Things to Do in Mexico City: Best Experiences You Can’t Miss (2024)

written by local expert Tegan + Alex

Tegan and Alex are travel, hiking, and biking enthusiasts currently based in Boston, USA. There is nothing they love more than exploring new places by walking, and they have visited over 30 countries together since they met in 2015. Their love for “walking the world” led them to found Why Not Walk, a travel guides site. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest to start planning your next adventure.

If you’re looking for things to do in Mexico City, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will walk you through all our top suggestions on the BEST things to do in this vibrant city.

Mexico City is the most surprising city that we have ever been to, and we’re confident it will charm you, too! With over 21 million people living in the metro area, it is the largest city in the Americas, but it truly doesn’t feel that way. 

Mexico City or CDMX (Ciudad de México) has some of the best cultural, historical, and artistic sites anywhere in the world, and is absolutely worth a visit.

Mexico’s history is brimming with amazing stories, empires, and larger than life characters. We set out to its capital, Mexico City, with a small understanding of the history of the region, but little did we know that we would learn so much just by being there and soaking it in. 

With ancient Aztec temples located right in the city center and the vast Teotihuacan pyramids just a short bus ride away, you are in for a historical adventure worthy of Indiana Jones.

Climbing the epic pyramids of Teotihuacan awed us, and filled us with respect for a civilization from hundreds of years ago that was able to build such massive structures, all before modern machinery. 

Mexico City’s world-class cuisine is every foodie’s dream, from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants.

It is impossible to go hungry here, with handmade tortillas, overflowing mango and pineapple cups with chili powder on top, or massive elote-on-the-cob on every street corner, as well as restaurants ranging from classy to comfort-food to hip. 

You’ll love the vibrant neighborhoods, and sprawling, verdant parks, each with its own personality, architectural style, and trove of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. 

For such a huge city, Mexico City is eminently walkable. We absolutely loved our time here and can’t wait to go back– it exceeded our expectations in every way. 

Read on for our top recommendations on the best things to do in Mexico City, from museums to parks hidden gems for mezcal sampling. 

Mexico City

Things to Do in Mexico City Highlights

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Best Time to Visit Mexico City

Maybe ironically, the best time to visit Mexico City is during the Christmas and Easter vacations.

Many foreigners who live in the CDMX take this opportunity to visit their relatives back in their hometowns, and many locals go on vacation leaving the streets of the city much emptier – at least by Mexico City standards.

However, with that being said, the best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May, before the rainy season begins. Mexico City is typically slightly busier during the spring as the weather is really nice.

If you want to avoid the cold, avoid visiting Mexico City during the Winter months (January and February) are their coldest months!

For more details, you can check our Mexico Weather guides below:

Ciudad De Mexico Letters

Best Things to Do in Mexico City

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1. Visit Paseo de la Reforma

Originally built by Emperor Maximilian during his brief tenure to resemble a traditional European boulevard, like the Champs Elysees in Paris, the street was renamed Paseo de la Reforma by Benito Juarez when he assumed the presidency. 

This street is home to many statues of Mexico’s heroes and it’s a really fun promenade to stroll down. These beautiful monuments exemplify the country’s national image, with statues of the Aztec emperor Cuauhtémoc and The Angel of Independence victory column, among others. 

One of the best things about the Paseo de la Reforma is that on Sunday mornings, the road is totally closed down to car traffic. Taking a stroll down here is one of the best things to do in Mexico City.

During this time, tons of people flock to enjoy the majesty of this tree-lined avenue. This is the perfect time to bicycle up and down the road or to take in the many monuments that dot the Paseo de la Reforma.

If you keep walking down the Paseo de la Reforma, you will reach the Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City’s idyllic city park.

Paseo de la Reforma

If you’re looking for a complete 4-day Mexico Itinerary, check out our full guide.

2. Marvel at Teotihuacán

About an hour away from Mexico City there is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where two millennia ago, a still unknown ethnic group built this place that was later explored by the Mexican civilization. 

Here you will find archaeological wonders such as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Pyramid of the Sun. When you reach the top of the pyramids, you will surely find yourself with an incomparable sense of freedom.

