The Top Things to do in Mexico City
Tacos, mariachi, beaches, friendly people, culture. These are all things that come to mind when I think of Mexico! I seriously love this country so much. Could I be biased because I was born in Mexico? Maybe. But I honestly believe this country has so much to offer.
I grew up in the U.S. and occasionally visited northern Mexico. However, my whole life, I had wanted to go to its capital, the famous D.F. One of the biggest cities in the world.
Unfortunately, the one thing that was stopping me from visiting was my fear that it was dangerous. When you live in the U.S., the media feeds us the worst about it. And although many things may be true, the city is far from the exaggeration that we see on the news.
I always feel relatively safe walking around in Mexico City. Sure, there are some sketchy areas to avoid, but I find sketchy areas in almost every big city I visit.
So please don’t allow fear of it being dangerous to stop you from visiting this wonderful city and country. Here are some of the top things to do in Mexico City.
The Top Things to do in Mexico City
Stroll Around the Historic Center
The place you don’t want to miss is the historic center, or the Centro Histórico.
Here you will find popular museums, markets, interesting buildings, and delicious food.
It is where most of the action in the city is at, and you’ll find both tourists and locals enjoying it all.
Below are the places you can visit while strolling the historic center.
Palacio de Las Bellas Artes
I love the architecture of this museum. It was a pleasure to the eye inside and out.
The inside holds murals drawn by Diego Rivera, which were quite remarkable to see.
Palacio de Las Bellas Artes is not only a museum but also a cultural performing arts center. You can find dance, theater, opera, art exhibitions, and music events.
Make sure to check dates for tickets to the events. But the museum itself is open to visitors daily.
Zócalo
The Zócalo is the main square in central Mexico City. Today, it not only goes by Zócalo, but the official name is Plaza de la Constitución.
It is used for ceremonies, as a venue for national celebrations, a gathering place for nationwide protests, concerts, and more.
In the past, it was used by the Aztecs for ceremonies and was the gathering place for what we knew as the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. You can even find the old ruins of Tenochtitlan next to the main cathedral.
The Zócalo is by beautiful pre-colonial buildings, including the National Palace. Depending on the holiday, you can find the Zócalo beautifully decorated either by ice-skating rinks, Christmas Trees, lights, Mexican flags, and more.
National Palace or Palacio Nacional
Located at the Zocalo, the National Palace is the government building famously known as the place where Mexico’s president gives the Grito de Dolores for Mexican Independence Day on September 15th.
This palace has been in use since the Aztec Empire and to the day contains original findings.
Alameda Central (Parque Alameda)
Next to Palacio de las Bellas Artes, is one of the oldest parks. With its many beautiful fountains, you’ll find it to be a great picnic spot or as a great shady area to sit and read.
On the western side of the park, vendors sell souvenirs, hand-crafted items, and traditional Mexican snacks. If you walk around at night, you find large groups of people gathered to dance with their partners.
Palacio Postal
Palacio Postal is probably one of the prettiest postal offices I’ve seen. The intricate details of the building take you back in time to its design from 1907, when it was built.
It’s truly a beauty and still a functioning postal office. So if you’re willing to wait in the long line, go ahead and send someone a postcard. But if not, you can still walk in to admire the design and construction.
Ciudadela Market
Souvenirs anyone? If you love local arsenal markets, this is the perfect place. You find Mexican handcrafted items such as clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, shoes, folk art, and so much more.
This traditional Mexican market displays Mexico’s cultural heritage and is a great place to purchase items to take back home.
San Juan Mexican Craft Market
There is no shortage of markets in Mexico City, and the San Juan Mexican Market is a great one to visit.
However, due to the Earthquake in 2017, the building where all the vendors sold got destroyed.
When I visited, I didn’t know this and ended up at the park across the building where a few vendors still sell their handcrafted items.
After having a few conversations with the vendors, I decided to support them by purchasing small souvenirs.
So even though the market is not technically there, I’m recommending you stop to support the locals who still show up day to day to sell their items as they wait for their workplace building to reconstruct.
Barrio Chino
Just next to Alameda Central Park and Palacio de Las Bellas Artes is the Barrio Chino, or Chinatown.
Mainly I found the street to be a place to find imported goods, many of which were lighting fixture stores.
