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The 27 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

By Scarlett Lindeman

Mexico City is changing rapidly from the influx of foreigners who have recently discovered the city’s infinite charms. There are dozens of new restaurants, parties, and projects that keep the vibrancy of this capital city (with a population of over 22 million) surging while the storied museums, ancient bars, and cultural sites maintain their standing. An intoxicating mix of ancient and new, you could spend a lifetime here and barely scratch the surface. While there's no way you’ll manage to cover all of the must see and dos in one trip, sticking to one neighborhood a day keeps things manageable. No matter how you end up spending your time in Mexico's capital, one thing is for sure—you’ll be scheduling your second trip before your first is even finished.

Read our complete Mexico City travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Colonia Juárez Arrow

The Juarez neighborhood has evolved in recent years. Once gritty, the area is now teeming with great boutiques, bars, parks, and restaurants like Masala y Maiz, which blends Mexican and Indian cuisines, and Niddo, a sunny corner spot that serves a divine brunch. There are loads of hotspots around the leafy central Plaza Washington: La Rifa for artisanal chocolates, Loose Blues for vinyls and vintage denim, and Elly's for natural wines and handmade pastas.

Luis Barragán House and Studio Arrow

The former home and studio of Pritzker-Prize-winning architect Luis Barragán has been transformed into a museum in Mexico City's Hidalgo District. Architecture and design lovers frequent the estate to study the artist's ingenious use of color, light, shadow, form, and texture. From the street, you'd never guess the personality that lies inside: The stark-gray façade humbly blends in with neighboring homes, but walk to the interior of the estate and you'll find striking walls in a kaleidoscope of bright colors, fountains, and pools.

Gran Hotel Ciudad de México Arrow

Even if you're not staying at this hotel on the Zócalo, it's worth stopping just to see the jaw-dropping interior. The building originally opened as a department store in 1899. Since then, its art nouveau bones have been carefully maintained: The curving staircase is a replica of the one at Paris's Le Bon Marché , and the antique elevator, made of iron and concrete, was the first of its kind in Mexico City. But the pièce de résistance is the incredible Tiffany stained-glass ceiling, imported from France in 1908.

El Moro Churerría Arrow

Early evening is churro time in Mexico City—families, couples, and friends all go out for a taste of sweet fried dough and chocolate. You'll often find lines snaking around the block outside this beloved churrería (churro shop). There are shops in Roma, Centro Historico, Condesa, Polanco, and Cuauhtémoc.   Most have spiffy interiors with blue and white tile, bright lighting, and long communal tables. Watch the cooks dip, fry, and sugar-coat your long, spindly churro, which is paired with hot chocolate in a flavor of your choosing.

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

Floating Gardens of Xochimilco Arrow

Drive 40 minutes south of the city and you'll witness the closest approximation to the Valley of Mexico (in which Mexico City lies) before the arrival of the Spanish. The World Heritage Site of Xochimilco, the extensive lake and canal system that once connected most of the settlements in the valley, is an incredible vestige of the area's pre-Hispanic past. Start at the Embarcadero Belem dock to board a colorful gondola -like boat, called a trajinera , and explore the waterways and artificial islands or chinampas .

Palacio Nacional Arrow

Diego Rivera's famous mural The History of Mexico, showcases the Aztec era to the conquest to the Revolution to the development of industry. It's grandiose and captivating, a unique opportunity to learn about Mexico's past. Not to mention it's free: The mural is housed in a distinguished building east of the Zócalo that operates as a government office. Among the office workers milling about, you'll see a mix of local, national, and international tourists who come to be awe-stricken by Rivera’s masterpiece.

Templo Mayor Arrow

Templo Mayor (translation: main temple) was the centerpiece of Tenochtitlán, the ancient Aztec capital, constructed in 1325 in the marshes of Lake Texcoco. The temple was mowed over and replaced by a cathedral during the Spanish conquest in 1521. Today, the hulking stone ruins lie at the heart of Centro Histórico, embedded in the blueprint of downtown. Surrounded by streets and buildings, it is hard to imagine the temples in their original Aztecan glory, but the nicely organized museum helps paint the full picture.

Museo Frida Kahlo Arrow

The museum, also known as "Casa Azul" for its shocking cobalt blue exterior, is where Frida Kahlo was born, raised, lived, and died. Visitors can take in a few paintings by Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera, in addition to other contemporary artists of their era. But perhaps more interesting is the voyeuristic window into their creative world. The home is carefully preserved and maintained; it's easy to image the spaces as they were during Kahlo's time. In addition to their personal effects and domestic materials, the collection of clothes and corsets Frida needed to support her body after her traumatic accident give an intimate look at the artist's daily struggles.

Sculpture Garden at the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo Arrow

Located on the outskirts of Mexico City proper, at the National Autonomous University of Mexico campus, the Sculpture Park is totally off the tourist track. Featuring a range of grand outdoor sculptures, the park is best explored by foot. The sculpture space, which looks like a giant crater, is one the top things to spot. It's built around lava (which can be seen in the center) and has wonderful views from the ledge.

Mercado Jamaica Arrow

The city’s principal flower market offers visitors a fragrant, colorful walk through much of the region’s native flora and fauna, available to be bundled into a bouquet and taken back to your home. Available for your admiration are roses, lilies, daisies, ferns, and violets galore, among other rare and special species. Visit during Dia de Muertos to see trucks carting in pink and orange cempasuchil , or Mexican marigolds, for family members to buy to decorate their ofrendas at home or their loved ones’ graves. Build a bundle to decorate your hotel room with—or better yet, to dry and frame as a memory for when you return home.

Monumento a la Revolución Arrow

This landmark, located in the heart of Mexico City, commemorates the Mexican Revolution and is the largest triumphal arch in the world. The main structure evolved over twenty-five years of stops and starts and a major redesign. It was finished in 1938, to comprise an eclectic blend of art-deco and Mexican socialist realism styles. A visit to the top observation deck only costs 110 pesos ($5) and there's a museum underground. You don't need much time to witness the glory of the monument. Saunter around, gawk at the creative architectural stylings of the structure, and walk under the arches. History nerds may be more interested in the small museum below, but more than anything it's an architecturally significant piece, and the observation deck has great views. If you keep your eyes peeled while exploring around town, you'll most likely catch a glimpse of the monument down a main street—but a quick glimpse isn't enough, and it's worth the quick 15-minute trip to walk underneath it.

Omusubi House Arrow

In a small storefront in Roma Norte, the husband and wife team, Ichiro Kitazawa and Varia Gonzáles Manuel work side-by-side in the miniscule kitchen, cupping steamed rice into palm-sized balls. They will sink sauteed sweet potato into the omusubi which are speckled like confetti with purple and wild rice, a marriage of Mexican ingredients and Japanese technique. They met while working at a Japanese restaurant years back when Mexico City was still called DF, the federal district. He had arrived ten years earlier by way of Osaka, as a hippy backpacker intent on photographing Latin America but fell into cooking; and she, from Puebla. “Omusubi translates to tying up or to bring together” Kitazawa explains, “which is how we wrap the rice”—and a sound metaphor for the forging of connections between their two countries.

Cárcamo de Dolores Arrow

Second or third-time visitors to Mexico City who think they've seen everything will find something new here. This historic but infrequently-visited site was constructed in 1951 as a hydraulic water system connected to the city's main water lines. And while it no longer acts as a municipal water work but rather a museum and cultural landmark, it underscores the city's complicated relationship with water. In the lesser-traveled section of Chapultepec, it is currently under renovation and closed to the public, though the massive Rivera sculpture of the Azteca water god Tlaloc out front can still be admired.

Eat Like a Local Arrow

Eat Like a Local, a Mexico City–based company, runs culinary tours that immerse visitors in the city's vast food scene. Rocio, the guide, has long been a food blogger , and her knowledge about the Mexico City's food scene is totally on point. She's also passionate about connecting tourists with locals, and impacting Mexico City in a positive, sustainable way. There's a set itinerary, but she's flexible—so go on, order another mezcal or pork carnitas, if you like.

Museo Jumex Arrow

Museo Jumex houses one of Latin America's largest private contemporary art collections, which includes works by Andy Warhol, Martin Kippenberger, Cy Twombly, and Damien Hirst. Mediums range from paintings and drawings to light and video installations. The building is as distinctive as the art: British architect David Chipperfield designed the 15,000 square-foot white-concrete cube with a sawtooth top. (Plus the Soumaya Museum is just across the square, so you can feed two birds with one scone.) 

Self-Guided Centro Historico Cantina Crawl Arrow

It's easy to pop around in Centro, hitting up a few cantinas to have a drink or two and to soak up the style of these classic, dive-y spots. The more friends you bring and make, the better. Locals and regulars alike hit the cantinas, which maintain a storied baseline for the drinking culture of Mexico City. Musicians pass through, sorrows are drowned, and gains celebrated. Many cantinas serve food, some better than others, and will often gift snacks and small plates if you consume around three drinks, though each spot has its own rules. Beer and tequila prevail. Simple cocktails, built-in-the-glass rum and cokes, margaritas, sangria, rum, brandy, and mezcal. Some cantinas are known for certain drinks, but craft cocktails this is not.

Lucha Libre at the Arena Coliseo Arrow

A giant venue that hosts sporting and entertainment events, the Arena seats as many as 23,300 spectators. It's best known for hosting Lucha Libre wrestling matches. The stadium is sprawling, and some seats are certainly better than others, depending on how much money you're willing to fork out. If you're here because you're a true Lucha Libre fan, make sure to sit in the front row; if you're here to have a fun night out with friends, the cheap seats will do just fine.

Teotihuacán Arrow

The ancient Mesoamerican pyramids of Teotihuacán, in the Valley of Mexico, once served as the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas. It is thought that during the first millennium A.D. the city had around 125,000 people, including multi-ethnic groups such as the Otomi, Zapotec, Mixtec, Maya, and Nahua. If you have a few days in Mexico City, it's worth the day trip . (Teotihuacán is about an hour outside the city by car.) Leave early in the morning so you can be back in the city by mid-day—and bring sunscreen!

The Centro Zocalo Historico Bodealores   Arrow

The boleadores are dotted around the perimeter of downtown's main square (and almost every other park and plaza in the city) but you'll have a great view of the cathedrals, flagpole, and Palacio Nacional if you get your shoes shined here. Climb up on the elevated perch of the boleador's chair and they will make your boots shine anew. At 50 to 100 pesos ($3 to $6), it's one of the cheapest shoe-shine experiences around. Boleadores are an important part of Mexican street culture and a fixture of pedestrian avenues, a living-breathing mid-century heritage that is not in danger of dying out. But with the proliferation of cheap plastic shoes and mass-market tennis sneakers, "limpiabotes" are a hand-crafted service for giving leather shoes a new life.

Museo Anahuacalli Arrow

Awesome, grand, and out-of-the-way, Anahuacalli is part studio, part museum, and part shrine for Mexican art that Diego Rivera built as an architectural piece uniting past, present, and future to the natural environment. Rivera's personal and expansive collection of pre-Hispanic figurines, carvings, and totems accumulated over a lifetime. The museum itself was constructed around a swath of rocky terrain Rivera and Khalo had purchased for a farm. The main collection features nearly two thousand figurines representing Olmecs, Toltecs, Nahuas, Zapotecs, the people of Teotihuacan, and those of northeastern Mexico as well as Rivera's sketches for murals. There are also temporary exhibits of more modern Mexican artists, with a recent rotation of 30 textural works by Robert Janitz—paintings, large-format sculptures, and an NFT.

Patrick Miller Arrow

From the outside, this dance club looks like dumpy warehouse hidden behind a black gate in Roma Norte. But come on a Friday (the only day it's open), and you'll find a raging party that offers a glimpse of the city's extant disco subculture. An eclectic mix of party-goers show off their moves in dance circles to all kinds of music, from '80s and '90s classics to sub-genres of disco, such as Hi-NRG, Italo, and electro.

Museo Nacional de Antropología Arrow

This massive building in Chapultepec Park is among the city's most famed museums, second only to perhaps the Museo Frida Kahlo . Though the late Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez designed it in 1964, the mammoth building still looks as avant-garde today as it did then. (How exactly does that giant concrete slab float above a pond?) The museum holds the world's largest collection of ancient Mexican artifacts. Some of the most iconic Mesoamerican artifacts discovered to date can be found across 23 rooms. If you want to understand Mexico's history, then a visit here is a must.

Plaza Garibaldi Arrow

Mexico's roving mariachi bands have been found in this plaza, a few blocks north of the Palacio de Bellas Artes , since the mid-1900s. Though the plaza has deteriorated over the years, it's seen a resurgence thanks to a city-driven effort to clean up the neighborhood by installing new sidewalks and street lamps. It's a cultural meeting point of sorts, where travelers can come day or night (though the best time to go is after 11 p.m.), to watch bands solicit bar patrons, cars, and passersby to buy a song .

Torre Latinoamericana Arrow

This 44-story skyscraper, built in 1965, is the tallest building in Centro Histórico . The tower miraculously withstood both the 8.1-magnitude earthquake of 1985 and the 7.1-magnitude quake of September 2017, making it a rare feat of engineering. The Torre defines Mexico City's skyline (much like the Empire State building in New York) and is a useful tool for orienting oneself in downtown. Head to the top-floor observation deck for jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city, or to the newly renovated bar/restaurant (one floor below), which has equally impressive views and is almost always empty.

Salón San Luis Arrow

The dance floor at this old-school salon, cloaked in red light, comes alive as locals, tourists, and old timers twirl and shuffle to a live band . Try your hand at salsa, merengue, cumbia, and norteña numbers as waiters in crisp whites with black bow ties circle the room serving liquid courage. There's no shame in bad dancing, so try and learn the steps. (The pros might even show you a thing or two.)

Iglesia San Ignacio de Loyola Arrow

A surprisingly tranquil stop in a high-energy city, this infrequently-visited modernist church is tucked away in plain sight in residential Polanco. Designed by famed architect Juan Sordo, it was completed in 1961 and features a sharp triangular structure covered in handmade yellow ceramic tiles. Show up during visiting hours and you can tour the grounds inside and out. Indoors, the Jesuit temple is encased by multi-colored stained glass windows that catch vibrant fractals on sunny days, with an effect almost like being trapped in a kaleidoscope. It's a place of worship and quiet contemplation, yes, but also a haven for architecture nerds.

La Rifa Chocolateria Arrow

Indigenous to Mexico, cacao has been consumed in the country and played an important role in Mesoamerican societies since 19th BCE; La Rifa continues the tradition with a small roaster on-site. There are a handful of tables sprinkled in the tree-shaded plaza out front, optimal perches for spending an hour or two. Ask to see their production in the back and they will most likely give a tour. The main event is sipping chocolates—water-based and closest to how cacao was consumed, pre-Columbian, before the introduction of the Spanish (and thus cows and milk). The front-of-house folks are happy to explain the finer nuances of their roasting process, flavor-profiles, and history of Mexican chocolate.

Ahuehuete Arrow

This six-seat collection room is a distillate library, a stunning space housed in a centuries-old building in one of Mexico City’s oldest neighborhood. The Porfirio Díaz-era bar and backbar were found in a Puebla antique store and are over 100 years old (once you book here , you'll be notified of the exact location) It'll cost you $75 per-person for a six-spirit sampling, light snacks, and water. Inside, there are only six seats and a knowledgable barkeep/tour guide crafting a rich journey for you and your fellow spirit geeks. While tequila and mezcal are some of Mexico's greatest exports, there are dozens of other plant-based spirits like bacanora, sotol, raicilla, and charanda, distilled in micro-batch quantities in rural communities that never make it into commerical circulation—nor are they intended to. The team behind Ahuehuete has been collecting bottles throughout the years, traveling to rural villages to find interesting batches for their private collection.

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mexico City

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Meagan Drillinger spends months each year in Mexico, and visited Mexico City most recently in 2023.

Mexico City is, in a word, magic. The capital of the country of Mexico, Mexico City (or Ciudad de Mexico) is a swirl of gorgeous architecture, art museums, fabulous restaurants, and hotels — all set on streets that drip with centuries of history.

The city sits at an altitude of more than 2,200 meters in the Anáhuac Valley, wreathed in mighty mountain ranges — just have a look at the two snowcapped volcanoes, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, which stand guard in the distance.

Mexico City is one of the largest and most exciting cities in the world . Home to more than 21 million people, it's a thriving (sometimes chaotic) capital, home to the country's top tourist attractions , including the historic city center, more than 170 museums, theater, and even a few Aztec ruins.

Discover more things to do in this vibrant city with our list of the top attractions in Mexico City.

1. Zócalo: The Birthplace of the Constitution

2. the national museum of anthropology, 3. templo mayor and the great pyramid of tenochtitlán, 4. the palace of fine arts, 5. mexico city metropolitan cathedral, 6. the national palace, 7. chapultepec park, 8. paseo de la reforma and the angel of independence, 9. national history museum, 10. coyoacán & the frida kahlo museum, 11. the basilica of our lady of guadalupe, 12. alameda central, 13. the square of the three cultures and santiago de tlatelolco, 14. the house of tiles, 15. museo mural diego rivera and museo rufino tamayo, 16. museo soumaya, 17. explore the polanco neighborhood, 18. visit teotihuacan, 19. church of san francisco, where to stay in mexico city for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to mexico city, map of tourist attractions in mexico city, mexico city, mexico - climate chart.

The beating heart of Mexico City is Zócalo — the Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square) — where the country's first constitution was proclaimed in 1813. Measuring some 240 meters in each direction, it's one of the world's largest squares and was laid out almost immediately after the conquest of the former Aztec city of Tenochtitlán on which it stands.

In the early colonial period, the square served a variety of purposes, including as a bullfighting arena and market, while today, it's used for festivals, parades, and demonstrations.

Dominated by three of the city's most visited tourist attractions — the National Palace , the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor with its Aztec relics — Zócalo is the perfect place to begin exploring this historic city.

Hot Tip: A short stroll away from Zócalo, you can view three floors of murals by the famous artist Diego Rivera at the Secretaría de Educación Pública (education ministry). Entry is free.

One of the most important of its kind in the world, the National Museum of Anthropology lies in Chapultepec Park and is hard to miss due to the huge monolithic figure marking its entrance.

Built in 1964, this strikingly successful example of contemporary architecture is famous for its magnificent displays of old Indian art treasures, most notably in the Central Patio, part of which is roofed by a gigantic stone shelter supported by an 11-meter-tall column with waterfalls symbolizing the eternal cycle of life.

As spectacular as the building itself is its vast collection, which includes archaeological finds from extinct Indian cultures along with details of the lifestyles of contemporary Indian inhabitants of Mexico.

Other highlights include the National Library of Anthropology , founded by Lucas Alaman in 1831 and developed by Emperor Maximilian, which boasts more than 300,000 rare volumes.

Address: Av Paseo de la Reforma y Calzada Gandhi S/N, Chapultepec Polanco, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Despite the widespread destruction after the defeat of the Aztecs, a number of their important historic sites have been unearthed and put on display in recent years. The most important site is Templo Mayor, home to the remains of the Great Temple of Tenochtitlán, including the first relic discovered in 1978, a finely sculpted round disc more than three meters in diameter and weighing eight-and-a-half tons.

Further excavations — including the summit platform of an earlier pyramid with well-preserved temple walls, along with the skulls of sacrificial victims — indicate the temple site had been built over by the Aztecs and their predecessors 11 times.

A highlight of a visit is a walkway past the precinct of the aristocratic "winged warriors," where remains of residences decorated with multi-colored reliefs have been unearthed, along with evidence of the original paintwork.

Hot Tip: The vast majority of relics and artifacts uncovered are housed in two museums: the Templo Mayor Museum built on the temple site, and the nearby National Museum of Anthropology , widely regarded as the most important museum in Mexico.

Address: Seminario 8, Centro Histórico, 06060 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

One of Mexico City's most important cultural landmarks, the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is an architectural gem. Towering over the adjacent park, this massive marble building — designed by Italian architect Adamo Boari with Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences — was completed in 1934 and is so heavy that it has sunk more than four meters, despite attempts to lighten it by removing part of its huge dome.