You can check out one of the best-rated Teotihuacan tours that offer a tour around the best sites in Teotihuacán, including a meal in his grandmother’s house!

A great way to experience this ancient site is by booking a hot air balloon ride. This is truly an unforgettable experience.

Teotihuacan Hot air balloon
Riding a hot air balloon in Teotihuacan is one of the BEST things to do in Mexico City

3. Explore Zocalo Plaza & Templo Mayor

Did you know that Mexico City’s main square, the Zocalo, was built on top of an ancient Aztec temple? Even better, you can still tour these ruins today, at the Templo Mayor! 

Once the site of the great temple of the Aztec city, Tenochtitlan, these ruins have strong historical significance for the Aztec civilization that lived here. You can see the architectural magnificence on display at this pre-Hispanic temple complex, and walking through the ruins gives you an understanding of how sophisticated the Aztecs were. 

The nearby Zocalo Plaza, one of the largest in the world, is a classic example of Spanish plaza design, with the Palacio Nacional (National Palace) and the Metropolitan Cathedral bordering the sides of the plaza.

These buildings two buildings are exquisitely designed and showcase Mexican architecture throughout different eras, and we recommend peeking into both!  The Metropolitan cathedral in particular is a favorite!

The Zocalo has also been the spot of many historic occasions, including various protests, Day of the Dead celebrations, and rallies.

Touring the Zocalo and Templo Mayor is essential for any trip to Mexico City as you will learn so much about Mexico’s history and identity.  

Metropolitan cathedral sunrise Zocalo Mexico City

4. Eat Your Way Around Mexico City

I could write another whole article about all the places worth eating in Mexico City because the list of recommendations is just too long to fit in here.

Let’s just say Mexico City is famous all around the world for its tacos al pastor and its diverse street food. The food in Mexico is absolutely unreal and is worth traveling for!

For the best tacos and street food, you should try Orinoco, Rubens, El Borrego Viudo, Los Güeros de Boturini, San Judas Tadeo Tacos, and Tripolandia. You have to check out the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Mexico City too!

For oriental fusion food, you can’t miss Mog Bistro in the Roma Norte neighborhood. And don’t forget to try the gorditas de nata if you’re in Chapultepec park! I’ll stop, because when it comes to Mexican food, I could just go on, and on, and on.

We recommend going on a food tour to TRULY experience the best eats. Here are a few of our top recommendations in Mexico City:

  • Historic Center Food TourThis food tour takes you to a local market, a traditional cantina, street food stalls and more!
  • Colonia Roma Food Tour– Explore the best of Colonia Roma with a local guide as they share the best food spots in the neighborhood!
tacos al pastor

5. National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de la Antropología)

Located inside the Bosque de Chapultepec, we recommend pairing a visit to the forest and castle with a few hours at one of the world’s best museums.

No visit to Mexico City is complete without a trip to the anthropology museum, and even if museums aren’t typically your cup of tea, we recommend you make an exception for this one. 

This museum is truly a national treasure, and is the largest museum in the whole country, with thousands of years’ worth of artifacts stretching all the way back to Mexico’s Pre-Columbian period. 

Perhaps most striking is the Aztec Sun Stone, as well as the giant Olmec stone heads. Civilizations and tribes covered include the Aztec, Maya, Gulf of Mexico, Oaxaca, Mexico, Toltec, and Teotihuacan, as well as sections dedicated to modern rural populations and the colonial period. 

There are also a variety of gardens and outdoor exhibits, including a full reconstruction of an Aztec outdoor temple. This is one of the top attractions in Mexico City!

6. Take a Day Trip to Las Grutas Tolantongo

While Las Grutas Tolantongo seems like a far away trip from Mexico City, it is 100% worth it! Located in the Hidalgo province, you can take a guided tour from Mexico City, taking you to the famous hot springs.

Once you get to the complex, you will see the Tolantongo caves, grotto, tunnel, river, natural pools, hot springs, suspended bridge, swimming pools, and a spectacular waterfall. If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Mexico City, we highly recommend this one.

If you want to check out this place, we recommend going on a guided tour to make it a hassle-free experience. We recommend this experience to Las Grutas Tolantongo from Mexico City with a local expert.

