

Xochimilco: trajineras and mariachi on the canals

Xochimilco is my group day. I rent a trajinera by the hour (about $30/hr), bring snacks, and let vendors and mariachis float by. It’s lively, social, and easy when you split the cost.

Tolantongo Hot Springs: terraces and turquoise pools

Tolantongo is a longer haul but worth it for the terraced thermal pools and mountain views. I usually choose an organized tour—logistics are simpler and the ride home feels restful.

• I pace myself at Teotihuacán, carry water, and wear sun protection.
• If I’m solo, I join a small group tour for company and smooth logistics.
• Start early and keep cash handy for tips, snacks, and boat hires.

Shopping My Way: From Boutiques to Mezcal

I let Avenida Ámsterdam lead my route. The tree-lined street in Condesa is a gentle string of boutiques, studios, and little galleries that reward slow walking.

Roma Norte adds depth. Back streets hide design shops and vintage stalls where I find unique pieces I don’t see elsewhere. I often carry an extra bag just for the trip home.

Avenida Ámsterdam stroll: Roma/Condesa finds

I window-shop, then duck into low-profile studios. CASA MIMI feeds my antique habit, while Trouvé and Hi-Bye round out clothing and lifestyle picks.

Favorite stops I return to

AUDETTE is where I test leathers. MisMezcales is my go-to for a mezcal bottle that travels well. Chic By Accident sparks furniture envy and design notes I copy later.

• I break the loop with a coffee stop and people-watching—this area is made for lingering.
• I pack a foldable duffel so I never leave empty-handed.
• Shopping here feels like treasure hunting: small-batch collections and local makers.

Where I Love to Stay

I pick a base neighborhood early; it shapes every walk and meal while I’m here. My hotel choice often becomes the quiet lens for each day’s plan.

Polanco luxe: I rotate between Las Alcobas and Casa Polanco. Las Alcobas feels intimate after its refresh—Anatol on-site, a cozy spa, and a small gym make lingering easy.

Reforma icon: The St. Regis wins me with its 15th-floor pool views, Remède spa, and that mezcal Bloody Mary at King Cole Bar. Butler service makes early mornings and late returns smoother.

Design-forward gems: La Valise, Hotel Dama, and Hotel Carlota spark ideas long after check-out. Hotel Dama’s 17 rooms in Condesa have a clear, bold design that I love stepping into.

Chic on a budget: When I’m saving, Casa Seis Siete (four suites) and Casa Cuenca give charm, location, and calm without high rates.

• I choose neighborhoods first: Polanco for museums and dining; Roma and Condesa for cafés and parks; Reforma for central access.
• I book cancellable rates early, then watch for small deals later.
• Wherever I stay, I look for good coffee nearby and a quiet corner that feels like home.

Nightlife and Cocktails: From Speakeasies to Rooftops

My favorite nights start with one great drink and a loose map of options. I plan an evening that balances reserved seats and chance encounters so I can enjoy a relaxed experience rather than rush through drinks.

Handshake Speakeasy and Licorería Limantour

I book Handshake early for a true speakeasy moment—reservations are brief and prized. After a crafted first round, I often slide to Licorería Limantour for another set of standout cocktails and lively service.

Bar Las Brujas, Xaman, and Hiya Wine Bar

Bar Las Brujas brings a strong, female-run energy. Xaman adds a moody, jungle aesthetic that feels intimate. Hiya Wine Bar is my calm counterpoint: a glass and good conversation with new people makes the evening feel complete.

Lucha Libre nights and Plaza Garibaldi mariachis

For an only-in-mexico city night, I grab friends and head to Arena México for Lucha Libre—campy, loud, and joyful. Later, Plaza Garibaldi offers mariachis; expect to pay per song if you request one.

“It’s the best way to feel the city after dark.”

• I eat dinner first and pace the night so each stop lands well.
• If I’m solo, a cocktail tour helps me meet people and skip guesswork.
• Roma Norte is my base for these hops—short walks or quick Ubers keep the night easy.
• I always finish with tacos and water; future me thanks me in the morning.

On-the-Ground Tips I Swear By

A few simple rules shape most of my best travel days here. I share this quick guide so you can move faster and stress less while exploring mexico city.

I rely on Uber for most trips, but I always have a backup for airport pickups. Mozio has rescued me when scheduled rides were inconsistent.

I pull cash only from bank ATMs and skip Santander after a bad experience where cash didn’t dispense but my account was charged. That lesson cost time and patience.

Traffic peaks around 7–8am and 4–6:30pm. Planning by neighborhood keeps me walking more than riding. Often, walking is the fastest way through the capital.

• Keep your phone active: carrier day passes or eSIMs like Holafly work well; Verizon’s $5/day pass has been handy.
• Book top restaurants a month or two ahead and set reminders to check for cancellations.
• Watch crowds: I keep valuables front‑facing and leave my passport locked at the hotel.
• I carry travel insurance—World Nomads or SafetyWing—especially for medical and delay coverage.

Little planning saves a lot of time and stress.

Conclusion

What stays with me after every trip is the way mexico city layers deep history with fresh creativity and food that rivals any place in the world.

, Plan a day around one best anchor—an early museum or a park—and fill the rest with markets, tastings, and short walks. Book a dream table, keep cash handy, and use Uber for smooth transfers.

This post aims to help you move faster and see more. Mix a big stop with small discoveries and a day trip to Teotihuacán or Xochimilco for a richer story. I hope this guide nudges your next trip toward the memorable; I’ll be back soon, and I expect you will be too.