The palace serves as an opera house and concert hall hosting a variety of traditional and international dance and operatic productions. But many visitors also come here to view the impressive murals adorning its interior by famous artists such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente.

On the 4th floor is the Museo Nacional de Arquitectura with rotating exhibits on contemporary architecture.

If you happen to be in town on Wednesday or Sunday, tickets to the Ballet Folklorico are a must. For nearly 60 years, this performance has brought the traditional costumes, dance, and music from all regions of Mexico to one stage for a performance that is beyond entertaining, colorful, and beautiful.

Hot Tip : If you're able to see a performance here, you'll also be rewarded with a chance to enjoy the theater's stunning interior décor, including its spectacular glass-mosaic curtain, made by Tiffany's of New York, depicting the Valley of Mexico and its two mighty volcanoes.

Address: Juárez, Centro Histórico, 06050 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Dominating Zócalo Square, the massive Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de María) is one of the oldest and largest churches in the Western Hemisphere. Built atop part of the old Aztec temple precinct, construction of this massive basalt and grey sandstone structure began in 1525 and extended over 250 years.

In spite of the two neoclassical towers and certain other features, the façade creates a predominantly Baroque impression with its massive twisted columns. Standout features are the bell towers added in 1793 and the statues of Faith, Hope, and Charity on the clock tower, dating from 1813.

The cathedral's interior also shows a mingling of styles, with particular highlights being the richly carved Altar of the Kings (Altar de los Reyes) from 1739, with its superb devotional painting of the Assumption (Asunción de María) to which the cathedral is dedicated.

Also of interest are a chapel containing the remains of Mexican Emperor Agustin de Iturbide, and the crypt with its tombs of many of the city's archbishops, among them Juan de Zumárraga, the great teacher of the Indians and the first incumbent of the see.

Address: Plaza de la Constitución S/N, Centro, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Occupying the east side of Mexico City's main square, Zócalo, the immense National Palace (Palacio Nacional), built of reddish tezontle stone and boasting a 200-meter-long façade, is the official residence of the president.

Built on top of an Aztec palace, it was the seat of the Spanish viceroys during the colonial period and has been much altered and enlarged over the years. One of the oldest and finest buildings in the city, it includes such notable features as the Freedom Bell , rung on September 15th, 1810, at the start of the War of Independence (it's rung on the anniversary of this event each year).

The palace boasts many handsome rooms laid out around its 14 courtyards, some accessible to visitors, the most notable being the arcaded Grand Courtyard with its fine frescoes depicting the country's rich history. Don't miss The History of Mexico mural by Diego Rivera, which adorns the grand staircase.

English-language guided tours explore a museum, a number of large halls, and the parliamentary chamber in which the Reform Constitution of 1857 was drawn up (it and the Constitution of 1917 are on display).

Other attractions here are the State Archives , with important historical documents, and the Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejada , one of the country's largest libraries.

Address: Plaza de la Constitución S/N, Centro, 06066 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Bosque de Chapultepec is Mexico City's principal park, and covering an area of more than four square kilometers, it is also its largest. Once a stronghold of the Toltecs, it was here in AD 1200 that the Aztecs settled, and according to legend, laid out a park in the early 15th century.

Over time, the hill became a summer residence of the Aztec rulers with water from its springs conveyed to the temple precinct in the capital by means of an aqueduct, the remains of which can still be seen in Avenida Chapultepec. Portraits of the Aztec rulers were carved on the slopes of the hill, remnants of which can still be seen.

These days, the park is popular for its lakes, sports facilities, botanic garden, and museums — you'll find both the National History Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology here — along with numerous fun events, including concerts and theatrical performances.

Also of interest is the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno), which opened in 1964 and is important for its retrospective look at Mexican art before and during the colonial period and its collection of pictures and sculptures by Mexican artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Chapultepec Zoo is also here with a surprising diversity of animals from around the world.

The principal east-west traffic artery of Mexico City, Paseo de la Reforma extends for 15 kilometers from Tlatelolco to the residential district of Las Lomas but is best known for the stretch from Avenida Benito Juárez to Chapultepec Park .

Here, this attractive boulevard widens to 60 meters with a pleasant green strip in the middle containing busts and monuments to numerous national heroes. While now largely known as a busy entertainment and shopping area, this magnificent avenue - laid out during the reign of Emperor Maximilian - is home to a number of important attractions, most notably the massive Independence Monument (Monumento a la Independencia), also known as "El Angel" for the figure of a winged goddess of victory standing atop its tall 36-meter column.

In addition to its fine statues of the heroes of the country's independence movement is the Mausoleum, with its many skulls of some of the country's most important historical figures.

On Sunday mornings, Paseo de la Reforma closes to cars to become a pedestrian and cycle-friendly thoroughfare. It's one of the best things to do for residents of all ages. You may even find a pop-up yoga class happening in the street.

Address: Paseo de la Reforma y Eje 2 PTE, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Another of Mexico City's world-class attractions is the National History Museum (Museo Nacional de Historia). Housed in the 18th-century Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec), on a site once occupied by Aztec buildings and later by a Spanish hermitage, the museum opened in 1944 and is home to an impressive collection of pre-Columbian material and reproductions of old manuscripts, as well as a vast range of exhibits illustrating the history of Mexico since the Spanish conquest.

Highlights include arms and armor, documents, maps, and plans of the Conquest period and its immediate aftermath; ceramics, clothing, jewelry, and coins from three centuries; relics and souvenirs of the struggle for independence and the revolutionary wars; portraits of leading figures in Mexican history; and a number of state carriages, including those used by Benito Juárez and Emperor Maximilian.

Also of interest are the apartments occupied by Maximilian and Charlotte, decorated in neoclassical style and containing furniture brought from Europe. The castle also offers beautiful views over the city.

Address: Castilla de Chapultepec 1a Sección, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

Laced with atmospheric cobblestone streets, Coyoacán is one of Mexico City's oldest neighborhoods. Take time to stroll around the maze of laneways here and explore the hidden plazas, colonial-style mansions, and art-filled old churches like San Juan Bautista.

You can also sample exotic fruits and vegetables at the markets. One of the top tourist attractions in the town is the Frida Kahlo Museum in La Casa Azul (The Blue House), where the famous Mexican artist was born and where she frequently returned throughout her life. Here, you can view some of her most important paintings, as well as works by her famous husband, the mural artist Diego Rivera, and personal items from the couple's life. Note that it's best to purchase tickets in advance.

An easy way to see all the highlights of Coyoacán is on the full-day Mexico City Super Saver Tour . This 11-hour excursion begins with a guided tour through the neighborhood, including a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum and North America's oldest university, as well as a boat tour along the canals of the UNESCO-listed ecological reserve, Xochimilco.

While you're in Coyoacan you can also visit the Museo Casa de Leon Trotsky . This is the house where Leon Trotsky, the exiled Russian politician, spent the final years of his life before he was assassinated.

Address: The Frida Kahlo Museum, Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Said to have attracted its first pilgrims when it opened in 1531, the Roman Catholic Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) attracts millions of visitors and worshipers each year, particularly during the Feast Day each December 12th.

Built adjacent to the hill where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, the site consists of a complex of buildings overlooking a broad public square adorned with a number of interesting modern sculptures, including a large concrete cross with a unique clock and chime.

Highlights include a splendid altarpiece dedicated to Mary in the 16th-century Old Basilica, and the new Basilica de Guadalupe, built in 1976, and notable for its distinctive modern curved appearance.

Address: Plaza de las Américas 1, Villa de Guadalupe, 07050 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Alameda Central, a shady and beautifully kept park with many splendid fountains and sculptures, was laid out in 1592 on the site of a once-busy Aztec market. It remains a bustling location to this day, especially at Christmas, when it is beautifully illuminated and decorated. Next to the park is the stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes , which hosts music and theatrical performances as well as important art exhibitions.

Address: Av Hidalgo S/N, Cuauhtémoc, Centro, 06010 Ciudad de México

Another of Mexico City's important historic squares is the Square of the Three Cultures (Plaza de las Tres Culturas). The square occupies the site of the main square of the Pre-Columbian town of Tlatelolco and the scene of the last desperate stand by the Aztecs in 1521 - an event remembered by a memorial tablet.

It takes its name from its interesting mix of buildings from three different periods: Aztec pyramids and temples, a Spanish church, and modern tower blocks. In addition to the principal pyramid, other Aztec remains include a number of smaller pyramids, platforms, staircases, walls, and altars, as well as a "tzompantli," a wall of skulls and fine reliefs of Aztec calendar signs.

The square is also home to a rather sobering memorial museum, Memorial 68, commemorating the tragic murder of some 250 protesting students by government forces in 1968.

Also of note is the Baroque church of Santiago de Tlatelolco , built in the early 17th century on the site of a small chapel from 1535 that belonged to the Franciscan convent of Santiago. Adjoining the church is one of the old convent buildings, formerly the Colegio Imperial de Santa Cruz, in which the Franciscans taught the gifted sons of the Aztec nobility (one of the most notable teachers was Bernardino de Sahagún, the great chronicler of the history of New Spain).

Opposite the picturesque Church of San Francisco is the spectacular House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos). It was originally built in 1596 and boasts a façade decorated by the Conde del Valle de Orizaba 150 years later, with exquisite blue and white tiles from Puebla.

It became even more famous after artist José Clemente Orozco painted murals on the walls of the staircase in 1925. The House of Tiles is now a restaurant and an evocative venue to dine al fresco in the building's spectacular courtyard, surrounded by what is one very large work of art.

Hot Tip : Be sure to check out the large photo marking the spot where Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa dined together on arrival in Mexico City.

Address: Av Francisco I. Madero 4, Centro, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

A short walk from the National Museum of Anthropology is Museo Rufino Tamayo, named after Rufino Tamayo (1900-91), one of Mexico's most famous painters. Notable for its unusual interior, the gallery opened in 1981 and, in addition to Tamayo's artwork it also displays his own extensive collection of several hundred works by contemporary artists, including prints, paintings, sculptures, and wall hangings.

Another important art facility worth visiting is Museo Mural Diego Rivera named after one of the country's leading artists whose most famous painting - Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park - in which he caricatured some of Mexico's historical figures, is on display here after years of being banned by the state (Rivera had originally called it Dios no existe , or God does not exist ).

Address: Paseo de la Reforma 51, Bosque de Chapultepec, 11580 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

A trip to Mexico City would be incomplete without a visit to the Museo Soumaya . This futuristic, architectural mind-meld was founded by Carlos Slim, one of the wealthiest men in the world, who named it for his deceased wife, Soumaya. Inside is more than 66,000 pieces of art that span 3,000 years, from sculptures from Mesoamerica right up to works from Tintoretto and Salvador Dali.

The non-profit cultural icon originally was housed in the Plaza Loreto of San Angel until 2011. It was moved to a new building in Plaza Carso in Nuevo Polanco, designed by Mexican architect Fernando Romero. The silver, reflective building spans 170,000 square feet of space and is a design feat in itself, pinched at the center like an hourglass, but angular like the hull of a ship.

But the real masterpieces continue inside. The majority of art is from the 15th to 20th centuries, though there is a substantial collection of indigenous Mexican art. Slim is the owner of the world's largest private collection of Auguste Rodin's art, as well, and the museum has the largest collection of casts of his sculptures outside of France.

Address: Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, 11529 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

When it comes to the original "in vogue" destination in Mexico City, Polanco is at the top of the list. This swanky, glitzy, expensive neighborhood has always been about high style, fine dining, and fabulous hotels. Within the neighborhood are countless shops and restaurants, as well as a corner of Chapultepec Park .

If you're looking for one of the most up-scale destinations in Latin America, Polanco certainly takes the lead. The neighborhood's main artery is the Avenida Presidente Masaryk , which is often likened to the 5th Avenue of Mexico City. It's easy to see why when you see art gallery after art gallery, fine dining after fine dining, shopping malls, and gorgeous hotels.

Start at the Antara Fashion Hall , where you'll find all the brand names, from Hugo Boss to Carolina Herrera. You can also visit the Siqueiros Public Art Room, where muralist David Siquieros hosts workshops, talks, conferences, and exhibitions. You can also pop into Chapultepec Park for a lovely little afternoon picnic.

In the evening, snag a reservation at the legendary Pujol restaurant before heading to the Telcel Theatre for a Spanish-language performance of one of the Broadway greats.

Perhaps one of the most culturally and historically significant sites in Mexico City, the archeological zone at Teotihuacan tells so much of the story of the birth of Mexico.

The ancient site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , was settled around 400 BCE and rose to be one of the most powerful cities in the region. It is still a mystery how the city came to be, but several theories exist surrounding earlier tribes that could have contributed to the city's growth. In the 15th century, the Aztecs claimed the city, naming it Teotihuacan.

Today what remains of Teotihuacan's eight square miles are 2,000 single-story apartment compounds, pyramids, temples, and palaces. It is known for its iconic Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest structure in Teotihuacan and faces west, measuring roughly 720 feet by 760 feet.

Priests at Teotihuacan were known to practice human and animal sacrifice. In fact, archeologists discovered 18 sacrificial victims buried around some of the temples, including the Pyramid of the Moon.

Today visitors can explore Teotihuacan on their own or as part of a tour. The archeological site is just 30 miles outside Mexico City.

Along Madero Street (the street that leads to the Zocalo), you'll find the stunning Church of San Francisco. It's directly across the street from The House of Tiles. This beautiful, historic convent was once at the heart of a sprawling church and monastery complex. Today, all that remains is the church.

Still, what remains is a spectacular site to behold. Just look at the beautifully carved doorway, which dates back to the 18th century. The reddish bricks that you see to the right are stones that were used originally to build the Aztec buildings that once made up Moctezuma's private zoo.

When first constructed, the church was one of the earliest and most powerful Franciscan monasteries in the city. It also held the first 12 Franciscan friars who arrived in what was then "New Spain."

The church that exists today is actually the third to be built here and dates back to the early 18th century. Services are still held today.

Address: Av Francisco I. Madero 7, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

If you're traveling to Mexico City for the first time, the best area to stay is in the historic city center (Centro Histórico de la Ciudad). This UNESCO World Heritage Site centers around the Zócalo, with the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and Templo Mayor.

The affluent Polanco neighborhood, also makes a great base, with its luxury hotels and upscale restaurants. It's about a 30-minute drive from the Centro Histórico, but near all the attractions of Chapultepec Park and the famous shopping street, Paseo de la Reforma. Here are some highly rated hotels in these convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• If you like grand historic hotels, the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico in the Centro Histórico has affordable rates and an unbeatable location, within walking distance of the major historical attractions and with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Zócalo.
• A dazzling stained-glass ceiling caps the elegant lobby. In the quieter Polanco neighborhood, a short stroll from Chapultepec Park, JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City features a full-service spa and outdoor pool.
• Near Polanco and just a short walk to the Chapultepec Castle, the St. Regis overlooks Paseo de la Reforma and occupies a sleek modern building with contemporary decor to match.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A 10-minute walk to Zócalo, near restaurants and shops, the boutique Historico Central , in a beautifully restored 18th-century building, blends history with modern decor and thoughtful added touches such as artisan soaps.
• Also in a historic building is the Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City - Centro Historico , featuring a gorgeous stained-glass ceiling. It lies within walking distance of the Zócalo, Alameda Cathedral, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
• The name says it all when it comes to location at the Zocalo Central , in an elegant building dating from the late 19th century. Some rooms score a bird's-eye view over this famous square.

Budget Hotels:

• Near the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a 20-minute walk from the Centro Histórico, the good-value One Ciudad De Mexico Alameda has clean, compact rooms and free breakfast.
• A few blocks from Paseo de la Reforma, Hotel Bristol is popular for its friendly service and comfortable rooms, while the modern City Express Plus Reforma El Angel is a short cab ride away from the historical center.

Taking an organized tour is the best way to see Mexico City's top attractions and a convenient way to enjoy day trips to surrounding sites. Guided tours save you time navigating the city's traffic-clogged streets, plus you can learn about the history and culture of the city. These sightseeing tours all include expert guides, entrance fees, and round-trip transportation.

• Coyoacán, National University, and Frida Kahlo Museum: Mexico City's art, history, and nature are covered on the full-day Mexico City Super Saver Tour . This 11-hour excursion begins with a tour through the cobblestone streets of the evocative colonial city of Coyoacán, including a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum and National University. Top off your city sightseeing adventure with a relaxing boat tour along the canals of the UNESCO-listed ecological reserve Xochimilco.
• Teotihuacan Pyramids: On the eight-hour Early Morning Teotihuacan Pyramids Tour , you'll be one of the first visitors to gain access to this UNESCO-listed archaeological park. Better still, a private archaeologist guides you through the top sites, including the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl, Sun Pyramid, and Moon Pyramid. After exploring these ancient temples, the tour takes you to an obsidian workshop to see local artisans at work.
• Iztaccihuatl Volcano: Avid hikers can enjoy spectacular views of Popocatepetl and the Valley of Mexico on the Iztaccihuatl Volcano Hiking Tour from Mexico City . This 12-hour tour includes a hike up the intermediate trail of this dormant volcano, stopping short of the 5,230-meter summit to admire the panorama.

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The 20 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

Mexico City is the fifth largest city in the world, a sprawling metropolis where history and culture converge in a dynamic tapestry of bright colors, diverse cuisines, and lively districts.

I love it here. I’ve been a handful of times and never get tired of exploring and eating my way around the city. I always have an amazing time. In fact, I love the city so much I even ran tours here (and every single person I showed around was blown away). No one hates this place.

Unsurprisingly, in a city so large and with such a long history, there’s a ton to see and do here, from visiting world-class museums to feasting at tiny taco stands to exploring offbeat neighborhoods. You could easily spend a week here and not even scratch the surface.

Here are what I think are best things to do in Mexico City so that you can have fun and really get to know the city and culture on your trip to this vibrant capital!

Table of Contents

1. Take a Walking Tour

2. visit the museo nacional de antropología, 3. tour frida kahlo’s house, 4. attend a lucha libre, 5. day trip to teotihuacán, 6. peruse the mercados, 7. take a food tour, 8. sample mezcal, 9. float along the xochimilco canals, 10. admire the view from torre latinoamericana, 11. wander the zócalo, 12. relax in chapultepec park, 13. visit castillo de chapultepec, 14. check out the art and history museums, 15. tour a megalibrary, 16. marvel at the soumaya museum, 17. escape to the unam botanical garden, 18. stroll around roma and condesa, 19. visit a pueblo mágico, 20. offbeat things to do in mexico city.

Walking tours are an excellent way to learn a destination’s history and avoid missing any must-see stops. I always start my trips off with at least one walking tour as it’s the best way to get the lay of the land and connect with a local guide that can answer all your questions.

Estación Mexico Free Tours and the Monkey Experience both have a free historic downtown tour that can show you what the city has to offer. The former also offers four other free tours of different neighborhoods too. Even though the tours are technically free, always remember to tip your guide at the end!

For more walking tour recommendations (including paid options), check out this post .

Found within Chapultepec Park, this world-class anthropology museum is the largest museum in Mexico (it’s also the most visited, receiving over two million guests per year). Since 1964, it has housed the largest global collection of sculptures, jewels, and artifacts from ancient Mexican civilizations. The different time periods are grouped into comprehensive (and massive) exhibition halls with bilingual information signs, so be sure to give yourself ample time to explore it all. There’s a beautiful courtyard in the center where you can sit and people-watch for a bit.

Av. P.º de la Reforma s/n, +52 (55) 5553-6266, mna.inah.gob.mx. Open Tues-Sun 9am-6pm. Tickets are 95 MXN. Guided tours of the highlights start at 375 MXN (includes admission).

Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera are two of the biggest names in Mexican art. Frida was particularly famous for her portraits and self-portraits. A tour of their old home (“Casa Azul”) is a worthwhile experience to see where and how she lived, as well as some of her original artwork. It’s a really interesting house with a beautiful garden and lots of information about her life. The residence also hosts a variety of artistic workshops monthly, so check out the schedule if you’re interested.

This guided tour of Coyoacán (the surrounding neighborhood) includes a ticket to the museum, which you’ll visit at your own pace after learning about the area in which the two artists lived and worked.