In addition to the Tolantongo entry fee and transportation, this organized tour includes breakfast, snacks, drinks, and everything you might need for an incredible day.

Las grutas tolantongo

7. Take a Ride on the Cable Car

One of Mexico City’s public transportation options is the plus 20-kilometer-long cable car! – a.k.a. “Cablebús”. It offers amazing views from above, and it helps you avoid the heavy traffic of the city.

Available lines go from the Cuautepec to Indios Verdes areas (Line 1), and from Sierra de Santa Catarina to either Santa Marta or Constitución de 1917 (Line 2) – line 2 it’s actually the longest one in Latin America! 

Line 3 is expected at some point next year and will cover all four sections of Bosque de Chapultepec park (Chapultepec Park). This will be a great way for travelers to explore some of Mexico City attractions in a whole different way.

We cannot recommend this museum enough!

8. Bosque de Chapultepec & Castillo de Chapultepec

Did you know that right in the center of Mexico City lies one of the largest parks in the entire Western Hemisphere?

Measuring in at 1,700 acres, the Bosque de Chapultepec, or Chapultepec Park, is an absolute treasure and is one of Mexico City’s most visited attractions. 

When visiting Chapultepec Park, be sure to set aside ample time to explore the area, as it includes gorgeous walking paths, vendors selling delicious treats, and a zoo. 

It is also home to the Castillo de Chapultepec, or Chapultepec Castle, which served as the official residence for Mexican presidents until it was converted into a history museum in 1940. 

Built during the colonial period, its most famous resident was arguably Emperor Maximilian I, an Austrian royal who became emperor of the (very short-lived) Second Mexican Empire from 1864 until he was executed by incoming president Benito Juarez in 1867. 

The walk from the forest to the castle is one of the best parts of the visit, although it is a bit steep! Be sure to take a look inside the castle, as there are beautiful stained glass windows and sweeping views of Mexico City.

Fun fact: Chapultepec Castle was used as the Capulet Mansion for the 1996 version of Romeo and Juliet, starring Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Tip: Keen to learn more about the history of Chapultepec Castle? Check out this walking tour where your guide will share intriguing stories about the castle and its inhabitants!

9. Frida Kahlo House and Museum

In the beautiful Colonia del Carmen area of Coyoacán, enjoy exploring a gorgeous, leafy neighborhood paired with a visit to the house shared by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

The Frida Kahlo museum is also called La Caza Azul (or the Blue House.) 

Frida was born in this house and spent the entirety of her life there, ultimately dying there in 1957. The house has been essentially frozen in time from the time of Frida’s death, and contains a treasure trove of the couple’s art, clothes, letters and other personal belongings, and quirky period furnishings. 

The couple were close friends with Russian revolutionary figure Leon Trotsky, and facilitated his asylum to Mexico. The house where he and his wife lived until the time of his assassination is nearby and available for tours as well. 

To enter the Frida Kahlo museum or the Blue House, it costs 230 pesos to enter on weekdays, or 270 on weekends, with significant student discounts with a valid ID.

The Frida Kahlo museum is one of Mexico City’s biggest attractions which means it gets very crowded later in the day. We recommend arriving early!

If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or a pick-me-up, check out nearby Cafe El Jarocho for what is rumored to be the best Mexican-style coffee in the whole city, as well as delicious (and enormous) donuts.

This tour combines a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum + coffee with a local guide.

10. Xochimilco Canals

If you’re in the mood to venture a little outside the city, consider a visit to the Xochimilco area, located about 17 miles south of the city. We recommend pairing Xochimilco with a visit to Frida’s house, as the house is approximately halfway between the Zocalo area and Xochimilco. 

Check out this tour that includes a visit to Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul and a stop in Coyoacan. 

The claim to fame of the area is its trajineras, or flat-bottomed boats hand-decorated with fabulous colors and designs. Floating along the myriad of canals and enjoying the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. 

This place was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 and a great way to spend a day in Mexico City is by touring the chinampas (or floating gardens).

As you go down the canals, you never know what you’ll see next– floating taco merchants, mariachi bands, rowdy bachelorette parties, etc. 