But, of course, there are many restaurants here too. My favorite part was the cute Chinese-influenced decor hanging above.
Make sure to try the steamed bread and the food sold here.
Torre Latinoamerica
The Torre Latinoamerica has the most spectacular 360 degree view of the city!
This skyscraper has 44 floors and has my favorite city view.
From the top, you can view the Zocalo, Palacio Bellas Artes, Alameda Central, and far out into the city.
Inside the building, you can also find, cafes, restaurants, bars, museums, temporary art or interactive installations, and the entrance to the observation deck.
Tickets to the observation deck are 180 pesos which includes one museum. For another 40 pesos, you can add a second museum.
If you want to skip the observation deck, you can visit one of the cafes, bars, or restaurants which also give you a great view of the city.
Pastelería Ideal
You have walked into pan dulce heaven when you visit Pastelería Ideal, the famous bakery for bread lovers.
Mexico is known for its traditional pan dulce (sweet bread), and I found many options here.
Some popular choices are the concha which is sometimes filled with fruit, but you can find all types of bread, including cakes.
Definitely make a stop here when you wander near the Zócalo.
Churreria El Moro
This place is popping day and night as people come to indulge in delicious churros, a typical Mexican desert.
Churros are made from flour, water, and salt, but you can have them fill them with chocolate and other flavors.
There are a few located across the city, and you’ll notice the lines are always long. They sell other items too, such as hot chocolate and horchata milkshakes, my favorite.
Finca Don Porfirio Cafe
By far, one of my favorite spots to drink coffee and enjoy a view of the Mexico City center is Finca Don Porfirio Café.
It is on the 8th floor of the Sears Department Store across the Palacio de las Bellas Artes.
I loved it mainly because I sat down with my warm café de la olla to enjoy a view of the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Thankfully when I visited, it was mostly empty. It can get quite busy with waiting times, but it’s worth the wait.
Cafe Miralto
Cafe Miralto is another of my favorite spots for a gorgeous view of the city.
Although the view is what I most loved, they also had delicious pastries and coffee.
I highly recommend visiting here. It’s inside Torre Latinoamerica that I mentioned above. You can skip the viewpoint to save money, and go here instead.
Plaza Garibaldi
Mexico is all about mariachi music, and this plaza is the perfect place for it.
Here, you will find restaurants, bars, and many mariachis walking around singing to people.
Of course, it’s more prevalent at night when the party starts, but I went during the day and found it a nice place for an evening walk and drink.
We had mariachis stroll by and eventually gave in to some serenading from them.
Explore Colonia Condesa
Colonia Condesa (Condesa neighborhood) is where I stayed on my first visit to Mexico City.
I love the European vibe and chic style. I didn’t imagine Mexico City to be so European-like, but this area gave me great vibes, and I felt safe walking later in the night.
The area has a hipster feel, and you’ll notice a lot of students, young professionals, foreigners, and middle-and higher class locals.
The streets have many chic cafes, trendy and hip fashion stores, delicious sit-down restaurants, and even street taquerias.
The area is also popular for its bars and clubs.
However, I love Condesa’s walking avenues lined with trees in the middle of the streets. It’s something I had never seen but really enjoyed. It was like walking through a park the whole time I was there.
Below are some places you can visit and things you can do while in Condesa.
Bosque de Chapultepec
The Bosque de Chapultepec is a park in the city that can be compared to what Central Park is in New York City.
This park is large! There are vendors selling souvenirs, snacks, and food. You can also find a restaurants, restrooms, and a lake with paddle boats.
Inside the park, there are also museums, the president’s home (which the current president opened up as a museum instead), and art galleries. This is where you will find the famous Castillo de Chapultepec which has an incredible view of the city.
This park is perfect for picnics, family gatherings, and for taking a walk.
Castillo de Chapultepec
Castillo de Chapultepec is one of the top spots I love in the city.
The views from the castle are incredible. The castle sits upon a hill and you have a 360 degree view of the city. On a clear day, you can even see the Angel of Independence.
Not only is the view beautiful, but the castle itself is lovely. It’s a museum of antique decor, and history of Mexico and what the castle represents. You will find old artifacts and a beautiful interior and exterior design.