Londres 247, Del Carmen, +52 55 5554 5999, museofridakahlo.org.mx. Open Tues-Sun 10am-6pm (Wednesdays at 11am-6pm). Tickets are 250 MXN (270 MXN on the weekends). You must buy your tickets well in advance (at least a month out), because they are in incredibly high demand.

Mexican “free wrestling” is a favorite national pastime. Extremely entertaining and affordable, lucha libre takes the sport to a whole new level. Grab a beer or a shot of tequila, and whatever you do, do not look away during a match as anything can — and will — happen. (Do not bring your camera though, as you will be forced to check it at the door.)

Arena México and Arena Coliseo are the main places to see a match. General seating tickets can be as little as 56 MXN (do not buy from scalpers, because the police are always around and you’ll get in trouble). Look for a taquilla (ticket booth) sign to be sure that you are paying the right price.

Guided experiences, like this lucha libre experience , are also available. During the match, you’ll enjoy a mezcal tasting and munch on chips and guacamole, and at the end, you’ll leave with your very own lucha libre mask.

Arena México: Dr. Lavista 189, +52 55 5588 0266, cmll.com/arenas/arena-mexico. Shows on Fridays at 8:30pm, Sundays at 5pm, and Tuesdays at 7:30pm

Arena Coliseo: República de Perú 77, +52 55 5588 0266, cmll.com/arenas/arena-coliseo. Shows on Saturday nights at 7:30pm.

I’ve been a few times and can’t recommend it enough (especially if you’re a history buff). We took our tour groups here and everyone always had an amazing time.

You can either do the day trip yourself (there are plenty of buses) or go on a guided tour that also stops at the Guadalupe Basilica , an important pilgrimage site. Either way, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, as the sun is punishing, and there’s little to no shade.

Admission to the pyramids is 80 MXN, while a full-day tour including transportation and a local guide is 540 MXN.

Mexico City boasts a kaleidoscope of bustling markets, each with its own unique charm. Among the most famous is Mercado de la Merced, a sprawling market hailed as the largest in town. Located east of the Zócalo, it’s mainly focused on food, with vibrant displays of fruits, vegetables, meats, and spices.

Another iconic market is Mercado Roma, a contemporary gastronomic hub that showcases the city’s culinary diversity through gourmet treats and artisanal products. For something a little different, Mercado Jamaica is a beautiful flower market, full of vibrant colors and fragrances. And for unique souvenirs, head to La Ciudadela, an artisan market which boasts an extensive collection of traditional textiles and handicrafts.

Finally, Mercado de Sonora stands out for its mystical ambiance, renowned for catering to spiritual and esoteric needs, offering everything from traditional herbs and potions to ritualistic artifacts. There’s truly a market for everything in Mexico City!

If you don’t want to explore on your own, you can join a guided tour that visits both Mercado de la Merced and Mercado de Sonora, including many stops to sample lots of authentic local treats Tickets are around 1,100 MXN.

My friend Anais runs Devoured Tours , offering in-depth tours into the food scene of CMDX, with five different four-hour options to choose from. On each tour, you’ll meet a local “tastemaker,” an expert in their craft who shares the process behind Mexican gastronomic traditions like making mouthwatering tacos or crafting exquisite mezcal cocktails. Tours start at 1,625 MXN.

If you just want to eat all the tacos (who doesn’t), join Sabores Mexico Food Tours on its Tacos & Mezcal Night Food Tour . You’ll enjoy tacos at a mix of traditional and contemporary taquerias and end your night sampling in the first mezcal bar in Mexico City.

I love mezcal. It’s is a traditional Mexican distilled spirit, crafted from agave, that’s renowned for its smoky flavor and complexity. I’ve learned a ton about it over the course of my visits to Mexico, but I’m always looking to try new flavors and dive deeper into the distilling process.

If you want to try mezcal and learn more about it, some unique places to sample it include La Mezcaloteca (a bar/library where you can do a tasting of five mezcals) and La Clandestina in Condesa (with 25 mezcals from all over the country)

At the Museum of Tequila and Mezcal near Plaza Garibaldi, knowledgeable guides will lead you through the intricate process of production, from harvest to distillation. You’ll also get to sample types of mezcal alongside different tequilas, so you can appreciate the differences between Mexico’s main two spirits. A ticket that includes tastings costs 340 MXN.

If you’re an early riser, you can even opt for a sunrise tour, during which you’ll get the waterways virtually to yourself. Tours start at 890 MXN.

Torre Latinoamericana is an iconic skyscraper in the heart of Mexico City. Completed in 1956, it was once the tallest building in Latin America. Designed by architect Augusto H. Álvarez, the tower rises 183 meters (600 feet) and consists of 44 floors. (It has resisted numerous earthquakes, thanks to its innovative design featuring a stabilizing core.)

The tower offers panoramic views from its observation deck, giving a good perspective on just how massive the city is. It costs 200 MXN to visit the observation floor ( get advance tickets here ), but if you go to the bar on the floor just below, you’ll get the same view for the price of a drink.

Francisco I. Madero Avenue 1, +52 55 5518 7423, miradorlatino.com. Open daily 9am-10pm. Tickets are 200 MXN.

Originally the main ceremonial center in the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán (located where Mexico City now stands), the Templo Mayor was destroyed to make room for the cathedral in 1521. In fact, the very stones that made up the temple were used to create the cathedral. You can now view ancient artifacts uncovered from the site, rediscovered in the 1970s, at the Museo del Templo Mayor (95 MXN to enter the museum and archaeological site).

When you’re done, head over to admire the stunning Spanish colonial architecture of the La Catedral Metropolitana. This 16th-century building dominates the northern half of the Zócalo and is free to enter. Inside, it’s incredibly ornate, with a floor that’s noticeably tilted thanks to the perpetual sinking of the city (due to its construction on a lake and swamp).

Chapultepec means “Hill of the Grasshopper” in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. Spanning 686 hectares (1,700 acres), this park in the heart of Mexico City is the second largest urban park in Latin America (the biggest is in Santiago, Chile ). It’s one of the world’s most visited too, not only by visitors but locals, who love to set up shop grilling and picnicking on Sundays. You can also rent a rowboat or paddleboat and go out on Chapultepec Lake. Whenever I want to just relax and soak up the sun, this is where I go.

In addition to the countless paths to stroll, Chapultepec is home to a zoo and several important museums, including the Museum of Anthropology (mentioned earlier) and Chapultepec Castle (see below).

The park is divided into three sections. Section 1 houses most of the museums and is open Tuesday-Sunday 5am-6pm. Sections 2 and 3 are open 24/7, though like many city parks, it’s likely not the best idea to walk through it alone after dark.

The only castle in North America to house monarchs, Chapultepec Castle was built in 1725 as a large manor house for the viceroy (the Spanish colonial administrator). Abandoned during the Mexican War of Independence in 1810, it later became the residence of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota in 1864, during the Second Mexican Empire (1864–67).

Today, you can visit the castle and meander through the magnificently decorated period rooms, manicured gardens, and terraces offering impressive panoramas. The castle is also home to the Museo Nacional de Historia (see below), which tells the story of Mexico from the time of Tenochtitlán to the Mexican Revolution.

Bosque de Chapultepec, Section I, +52 55 5256 5464, mnh.inah.gob.mx. Open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm. Admission 95 MXN.

• Palacio de Bellas Artes (Fine Art Museum) : This impressive Art Nouveau building with an Art Deco interior is a massive cultural center that hosts performing arts events. Its various galleries include murals by Diego Rivera and rotating temporary exhibitions. It is also home to the Museum of Architecture.
• Museo Nacional de Historia (National History Museum) : This museum, located in Chapultepec Castle, tells the history of Mexico over 12 permanent exhibition halls.
• Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art) : Located within Chapultepec Park, this museum focuses on modern Mexican art. Its most famous piece is Frida Kahlo’s The Two Fridas .
• MUAC (University Museum of Contemporary Art of UNAM) : This art museum on the university’s grounds also focuses on contemporary Mexican art, with video and sound installations, paintings, drawings, and more.
• Museo Nacional de Arte (National Art Museum) : Mexican art from the mid-16th century to the mid-20th century is divided into three main time periods (colonial, post-independence, and post-revolution).
• Museo de Arte Popular (Folk Art Museum) : This museum’s collection of Mexican folk art and handicrafts features traditional textiles, pottery, glass, piñatas, and alebrijes (brightly colored sculptures of fantastical creatures).
• Memory and Tolerance Museum : This newer museum tells the history of genocides and crimes against humanity, with a section promoting tolerance and inclusion of all groups of people.
• Tamayo Museum : Born out of the private collection of artist Rufino Tamayo, this museum concentrates on 20th-century international art (especially of the avant-garde variety).

Ticket prices vary, but generally range from free to 100 MXN.

The Biblioteca Vasconcelos, located in the Buenavista neighborhood, is a temple to books, often referred to as a “megalibrary.” The largest library in the entire country, it opened in 2006, covers an incredible 38,000 square meters (409,000 square feet), and houses over 600,000 books.

But the real draw for the visitor is not in the collection (which, though large, isn’t particularly noteworthy) but the building itself. The architecture is stunning, featuring transparent walls, six intentionally mismatched floors, and sculptures by prominent artists. It also has a focus on sustainability, with rainwater collection barrels on the roof, windows designed to light almost the entire interior naturally (yet without harming the books), and a green roof covered in plants that keep the building cool.

Don’t miss popping around the back to stroll through the quiet and spacious garden filled with trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Admission is free.

Housing 66,000 pieces of Central American and European art, the Soumaya Museum displays works not only by Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo but also by famous masters such as Botticelli, Dalí, and Rodin. The museum was donated and constructed by one of the world’s richest men, Carlos Slim Helú (a Mexican business magnate). The Soumaya is a stunning piece of art on its own, as it is covered in 16,000 hexagonal aluminum tiles that sparkle in the sunlight. It’s considered the most beautiful modern building in Mexico City. Admission is free.

Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. +52 55 1103 9800, www.museosoumaya.org/. Open daily, 10:30am-6:30pm. Free entry.

If you’re seeking a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, look no further than the Botanical Garden at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Rooted in Aztec traditions that valued gardens for both medicinal and ornamental purposes, this sanctuary also emphasizes conservation and environmental education. It’s situated around lava formations from the Xitle volcano eruption, and the paths meander through naturally formed grottoes and past waterfalls and ponds teeming with koi and turtles.

The plants you can admire here include the world’s most diverse cactus collection, with 800 different varieties; there’s also an orchidarium and a medicinal garden. This is also a habitat for wildlife: keep an eye out for woodpeckers, owls, hummingbirds, rattlesnakes, lizards, and the Pedregal tarantula, a species exclusive to this small area of Mexico City.

University City, Coyoacán. +52 56 22 90 63. www.ib.unam.mx/ib/jb/. Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, Saturdays from 9am-3pm. Admission is free.

Roma is renowned for its bohemian atmosphere, European-inspired architecture, and colorful street art. Condesa is a bit more laid-back, high-class, and refined, featuring Art Deco buildings and lots of sidewalk cafés. Parque México and Parque España are iconic green spaces that divide the two neighborhoods and are perfect places to sit and people-watch for a bit.

The pueblos mágicos (magical towns) are towns and villages that the Mexican government has recognized for their cultural, historical, and natural significance. To be so designated, a place must meet specific criteria, including having historical and cultural richness and unique architecture, traditions, and folklore. These towns often feature well-preserved colonial architecture, lively cultural traditions, and a welcoming atmosphere.

While they are scattered all across the country, there’s one located just over an hour from Mexico City: Tepotzotlán.

Known for its beautiful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, vibrant murals, and hikes to sacred sites in the surrounding mountains, it makes for a fun day trip, or if you have the time, even an overnight. There are buses that go to Tepotzotlán from Taxqueña (Mexico City’s southern bus station) every 30 minutes. A ticket is 184 MXN.

There are lots of unconventional things to see and do that a lot of visitors don’t experience. Here are a few suggestions of some of my favorites:

• Palacio de Correos de México : This beautiful post office is a fascinating mix of architectural styles, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Gothic Revival, and others. There’s a free museum on the ground floor featuring various elements of the post office’s history, including a huge mural made entirely of stamps!
• Ballet Folklórico de México : This renowned folk-dance ensemble showcases traditional Mexican dance and music. Their permanent home is the Palacio de Bellas Artes, where tickets start at 1,200 MXN .
• Museo del Objeto del Objeto (Museum of the Object of the Object) : This quirky museum is dedicated to everyday objects, showcasing the evolution of design and consumer culture in Mexico. Free admission.
• Museo del Chocolate : Learn about the importance and cultivation of cacao throughout Mexico’s history. There’s also an attached café, where you can sample chocolates in plenty of different forms. Museum admission is 80 MXN.

Mexico City is one of the world’s greatest metropolises. From iconic landmarks like the historic Zócalo and the majestic Teotihuacán pyramids to the vibrant markets, diverse neighborhoods, and thriving culinary scene, it is utterly captivating. No matter how long you have here, these things to do will keep you busy and ensure that you have an amazing visit.

Book Your Trip to Mexico City: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, here are my favorite hostels in Mexico City .

This post can help you pick the best neighborhoods to stay in .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Mexico City? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to Mexico City for even more planning tips!

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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26 Best Things to Do in Mexico City, From Fine Art to Fine Dining and Shopping

From visiting museums to learning about tequila, these are the best things to do in Mexico City.

Mexico City is centuries old, and it would take at least that amount of time to experience all the culture, dining, arts, and hidden corners the city offers. The sprawling metropolis is home to more than 9 million residents living in more than 1,800 colonias, or neighborhoods.

Mexico City has recently seen a rise in visitors, who come to sip chocolate at La Rifa Chocolateria and shop the Avenida Presidente Masaryk. Travelers enjoy both historical sites and new additions, like modern restaurants and hotels. 

There's simply too much to see, taste, and experience, but we came up with some of the best things to do in Mexico City to kickstart your exploration.

See the Murals at Palacio de Bellas Artes

Construction on this iconic concert hall and arts center in Centro Histórico started in 1905, but the the Art Nouveau/Art Deco building wasn’t finished until 1934. The third floor displays 17 murals by seven prominent Mexican artists of the 20th century. One of the pieces, Diego Rivera’s Man at the Crossroads, is a recreation of an earlier version the famed muralist and revolutionary created for New York’s Rockefeller Center (before it was deemed it too controversial and destroyed ).

Indulge in Fine Dining at Pujol

Pujol , Enrique Olvera’s celebrated ode to Mexican gastronomy, tops most lists of the best restaurants in Mexico City. The seasonal tasting menu showcases the kitchen's modern take on traditional Mexican techniques and ingredients, including a signature mole aged for over 2,000 days.

People Watch in Parque México

This urban park is the green heartbeat of La Condesa. Its oval shape evokes the horse-racing track it replaced in 1927. The trees, fountains, and ample seating provide a perfect spot to catch one’s breath and people watch. Explore the manicured walking paths with an espresso or hot chocolate in hand.

Find Inspiration at the Frida Kahlo Museum

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

La Casa Azul (the Blue House), in Coyoacán, easily spotted thanks to its striking cobalt shade, is where Mexican artist and revolutionary Frida Kahlo spent much of her life. Now a museum , the house displays some of her personal belongings, paintings, photographs, and dresses in a series of rooms and gardens.

Shop Handicrafts at Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela

Jorge Castro/Travel + Leisure

You don't have to travel to Oaxaca to find handicrafts and souvenirs made by local artisans. This market in Colonia Centro is the place to shop for ceramics, silver jewelry, wool blankets, and art handmade all over Mexico.

Wander Through Bosque de Chapultepec

At more than 1,600 acres, Bosque de Chapultepec is more than just a park. It houses a zoo, eight museums, a recreational lake, and monuments to Mexico's heroes. Don’t miss Chapultepec Castle, built in the 18 th century for the Spanish viceroy and now home to the National History Museum (pictured). Food vendors and street performers draw locals to the park on weekends.

Marvel at Museo Soumaya

The striking architecture is just part of what makes this jaw-dropping art museum one of the best things to do in Mexico City. The private collection holds more than 66,000 pieces with an estimated value of more than $700 million, but don't worry – admission is free.

Explore the Stacks at Biblioteca Vasconcelos

You might not initially include a library visit on a list of things to do in Mexico City, but Biblioteca Vasconcelos is an architectural marvel. The bookshelves are cantilevered out from the sides, giving them the appearance of floating from the ceiling. Smoked glass floors and multiple levels create an almost dizzying biblio-industrial aesthetic.

Chow Down at Churrería el Moro

Chewing on churros is easily one of the best things to do in Mexico City. While you'll find slightly stale (and cheaper) ones from street vendors, Churrería el Moro is an authentic stop for perfectly chewy churros, hot chocolate, and ice cream sandwiches. There are more than a dozen locations throughout the city, but the one in Centro Historico is the original and easiest to find.

Explore the Supernatural at Mercado Sonora

Mexico City is home to multiple markets, but Mercado Sonora is one of the few that sells occult products alongside piñatas, home goods, and fresh cacti. The rear of the market holds stalls dedicated to medicinal herbs, Santería statues, and Day of the Dead altar materials.

Visit Barrio Alameda

This Art Deco shopping and design center sits at the western edge of Alameda Central , the oldest public park in the Americas. It's one of the best places to go in Mexico City if you like visiting edgy boutiques and upscale restaurants. The rooftop patio is especially popular.

Order Seafood at Contramar

You might not think of landlocked Mexico City as a hotspot for seafood, but Contramar will confound your expectations. Creative takes on whole grilled fish and oysters abound.

Honor History at El Zócalo

Mexico City's Zócalo is one of the largest urban plazas in the world, and it occupies what had been the center of the ancient Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Today, an enormous Mexican flag, which soldiers raise in a daily ceremony, marks the spot.

Stop by El Tizoncito for Tacos Al Pastor

This Condesa taqueria has some of the best tacos al pastor in Mexico City. Thinly-sliced and marinated pork is topped with raw onion, fresh cilantro, and slivers of sweet pineapple.

Listen to Music at Plaza Garibaldi

Plaza Garibaldi draws roving bands of Mariachi performers. Snag a spot at a nearby bar, order a tequila, and enjoy the show for the price of a song.

Take a Shot at the Museo del Tequila y Mezcal

Whether you choose a guided tour or wander among the tequila displays solo, there's a lot to learn about Mexico's most celebrated spirit at this museum . And yes, there's an onsite cantina where you can sample some for yourself.

Spot the Street Art

Mexico City is a respected art capital, but you don't have to visit a museum to see all of its masterpieces. The city's streets offer the opportunity to view an ever-changing showcase of murals and pieces, especially around Roma and Condesa.

Learn About the City's Ancient Origins at Templo Mayor

Templo Mayor was the primary worship site of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Long thought lost after the destruction of the city by the Spanish in 1521, the remains of the temple were found next to the Metropolitan Cathedral and excavated from 1978 to 1982. Now, it's an archaeological site with an accompanying museum where visitors can view artifacts from the ancient structure and learn about its history.

Eat Something Unexpected at Quintonil

More than just a restaurant, Polanco's Quintonil is a gastronomic experience renowned for its ultra-modern Mexican cuisine with a traditional angle.

Experience the Zona Rosa Nightlife

The "pink zone" is one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Mexico City, and it's particularly popular with the LGBTQ+ crowd. From karaoke bars to cocktail lounges to dancing, there's something for everyone.

Appreciate Indigenous History at Museo Nacional de Antropología

History enthusiasts will love this museum 's collection of Indigenous artifacts (the largest in Mexico) spread across multiple galleries and outdoor gardens. Don't miss the Sun Stone, an intricate ( and mysterious ) Aztec solar disk, in the Mexicas room.

Pick Up a Luxury Souvenir on Avenida Presidente Masaryk

Running through the middle of Polanco, Avenida Presidente Masaryk is one of the most expensive streets in the world, comparable to glitzy thoroughfares like New York's Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Here you’ll find luxury stores like Louis Vuitton and Cartier, as well as great restaurants, bars, and cafés.  