Check out this private guided tour here or this tour which includes a stop in other places.

That said, it’s perfectly possible to DIY this if you’re seeking to keep it more low-budget. 

However, we do recommend a bit of caution here — the price set by the Mexican government per boat (not per person) is about $25USD. If you don’t speak Spanish well, there’s a good chance you’ll get ripped off, and some haggling is necessary and the vendors can be quite pushy. 

A good rule of thumb is that, if anyone tries to tell you that the price is per person, walk away.

If you are looking for an experience with fewer tourists and more focused on the history and importance of the place, you can also experience a trip to a chinampa (a.k.a., the floating gardens of Xochimilco) through the most preserved canals of the area wetlands.

Away from the booze and the noise, you’ll get hands-on with one of the ancient cultivation techniques – from planting and irrigation to harvesting.

Xochimilco

11. Palacio de Bellas Artes

This stunning fine arts museum is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Mexico City, and arguably the world! With its spectacular roof and ornate exterior, the building is an architectural gem. 

Inside you can find many famous murals, including by Diego Rivera, as well as a large collection of Mexican art. You will be amazed by the quality of the pieces here and the fact that so many of Mexico’s most illustrious works are found here is reason enough for anyone to visit. 

If you’re pressed for time, be sure to visit the outside and check out the iconic roof!  No Mexico City trip is complete without walking around this gorgeous building.

12. Watch Lucha Libre

Spending an evening watching Lucha Libre bouts is one of the most fun and unique experiences to take part in while in Mexico City. It is popular even amongst Mexico City locals.

The entrance fee for most of the wrestling shows is quite cheap at the Arena Mexico, but the entertainment value is huge. We had such a good time watching the antics of these masked luchadores, and highly recommend that everyone experience it. 

This local tour which includes tickets, tacos, and beers is an INCREDIBLE way to see it!

The excitement of the match is palpable, and you really get into the action of the fight, despite it being largely stage-fighting. With each match, the announcer hypes up the crowd and introduces you to the fighters. They often have funny names that make you want to root for them. 

These acrobatic fighters will amaze you with all of the moves and tricks that they undertake– they jump on top of each other and spin around with such grace and strength! At some points, we were on the edge of our seats waiting to see who would win the fight as the luchadores know how to amp up the drama and spectacle. 

If all of this action makes you hungry, there is lots of food on offer, including some truly unique provisions– you can even get a cup of hot noodles, or popcorn drizzled with hot sauce! And of course, ice-cold Mexican lagers to accompany whatever treat you choose.

Who would have imagined that you can eat a piping hot cup of ramen while watching a Lucha Libre match? 

If you can get past the initial silliness of Lucha Libre, you will have a great time at this uniquely Mexican event and is one of the best things to do in Mexico City!

Tip: “Splurge” on the 2nd-cheapest seats for the best bang for your buck. They’re still very economical but also give you a better viewpoint. 

Lucha-Libre

13. Mezcal Tasting

Tequila’s smoky cousin, mezcal is a unique spirit that hails from Mexico. All over Mexico City, you can find bars that specialize in mezcal, and you can try tons of different varieties. 

If you expect mezcal to taste just like tequila, though, you will be quite surprised! It has a really smoky and earthy flavor, despite also deriving from the agave plant.

You can learn all about how mezcal is made, and how it’s much more complex in flavor than tequila. Going on a tour is one of the best things you can do in Mexico City!

If you love it like we do and are spending more time exploring the rest of Mexico, we recommend checking out Oaxaca where you can visit various mezcalerias!

Tasting mezcal in Mexico City is one of the most authentic things you can do here! We really enjoyed our mezcal tasting at hipster haunt Bósforo, conveniently located in the city center, but there are a variety of places you can visit all over the city. 

Tip: Get local on this excursion that combines two uniquely Mexican things – mezcal and tacos!

14. Visit La Mexicana park

If you happen to be in the Santa Fe area, you can’t miss Parque La Mexicana. What used to be an open pit mine has become one of the largest and most visited urban parks in Mexico City.

The huge 27-hectare park offers a bunch of attractions, such as a large artificial lake, a skate park, jogging and biking trails, and an area for dogs to play and run around freely.