Museo Nacional de Antropología
This museum is gigantic! It contains history about the different indigenous groups from the past and present throughout all the states in Mexico.
Here I found information on the Mayans, Aztec, and many other native tribes of Mexico, including the Sonora Yaquis, from whom part of my family descends.
It is a great museum to visit before heading out to the Teotihuacan pyramids.
Nightlife
If you want to experience a lively nightlife, you can enjoy it in La Condesa.
You can find anything from bars to lounges to nightclubs. Whatever style and whatever type of music you are looking for, you will find it here.
Despite being the place to party, you’ll be surprised to realize it’s also the perfect place to stay and the noise is not an issue.
Most nights, we went to busy and popular restaurants with excellent going-out vibes.
Further south in Condesa, we went to Mambo Café in Insurgentes (no longer Condesa), where we enjoyed salsa dancing.
The place is not cheap. It’s more high class but has a great vibe. However, compared to the very skilled salsa dancers, I felt a bit embarrassed to get up and dance with my limited salsa skills!
Enjoy the Gastronomy
My favorite thing about La Condesa was all the delicious restaurants and cafes.
Although Mexican food is what you’ll mostly find, there are many international flavors too.
Many of the restaurants found here are of excellent quality, and some even have long waiting lists.
The prices here are much higher than other parts of the city, and you’ll mostly find tourists and higher-class locals dining here. It’s not as easy to find street tacos, but you can find a few cheap eating spots.
For tacos, check out El Tizoncito, Taqueria Orinoco, and Taco Naco.
Enjoy Coffee
Condesa seems like the place to live for expats and locals with a little more cash. Therefore you’ll see this neighborhood lined with coffee shops where students and professionals hang out to do their work.
Many of these places are pretty nice. One coffee shop recommended to me and tried was Blend Station. I had a delicious cafe de la olla.
Explore Colonia Roma Norte
Roma Norte is next to Condesa and they both intertwine so you might not even notice when you walk from one neighborhood to the other.
Both are very green, are filled with restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Both are a mix of a quiet neighborhood, clean, and at the same time lively.
You find expats choosing to live in both of these neighborhoods because of safety, cleanliness, the green spaces, and all the cafes.
Below are some places to check out in Roma Norte.
Avenida Amsterdam
Avenida Amsterdam is a beautiful avenue used by pedestrians. This walkway lined with trees sits in the middle of the main street and is primarily a jogging spot by locals.
It’s perfect since it’s like having your own little piece of nature in the middle of a bustling, busy city. If you’re visiting, I recommend walking it and checking out the beautiful architecture of the homes and maybe stopping at a café and restaurant while exploring.
Parque Mexico
This park is not as big as Bosque de Chapultepec, but it is one of my favorite parks in the city.
This perfect little park is lined with trees, benches, exercise areas, a dog park within the park, and a small lake.
It has an open area in the middle, where I love to go people watching. You find people dancing salsa, learning to skate and skateboard, people are boxing, playing soccer, riding bikes, reading books, or just sitting on the side taking in the sun.
Around this area, you find vendors selling esquites (corn in a cup), chips, coffee, and more.
It’s one of the most vibrant spots in Roma Norte and I recommend going here to relax or to join other people in the fun.
Next to the park, you find the famous churros El Moro. There is always a long line, but it’s worth stopping by.
Angel de La Independencia
Also known as El Angel, this victory column is a monument located downtown on a roundabout on Paseo de la Reforma, a famous boulevard.
It dates back to 1910 and commemorates Mexico’s War of Independence. It’s a famous landmark in the city, and similar to el Zocalo, it’s a gathering place for celebrations and protests.
Paseo de La Reforma
Paseo de la Reforma is one of Mexico City’s most famous avenues. This is where celebrations, protests, and large parades take place.
It’s a beautiful avenue to walk lined with beautiful hotels, bars, restaurants, and trees. Along the way you can find benches and sometimes you see art installations displayed.
You can walk it from the entrance of Bosque de Chapultepec and walk to the Angel de Independencia.
Monumento a la Revolucion
The monument to the revolution is a landmark commemorating the Mexican Revolution.
It’s a large square and you can find vendors around the landmark.
You can also go up the landmark and it has a great view of the city. I wouldn’t say it’s one of my favorite views, but it is a great one to enjoy if you have time to add another city view.