See What’s Blooming at Mercado de Jamaica 

This market in Venustiano Carranza stands out from others around Mexico City for its abundant bouquets of colorful flowers. Pick up a custom arrangement or just snap a pic in front of the pink and gold bursts of Mexican marigolds while breathing in the scent of 5,000 varieties of flowers and ornamental plants.  

Marvel at the Lobby of the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México

Julius Reque  / Getty Images

You don't have to make a reservation to appreciate the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México . Stop in to see the ornate Art Nouveau architecture, which includes an immense and elaborate stained-glass ceiling by French artisan Jacques Grüber. Come for the beautiful lobby and stay for a drink at La Terraza, the rooftop bar overlooking the Zócalo.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at La Rifa Chocolateria

You’ll find plenty of chocolate shops in Mexico City, but we recommend heading straight to La Rifa in Juárez. Ingredients are locally and ethically sourced ,with the cacao beans coming from farms in Chiapas and Tabasco. La Rifa's frothy, brewed chocolate drinks can be infused with flavors like cardamom and honey.   

Glide Past the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

About a 45-minute drive south from Centro, Xochimilco is home to a historic system of canals and lakes that once connected most of the settlements in the Valley of Mexico. Rent a colorful  trajinera at one of the embarcaderos (docks) and make your way around the UNESCO World Heritage Site . Pick up some pulque and elotes out on the water from one of the many floating vendors. 

The 17 Best Things to Do in Mexico City: Top Itineraries for First-timers

• Updated on January 2, 2024
• Things to Do

What You Will Learn (Click to Expand)

Introduction, exploring mexico city: the ultimate first timer's guide.

Embarking on a journey to discover Mexico City comes with high expectations – bustling energy, rich history, savory food, dynamic arts, and thirst-quenching nightlife.

For first-time visitors, the promise of adventure makes you relish every moment.

So let’s explore the 17 Best Things to Do in Mexico City .

Navigating Iconic Historical Sites

1. metropolitan cathedral: a testament of time.

Welcome to the largest and oldest cathedral in Latin America – The Metropolitan Cathedral . Built over a span of 250 years (from 1573 to 1813), this magnificent edifice showcases an eclectic mix – of Baroque, Neo-Classic, and Neo-Renaissance architectural styles.

Its exterior alone carries centuries-worth of grandeur. But stepping inside is where the magic truly begins. Expect to be dazzled by gold-coated surfaces and an array of religious relics adorning every corner. Don’t miss out on the gilded Altar of Forgiveness and the painted canvases lining the sacristy.

A special note for dark tourism enthusiasts: the Cathedral offers a night tour of the crypts underneath, offering a whole new perspective. The Cathedral is also a reflection of the city’s past, with materials from a destroyed Aztec temple incorporated in its construction. It’s an awe-inspiring encounter that should be at the top of your itinerary.

2. The National Palace (Palacio Nacional): A Repository of History

Another stop of great historical significance is The National Palace – Palacio Nacional . With a history tracing back to the Aztec era, this building has served as the Mexican federal government’s seat for centuries. Remarkably, much of the modern palace was constructed from materials from a former palace used by Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II.

Aside from its historical value, the palace houses several murals by famous artist Diego Rivera depicting Mexico’s history in captivating detail. Highlights include the brilliantly colored mural “The Epic of the Mexican People in their Struggle for Freedom and Independence.” This masterpiece, so massive Rivera took years to complete, winds around the palace’s central staircase.

This iconic structure is open from 9 am to 5 pm (excluding Mondays), and entry is free. However, ensure you carry a photo ID for access. For a more insightful experience, consider taking a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide to fully understand this emblematic building’s significance. The tour also covers other historical sites in Mexico City.

3. Zocalo: Heart and Soul of the Mexican Republic

Discover Zocalo , the beating heart and soul of the Mexican Republic. Better known as Plaza de la Constitución, the square extends over an expansive area of 3½ square miles, making it one of Latin America’s most generous open spaces.

Surrounded by national treasures like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, the plaza is forever abuzz with activity – swaying dancers, melodious street musicians, and bustling locals, all contributing to the Zocalo’s lively ambiance.

You won’t be short of things to do here. Start with a guided walking tour to cover all corners of this humongous plaza. Whether you’re looking for the latest big event or just want to soak in the energy of Mexico City, a trip to Zocalo is an absolute must-do on your checklist.

My Complete Mexico Packing List will help ensure you have everything you need.

Museums Immersion in the Hustle-Bustle

4. national museum of anthropology: trip down ancient paths.

The National Museum of Anthropology, or Museo Nacional de Antropología in Spanish, offers a profound and extensive look at Mexico’s indigenous cultural heritage. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from over 2,685 reviews and noted as Mexico City’s most-visited museum, you can immerse yourself here in the ancient civilizations of Mexico.

Notable exhibits include the massive Aztec Sun Stone, Olmec giant carved heads, and the Aztec Xochipilli statue. You can also discover the tomb of Mayan King Pakal, explore Teotihuacan sculptures, and so much more! Their vast collection and detailed exhibits extend across the vast museum, truly making a day trip worthwhile.

You can find the National Museum of Anthropology located in the heart of Chapultepec Park with an entrance fee of just 85 pesos (around 4.35 USD). Because of the museum’s extensive size, guided tours are available, helping visitors identify landmark artifacts and comprehend their importance.

Besides the inside of the museum, don’t forget to stroll around the museum’s ethereal central courtyard featuring a vast ‘umbrella’ stone fountain.

5. Templo Mayor: Glimpse into Aztec History

Unearth pieces of Aztec history at Templo Mayor , the archaeological site that revealed the Aztec Empire’s roots. Discovered in 1978 during electrical cable repairs, it soon became an important landmark, now attracting visitors from all over the world.

Templo Mayor was the main temple of the Mexica people, dedicated jointly to the god of war – Huitzilopochtli, and the god of rain and agriculture – Tlaloc. Today, the site consists of meticulously excavated ruins of the temple, a ceremonial plaza, and a museum holding relics unearthed during excavation.

Standouts among these artifacts are the Coyolxauhqui Stone, a bas-relief of the moon goddess said to represent how Templo Mayor was believed to be the center of the universe, and the eagle warriors – an homage to the elite soldiers in Aztec society.

Set right in the heart of the city, it’s an experience not to be missed for history and archaeology buffs. Don’t forget to check out the museum showcasing Aztec culture and civilization after exploring the ruins. Here, you get to delve deep into the culture and see the Aztec civilization’s intricately carved relics from multiple angles.

Artistic Bridge to Mexico's Culture

6. palacio de bellas artes: unveiling masterpieces.

If you’re an art enthusiast, buckle up for an enriching tour at the Palacio de Bellas Artes . Known as the “cathedral of art in Mexico”, it stands tall in the city’s historic center, calling art lovers worldwide.

Nowhere else in Mexico City will you find such an abundance of art and cultural performances under one beautiful Art Nouveau and Art Deco structure. Starting with the stunning murals by famous artists such as Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros, the palace boasts a variety of artistic genres reflecting different periods.

The Palace of Fine Arts plays host to the Museum of Architecture on the top floor. This allows you to marvel at Mexico’s architectural evolution presented through models and designs. It also houses an extensive collection of 19th- and 20th-century Mexican art in its museum.

On the ground floor, you can enjoy its fabled concert hall, hosting cultural events, ballet performances, and music concerts. Visit during springtime when jacarandas bloom for an unforgettable aesthetic experience.

The entrance is free, although there’s a $70 MXN fee for the museum. This is one visit sure to leave you culturally enriched and artistically inspired.

7. Bustling Art Scene at Museo Frida Kahlo

Glide further into Mexico’s art culture with a visit to the Museo Frida Kahlo , or ‘The Blue House.’ Known for its bold blue façade, it’s the birthplace and family home of one of the most well-known Mexican artists, Frida Kahlo.

This house holds a fascinating collection of personal artifacts, furnishings, sketches, and paintings, offering a glimpse into both the life and artistry of Frida Kahlo. The rooms and gardens are preserved exactly as she and her artist husband, Diego Rivera, had kept them alive with art.

The museum is most well known for drawing in Frida fans with exhibits like “Long Live Life,” “Frida and Diego: Mirrors of Each Other,” “Appearances Can Be Deceiving,” and more. With over 150 museums in Mexico City, Museo Frida Kahlo is among the top picks for art lovers.

Situated in the tranquil Coyoacán neighborhood, visitors can learn about Kahlo’s life, marvel at her art, and even enjoy some on-site special exhibitions. To avoid lines and ensure entry, you’re advised to book tickets in advance, which go for around 230 pesos (or ~$11) for general entry.

Every corner of this place breathes in art, making it a must-visit destination.

Clip-On Baseball Cap Holder

Unique food experiences worth trying, 8. savour a slice of mexico at quintonil.

Mexico City’s culinary scene is among the city’s many highlights, and rightfully so. One of the most notable gastronomical attractions is Quintonil . Run by the dynamic duo Alejandro Bremont and Alejandra Flores, it has established its place among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Why did it make it on our best list? Quintonil masters the art of Mexican cuisine with intriguing dishes like charred avocado tartare with ant larvae and roast chicken with macadamia nut mole. Moreover, the restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients, enhancing its sustainability efforts – a noteworthy aspect.

Here are the top 5 features that make Quintonil a must-try:

• Seasonal 10-course tasting menu
• Inventive use of traditional local ingredients
• Vegan and vegetarian-friendly options
• Wine pairing curated from Mexican wineries
• Garden-like ambiance enhancing the dining atmosphere

Benefits of Dining at Quintonil:

• Authentic taste of Mexico’s flavors
• Refined presentation of every meal
• Insightful waitstaff knowing menu intricacies
• Featured in Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” series
• The honor of dining at one of the world’s best restaurants

Cons: While the food and ambiance are top-notch, the price tag matches that standard. Certainly, it’s worth every penny, but a meal here might be a special occasion or culinary splurge for many. Also, given its acclaim, do make a reservation well in advance as last-minute bookings might not be feasible.

The restaurant suits foodies looking for an upscale dining experience and the joy of tasting one-of-a-kind offerings from Mexican cuisine.

9. Casual yet Delicious Tacos at El Tizoncito

For a more casual foodie experience that equally deserves the label ‘unforgettable’, head to El Tizoncito . Renowned for being the birthplace of the iconic “Tacos al Pastor,” this eatery is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Located in the trendy neighborhood of Condesa, El Tizoncito serves some of the best tacos in Mexico City.

Why would El Tizoncito make the best list? Carved right off the spit, their mouth-watering tacos al pastor, layered with thinly sliced marinated pork, topped with raw onion, fresh cilantro, and slivers of sweet pineapple, are a sensory delight. Besides, they boast an inviting, casual ambiance that feels truly authentic.

Here are the top 5 features of El Tizoncito:

• Birthplace of Tacos al Pastor
• Diverse Taco menu with various fillings
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Open until late hours
• Multiple Locations

Benefits of dining at El Tizoncito:

• Authentic and scrumptious Mexican fast-food
• Quick service
• Budget-friendly
• Positive vibes from live music occasionally
• Vegan and Vegetarian-friendly options available

The two cons for El Tizoncito would mainly be the waiting time due to its popularity and limited seating space. However, these minor inconveniences are a testament to its outstanding reputation. Ideal for food lovers who want to enjoy delicious, no-fuss Mexican street food in a vibrant setting.

You can’t leave Mexico City without trying their famed Tacos al Pastor!

Quench your Nighttime Thirst for Adventure

10. epic lucha libre matches: fight night in mexico city.

Fancy a taste of the dramatic and vivacious? Step into the world of masked warriors for a night at a Lucha Libre fight. An integral part of Mexican culture, Lucha Libre dates back to the early 20th century. Similar to WWE-style wrestling, the matches feature iconic masked Mexican wrestlers engaging in a part theatrical, part athleticism performance.

What’s the best place to witness a match? The top spot is Arena Mexico in the capital, especially on Tuesday and Friday nights, as well as on Sunday afternoons. Fridays are particularly thrilling as it signals the start of the weekend. Ringside seating, a Lucha Libre mask, tequila: it serves not just as a match but as a full-on fiesta.

Witnessing a Lucha Libre fight is more than just the match – it’s about the audience’s reactions too, making the experience even more entertaining. Conjoining the energy, thrilling performance, and lively crowd, it’s no surprise that the experience has become one of the top things to do in Mexico City.

However, do remember big cameras are not allowed inside, narrowing your memories down to what you store in your mind (or smartphone!) For those seeking an authentic taste of Mexican pop culture and a unique spectacle, a night at the Lucha Libre match is an exhilarating experience you’ll never forget.

11. Experience the World's Favorite Fifty Mils Bar

No trip is complete without experiencing the local nightlife, and when in Mexico’s capital, Fifty Mils is the place to be. Nestled within the elegant Four Seasons Hotel, Fifty Mils has been recognized among the World’s 50 Best Bars, cementing its reputation as a must-visit spot in Mexico City.

Why did it make the best list? Fifty Mils strikes a perfect balance between innovation and tradition, offering a wide selection of libations that play with classic drinks and introduce fresh, locally inspired cocktails. Their desserts, from doughnuts to mochi, served during brunch, also steal the show.

Here are the top 5 features that make Fifty Mils shine:

• Specialist mixologists creating unique cocktails
• Comfortable indoor and patio seating
• Extensive whiskey and tequila selection
• Renowned for brunch
• Unique signature cocktails

Benefits of Unwinding at Fifty Mils:

• Opportunity to taste world-class mixology
• Relaxing and sophisticated ambiance
• Regular live music performances
• Late-night service
• Excellent service from friendly staff

The top two cons: Fifty Mils is on the pricier side and can be quite busy at times, so making a reservation is advised. Fifty Mils is an excellent recommendation for those who cherish the pleasure of savoring creative cocktails in a top-class setting!

Embracing Nature amidst the Urban Jungle

12. escaping to the lush bosque de chapultepec.

Amid the city’s hustle and bustle, you can find your retreat inside the city itself – Bosque de Chapultepec . Consuming more than 1,600 acres, Chapultepec Park is more than just a park; it’s a sanctuary. It is known as “the lungs of Mexico City” due to its vast expanse of foliage. Its vast size and packed roster of attractions make it Latin America’s second-largest park!

The park houses a zoo, eight museums, a lake bobbing with paddleboats, and historical monuments, including the impressive Chapultepec Castle, once a viceroy’s residence and now home to the National History Museum. Street performers, vendors, and picnickers add to the park’s lively energy, especially on weekends.

A special local tip: locals organize a massive evening picnic once a month in Chapultepec’s forests – a unique way to blend in with the locals. It is the perfect place for nature lovers and city dwellers alike, plus heaven for families thanks to the child-friendly activities available at every turn.

So, be sure to set aside some time to explore this vibrant, verdant gem!

13. Soak Up Serenity in the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

Your journey to Mexico City wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco . Known as Mexico City’s Venice, Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often hailed as the last link to the Aztec civilization, with its network of ancient canals and floating islands called “chinampas.”

A visit to Xochimilco is a chance to soak up the serene atmosphere and enjoy the delightfully colorful scenery. Hop aboard a brightly-painted flat-bottomed boat called a “trajinera” and let the journey through the picturesque canals begin.

Adorned with flowers and festoons, the boats are a sight to behold, often led by local guides and serenaded by floating Mariachi bands. Historically, these chinampas were used to grow crops, but today, they serve as massive, floating flower gardens, making Xochimilco one of the world’s most delightful gardens.

Visitors often visit Xochimilco as a day trip, enjoying the leisurely boat ride while feasting on delicious street food sold by canal-side vendors. It’s a fulfilling local experience not to miss and a beautiful sight for nature and photography lovers. Remember to bring your camera; the vibrant, flower-scented canals offer ample picturesque opportunities.

Venture out for Exciting Day Trips

14. ancient marvels at teotihuacan.

Just a short drive away from Mexico City center remains one of the world’s most stunning cultural sites – the ancient city of Teotihuacan . Known as the City of the Gods, it was once the largest metropolis in the region, boasting towering pyramids and intricate murals.

Just as impressive today as it was nearly 2,000 years ago when the ancient Mayans built it, Teotihuacan is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit site near Mexico City.

Teotihuacan isn’t just about the two famous pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. It’s an entire ancient city waiting to be explored. Discover remnants of this civilization, including The Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Avenue of the Dead. Climb the pyramids, wander through ancient ruins, or simply appreciate this architectural marvel.

If you have a few days in Mexico City, it’s worth the day trip. Advice from locals suggests leaving early in the morning so you can be back in the city by midday—and definitely bring sunscreen! You can book a tour to see the pyramids with a guide, or if you’d rather explore at your leisure, detailed instructions are available on how to get there yourself.

Make sure to mark this destination on your list; it’s an unforgettable experience of awe and wonder.

15. Spiritual Getaway to Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe

Ascend for a spiritual journey to one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world – the Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe , or the Shrine of Guadalupe. Located atop Tepeyac Hill, it commemorates the Virgin Mary’s legendary 16th-century appearance to Juan Diego, a local peasant.

The shrine houses the original cloak harboring an imprint of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s picture, attracting millions of devoted followers each year. The old and the new Basilica boast an impressive lineup of religious art and captivating architecture, making it more than just a pilgrimage site.

Visitors can explore the Basilica grounds, where each corner unravels its own intriguing chapter from the past. The site becomes especially bustling around mid-December to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Feast Day.

Whether you come for the rich history, spiritual devotion, or aesthetic satisfaction, the enchanting Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe stands out as one of Mexico City’s must-visit sites. The feeling of serenity that envelops you within its premises is one worth experiencing.

Don’t forget to stop by their on-site museum, home to a broad collection of religious art.

Niche Nooks Worth Exploring

16. snapshot of literature at biblioteca vasconcelos.

Welcome to Biblioteca Vasconcelos , the centerpiece of learning and literature in the Buenavista neighborhood. Covering an impressive 38,000 square meters, this architectural gem is more than just a library; it’s a hub of education and community, uniting bookworms and architectural enthusiasts alike.

Inside, you’ll find a breathtaking arrangement of hundreds of thousands of books across a seven-level network of floating shelves. With diverse collections ranging from literature to philosophy to science fiction novels, the library is a paradise for readers and knowledge seekers.

Also known as the “megalibrary,” Biblioteca Vasconcelos stuns with its futuristic and near-fictional design. Cantilever bookshelves appear to be floating from the ceiling, while smoked-glass floors give a dizzying multilevel twist, embracing an industrial aesthetic. Unquestionably, this place merits inclusion in your Mexico City itinerary.

Apart from the extensive literary collection, Biblioteca Vasconcelos is an architectural marvel in itself. Grab your camera and let your explorative instincts guide you through this fascinating space of knowledge and marvel.

Remember, it’s not just books; there’s also a large collection of multimedia items, including music and films, all available to the public.

17. Sneak a Peek at surrealist Leon Trotsky’s House

Take a detour from the usual routes and pay a visit to the Leon Trotsky House Museum or “Museo Casa de Leon Trotsky.” This museum, formerly the home of Leon Trotsky – a Russian revolutionary, is a chance to step back in time and understand an intriguing layer of world history.

Exiled from the Soviet Union and seeking asylum, Trotsky settled in Coyoacán, within this very home that now serves as a perfectly preserved snapshot of his life in Mexico. Trotsky lived here until his assassination in 1940, and today, you can explore rooms left intact since then, revealing his humble lifestyle and political intrigues.

For history enthusiasts, the museum offers an offbeat perspective of the life of this once influential figure. It’s also a short walk from Frida Kahlo’s house, making it easy to club both visits during a single day.

While not as frequent as the most popular sites, this museum hosts a wealth of knowledge and a deeper understanding of global history right in Mexico City. Don’t miss the chance to see the preserved rooms, government documents, photos, and the tomb where Trotsky and his wife are interred, located in the garden.

The Trotsky Museum is more than a fascinating share of history; it’s also a unique way to understand how Mexican and world history often become intertwined.

Adding it to your travel itinerary can provide an enriched experience of niche trail exploration.

How safe is Mexico City for tourists?

Mexico City is generally safe for tourists, much like most major U.S. or Canadian cities.