It is ideal for a day of outdoor sports, or to simply spend the afternoon appreciating the scenery with some of Mexico City’s most modern buildings. This is a top attraction in Mexico City!

La Mexicana park

15. Shop in the Lagunilla market

Every Sunday in the heart of the city center there is a market that, even though it sells a little bit of everything, has a reputation for the precious antiques that you can find here. If you like vintage, you just can’t miss this spot.

It is highly recommended that you carry enough cash, and visit in the morning! This way you will avoid larger crowds and you may find some treasures before someone else takes them home.

16. Visit Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, a visit to the sprawling Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe area is a must. The architecture of the various buildings is beautiful, and the surrounding neighborhood is really fun to explore as well. 

The original shrine was built in 1709, with the area chosen for its proximity to where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Juan Diego in the 1530s.

Juan Diego is the first indigenous saint, and his cloak, with its depiction of Mary, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Catholic religion, and the world’s most-visited Catholic site. 

Ingeniously, there is a circular path with an airport-style moving walkway, so as to see the cloak from all angles. 

If you’re not familiar with the story, it is said that the Virgin Mary gave Juan Diego a bouquet of roses, so he could prove that he had seen her on one of her visits to him– as roses do not bloom in Mexico in winter. He gathered them in his cloak and went back to town, but when he arrived the flowers had transformed into a gorgeous depiction of Mary herself instead.

A visit here is one of Mexico City’s best things to do.

Basilica-of-Our-Lady-of-Guadalupe

Check out Mexico Travel Tips for more on traveling Mexico!

17. Try the Famous Licuachelas

In recent years one of Mexico City’s hidden gems has become popular – the famous licuachela. This is, in other words, a beer prepared with different salsas served in a… blender. Yep, you read that right.

In Spanish, blender translates as “licuadora”, and beer as “cerveza” – although it is colloquially called “chela“. Hence the name “licuachela“. Why is it served that way? Well, that’s still a mystery and, honestly, a big part of its charm.

You can find them at various points in Mexico City. They used to be common in street markets, but recently they were banned from being sold there.

18. See the Best Drag Shows in Town

The art of drag has grown a lot in Mexico, and in the CDMX you can witness some of the best drag shows.

You can visit Cabaretito in the Zona Rosa – in my opinion, one of the nicest parts of Mexico City. This place has been performing cabaret-style shows for over 20 years, so it is a must if you are a fan of this world.

19. Go to a fútbol game

Soccer doesn’t exist in Mexico – but fútbol does, and it’s pretty much the country’s largest religion. If you happen to be in Mexico City during the fútbol season, you should really try to go to a game – some tours soak you in the whole experience in a fun and informative way.

The Azteca is one of the most historic and prestigious sports venues in the world. It has been home to two World Cup finals, and it-is-huge. No photo can do justice to the breathtaking nature of this place.

Another of the city’s stadiums is the Olímpico Universitario, which also hosts several games during the season. It is also worth visiting if you are a fútbol lover.

20. Take a pic at the Ex Fábrica MX

A former flour factory has become an art venue with incredible murals and photograph-worthy walls.

It is a small, yet unique street art spot in Mexico City. There are also facilities for skateboarders to test their skills, vintage arcade consoles, tasty pizzas, and more. It is worth dropping by if you are looking for a unique background to take photos.

21. Go Museum Hopping in Mexico City

There’s so much more than the Frida Kahlo Museum when it comes to Mexican art.

And unless you stay for several weeks, you will hardly get to know all the museums in Mexico City. It has more than 170, making it the second city in the world with the most museums.

Some of the most popular include the MUNAL (National Art Museum), the Diego Rivera-Anahuacalli Museum, the Leon Trotsky House Museum and the National Museum of Popular Cultures.

Other places like the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso, the Memory and Tolerance Museum, the Franz Mayer Museum and the Anthropology Museum are all sought after places in the city.

Last but not the least, you have the Soumaya, the Tamayo Museum of Contemporary Art, the Jumex, the MUAC, and the iconic Luis Barragán Studio House.