The best part was having a coffee and crepe with my friends while seeing the city.
Top Things to do in Mexico City
Casa de los Azulejos
The Casa de los Azulejos, is an 18th century-Baroque palace found in the city center, not too far from the Zocalo.
It was built by the Orizaba Family and is well known for it’s beautiful facade covered in blue Talavera tiles from the state of Puebla.
I recommend going here to have breakfast. If you ask to eat on the second floor, you can go to the balcony that has a view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Museo Soumaya in Polanco
Another beautiful neighborhood, but much more upscale is Polanco. In Polanco you can find lots of big skyscrapers but also lots of restaurants and shopping malls with high-end stores.
In Polanco, you can also find museums and one popular one is Museo Soumaya. This museum is distinguished by it’s awesome architecture. It’s a non-profit museum owned by one of the richest man on earth, Carlos Slim.
The Coyoacán Neighborhood
The Coyoacan neighborhood is one of the most beautiful in the city. The architecture of the homes is one to admire and getting lost in the streets is one of the best things to do.
You can find a few museums such as the famous Friday Kahlo Museum, you’ll find a lovely plaza, lots of food stands, restuarants, and souvenirs.
I recommend visiting the Mercado (market) to grab some food or souvenirs.
Don’t forget to explore the plaza, check out the church, and sit down at a bench to take in the culture and vibrant atmosphere.
Frida Kahlo Museum
On that note, one reason to visit the Coyoacán neighborhood is to visit the famous Friday Kahlo Museum.
The museums was her actual home and you can go through the rooms to view the furniture and art places along the way.
It has a beautiful courtyard inside and from the outside it has a vibrant blue façade.
Make sure to purchase tickets ahead of time because showing up will not get you an entrance to the museum. It get’s really packed which was the least enjoyable part of it, but it’s still worth it.
Take a Day Trip from Mexico City
There are so many places you can escape to for day trips or short 1-2 day trips. Most sites are only 1-3 hours away and can easily be reached by a cheap bus ride.
Getting the bus from the city to the towns around is very easy. Just take an Uber to the correct bus station and buy your ticket to the destination.
Below are some places near Mexico City that you can visit if you have a little extra time.
Teotihuacán Pyramids
One of the most popular day trips is to Teotihuacan Pyramids. These famous ruins are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
They are the third largest in the world and they take you back in time to learn the history and culture of Mexico.
Teotihuacan was once the most significant urban centers in the ancient world and is only 30 miles (50km) from the city.
The Aztecs found the city in the 1400s and named it Teotihuacan, “the place where the gods were created.” Here you find pyramids, plazas, and temples.
It’s most famously known for the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon.
Tepoztlán
Tepoztlán is a Pueblito Mágico (Magical Town) just an hour and a half south of Mexico City.
It is known to be the birthplace of Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec feather serpent god.
When you visit Tepoztlán, you will find a craft and food market, lots of restaurants, massage spas, and rooftop bars with views.
The town is beautiful because of its views. It’s surrounded by beautiful large mountains and you can hike to a ancient pyramid. You can also go on ATV Tours and other nearby hikes.
Xochimilco
Xochimilco is actually still part of Mexico City, but when you visit, it’s as if you left the city.
Xochimilco is found in southern Mexico City. It’s not a river, but more like a system of canals that was used for transportation by the Aztecs.
The canal is still used as such, but mainly it is a tourist spot where you will find trajineras, or gondola-like boats used for visitors to cruise.
As you cruise on one of these colorful trajineras, other boats that are food vendors come by to sell you delicious Mexican food and snacks.
However, the real fun here is when the mariachi bands float by on boats and they play music for you while you order drinks from another trajinera.
On the weekends, this place becomes a party on boats and one of the funnest things to do in the city.
I recommend going with a group of friends, or if you’re staying in a hostel go on a tour so you won’t go alone. The price of the trajinera will be too much for a solo traveler.
The prices can start at 600 pesos for the entire trajinera, therefore sharing with friends will be better.
If you decide to go solo, look for a group of people who are willing to let you join. Mexicans love visitors and are very welcoming, so don’t shy away from going with others if you can’t find someone to go with.