While traveling, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded places or at night. Keep an eye out for pickpockets, particularly on public transportation, and stick to age-old travel advice, like not flaunting expensive items.

Also, it’s a good idea to check the U.S. or Canadian government travel advisory websites before your trip.

What are the top tourist attractions in Mexico City to see with kids?

Mexico City is a great place to visit with kids.

Top attractions for a family-friendly visit include:

• Papalote Museo del Niño: This hands-on, interactive children’s museum is packed with fun exhibits on science, technology, art, and culture.
• Chapultepec Park: Home to a zoo, a castle, and the National Museum of Anthropology, the park has plenty of attractions sure to captivate kids.
• Xochimilco: Known for its colorful boats and Chinampas (floating gardens), Xochimilco is a fun trip for any family.
• Six Flags Mexico: A great choice for thrill-seekers, Six Flags hosts rides and attractions suitable for all ages.
• Parque Bicentenario: A 55-hectare park with playgrounds, artificial lakes, and a greenhouse. A great spot for a family picnic.

Remember to plan your days according to your kids’ schedules and always have a backup plan in case of an unexpected situation.

How many days are ideal for a Mexico City trip?

While you can get a taste of Mexico City in three days, to fully appreciate the depth and breadth of what the vibrant city offers, ideally, allocate at least five days for your visit.

This will allow you to thoroughly explore the major museums and historic sites, immerse yourself in the local cuisine and markets, and even take a day trip or two outside the city to sites like Teotihuacan or Xochimilco.

This also gives you the flexibility to adapt your schedule based on how you feel each day or if you discover a new, unexpected interest during your trip.

What is the best time to visit Mexico City?

The best time to visit Mexico City largely depends on the weather.

The city can be enjoyed year-round due to its high altitude, offering pleasant temperatures. However, the prime time to visit is between March to May , when the average temperatures are between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The weather is warm without intense heat or rain, and the city is in full bloom, particularly in February and March , when the jacaranda trees are in bloom.

Another ideal time is between October and December when the weather is also mild and dry. Just note the best weather comes with bigger tourist crowds.

So, if you want to bypass frequent rain, avoid planning your trip in the rainy season, from July to September .

What are some cool things to do around Mexico City for young adults?

Mexico City offers a variety of activities that will appeal to young adults:

• Bar Hop in Roma and Condesa: Known for buzzing nightlife, both neighborhoods boast a selection of hip bars and restaurants.
• Attend a Lucha Libre match: These high-energy wrestling matches offer a unique slice of Mexican culture and a fun night out.
• Explore street art: Mexico City is renowned for its vibrant street art. Discover murals in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Juarez.
• Bike ride around Chapultepec Park: Rent a bike and explore the city’s “lungs,” home to the largest zoo in Latin America, a castle, and several museums.
• Visit Mercado Roma: This gourmet market is a haven for foodies, with stalls selling everything from artisanal ice cream to tacos and craft beer.
• Take a day trip to the pyramids of Teotihuacan: Just a short drive from the city, Teotihuacan is a must-visit for any history enthusiast.

What are the top 3 fun activities Mexico City is known for?

Mexico City is known for its rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and diverse food scene.

Here are three activities the city is most known for:

• Visiting Teotihuacan: A trip to these ancient pyramids, located just outside of Mexico City, is a must. One can climb the massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon and explore the complex’s other ruins.
• Exploring Chapultepec Park: Often referred to as the “lungs of Mexico City,” this expansive park hosts a castle, zoo, and multiple museums. It’s a popular spot for picnics, boat rides, and leisurely walks.
• Dining on Roadside Tacos: With a rich street food culture, devouring tacos from a street stand is a quintessential Mexico City experience. Whether it’s Al Pastor, Carnitas, or Barbacoa, the city’s tacos are known worldwide.

These activities offer a comprehensive experience of the city’s rich history, natural beauty, and tantalizing cuisine and are worth adding to your itinerary.

What are some things to see in Mexico City near the airport?

If you’re near the Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City and have some time to spare, here are a few attractions to consider:

• Palacio de los Deportes: A massive sports and entertainment venue, it hosts numerous events throughout the year.
• Templo Mayor: Although it’s a 30-minute drive from the airport, this major archaeological site is worth a visit. Here, you’ll find the ruins of an ancient Aztec pyramid right in the heart of Mexico City.
• Parque Tezontle: A large shopping mall with a variety of stores, restaurants, and a cinema. It’s a great spot for last-minute shopping or a quick meal.
• The Foro Sol: This is another large entertainment and sports venue that hosts a wide range of events, including concerts and baseball games.
• Mercado Sonora: This bustling market is known for its selling spiritual artifacts, medicinal plants, and traditional toys. The market is quite famous amongst Mexico City’s local population.

All these spots are within a short drive from the airport and offer a pleasant excursion if you’re stuck on a long layover or awaiting a delayed flight.

Is Mexico City walkable?

Yes, Mexico City is pleasantly walkable, especially in neighborhoods like Centro Historico, Roma, Condesa, and Polanco.

These areas are dense with attractions, restaurants, and shops, making them perfect for walking tours. The city also has excellent public transportation with its Metro system if you need to cover longer distances.

However, like any major city, it’s always safe to exercise caution, stay aware of your surroundings, and stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially at night.

Is it cheap to visit Mexico City sights?

Visiting Mexico City is generally quite affordable compared to other major cities. Many of the city’s attractions are free or have nominal entrance fees.

For instance, admission to the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace is free, while museums like the Frida Kahlo Museum and the National Anthropology Museum have affordable tickets. The cost of dining is also relatively low, with a wide range of options from street food to high-end restaurants.

The city’s extensive metro system makes transportation around the city affordable, too. However, costs can add up with guided tours, souvenir shopping, and enjoying the city’s nightlife, so plan according to your budget.

Here are all the Best Places to Visit in Mexico .

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Conclusion: Things to Do in Mexico City

From ancient ruins and iconic landmarks to vibrant markets and world-renowned restaurants, Mexico City offers an exciting mix of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences.

You can admire the splendor of the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace, explore vibrant neighborhoods, dine at some of the world’s best restaurants, and discover Mexico’s rich history at the Anthropology Museum and Teotihuacan.

Whether you wish to delve into the city’s vibrant arts scene, soak up the flavors of street food, or enjoy retracing the steps of ancient civilizations, there is indeed no shortage of things to do in Mexico City.

Take your time and immerse yourself in each experience. Enjoy the moment, the sites, the people, and the culture. After all, exploring Mexico City is not just about ticking off a checklist; it’s about savoring everything the city brings to life. Happy travels!

And if I missed anything, let me know in the comments below!

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The Best Things to Do in Mexico City

The old, the new, and the scarcely imagined sit side by side in mexico city, and no one blinks an eye. the more you can be curious about that balance—and the more you can achieve it yourself—the better you’ll understand and enjoy this magical city..

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The 25 Best Places To Visit in Mexico City According To Locals

You'll never run out of places to visit in Mexico City. This vibrant, bustling metropolis contains everything from ancient ruins to sparkling skyscrapers. It's easy to get overwhelmed, which is why we asked some Mexico City locals for their advice. 

With their help, we created this guide to the 25 best places to visit in Mexico City. 

No one knows a place like the people who live there. Work with a local to build your Mexico City trip. 

#1: The Hip Neighborhoods Of Roma & Condesa

Locals tell us that the adjacent Roma and Condesa neighborhoods are a definite must-visit in Mexico City. Here, travelers will find a wealth of bars, restaurants, and charming shops. Even walking around is delightful! Roma and Condesa are full of incredible Art Deco mansions. 

Both neighborhoods are well-loved by locals and visitors alike, which means taking advantage of local advice is a good way to avoid the more touristy areas. Our local trip planners in Mexico City suggest exploring Condesa's gloriously green Parque Mexico  and checking out the street food at the Chilpancingo metro stop. 

#2: The Ancient Pyramids of Teotihuacan

The ancient Mayans built the Teotihuacan pyramids nearly 2,000 years ago—and they're just as stunning today as they were back then. Although this UNESCO site is a bit outside of town, the trip there is definitely worth it.

Locals tell us that the site is more than just pyramids. It's an entire ancient city lost in time. Check out what remains of this amazing civilization, including The Pyramid of the Sun, The Temple of Quetzalcoatl, and  the eerily named “Avenue of the Dead.” Climb the pyramids, wander the jungle looking for artifacts, or simply meander the site in wonder.

You can book a tour  to see the pyramids with a guide, or your local trip planner can give you detailed instructions on how to get there yourself (so you can explore it at your leisure).

#3:  The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

Mexico City's Xochimilco neighborhood is a gorgeous network of wide canals and ancient, man-made floating islands. Though the Aztecs built these islands to grow crops, today they're used as massive, floating flower gardens.

This stunning site can be enjoyed via trajineras, adorable, colorful riverboats that take visitors through the waters. 

#4: El Museo Frida Kahlo 

Mexico City is filled with incredible museums (more than 150!) and Museo Frida Kahlo is among the most popular. Located in the quiet Coyoacan neighborhood, visitors can learn about Kahlo’s life and enjoy her art, ensconced in the “blue house” that she called home.

If you're a fan of Frida's art or want to immerse yourself in her world, this is definitely one of the best museums to visit in Mexico City .

#6: El Parnita 

Locals tell us that El Parnita is a cute little lunch joint that offers great Mexican fare — from tacos to tortas and beyond.

Tucked into the Roma neighborhood, El Parnita is often called " Mexico City's Favorite Taqueria ". Accordingly, the place gets PACKED.

Our advice: have your trip planner put a meal at El Parnita on your itinerary for when you're already in the neighborhood. That way, if it's too packed, you can keep exploring while the crowds calm down.

#6: El Palacio de Bellas Artes (The Palace of Fine Arts)

El Palacio de Bellas Artes (The Palace of Fine Arts) is more than just a beautiful face—though it does have a gorgeous face. 

This fantastic Mexico City landmark can do it all. Locals tell us that visitors can explore the Museum of Architecture on the top floor, attend classical music performances in its fabled concert hall, take in the amazing Diego Rivera murals in the lobby, check out the museum's extensive collection of 19th- ad 20th-century Mexican art, and ogle at the incredible Tiffany glass “curtain” in the theater.

#7:  El Zocalo

If you don’t want to miss out on the latest celebration, demonstration, big event, you name it, then locals recommend making a beeline for the Zocalo, Mexico City’s enormous public square (also known as Plaza de la Constitucion).

Even on a “quiet” day, the square is packed with people, dancers, and street musicians. Plus, it’s a great starting point since a lot of Mexico City’s sites encircle the Zocalo.

It can be a little overwhelming — there's so much to see! And do! And eat! —so get some local tips on how to explore this dynamic site. 

#8: La Pasteleria Ideal

Voyagers take heed: snacking is an important part of any trip. And locals tell us that Pasteleria Ideal has everything you could possibly want in that department, including a second floor where you can admire their elaborate, tiered wedding cakes.

This pastry shop is known as the best one in Mexico City, so make sure to stop by for some authentic sweets! 

#9: Chapultepec Park

Beautiful and green, Chapultepec Park spans nearly 1700 acres. But it offers much, much more than a respite from city life. Locals tell us that every corner of this green oasis is filled with stuff to do, whether that's walking trails, visiting museums, or taking a boat on a lake. 

Visitors to Chapultepec will also find an actual *castle* , botanical gardens, and an amusement park. In case you weren’t already impressed.

Local tip:   Once a month, locals organize a massive evening picnic in Chapultepec's forests.

#10: The Up-And-Coming Neighborhood Of Juarez

This once-grand neighborhood of Mexico City has seen better days, but Juarez in the midst of a huge bohemian revival.

Today, its Zona Rosa section is considered one of the best places for nightlife in Mexico City, as well as the city’s LGBT capital.  Plus, the street food around here is incredible . Locals suggest seeking out quesadillas and pambazos (sandwiches dipped in salsa and then grilled). 

Local tip : Juarez is generally safe, but it's good to talk to a local about what areas to avoid at night. 

#11: El Murro Churro Shop

Let's talk churros. They're delicious, they're sweet, they're crispy, and in Mexico City, they're dipped in mugs of thick, spiced hot chocolate. If you want authentic Mexican churro goodness, El Murro is the place to go.

This iconic churro shop is one of the city’s favorite spots for a hot, fresh churro and a cup of hot chocolate. Best part? El Murro is open twenty-four hours  (so it's perfect for a late-night snack after a few tequilas).

#12: El Centro Historico 

Mexico City’s historic center (aka Centro Historico ) is packed with museums, Spanish colonial buildings, and iconic sights like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Aztec Templo Mayor. It's no wonder why  Centro Historico is a UNESCO Heritage site !

With so many amazing things to see—not to mention the amazing Alameda Central Park just next door—it’s easy to spend an afternoon wandering through history here.

#13: Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral)

This enormous cathedral borders the Zocalo, and though building started on it in 1567, it wasn’t completed until more than two hundred years later, in 1788.

The lengthy construction process resulted in an eclectic mix of architectural styles. But it also has a tragic connection to Mexico's pre-Hispanic past: The cathedral is made of stones taken from the destroyed Aztec temple just next door.

Locals say that although visiting the cathedral is not exactly one of Mexico City’s non-touristy things to do , it’s nevertheless well worth a visit.

#13: The Templo Mayor Museum

Speaking of the ancient Aztecs...as the legend goes, they had specific instructions from a higher power to build a city where an eagle stands upon a cactus, with a snake in its mouth.*

They did! But It wasn’t until 1978 that this ancient city (called Tenochtitlan) was rediscovered. Mexico City was literally built on top of it after the Spaniards arrived and destroyed it. 

Today, Templo Mayor (roughly translated as the high temple) is a stunning archeological site and museum, which visitors can explore for just 70 pesos, or less than four dollars.

In our opinion, this is among the best things to do in Mexico City . It majestically captures the ancient world of the Aztecs, who, once saw the land as holy ground. 

*Sound familiar? Today, this is Mexico’s coat of arms.

#14: Plaza Garibaldi

Locals tell us that Plaza Garibaldi is one of the best places in the city to hear some classic mariachi music!

A short walk north from the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Plaza Garibaldi is surrounded by tons of restaurants, bars, and museums (making for a happening part of town).

However, locals note that (while Mexico City is safe on the whole) this part of town can get dodgy at night.

#15 : El Museo del Tequila y Mezcal

Locals highly recommend a stop in at the Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal . They suggest taking the museum tour (it includes samples!) to give yourself an immersive education on the history and production of tequila and mezcal, two of Mexico's favorite spirits.

The tour ends on the museum’s rooftop, which affords a gorgeous look at Plaza Garibaldi below and a chance to enjoy mariachi music from afar.

Local tip: Although caution should be exercised in Plaza Garibaldi at night, the museum is open late, until 10 PM or midnight depending on the day.

#16: The Charming Coyoacan Neighborhood

Although Coyoacan is a quieter Mexico City neighborhood , that doesn't mean that it lacks exciting activities. Far from it! Definitely check out the stunning Museo Frida Kahlo — one of the area's main draws — but stick around to explore the rest of this gorgeous part of town. 

Locals recommend  checking out the iconic Vivero Coyoacan (one of Mexico’s national parks) and sampling street food at the Mercado de Coyoacan (a classic Mexico City market—locals say you *must* try the tostadas).

#17: El Museo Soumaya

There are so, so, so many incredible museums in Mexico City. But Museo Soumaya is one of the city's best — and it's free to visit.

Nestled in Mexico City's Polanco neighborhood , Museo Soumaya's bright silver scales and unusual shape make it hard to ignore. But the interior of the museum is just as incredible. It includes 60,000+ pieces of art, including a huge collection of Rodin sculptures, as well as a ton of art by Mexican artists like   Diego Rivera .

#18: El Palacio Nacional

The Palacio Nacional, where the president works, is more than a stunning piece of architecture located along the Zocalo.

Free to enter, visitors can explore its museums, beautiful courtyards, and rooms filled with period furniture. Locals say to definitely check out the incredible, sprawling Diego Rivera murals on the second floor.

#19: El Torre Latinoamericana Skyscraper

One of the cool things about Mexico City is that it’s such a combination of old and new. Torre Latinoamericana is an example of this contrast—a skyscraper next to ancient ruins.

Once the tallest building in Latin America, it’s still the tallest building in Centro Historico. Climb to the observation deck for a truly jaw-dropping look at Mexico City from above. 

Local tip :  If you're looking for great Mexico City views , be sure to check out the Zocalo Central Hotel rooftop restaurant or the Terraza Catedral beer garden. 

#20: The Posh Polanco Neighborhood

Wondering where to eat in Mexico City ? You can’t really go wrong with… anywhere. But that being said, locals say that Polanco is a great place to start.

Some of the world’s best restaurants are nestled in this neighborhood. And Polanco is more than just food: visitors will find tons of great markets, shopping, and parks—even a park named for Abraham Lincoln !

#21: El Monumento de la Revolucion

The Monumento de la Revolucíon looks like the Arc de Triomphe—but bigger.

The monument, which commemorates the revolution that liberated Mexico from Spain, is more than what meets the eye. Locals suggest checking out the National Museum of the Revolution , riding a glass elevator to the top to take in sweeping views, or descending to the crypts to pay respects to Mexico’s revolutionary heroes.

Local tip: Adjacent to the San Rafael neighborhood, this is a great spot for a sunset photo.

#22: The Chill Neighborhood Of San Rafael

Like the nearby Juarez neighborhood, San Rafael has seen better days. But it’s in the midst of a grand revival and is perfect for those who want to explore non-touristy areas of Mexico City.

Less crowded than Roma and Condesa, locals tell us there are still tons of great bars, restaurants, and art galleries to check out here. Although it’s a bit off-the-beaten-path, San Rafael is still safe to visit — just exercise normal caution like you would elsewhere in the city. 

Local tip: Be sure to pick up some   comida corrida (basically Mexican tapas) in San Rafael’s wonderful neighborhood market, Mercado San Cosme.

#24: The Historic Bar  La Opera

La Opera , which first opened in the 1870s, embraces an old-time class that's hard to find. 

Locals suggest ordering a good tequila, and asking the bartender to point out where Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa once shot a hole in the ceiling. Yeah — it's that kind of place. 

#25: El Museo Nacional de Antropologia

Among all of Mexico City’s spectacular museums, the Museo de Antropologia is the shining star. Locals say that visitors could easily spend an entire day exploring Mexico’s largest and most visited museum.

With 22 rooms covering Mexico’s pre-Hispanic past, there’s a ton to take in. Literally— there are millions of archeological pieces to check out. Plus, the museum’s beautiful architecture is a reason in itself to stop by.

Find a local to plan your trip . And for more on Mexico City travel, check out: 

• The Ultimate Mexico City Travel Guide 2024
• Flights to Mexico City: Everything You Need to Know
• 2024 Mexico City Travel FAQs
• The Best Time to Visit Mexico City

Looking for more info?

33 Awesome Things to Do in Mexico City

05/06/2021 by Emily Becker 2 Comments

It’s no coincidence that one of the grandest and most extravagant Aztec cities lies below present-day Mexico City. It blows my mind that the Aztec people built the city of Tenochtitlán on top of a lake. Several hundred years later, the megametroplis of Mexico City has expanded for miles, smack-dab on top of where the Aztecs used to thrive.

All nerdy anecdotes aside, Mexico City is a treasure trove of the best things about Mexico: incredible food, awe-inspiring museums, bustling markets, ancient ruins, and so much more. This monstrosity of a city can be overwhelming to visit without a plan, though. After going a few times over the years, getting lost on more than one occasion, and luckily having good friends to guide me, here’s the list of things to do in CDMX that I wish I had the first time I went, broken down by neighborhood:

Table of Contents

This is your go-to neighborhood for a full immersion in Mexican art and culture. Coyoacán has been a hub for artists for decades and was once considered to be the outskirts of the city, which is evident by the neighborhood feel. You’ll see many larger estates with vast gardens and parks here, along with some of the city’s most historically and culturally important sites.