22. Climb up the Torre Latinoamericana

When it was inaugurated in 1956, Mexico City’s Torre Latinoamericana was the tallest building in all of Latin America. Although it has since been surpassed by several other buildings, the panoramic viewpoint located on the 44th floor still offers the best view of Mexico City’s skyline.

It is located in the heart of downtown, so it is ideal to wrap up a day of exploring the area by watching the sunset in this magical place. Mexico city’s skyline from here is absolutely gorgeous!

Torre Latinoamericana

23. Biblioteca José Vasconcelos

Hands down, one of my favorite places in Mexico City. Designed by Mexican architect Alberto Kalach, the Biblioteca José Vasconcelos is the largest library in Latin America and one of the most representative architectural wonders of Mexico City.

Just being there feels like you’re in a movie, something like Inception meets Hogwarts. A bookworm’s paradise.

24. Breakfast at Casa de los Azulejos

The Casa de los Azulejos, also known as Palacio de los Condes del Valle de Orizaba, is more than just a place to eat.

Before it became a restaurant of the Sanborns chain (who own the place), this 18th century palace located in downtown Mexico City was a former home and a social gathering point for many members of the elite over the past few centuries.

The history it contains can be sensed in the atmosphere, and it goes without saying that the structure and the façade are mind-boggling. Casa de los Azulejos’ facade is covered by blue and white colonial Talavera tiles from Puebla state.

25. Ir al Sunday Sunday

Who said Sundays can’t be fun? If you love dancing to the best DJs in town, you have to get yourself some tickets to a Sunday Sunday event. These are held in multiple venues, usually with great Mexico City views and the coolest atmosphere.

As you could guess, these only happen on Sundays, so it’s a great option if you feel like doing something different to call it a week. In our opinion, this is a fun way to end your week in Mexico City! This gives you a glimpse into the fun Mexico City nightlife!

26. Fill your Artistic Eye at San Angel Bazaar

The San Angel Bazaar, a.k.a. the “Saturday Bazaar” is one the most colorful and popular markets in Mexico City. Here you’ll find a variety of art pieces, and it’s a great spot to discover new independent artists. 

There are tons of places to eat and beautiful gardens surrounding the place. Also, if you want to see more, there are numerous Mexican folk art and modern art galleries nearby. All in all, there’s everything you need for a perfect artsy Saturday in Mexico City!

27. Go to the Theater

This is another great plan when visiting Mexico City, as it is home to many prestigious theater venues such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts), the Metropólitan, and many others. 

There are plays for all genres and tastes, from the mainstream to the most underground. You’re lucky if you are interested in theater because it is one of the best Mexico City tourist attractions.

28. Have a Drink at Terraza Cha Cha Cha

If you fancy some delicious drinks on one of the rooftops with the best views in all of Mexico City, the Terraza Cha Cha Cha is a must-visit.

It’s located right in front of the Mexican Revolution Monument, a beautiful spot in the city.While there is not a great variety of food on the menu, the food that is served is usually to the liking of all palates.

29. Eat Your Way Around Mexico City

Last but not least, Mexico City is home to some INCREDIBLE restaurants. Restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil have topped the charts for the best places to eat in Mexico City for years.

Apart from those two places, there are a ton of other must-visit places. A few of our recommendations include Rosetta, Sud 777, Nicos, and Carmela Y Sal.

However, we are only really scratching the surface with those recommendations because Mexico City is FULL of incredible places to eat.

fine dining in Mexico

Mexico City Travel Tips

Before we end this article, let me give you a few travel tips on how to best explore this city. As mentioned, Mexico City is HUGE so you will need to be a bit strategic on your exploration! First things first, let’s talk about overall safety.

Safety in Mexico City

So first of all, keep in mind that you are visiting a wonderful, diverse, yet not-the-safest country.

Relatively speaking, Mexico City does not suffer from the same degree of cartel crime as other parts of Mexico, but it is important to be careful at all times. Watch your belongings, especially when you’re in crowded places.

Move cautiously, especially if you are traveling solo. We recommend to only stick to “touristy” neighborhoods (more on this later) and to stick to taking Ubers, especially at night. As Mexico City is HUGE, we recommend booking tours as this takes care of the transportation.