Puebla and Cholula
If you start your day very early, you can take a day trip to Puebla and Cholula or pick just one. Both are colorful cities and have lots of history related to Mexico’s battles of the past.
However, the coolest thing about visiting is seeing the largest pyramid in the world. No, it’s not in Egypt, it’s in the state of Puebla and only a short drive from Mexico City.
Plus, you can view a beautiful volcano when visiting if you go on a clear day.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
There are many great neighborhoods to stay at in Mexico City. I’ve been fortunate to visit a few times (and live), and have gotten to experience staying in various neighborhoods. You can decide which one you prefer depending on what type of trip you are looking to have.
Condesa and Roma Norte
I put these two neighborhoods together because they blend in with each other and are very similar in what they have and how they look.
Here you will find lots of cafes, restaurants, and a nightlife. They are one of the safest neighborhoods in the city and are easily walkable in the day and night.
If you will be working in cafes or like walking and enjoying residential neighborhoods, I suggest staying here.
If you want to be closer to Bosque de Chapultepec and Reforma, Condesa is a better choice. But Roma Norte isn’t that far either, just add another 10 minutes walking distance.
Budget: Casa Pancha
Mid-Range: Condesa Cibel
Luxury: Hotel Villa Condesa
Centro Histórico
The city center is a much more budget-friendly place to stay. You can find some great Airbnbs, hostels, and hotels. This is a great area because there is a lot to do nearby within walking distance.
You will find museums, churches, ruins, restaurants, bars, beautiful streets to walk, bus tours to catch, and so much more.
The city center is a great place to stay, but I do recommend leaving and arriving by Uber if you will be out late. Once it gets late into the night, it doesn’t feel like the safest place to easily walk around.
Budget: Casa Pepe
Mid-Range: Cadillac Hotel Boutique
Luxury: Casa de la Luz Hotel Boutique
Paseo de La Reforma
Paseo de la Reforma is a popular avenue in Mexico City and a great choice for accommodation because it is nearby many tourist spots.
On this avenue, you will find nice skyscraper hotels with rooftop pools and bars. Nearby, you have Angel de la Independencia and Bosque de Chapultepec.
You can also walk to Roma and Condesa Neighborhoods and explore all of Reforma avenue. Lastly, it is a great spot for business stays and for finding co-working spaces.
You can also find nice restaurants and cafes.
Mid-Range: Suites del Angel
Luxury: Sofitel Mexico City Reforma
How to Get Around in Mexico City
Getting around Mexico is very easy and safe. The fastest and most convenient way to do so if you don’t want public transportation, is by Uber.
Most rides will be under 100 pesos (5usd) depending on distance and time. Even from the airport, you will most likely pay about 200 pesos ($10) to Condesa and Roma Norte neighborhoods.
The cheapest way to get around is by Metro. The public transportation system in the city is amazing and easy to follow. If you use Google Maps, it will tell you exactly where to get on, how many stops, your transfers, and which exits to take.
There is metrobus, trolebus, metro, and the regular bus. The metro is 5 pesos and the others range from 5-7 pesos.
It is safe to ride them, but just like in any big and main city, be aware of your belongings to avoid pickpockets.
Bike riding is another great way to get around the city, especially in neighborhoods like Roma Norte and Condesa. However, all along Paseo de la Reforma, it’s also very bike friendly.
This may sound crazy to you, but walking is a great way to get around the city. If you stay in Roma Norte, Condesa, or Reforma, you can easily walk all these neighborhoods without ever catching a ride. They are very close to each other.
Is Mexico City Safe?
Here’s what I can say. For years, I had wanted to visit the city but I had fear because of things I heard in the news about it being dangerous.
And you know what? I was extremely surprised at how safe I felt in the city, especially in certain neighborhoods like Roma Norte, Condesa, and Polanco.
But I also felt perfectly fine walking around the city center.
However, I won’t deny the fact that in the city center I was more aware of my belongings and I wasn’t flashing my phone around, but i would take it out to take pictures. Late at night, it got quite deserted and I opted for taking Uber rides in this area.
Like any other city, you only need to take regular precautions. Don’t flash your valuables. At night, if you go out, go in groups.
What to Pack for Mexico City
Here is a list of my favorite items I packed for my trip to Mexico City.
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
The Top Things to do In Mexico City