33. Immerse yourself in the world of Frida Kahlo

La Casa Azul Frida Kahlo Museum is unlike any other museum with this famous painter’s work. It’s the former home of legendary Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, where they lived from 1929 to 1954, and it holds many of the artists’ possessions, making it feel like it was frozen in time. La Casa Azul is one of my favorite places in Mexico City and definitely a must-see stop for any Frida enthusiast.

The museum is closed on Mondays but otherwise open from 10am to 6pm. The entrance fee is 250 pesos ($12.50 USD) (270 ($13.50) on weekends) plus an extra 30 pesos ($1.50) if you want to take photos inside. There’s a limit on how many people can pass through per day, so you should buy your tickets ahead of time. You can spend 2 to 3 hours here and see everything in the museum.

32. Browse the work of Diego Rivera at the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum

I think it’s pretty badass that Frida ended up being more well known globally than Diego, especially because of how much of a big-shot artist he was when they got married.

While Casa Azul is definitely more popular than Diego’s Anahuacalli Museum , the latter is worth checking out. It’s just a few blocks away from Casa Azul and was modeled to look like a Mesoamerican temple from the outside. It houses an extensive collection of Diego Rivera’s art, along with neat pre-Hispanic artifacts.

The museum is open from 11am to 5pm from Tuesday to Sunday and costs 100 pesos ($5) for non-Mexican visitors.

31. Visit MUAC, the Contemporary Art Museum

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Located on the main campus of UNAM (the National Autonomous University of Mexico), this art museum is one of the city’s best. Mexico City is a worldwide hub for artists, and some of the country’s most famous ones have studied at UNAM.

The architecture of the museum makes it stand out from the surrounding campus, because of its sleek, modern design. Inside, you’ll see contemporary works from around the world and many exhibitions that focus specifically on social issues, such as gender equality.

Due to the pandemic, MUAC is currently closed to the public. However, you can check the status of its reopening, along with updated hours and ticket prices, on MUAC’s website .

30. See the amazing colors at Alfredo Guati Rojo National Museum of Watercolor

This free art museum is the first in the world specifically dedicated to watercolor paintings. It showcases watercolor art from pre-Hispanic times all the way up to present day in its seven galleries.

It also hosts watercolor classes for kids and adults, so a visit to this museum has a community feel. Since the pandemic, the museum requires a reservation , which you can make on the website. Their current operating hours are 11am to 4pm Monday through Friday.

29. Shop for trinkets in the Mercado Artesanal Mexicano

The Mercado Artesanal is the ultimate place to buy any trinkets or souvenirs while visiting Mexico City, hands down. There you can find brilliantly colored textiles, clothing, jewelry, pottery, and other handicrafts to bring home. The market feels a bit like a maze but is totally walkable and actually quite fun to walk through.

Last time I visited, I found a beautiful handwoven scarf that is still one of my favorite things I’ve bought in Mexico. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby Coyoacán Market is a great place to have a delicious meal. Food stalls at Coyoacán Market sell plenty of local treats like tostadas, quesadillas (in Mexico City, you have to specify that you do want cheese on your quesadilla, which makes me chuckle), and other snacks.

The Mercado Artesanal is open every day from 11am to 7pm, and the Coyoacán Market is open from 9am to 6pm. You can find the markets on Google Maps or by checking out the map at the end.

28. Dine near Fuente de los Coyotes

Right outside the Mercado Artesanal Mexicano is Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario, two large squares with trees, bushes, and fountains. This area is beautiful to walk through, and you’ll see a lot of people out and about.

The Fuente de los Coyotes is a famous fountain that features two large bronze coyote statues, a nod to the name of the Coyoacán neighborhood, which means “land of abundant coyotes” in Nahuatl.

Around the park, there are some great restaurants you can try. My favorite is Corazón de Maguey , which has traditional Mexican fare and a delightful atmosphere. Try the enchiladas de tres colores for a taste of three different sauces! There are plenty of other restaurants to choose from, and the view of the park is a lovely setting for a meal.

27. Take a step back in time at the Trotsky House

The Trotsky House is a unique museum located in the heart of Coyoacán. It’s the former home of Leon Trotsky, who was exiled from Russia and ended up living in Mexico, just a few blocks from the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. (He actually lived with the artists for a short time in the Casa Azul before he moved to the Trotsky House.)

While the museum is closed during the pandemic still, it is expected to open soon with the same schedule as before, which was 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday. The entrance fee is 40 pesos ($2) and has a free English-speaking guide if you ask upon entry.

26. Watch a movie outdoors at Cineteca Nacional

If you have any friends from Mexico City, you have probably heard about Cineteca Nacional. It’s a huge outdoor movie theater that was first opened in 1974. They play movies in both English and Spanish, and it’s a great way to spend a relaxing evening in the city. Just bring a blanket and some snacks and you’re all set!

To find out what movies are playing and to buy tickets, check out Cineteca Nacional’s website. The theater is on the outskirts of Coyoacán, in a smaller neighborhood called Colonia Xoco, and you can get there easily in an Uber or by walking. Find more of the best places to stay in Mexico City here .

This working-class neighborhood is on the south side of Mexico City and is most known for its series of canals that were built by the Aztecs to transport water and goods throughout the city. The canals are still very much intact and are famous for the colorful gondolas that visitors can ride.

25. Float through the floating gardens

This is absolute must-do while visiting Mexico City. The colorful gondolas called trajineras are used to float through the canals of Xochimilco. While most of the canals are big party spots nowadays, there is still a part that has preserved nature, where you can find people still practicing the same agricultural techniques of the Aztecs.

Either way, a tour of the canals is an amazing way to take in the colorful atmosphere and enjoy the city. Consider taking a tour around the canals that also goes around UNAM’s campus nearby.

If you’re feeling brave, check out the Island of Dolls. It’s a creepy part of Xochimilco that is rumored to be haunted and has a collection of antique dolls hidden around the tiny island.

This upscale neighborhood is known for its excellent contrast between shiny new office buildings and classic colonial architecture. On the streets of chic Polanco, you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants, kitschy boutiques, and classy museums. It’s a pricier neighborhood to stay in, but definitely worth a visit while you’re out and about in Mexico City.

24. Window-shop on Avenida Presidente Masaryk

I’m not much of a shop-’til-you-drop kind of gal myself, but it’s quite fun to window-shop along what is known as the Mexican version of the Champs-Élysées. Avenida Presidente Masaryk’s upscale designer boutiques and chic restaurants are a big reason why Polanco feels so fancy.

Even if you’re not into peering into the shops, it’s still worth a stroll to take in the neat architecture and overall vibe of the neighborhood. There are also several fabulous places to grab a bite or a coffee along the avenue.

23. Explore the iconic Soumaya Museum

When is she going to cool it on the art museums? Never! There’s a reason why this isn’t the first (or last!) art museum on this list. Mexico City’s art scene is just that good.

Soumaya stands out from the others, though, because of its fantastic collection and jaw-dropping architecture. After a visit, it became my all-time favorite art museum.

The building is gigantic and silver, so it’s impossible to miss. You’ll see thousands of silver tiled hexagons outside, creating a shimmery effect. Inside the museum, the expansive collection includes over 60,000 pieces from world-renowned artists such as Henri Matisse, along with famous Mexican artists.

Museo Soumaya is open every day from 10:30am to 6:30pm, and it’s free to visit. You read that right. It is one of the many museums in Mexico City that are completely free!

22. Take a breath at Plaza Uruguay

In a city famous for its smog and nasty pollution, finding green spaces is key when you’re out exploring. Plaza Uruguay’s wooded park is the perfect place to take a breather. The square is also home to a bronze statue of General José Artigas, which was donated by Montevideo, Uruguay. Hence the name, Plaza Uruguay.

21. Find a hidden speakeasy

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Even if you’re not very into the party scene, this hidden gem is a fun adventure. The speakeasy is a bar called Jules Basement, and its entrance is in an unassuming taquería called Surtidora Don Batiz. In the taquería, there’s a long hallway. Look for the La Cocina sign, and you’ll see a bouncer in a suit standing in front of what appears to be a refrigerator door. The door is the entrance to the speakeasy, and you should be able to get in unless they are at capacity. The bar itself is posh and is known for its delicious cocktails and occasional live music.

Keep an eye on the Jules Basement website for updates.

20. Treat yo’self at Pujol

Pujol is one of Mexico’s most famous restaurants and is run by mega-popular chef Enrique Olvera. If you’ve seen Chef’s Table on Netflix, you might already know about Pujol’s incredible reputation.

This is certainly a fine dining experience, so you’ll have to make a reservation ahead of time to get in. You can make one by contacting the restaurant . They recommend reserving a few weeks in advance for weekend bookings and at least one week for weekdays.

Reforma and Chapultepec

This chic and historic area is where you’ll find the city’s most prestigious museums and parks, along with the famous El Ángel de Independencia monument. For a full overview of this area of the city, consider taking a bike tour along the longest bike lane in Mexico City!

19. Wander around the Chapultepec Forest

At 1,700 acres, the Chapultepec Forest in the heart of Mexico City is over twice the size of Central Park in New York City. This enormous park is full of towering pine trees, running trails, open green spaces, a couple of ponds, and even a few museums!

You can easily get lost here, so it’s best to go with a plan. There are three distinct sections of the park: the Primera Sección, the Segunda Sección, and the Tercera Sección. The Primera Sección has a small lake where you can rent a paddleboat, the zoo, the Chapultepec Castle (more on that in the next entry), and some of the city’s best museums. You could spend an entire day in this section alone.

The Segunda Sección has more impressive museums, such as the Natural History Museum . There you’ll also El Panteón Civil de Dolores, Mexico’s national cemetery.

The Tercera Sección is much more tranquil and is mostly pine forest. There you might spot some wildlife, and it’s a great place for a long walk or run.

18. Feel like royalty at Chapultepec Castle

The National Museum of History at Chapultepec Castle is an essential stop on any Mexico City itinerary. It’s truly impressive and gave me some serious Versailles vibes when I went.

The castle is located atop a huge hill in the middle of the Chapultepec Forest and was originally built as a summer home for Viceroy Bernardo de Gálvez, but it has changed hands several times. It was once a military academy, then turned into the emperor’s house, and then later was the presidential residence up until 1939 when it was converted into a museum.

Now, visitors can wander the halls of the castle, check out the incredible city views from the gardens (when the infamous smog isn’t too thick), and feel like they’re taking a step back in time.

The museum is closed on Mondays but open from 9am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday. The entrance fee is 80 pesos ($4). Due to the pandemic, the museum is currently closed. Check the website for updates .

17. Learn about ancient civilizations at the National Museum of Anthropology

If you’re an anthropology nerd like me, you’ve probably already heard of Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology. It’s the absolute best anthropology museum in all of Mexico and has some of the country’s most precious archaeological treasures.

After visiting countless archaeological sites all around Mexico, I found this museum astonishing, because many of the artifacts I had heard about at sites in Chiapas and Yucatán are on display there. If you’ve been to any ruins in Mexico, you have to check this museum out for a more in-depth look at the ancient civilizations that once existed here. After all, there is a reason why this is the most visited museum in Mexico. You could spend an entire day there as it’s huge and has so much to see.

The National Museum of Anthropology is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm and the entrance fee is 80 pesos ($4).

La Condesa and Roma

These adjacent neighborhoods are known for their lush green avenues, bohemian boutiques, incredible restaurants, and art galleries, as well as the best nightlife in the city. You may have heard about the Oscar-winning movie Roma , which is set in the Roma neighborhood. The colonial architecture and ample tree-lined boulevards give this neighborhood its romantic feel, which you’re sure to fall in love with, just like I did!

16. Catch a Show at Foro Shakespeare

Foro Shakespeare houses six theater halls that host performances by independent companies, in a break from the traditional Mexican theater scene. Their mission goes beyond putting on a great show, as they strive to educate audiences about the behind-the-scenes processes that go into their work.

This theater also stands out because of its focus on independent artists and out-of-the-box performances that can’t be found anywhere else in Mexico. I went to a show there a few years ago and was blown away by how wacky and artistic it was!

Check out what shows they have on Foro Shakespeare’s website , where you can also purchase tickets ahead of time.

15. Get lost in the stacks at El Péndulo Bookstore

When it comes to charming bookstores, the Roma neighborhood has plenty to choose from. However, this one remains my favorite. El Péndulo has a few locations throughout Mexico City, but the one in Roma is special. It has two floors with floor-to-ceiling shelves and an adorable café, whose balcony seating is the perfect spot to flip through the pages of your newly purchased book while you sip on some coffee or tea.

El Zócalo and Centro Histórico

14. walk around the second-largest plaza in the world.

The Zócalo (also known as the Plaza de la Constitución) is the heart of Mexico City. There you will find some of the city’s oldest architecture, which was built right on top of the former ceremonial center of the ancient city of Tenochtitlán, built by the Aztecs on top of a lake — which is one of the reasons why you’ll see a lot of buildings in modern-day Mexico City that look like they are sinking. In the Zócalo, you can actually see how much they have sunk into the ground over time, and some of the buildings even look a little lopsided.

In this main plaza, you will see people selling handicrafts and doing limpiezas , a spiritual cleansing that is conducted by wafting copal incense and shaking various herbs around a person’s body. This tradition dates back to ancient Aztec times and is performed in the Zócalo because of the spiritual significance the area has.

13. See what Mexico City once was at Templo Mayor

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Museo del Templo Mayor (@museodeltemplomayor)

Constructed in 1325 in the marshes of Lake Texcoco, the main temple of the ancient city of Tenochtitlan was located in the present-day Zócalo. The foundation of the ruins are well preserved, and there is a museum right next to the Metropolitan Cathedral where you can see them.

A visit to the museum is definitely worth it if you want to see the sculptures and paintings of the ruins up close, but you can also see the ruins from far away, from the platforms around it, which are free to access.

The entrance fee for the museum is 80 pesos ($4), and it’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

12. Admire the Palacio de Bellas Artes

El Palacio de Bellas Artes is easily one of the most beautiful buildings in the entire city. Its architecture is breathtaking! Inside you’ll find a popular art museum, a concert hall, a theater, and several halls with sculptures and paintings. Most notably, the building features works by some of Mexico’s most famous muralists, including Diego Rivera and Roberto Montenegro.

As Mexico City’s most important performance space, Bellas Artes hosts some of the grandest events in the city. Recurring events include performances by the Mexican Folklore Ballet , the Bellas Artes Opera , and the National Symphonic Orchestra .

The entrance fee to the Bellas Artes Museum is 75 pesos ($3.75). The palace is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm.

If you want to admire the building from afar, the best view of it is from a café across the street called Cafetería Terraza (inside the Sears store, which you will have to walk through to get there).

11. Find the best view of the city from the Torre Latinoamericana

While the view of Bellas Artes from Cafetería Terraza is phenomenal, the best view of the whole city is from the 600-foot Torre Latinoamericana downtown, right next to the Palacio de Bellas Artes. It has 45 floors; the highest observation deck is on the 44th floor. Due to the frequent earthquakes in Mexico City, there are very few skyscrapers like this one downtown.

It costs 150 pesos ($7.50) to access the observation decks. The building is open every day from 10am to 9pm. Perfect for daytime or nighttime views!

10. Listen to mariachis at Plaza Garibaldi

It’s no secret that mariachi music is very important in Mexican culture. If you’ve ever been to a Tex-Mex restaurant in the states, you’ve certainly heard it blasting through the speakers. Ever wondered about the history and significance of mariachi? Plaza Garibaldi is the place to find out.

The square itself has live mariachi music each night, and there are several restaurants and bars around it that have bands that go from table to table at which patrons pay them to sing specific songs. It’s a fun way to spend an evening, and I found the entire square to be charming and romantic.

If you want a more in-depth look of Plaza Garibaldi, this tour includes a guide and a drink!

9. Eat your way through the city

Who doesn’t love to be fed a bunch of delicious food? I’ve said it once (or many times, oops), and I’ll say it again: Mexico has the best food in the world. Don’t try to argue with me until you’ve gone on one of Club Tengo Hambre’s famous street food tours.

Their downtown walking tour will take you to some of the city’s best street food stalls, markets, and sweets shops. It includes a local guide who will give you the inside scoop on Mexico’s food scene. You’ll even get to try pulque , a fermented beverage that was once consumed by Aztec royalty. It has a very peculiar texture that has grown on me, but it is definitely not for those who are weirded out by slimy treats.

8. Swing by Palacio Postal

Palacio Postal literally translates to “postal palace.” Confused? I was, too. But then I decided to check it out and wow, was it worth passing through. The building was designed by the same architect, Adamo Boari, who was behind the beauty of the Palacio de Bellas Artes. His style is a mashup of Neoclassical, Baroque, Gothic, and Art Deco, to name a few.

The post office is open to the public and is easy to walk into. The detail in the wrought-iron and special chiluca stones is particularly stunning. There isn’t much else to see at Palacio Postal beyond the architectural details, however. It is a functioning post office, after all.

7. Snap a pic in front of Casa de los Azulejos

View this post on Instagram A post shared by MXCity (@mx.city)

This gorgeous building is one of the most photographed sites in the entire city. Named for the intricate bright blue tiles on its façade, it makes the perfect backdrop for a cute Insta pic.

The building was originally built for the Count del Valle de Orizaba family in the 18th century, but it now houses one of the many Sanborns locations, a popular restaurant chain in Mexico. This Sanborns location is special because everything inside mimics the style of Casa de los Azulejos, including the menus, which feature the same peacock drawings from the murals inside.

Juárez and La Zona Rosa

Located next to Roma, the Juárez neighborhood is a hip artistic enclave that is home to Mexico City’s proudest LGBTQ+ neighborhood, known as La Zona Rosa. There you’ll find plenty of shopping, dining, and thumping nightlife.

6. Take a glass elevator to the top of the Monumento a la Revolución

This historic arched monument was built to celebrate the Mexican Revolution. It’s one of the city’s most revered landmarks and has a beautiful glass elevator that you can take to the top. The panoramic view is great from up there!

An all-access pass to the highest observation deck and terrace costs 100 pesos ($5), but the lower deck is free and has a good view as well. It’s open noon to 7pm Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday plus noon to 9pm Friday through Sunday.

5. Indulge at the MUCHO Mundo Chocolate Museum

Cacao is an incredibly important part of Mesoamerican culture and traditions, which have been passed down for centuries. The MUCHO Mundo Chocolate Museum focuses on the process of growing and producing chocolate, along with a deep dive into its cultural significance. From the strange-looking cacao pods all the way to the chocolate bar you can buy at the store, the museum provides a comprehensive look into one of the world’s most treasured treats.

The museum is open every day from 11am to 4pm, and tickets cost 75 pesos ($3.75). Stay up to date on the museum’s hours on the MUCHO Mundo Chocolate Museum website.

4. Have brunch at Café NiN

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cafe Nin (@cafe_nin)

This adorable café is known by locals as the absolute best place to have brunch. The owner is Elena Reygadas, a famous Mexican chef who is also behind my favorite restaurant in town, Lardo (which you also have to try!). Café NiN has a cool Art Deco vibe, and the guava roll is so good that my mouth instantly waters when I think about it.

It is open from 7am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and 7:30am to 6pm on Sundays. Because of its fame, plan to get to Café NiN as early as possible to avoid the inevitable lines that form later in the morning.

3. Cheer on queens at a drag show

La Zona Rosa is full of fun LGBTQ+ bars and therefore is known for its party scene. While I’m not big into staying out all night, I did make an exception for a drag show. Baby is a popular spot to catch a show on the weekends. (During the pandemic, tickets are limited so make sure to call ahead of time and reserve your spot.)

Being so huge, it’s no surprise that Mexico City is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in Latin America. Areas like La Zona Rosa make it really evident, and it’s a fun place to hang out at night because of the open-minded atmosphere.

-Read Next-

Where to stay in Mexico City, according to an expert

Day Trips Outside the City

2. climb the pyramids at teotihuacán archaeological site.

Teotihuacán is located just about an hour from Mexico City and is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the country. It features two large pyramids: the sun pyramid and the moon pyramid, which represent masculine and feminine energy. You can climb to the top of the taller sun pyramid, but it is only permitted to climb about halfway up the moon pyramid. The view from either one is astounding!