Transportation in Mexico City

Now, if you’re wondering how to move around, you have many options. Besides being a super walkable city, it is also a very good idea to get around on a bike.

Many parts of Mexico City have bike lanes to facilitate mobility, and there is a public bike service that allows you to rent bikes at various points and drop them off at many others.

For some routes, the subway is a great way to get around. Just be careful during the famous rush hour (which are those times when people usually go in and out of work), because it gets very crowded and can get uncomfortable.

For longer trips, you should try public or private cab services (Uber, Didi). The latter is usually cheaper, but in some cases, much more difficult to get.

Palacio de Belas Artes

Navigating Your Way Around the City

I can’t stress this enough: when you’re in a foreign country, try learning their language! There will always be people who speak English that will be happy to guide your way around the city, but not everyone does. 

Not only is learning basic Spanish very helpful, but it is a sign of respect for the culture and the locals. Most people in Mexico City, especially those who cater to tourists speak a good amount of English but if you run into any problems, Google Translator can help you out.

Best Mexico City Neighborhoods

  • Coyoacán is a super nice place to have a coffee and an ice cream.
  • The Bosque de Chapultepec park, along with the Chapultepec Castle, are a must Mexico City visit. It’s kinda like New York’s Central Park, but make it Mexican!
  • Condesa and Roma Norte are side-by-side neighborhoods, both great for having coffee and pastries. Roma Norte and Condesa are both great neighborhoods to stay in when looking for a place in Mexico City. Roma Norte in particular is a favorite due to the many lovely brunch spots.
  • Masaryk is a lovely place to walk around and check out the stores.
  • Paseo Reforma and the Ángel de la Independencia
  • Álvaro Obregón is a pretty walkable area stuffed with cool restaurants.
  • In the historic center you’ll find the beautiful Palacio Postal, the breathtaking Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts), the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and several museums.

    Fun fact: this whole area used to be the heart of an ancient Aztec city! Although time has transformed the place, this is a big part of the identity of Mexico City today.

There you have it! Hopefully, this article has given you a ton of ideas on Mexico City things to do!

FAQ Mexico City

Is it safe in Mexico City?

As in all places, you have to move with caution. If you are traveling on your own, it is important to have a way to communicate with the Mexico City locals in case you do not know Spanish well.

Unfortunately, Mexico is not a very safe country overall. The general recommendations that we locals follow are not to walk alone in quiet places, to avoid unfamiliar areas, and, when the sun goes down, to stay extra aware of your surroundings.


What is Mexico City best known for?

One of the things that best distinguishes Mexico City is that it ranks second in the world when it comes to the number of museums.

Also, it’s a great city to eat in, being an internationally renowned gastronomic destination. There are many delicious food options, and more than 170 museums to visit.

Are 3 days in Mexico City enough?

Three days in enough to see Mexico City if you stick to the main highlights. In three days you can do a lot of things in Mexico City and see some spectacular sites, however, if you have more time, we recommend spending at least 4-5 as the city is so big!

It is a big city with plenty of cultural richness, so it could take weeks to experience it all. If you want tips on how to spend those 4 days, check out our itinerary inside this post.

What is the best month to visit Mexico City?

The best month to visit Mexico City is December, March, and April. Besides being the seasons with the least amount of tourists due to the locals going on vacation, in spring you can appreciate the incredible vegetation with tree-lined streets and jacarandas everywhere.

Do note that it gets cold in Mexico City in December so keep that in mind when planning a trip.

Is Mexico City walkable?

Mexico City is walkable, depending on where you are staying! Keep in mind that Mexico City neighborhoods are not all designed in the same way, since the city is huge.

Some areas are very walkable because there are large green areas, such as Chapultepec park, and broad sidewalks that allow pedestrians to go everywhere. However, some places privilege access to cars.

For walkable neighborhoods, Condesa and Roma Norte are good places to start.

Can you drink tap water in Mexico City?

No, you cannot drink the water in Mexico City. There may be places with private drinking water systems in the sewers, but I wouldn’t risk it. It’s better to buy a gallon and fill up your water bottle whenever you can or get a water bottle with a filtration system!

This article was originally written by Tegan + Alex but has since been updated by the Adventure in You team.


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