There is a lot of historical significance to the site as a whole, so I suggest hiring a guide to give you greater insight. This tour includes a guide and also visits the Basílica de Guadalupe.

While a guided tour is certainly the best way to learn about the ruins, the coolest way to see them is from a hot-air balloon. There are a few companies that offer hot air balloon rides over the pyramids. There is one from GetYourGuide that will pick you up from your hotel and includes breakfast.

As one of the most visited places in Mexico, expect to see crowds at Teotihuacán. If you want to avoid them as much as possible, consider visiting early in the morning on a weekday. Driving there from the city is easy if you rent a car . If you want to take public transportation, buses to the site leave from the Terminal Central del Norte station every 20 minutes. Entrance to the ruins costs 80 pesos ($4).

1. Los Dinamos National Park

View this post on Instagram A post shared by LOS DINAMOS ????????⛰️ (@dinamos.mx)

This enormous eco park is technically located within the city limits, but it makes a great day trip on its own. The park is over 6,000 acres of forest, including miles of hiking trails and even a few waterfalls on the Magdalena River. It’s hard to believe it’s so close to such a bustling metropolis!

In the park, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. There are biking trails and rock climbing walls; zip-lining, rappelling, and horseback riding are also available. There is also a designated camping area in case you want to stay the night.

Los Dinamos is open from 6am to 6:30pm every day and is free to access. We love it!

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Mexico City by Color

To plan your next CDMX adventure, check out this color-coded map with everything I just mentioned above:

That’s a wrap for the 33 best things to do in Mexico City! Tackling it one neighborhood at a time is a great way to enjoy everything CDMX has to offer, without becoming too overwhelmed by choice. In such a colorful, bustling metropolis, you could spend days, months, or even years trying to see everything. Prioritize using this list, and you’ll see why so many travelers keep coming back for more.

About the author: Emily is a Mexico travel enthusiast based in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. She is a part-time freelance writer for BMTM and part-time doula.

About Emily Becker

Emily Becker is a digital nomad based in Costa Rica. She's been traveling on and off since 2014 and has visited 15 countries—planning to tick many more off her bucket list. In addition to writing for BMTM, she works as a copywriter and project manager.

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VIPIN SAINI says

05/07/2021 at 2:10 am

Hey Kristin, That’s a great read. A very well-written blog. I enjoyed reading this, plus there are some really interesting things that everyone should try while visiting Mexico city. Thanks for sharing. I would love to check em out!

05/10/2021 at 5:36 pm

Such a great article full of tips! Can’t wait to visit Mexici City again!

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10 Best Places to Visit in Mexico City

Posted by Guest Blogger | Updated on Apr 4, 2024 | Published on Jan 17, 2024 | Mexico | 0

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Guest Post by Soumya Gayatri

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Mexico City, you’re in the right place.

With its rich and storied history, Mexico City is home to many iconic landmarks and well-known monuments. 

From the magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral in the Historic Center to the famous Frida Kahlo Museum in the quaint neighborhood of Coyoacan, the list of exciting places in Mexico City is endless. 

In this ultimate CDMX bucket list, we delve into the ten best places to visit in Mexico City. 

Centro Historico

One of the top places to visit in Mexico City is its historic center, Centro Historico. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Center of Mexico City was built on the top of the ancient Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, by Spanish conquerors who took over Mexico in the 16th century.

Today, the Historic Center is home to the ruins of the Aztec temple called the Templo Mayor and several beautiful colonial buildings such as the Mexico City National Palace , the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Postal Palace. 

You’ll also find the largest cathedral in North America here. It is called the Metropolitan Cathedral. 

At the center is Mexico City’s main public square, the Zocalo, which is the perfect place for people-watching. Mexico City’s famous Day of the Dead celebrations are also held at the Zocalo.

Best things to do in the Historic Center of Mexico City

• Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral for its churrigueresque-style altars with elaborate ornamentation and decorative detailing. 
• Join a guided tour of Mexico City National Palace and see some of Diego Rivera’s best murals. The massive “History of Mexico” mural, depicting Mexico’s ancient, colonial, and modern histories is a highlight.
• Explore the ruins of Tenochtitlan and see what remains of Templo Mayor, the main Aztec temple.
• Head to Palacio Bellas Artes or the Palace of Fine Arts for more murals by the Mexican mural masters, including Diego Rivera. Watch a folkloric ballet for a deep dive into Mexican culture.
• Climb up to the observation deck of Torre Latino Americana for splendid views of the historic center and beyond.

The best way to explore the treasures of the historic center is on a Mexico City walking tour , where a knowledgeable guide gives rich insights into the history of the city and its important landmarks.

Coyoacan is a quaint Mexico City borough known for its association with the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. 

Frida Kahlo was born in Coyoacan and lived and died here. Casa Azul, the blue-colored house of Frida Kahlo, is now a museum where you can find her paintings, personal memorabilia, and photographs.

Frida Kahlo Museum is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico City. It is so popular that tickets get sold out weeks in advance. Be sure to book your Frida Kahlo tickets well ahead of time.

Other attractions in Coyoacan include the Leon Trotsky Museum, the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum, and the Rivera and Kahlo Studio House. 

The San Juan Bautista Church, with its ornate gilded interior, is not to be missed either.

Be sure to spend some time at the Fountain of Coyotes, from which Coyoacan gets its name.

Travelers often combine Coyoacan with Xochimilco on full-day tours like this one . 

A better idea is to combine Coyoacan with the lesser-known neighborhood of San Angel, where you can visit a lively artisan market every Saturday. Called Bazar Sabado, this local market is the best place to shop for Mexican crafts, textiles, handmade ceramics and jewelry, and paintings by local artists.

San Angel is also home to the 17 th -century El Carmen Monastery, which has a museum of religious art and twelve mummies from the 1600s. 

Teotihuacan Pyramids

One of the most fascinating places to visit near Mexico City is the Archeological Site of Teotihuacan. 

Located just 30 miles north of Mexico City (about an hour's drive), Teotihuacan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to three massive pyramids almost 2,000 years old. They are called the pyramids of the Sun, the Moon, and the Feathered Serpent.

Best things to do at Teotihuacan

• Marvel at the pyramids of the Sun, the Moon, and the Feathered Serpent aligned along a north-south axis called the Avenue of the Dead. The pyramids are no longer open to climbing but you can appreciate their sheer size and history.
• Discover murals painted by the ancient people of Teotihuacan thousands of years ago at the Palace of Butterflies, Tepantitla Architectural Complex, and the Beatriz Fuente Mural Museum. 
• Ride a hot air balloon to get the most stunning views of the ancient city from above.

It is easy to get to Teotihuacan from Mexico City by public transport. Board a Teotihuacan Autobus from the Norte Terminal in Mexico City and get to Teotihuacan in an hour. 

You can also rent a car and drive (beware, Mexico City traffic is notoriously slow!) or book a guided tour with hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

Mexico City is full of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the most unique ones is the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco.

Located on the southern borders of Mexico City, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco are a group of artificial islands created by the Aztecs in the 14th century. They are still used to grow crops, and rear animals like the Aztecs did 700 years ago.

Xochimilco’s Floating Gardens are also a popular tourist attraction today. 

Visitors can ride on brightly colored gondolas called trajineras and explore the canals of Xochimilco. 

Trajinera tours usually include food, drinks, dance, and music, making Xochimilco a fun day trip from Mexico City. 

El Angel Monument

If you’re looking for the most iconic Mexico City attractions, visit the monument of El Angel or the Angel of Independence.

Located in downtown Mexico City, the Angel symbolizes Mexico’s War of Independence and its victory over Spain. 

The Angel is a 120-foot-tall column topped by a bright golden statue of Nike. The mortal remains of many Mexican revolutionaries, including those of Father Hidalgo , are buried under the monument. 

El Angel stands right in the middle of the busy Paseo de la Reforma and is one of the most photographed attractions in Mexico City. 

Roma and Condesa

Roma and Condesa are two of Mexico City’s coolest neighborhoods, with cute restaurants, artsy cafes, and trendy boutiques. Tree-lined streets and old art nouveau buildings further add to the charm.

Over time, both Roma and Condesa have come to house artists from all over the world.

Therefore, you’ll find a lot of original street art as well as modern art galleries in these neighborhoods.

Best things to do in Roma and Condesa:

• Stroll in Parque Mexico, a lush green park full of exotic flora and fauna, ponds and fountains, interesting sculptures, and long winding trails.
• Head to Mercado Roma and sample authentic Mexican cuisine from the local food stalls.
• Visit chic art galleries like Galeria OMR and Arto Otra and shop for artsy Mexican souvenirs. Or join a walking tour to explore the eclectic street art of Roma and Condesa.
• Try vegan tacos at Por Siempre Vegana in Roma Norte, one of the best places for vegan Mexican fare.

Chapultepec Park and Castle

Next up on this list of best places to visit in Mexico City are the iconic Chapultepec Park and Chapultepec Castle. 

Often referred to as the lungs of Mexico City, Chapultepec Park is a large urban park in the heart of the city. 

Apart from charming walking trails and a beautiful lake, the park has many more attractions, including museums, a zoo, Chapultepec Castle, the Ninos Heroes Monument, and several local restaurants. 

The National Museum of Anthropology, one of Mexico City’s most famous museums, is located within Chapultepec Park. It is the best place to learn about the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Mexico, including the Mayans, Aztecs, and Olmecs. 

Other notable museums inside Chapultepec Park are the Museum of Modern Art, Rufino Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum, and Papalote Children’s Museum. 

On the top of a small hill in Chapultepec Park, you will find the Chapultepec Castle, the only royal castle in the Americas. 

The castle is home to the National Museum of History, where you can delve into Mexico’s rich history. You can also tour the lavishly decorated staterooms and check out beautiful stained-glass windows inside the castle.

The castle is also the best place to get panoramic views of Chapultepec Park and the Mexico City skyline.

Chapultepec Park is so huge and full of attractions that you can easily spend an entire day here without running out of things to do.

Polanco is one of Mexico City’s most upscale neighborhoods and is home to high-end restaurants, luxury boutiques, expensive hotels, and classy galleries and museums. 

Polanco has not one but two Michelin-starred restaurants – Pujol and Quintonil. Whether you choose to eat at one of these or a streetside taco stall, you won’t be disappointed. The food in Polanco is delicious everywhere.

Shop at the posh Antara Fashion Hall or take a walk in Parque Lincoln. Everything in Polanco is classy and dripping with swank.

The highlight, however, is the privately-owned Soumaya Museum, which has one of the largest collections of art in all of North America. From masterpieces of European old masters to modern 20th-century Mexican art pieces, the museum has over 60,000 pieces of art open for public viewing free of charge.

Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, or UNAM, is not only an educational institution but also a popular place to visit in Mexico City.

The Central University Campus of UNAM is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it presents a rare example of 20th-century modernist architecture.

The University Library is a fascinating building with its entire façade adorned by a stunning mosaic by Juan O’Gorman. The mosaic depicts different stages in the history of Mexico, starting with the pre-Hispanic civilizations, the colonists, and modern Mexican people. 

If you’re an art enthusiast, visit the University Museum of Contemporary Art (MUAC), which features some of the most innovative and unconventional art creations.

UNAM is located about 10 miles south of the Historic Center of Mexico City. Therefore, travelers often visit UNAM on a full-day tour with Xochimilco Floating Gardens and Frida Kahlo Museum.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of Latin America’s most visited religious sites. 

Located only 30 minutes from the Mexico City center, the Basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is known to house a famous cloak that has the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

The impressive architecture of the Basilica is another draw. The old and the new basilicas stand side by side, representing Mexico’s rich architectural history. 

Millions of pilgrims visit the Basilica every year. The crowds are enormous on the 12th of December, the Day of Saint Mary of Guadalupe.

You can easily combine the Basilica with a full-day tour of the Teotihuacan pyramids and the Tlatelolco Archeological Site.

Tips for visiting Mexico City Attractions

• Many Mexico City attractions are closed on Mondays. If you’re in Mexico City on a Monday, indulge in a day trip to Teotihuacan or Xochimilco.
• Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world and is home to over 22 million people. Therefore, traffic can get terrible sometimes. Use the metro and Metrobus to get to your destination on time. Getting a Metro Card is extremely helpful.
• The best time to visit Mexico City is in the spring months of March–May. The weather is cooler and drier than in summer, making it perfect to explore outdoors. Jacarandas are also in full bloom during this time, making the areas around Paseo de la Reforma, Centro Historico, and Chapultepec Park even prettier. October-November is also a good time if you plan to attend Day of the Dead festivities.
• Frida Kahlo Museum is extremely popular among tourists. Therefore, tickets sell out fast. Book your Frida Kahlo tickets at least a week in advance.

If you’re looking for more amazing things to do in Mexico City and nearby, head to the beautiful colonial towns of San Miguel de Allende and Puebla, and immerse yourself in the rich Mexican heritage and culture.

About the Author Soumya is a history and culture enthusiast who helps her readers plan immersive cultural trips through her travel blog, Stories by Soumya . Her writings about travel and culture have been published in BBC Travel, Architectural Digest, National Herald, and many more. Mexico City is one of her favorite places in the world, and she keeps coming back here for the history, the culture, and the food.

Check out these related posts:

• Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos
• Best Things to Do in Bacalar
• Best Things to Do in Mazatlan
• Amazing Things to Do in Oaxaca

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The 10 best attractions in Mexico City

Visiting CDMX but have no idea where to start? These are the best attractions in Mexico City, from museums to monuments.

A bustling metropolis, Mexico City is a place of grandeur and wonder. Its magic was apparent from the start; CDMX sits on the same site as the ancient settlement of Tenochtitlán, where the Aztecs are said to have witnessed an eagle perched atop a cactus while devouring a snake. You might not see such sights here today, but the best attractions in Mexico City will more than suffice.

Put bluntly, Mexico City is jam-packed with brilliant attractions, fascinating history, and gorgeous architecture. This place has been the focal point of civilizations for the better part of a millennium, and its story is told through magnificent museums , galleries, squares, and more. This is the best of the best in Mexico City.

RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Mexico City

Best sights and attractions in Mexico City

1.  Museo Nacional de Antropología (MNA)

• Miguel Hidalgo

Firstly, the architecture might just blow you away. It’s impossible to see the entire museum in one day, but seeing the Coatlicue will change your perception of one of Mexico’s most important museums. After five decades, it was necessary to restore its two most significant murals;  The World of the Maya  (Leonora Carrington) and the  Map of Meso-America  (Ernesto Vázquez y Luis Covarrubias). The restoration was impeccable, to say the least.

2.  Arena México

Arena Mexico is bubbling with history. It contains traces of glorious battles, from its beginnings with El Santo and Blue Demon to the boxing matches in the 1968 Olympic Games and beyond. These days, it is a cathedral of competition in which every Tuesday (the most popular day due to its lower prices), Friday, and Sunday, people line up to celebrate the magic of lucha libre. Mexican experiences don't come more quintessential than this marriage of physicality and drama.

3.  Bosque de Chapultepec

• Walks and tours

Stepping foot in Chapultepec is obligatory for anyone in Mexico City, visitor or resident. The first section possesses an undeniable aura of art and history thanks to museums and cultural buildings like the Museo de Arte Moderno, the Museo Tamayo, and the Museo Nacional de Antropología. The park is also home to the legendary Castillo de Chapultepec, the scene of the Batalla del Molino del Rey, one of the most violent battles during the Mexican-American War of 1847.

4.  Ángel de la Independencia

Officially called Monumento a la Independencia, the Angel of Independence is a popular meeting point in Mexico City. Those who step foot here may not know it, but they are standing on the remains of the souls who built Mexico. Before becoming the headquarters for social protests and rallies, the monument was a mausoleum formed by a slanted plinth, a quarry-stone column standing 35 meters high, with a statue of the Winged Victory of Samothrace at the top—designed by architect Antonio Rivas Mercado.

5.  Museo Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul)

Frida Kahlo is one of the most famous and celebrated artists of the past century, so it makes sense that this museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in CDMX. This is the house where Kahlo was born, where she lived with Diego Rivera, and where she eventually died. Known as the Cruz Azul (Blue House, bet you can't figure out why), the entire life of a hugely significant artist is contained within. The house is history itself and perfectly captures the scope and creativity of Mexico’s bohemian community in the 1930s and 40s.

6.  Palacio Postal

One of Mexico City’s most ornate and beautiful buildings, the Palacio Postal (also known as the Correo Mayor) was designed by the mind of Italian architect Adamo Boari. Its early twentieth-century style combines several historic architectural movements, from Italian renaissance to Spanish Plateresque, and the results are astonishing. It’s the fine details where the Postal shines brightest; check out its Italian ironwork, elaborate stone carvings, and intricately detailed gargoyles.

7.  Palacio de Bellas Artes

The construction of Bellas Artes was completed by Italian Architect Adamo Boari. The Palace is as famous for its architecture as its central collection, which houses 17 murals by Mexican artists created between 1928-1963. Standout murals include  El hombre Controlador del Universo  (1934) by Diego Rivera,  La Katharsis  (1934) by José Clemente Orozco, and  Tormento de Cuauhtémoc  (1951) by David Alfaro Siquieros, among others. The Palace is home to the Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes and a principal room, an excellent place to enjoy operas, chamber music, and theater.

8.  Xochimilco

At the south end of the city is a living vestige of what was the great Tenochtitlán, with its canals and chinampas and green plots of land full of vegetation and fresh air. Xochimilco was named a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site in 1987, and its neighborhoods still breathe tradition and respect for nature. Its Náhuatl name couldn’t be more apt; Xochimilco means “place of fertile earth of flowers.” This place is plenty colorful, to say the least. There are nine dock areas where you can board a trajinera (a flat-bottomed boat built for carrying goods), an absolute must in Xochimilco.

9.  Monumento a la Revolución Mexicana

You don't need to be fluent in Spanish to decipher what that means. Monumento a la Revolución is a landmark in downtown Mexico City commemorating the Mexican Revolution of the early 20th century. It is the tallest triumphal arch in the world (220 meters), but there is more to this than meets the eye. The Monumento is also a mausoleum housing the remains of some of Mexico's most important historical figures, while a museum and gallery are also found here. Visitors can also climb the monument using the original elevator, installed in 1938, which rises on an incline between the two copper domes.

10.  Zócalo

• Event spaces

The flat, treeless Zócalo (the informal name for the main square) is one of Mexico City’s most iconic places. The plaza is a hub of entertainment and activities, from concerts to plays, festivals, job fairs, and more. Officially called La Plaza de la Constitución, Zócalo was called the Plaza de Ánimas in the days of New Spain, but its current moniker was given in honor of the area’s prominence during the signing of the Constitution of Cádiz (1812). 

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The Mexican flag flies over the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral in Constitution Square.

Top 10 Things to Do in Mexico City

Follow the footsteps of the Aztecs, admire the brushstrokes of Frida Kahlo, and experience centuries-old traditions during Day of the Dead.

Built on the ruins of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, Mexico City is one of the oldest and largest cities in the Americas. Colonial architecture, iconic artwork, spicy cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage offer visitors an endless array of activities that will satisfy any appetite.

Centro Histórico: City of Palaces

The Aztecs built their empire on Lake Texcoco in the Valley of Mexico—a great island city connected by canals and protected by fortresses. When Spanish conquerors arrived in Tenochtitlan in the 16th century, they destroyed the island, drained the lake, and constructed a “city of palaces” over the ruins. Past and present blend together in the 10-acre Historic Center of Mexico City —its museums, cathedrals, and temples reveal a storied past. The Zócalo, the city’s main public square, is second largest in the world after Moscow’s Red Square and within a short distance of several significant sites. Highlights include the Palacio Nacional , home to the president’s offices. The colonial building is located at the site where the palace of the Aztec ruler Moctezuma once stood, and it’s decorated with murals by Mexican artist Diego Rivera. The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, built over a period of more than 200 years, is the largest in the Americas and combines Renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical architectural styles.

Xochimilco: Where the Flowers Grow

A brightly painted flat-bottom boat navigates the canals of Xochimilco.

In the south of Mexico City, a network of canals weaves through a series of man-made islands in Xochimilco, the so-called “ Venice of the New World.” Xochimilco, meaning “where the flowers grow,” is aptly named for its chinampas , or floating gardens. Farmers constructed reed rafts on the lake, slathered them with mud, and cultivated fruits, vegetables, and flowers right on the water. Over time, the gardens rooted and became islands. On weekends, trajineras , brightly decorated flat-bottom boats, carry passengers through the canals. Small boats also navigate the waterways, delivering drinks and snacks to lively passengers. The floating city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987—the only remaining example of traditional pre-Hispanic land use of the lagoons in the Mexico City basin.

Teotihuacan: City of the Gods

Mexico boasts more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country in the Americas, like the ancient archaeological site of Teotihuacan , located 45 minutes northeast of Mexico City. Lining the Avenue of the Dead, the monumental Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon stretch across the valley in geometric patterns—a model of urbanization and city planning that guided subsequent cultures. The towering structures represent only 10 percent of the total surface, a testament to one of the largest and most powerful cultural and artistic centers in Mesoamerica. In fact, this site is so awe-inspiring, some people believe it was built by aliens .

Art: Mesoamerica to Modern Mexico

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is an early 20th-century cultural center located in the Centro Histórico.

Mexico City has more than 150 museums and galleries. The Soumaya Museum was designed by the Mexican architect Fernando Romero and is one of the most visited in Mexico City. It hosts a collection of more than 66,000 works spanning 3,000 years, including pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica, 19th- and 20th-century Mexican art, and works by European masters such as Auguste Rodin, Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh. Palacio de Bellas Artes is a stunning work of early 20th-century architecture located in the Centro Histórico. The palace hosts temporary art exhibits and features permanent murals by some of Mexico's most celebrated artists, including Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and Rufino Tamayo. The Dolores Olmedo Musuem ’s beautiful five-building complex features a collection of pre-Hispanic, colonial, folk, and contemporary art, including a large collection of works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Bosque de Chapultepec: An Outdoor Oasis

At more than 1,600 acres, Chapultepec is Mexico City’s largest park and home to several significant historical sites. Near the park’s main entrance stands the Monument of Young Heroes, which honors six young cadets who refused to surrender at the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847 during the Mexican-American War. Follow the road to the top of the hill overlooking Mexico City, where Chapultepec Castle houses the National History Museum . Other attractions in the sprawling park include botanical gardens, a modern art museum, Tamayo Museum, and National Museum of Anthropology . Outside the main entrance of the anthropology museum, costumed entertainers perform the ancient rite of the voladores (fliers), in which four instrument-wielding men swing around a tall pole as if they were flying.

Coyoacán: Place of Coyotes

The Centenario Garden showcases a fountain honoring the coyote—the animal that gave Coyoacán, “the place of coyotes,” its name.

One of Mexico City’s “ magical neighborhoods ,” Coyoacán has vibrant cobblestone streets, colonial churches, and bustling markets that transport visitors back in time. The main plaza, Jardín Centenario (Centenario Garden), showcases a fountain honoring the coyote—the animal that gave Coyoacán, “the place of coyotes,” its name. Across from the plaza, the early 16th-century San Juan Bautista Cathedral towers into the sky, while vendors peddle toys and snacks outside. Sit down for some classic Mexican cuisine at Los Danzantes , and enjoy the scene. A 15-minute walk from the plaza leads to La Casa Azul (the Blue House), the former home of Mexican icon Frida Kahlo, which was converted into a museum after her death. If you’re feeling inspired, all sorts of Frida Kahlo-shaped earrings, T-shirts, and purses can be found in the Bazar Artesanal Mexicano , along with a multitude of other traditional handicrafts.

Cuisine: Spice Things Up

Fifty regional cuisines from across the country can be found in Mexico City. When you’re not savoring the vibrant street-food scene, the city offers fine-dining options at modest prices. At Guzina Oaxaca , chef Alejandro Ruíz uses fresh, organic ingredients to craft traditional dishes that transport diners to the southern state of Oaxaca. Adventurous eaters should order the delicacy, chapulines , or dried grasshoppers. Venture to Blanco Colima in the heart of Mexico City's Roma Norte neighborhood. Operating out of a decadent 20th-century mansion, a blend of modern art with classical touches makes the atmosphere as exquisite as the cuisine. Looking to taste a little bit of everything? Mexican Food Tours offers a range of gastronomy tours and cooking classes.

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Día de los Muertos: An Ancient Tradition

Sweet shops throughout Mexico City sell sugar skulls during the Day of the Dead.

Each year from late October to early November, people throughout Mexico celebrate the pre-Hispanic traditions of Día de los Muertos , or Day of the Dead. In Mexico City, neon alebrijes —sculptures of fantastical beasts—line the streets in a splash of color. Ofrendas , or offerings, to dead loved ones can also be viewed throughout homes, cemeteries, and public spaces across the city. These altars are often draped in bright marigolds, sugar skulls, photos, food, and drink—gifts to welcome the dead back to the realm of the living. In 2016, Mexico City held its first ever Day of the Dead parade. Giant floats, colorfully costumed entertainers, and beautifully painted skeleton ladies (Catrinas) danced through the streets while thousands of joyful spectators lined sidewalks and balconies stretching from the Angel of Independence to the city’s main square. Día de los Muertos earned a spot on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.

Templo Mayor: Aztec Ruins

Beneath Mexico City lie the ruins of the pre-Hispanic Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, and its center was the Templo Mayor. In the mid-20th century, the religious site was discovered under the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral and excavated by archaeologists in the 1970s. Visitors can view pyramids, ceremonial platforms, and the complex’s main temples dedicated to the gods of war and rain. The Templo Mayor Museum showcases many of the era’s artifacts—which continue to be unearthed—such as obsidian knives, clay pots, masks, skulls, and urns.

Puebla: Must-Do Day Trip

Popocatépetl volcano looms over the Great Pyramid of Cholula in the state of Puebla, Mexico.

Just two hours south of Mexico City, the colonial city of Puebla sits at the foot of the snowcapped Popocatépetl volcano. The enchanting historic center of Puebla —a UNESCO World Heritage site—has preserved baroque cathedrals, palaces, and azulejos (tiled houses) dating back to the 16th century. In the evening, the lively Zócalo buzzes with life, music, and food, and the charming pastel buildings and intricately designed churches light up against the night sky. A few blocks from the Zócalo, a large artisanal market sells textiles, tchotchkes, artwork, and more. Just a few miles away, the small town of Cholula is home to hundreds of beautiful churches, as well as the largest pyramid in the world. If you have more time to spend in Puebla, consider exploring the towns of Tochimilco , Atlixco , and Cuetzalan .

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Home » North America » Mexico City

9 BEST Places to Visit in Mexico City (2024)

The buzzing capital of Mexico, Mexico City is a beautiful and megadiverse city with much history, modern culture, politics, arts, and archaeological sites. There are nearby natural wonders to discover and it’s a terrific place for an adventure.

With almost 20 million people living in Mexico City, and the city sprawling over a huge distance, the crowds and distances can be rather overwhelming. Indeed, it’s the biggest Spanish-speaking city in the whole world! Tackling the city as a traveler can be daunting.

Don’t fret! We’ve put together a list of the best places to visit in Mexico City to make planning your trip a breeze. Combining off-the-beaten-track treasures and popular hotspots, there’s never a dull moment in the Mexican capital.

Tick off these best places to visit in Mexico City and you cannot help but be amazed!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Mexico City:

These are the best places to visit in mexico city, faq on the best places to visit in mexico city.

Roma is home to Mexico City’s quirky subculture. It was the original home of many wealthy Europeans who flocked to Mexico at the turn of the 20th century, and French-style mansions can still be found dotting the avenues and lanes.

• Admire the street art found all around the neighborhood
• Try alcoholic-beverage flavored ice cream at Helado Obscuro
• Chill out in Plaza Rio de Janeiro – Roma’s most tranquil open space

And now onto the best places to visit in Mexico City!

There is heaps to do in Mexico City for backpackers and all sorts of travellers! And when we say heaps, we mean A LOT. If you’re just staying for a short while, we’d recommend coming up with a rough Mexico City Itinerary so you won’t wander around the city without a plan. To help you decide on the best hotspots, check out the best places in Mexico City below. 

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#1 – Zocalo – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Mexico City

• Main city square
• Origin of the constitution
• Iconic structures
• Archaeological remains

Why it’s awesome: Zocalo is one of the main and biggest city squares in the world located in the Centro Historico, one of coolest areas to stay in Mexico City . It is filled with exciting architecture and has a long history. Visitors can discover great moments from the city’s past; interestingly, this is the spot where the country’s constitution was born. The Cathedral, one of the most iconic landmarks in Mexico City, is the perfect spot to start explorations of the large square.

With two towers, three main gateways, and five naves, the Cathedral Metropolitian is a Mexico City must-see. The National Palace is another remarkable landmark; it has a museum of Mexican history, a display of Mercian governors, and a lovely sculpture garden. There are plenty of shops close to hand as well as an interesting art museum.

What to do there: Gaze up in awe at the massive Mexican flag right in the middle of the city square. The flag ceremony is well worth seeing, where the troop squeezes in, lines up, and marches with the flag; it takes place at 6 am and 6 pm. Top tip: wear a hat or grab a spot in the shade to watch the cool ceremony as the square is mainly open and the sun is strong! Wander around the square and admire the gorgeous architecture, see a wide range of works in the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts), and head to the west side of Zocalo for great shopping at Portal de Mecaderes. Want to look into the future? Visit one of the fortune-tellers!

#2 – Mercado de Sonora – Quite the quirky place in Mexico City!

• Array of goods on sale
• Traditional market
• See local life
• Witchcraft-related items

Why it’s awesome: Mercado de Sonara is located in Colonia Merced Balbuena, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Mexico City. It’s a traditional market that dates back to the 1950s. A popular place for locals to pick up an array of items, it’s also a fantastic spot to observe local life and find unusual local souvenirs. The bustling market is also famous for its huge selection of items related to witchcraft and the occult. Many people head here to stock up on items ahead of the annual Day of the Dead celebrations. Noisy, eclectic, hectic, and crowded, it’s atmospheric and a great place to get cool photos to fill up your Instagram feed.

What to do there: Wander through the vibrant market and view the huge assortment of goods on sale. From ceramics, music, clothes, and toys, to pets, books, and medicinal herbs, you’ll find numerous items to catch your eye. There are many food items too as well as places where you can sit down and enjoy a meal. Seeing the large collection of magical items is, however, what makes visiting the market a Mexico City must do. Ogle things like candles used for love spells, colourful and pungent potions in mystical bottles, amulets, water supposedly imbued with magical powers, horseshoes, and much more. Pick up things to increase your fortunes, encourage love, aid health, get rid of evil, and so on. You can even visit a spell caster to seek a variety of outcomes.

#3 – Cathedral Metropolitan – One of the most religious places to see in Mexico City

• Eye-catching architecture
• Rich history
• Several ruins to explore
• Amazing interiors

Why it’s awesome: An impressive building constructed over the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan and with stones from the ancient temples, Cathedral Metropolitian is one of Mexico’s ancient architectural masterpieces. It is also the oldest cathedral in Latin America. In the past, the area was submerged underwater. Preservation efforts subsequently led to the discovery of the ruins. The area consists of the adjacent tabernacle and numerous chapels beautifully designed in a Spanish Baroque (Churrigueresque) style. The interiors are impressive, with high vaulted ceilings, countless paintings, revered altars, and colourful statues. One of the most famous places in Mexico City, it is often considered to be one of the most beautiful cathedrals around the world. There’s no charge to enjoy the splendor, though donations are gratefully received.

What to do there: Feast your eyes on the handsome and grand building from the outside, complete with magnificent towers and gates, before stepping inside to be wowed by even more beauty. Absorb the tranquil religious vibe and sit for a while in quiet contemplation. Religious devotees might like to attend a solemn mass service here too. Admire the sculptures and paintings and walk around the cathedral’s edges to step inside the smaller side chapels.

#4 – Templo Mayor – One of Mexico City’s coolest historical sites!

• At the heart of an old city
• Identical shrines
• Interesting Aztec artifacts
• Archaeological wonder

Why it’s awesome: Templo Mayor was at the heart of ancient Mexican civilization when the old capital was known as Tenchochtitlan. Today, you’ll find it in the centre of Mexico City. It was the main temple in the past, with several identical shrines and staircases. The identical temple was dedicated to two deities: Huitzilpochtli, the God of War, and Tlaloc, the God of Rain. It was the scene of many human sacrifices and hunting rituals during the Aztec era. There are fascinating Aztec artifacts housed in the well-preserved archaeological wonder today.

What to do there: The Templo Mayor is one of the coolest archaeological sites in Mexico City, and you can travel back in time to the Aztec period. Take time to explore the public area before paying the nominal fee for a closer peek. Discover the wide array of artifacts and exhibits across the museum’s different sections and learn more about history, heritage, culture, and the people of the past.

#5 – Chapultepec Park – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Mexico City

• Large urban park
• Varied museums
• Family-friendly
• Diverse recreational activities

Why it’s awesome: The expansive Chapultepec Park is the oldest and largest urban park in Latin America. It was once a retreat center for Aztec rulers in the past. The enormous area has a number of interesting and famous attractions. The park is divided into three main areas, which include museums, lakes, lawns, historic spots, an amusement park, a zoo, a botanical garden, and more. Various activities are available in the park and it’s a top spot to enjoy some relaxation away from the busy city streets. It’s an especially fantastic addition to any Mexico City itinerary for families and couples.

What to do there: Take kids to the amusement park and watch as they giggle on various rides. See a large assortment of creatures, including the popular pandas, in the zoo. Follow well-marked walking routes around the large park, spot a variety of flora and fauna, find a quiet spot to unwind and relax, watch the entertaining street performers, and ride a paddleboat across the lake. Visit the different museums and art galleries, with something to suit almost all tastes. If visiting with the family, kids can catch the little train that tours around the park. It’s a good place for joggers and cyclists, especially in the morning.

#6 – The Palace of Fine Arts – A great place to visit in Mexico City if you are alone/travelling solo

• Cultural treasure
• Majestic architecture
• Artworks by renowned artists
• Performances and shows

Why it’s awesome: The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most well-known points of interest in Mexico City. Indeed, it is famous around the world for its distinctive cultural and artistic values and (in my opinion) it’s best when you’re visiting Mexico alone AKA having as much time as you want! Interestingly, it took 30 years to complete the building and collection. The majestic design blends Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architectural styles, while the interior is largely Art Deco in appearance. The huge structure is so big that it actually sunk more than four metres (13 feet)! The museum contains works by both local artists and those that are internationally renowned. The expansive museum also has a huge theatre, a concert hall, balconies, and halls, along with the galleries that house the diverse collection of beautiful artworks. The balcony lobbies boast admirable murals by famous artists like Diego Rivera, David Alfora Siqueriros, and Jose Clemente, adding even more for visitors to enjoy. It’s certainly a top place to visit in Mexico City for any art lover.

What to do there: Marvel at the stunning solid marble central stairways. Flood your emotions and provoke your thoughts as you view the stunning collections, which contain paintings, murals, sculptures, statues, and other artistic treasures. It is worth paying extra for a ticket to watch the incredible traditional performances for a taste of Mexican culture. If you need a break you will find a nice restaurant inside the palace. You might also want to view the building at night too when it’s strikingly illuminated.

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#7 – National Museum of Anthropology – An awesome place to visit in Mexico City for half a day!

• Educational museum
• Well-preserved artifacts
• Various eras explored
• In-depth descriptions

Why it’s awesome: A Mexico City must-do for anyone with an interest in history, cultures, and art, the educational National Museum of Anthropology takes visitors on a journey through Mexico’s history . It covers all time periods, from before the Aztec society to the Spanish invasion. It’s a fantastic place to learn more about Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage, with terrific artifacts like the significant Aztec Sun Stone (which was essentially an early tool that was part of the Aztec calendar), a recreation of Pakal’s tomb, and the mask of Jada. Other items include artworks, sculptures, jewellery, clothing, and tools, as well as eerie human remains. Items are well preserved and well presented, and in-depth descriptions help visitors to fully appreciate the vast collections.

What to do there: Step back in time as you learn all about ancient Mexican cultures. View the diverse anthropological artifacts in the well-designed exhibits and appreciate stunning artworks. Highlights include gigantic stone heads from the Olmec civilization, a reconstruction of the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, the Frieze of Placeres, a turquoise-covered skull, and various statues and masks. See the crowd-pleasing waterfall at the middle of the museum too. All plenty of time to fully explore the museum; There are 23 exhibit halls! Be sure to explore the surrounding streets, filled with statues, structures, and art, after your visit.

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# 8 – Xochimilco – One of the more unique places to visit in Mexico City!

• Ride on colourful boats
• Important water source during the Aztec period
• An unusual island full of dolls
• Organic farm

Why it’s awesome: Xochimilco was a major water transportation route during the Aztec period. Located on the outskirts of Mexico City, visitors can discover the ancient Aztec waterways and enjoy a variety of recreational activities. There’s a network of canals, with colourful boats called trajineras adding to the scenic beauty. There’s also a floating island that practices organic farming. Several vendors sell fresh food and drinks, Mexican cuisine and handicrafts. The area is also home to one of the most unusual things to do in Mexico City: the creepy, quirky, and spooky Doll Island. It’s a great place to learn more about Mexico City’s unique culture , as well as spending time outdoors.

What to do there: Experience rich Mexican traditions with a ride along the canals on one of the brightly coloured and highly decorated trajineras. Soak up the views as you pass by trajineras selling food, drinks, and handicrafts. Listen to traditional Mexican music as you float along the waterways. Check out the organic farm too; the area is truly beautiful with gorgeous scenery. Don’t miss visiting one of the creepiest attractions in Mexico City: Doll Island. One of the best Mexico City vacation ideas for fans of the macabre, unusual, and strange, the island is covered with many decaying dolls hanging lifelessly from the trees!

#9 – Chapultepec Castle – A great place to see in Mexico City if you love architecture

• Former home of royalty and presidents
• Historic battle site
• Wide array of items on display
• Spectacular views

Why it’s awesome: Sitting majestically on top of Chapultepec Hill, the grand Chapultepec Castle was built during the 1780s. Originally intended to be a stately summer home, it has served various purposes over the years. As well as a royal abode, it has been used as storage for the military, as the presidential home, and it is now home to an interesting museum. The site was once important for the Aztecs and battles have taken place here. The elevated position provides amazing views of the surroundings. The museum has two main sections and there are regular temporary exhibitions and events.

What to do there: Appreciate the enormous and spectacular castle from a distance; the architecture is awe-inspiring. Make the uphill walk to reach the main entrance, passing through foliage and nature. The historical site will give you an overview of Mexico from the Aztec era right up to the present day. Inside, admire the lavish rooms, complete with period furnishings, and see how wealthy people lived in times gone by. You can also see large collections of paintings, murals, magnificent jewels, and more. Furthermore, the monuments of brave Hero Cadets are displayed with pride. Enjoy the greenery that adds extra beauty, and soak up the spectacular city views from the top of the hill.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Mexico City

Is Mexico City good for tourists?

Sure is! It’s jam packed with culture, archaeological sites, sick places to eat and it’s lively as heck!

What are the best cultural things to do in Mexico City?

The heart of the old city can be seen at the impressive Templo Mayor. Dating back to the Aztec period it’s one of the most important sites for Mexican culture.

What are the most fun things to do in Mexico City?

Explore all the wild and wonderful trinkets on offers at the Mercado de Sonora, a a traditional market dating back to the 50’s.

What is there for couples in Mexico City?

Take a ride along the beautiful Xochimilco and take in the scenery along this ancient Aztec waterway just outside of the city.

A few more of the best places to visit in Mexico City

Visiting Mexico City with kids? Check out the interactive Papalote Museo del Niño, watch various sea creatures at Acuario Inbursa, let younger kids have fun at KidZania, and visit the planetarium. Older children (and adults!) can have a fun-filled day with plenty of thrills at Six Flags Mexico.

The stunning hidden gem of the Palacio Postal is one of the most underrated places to see in Mexico City. Take a trip to Coyoacán to see where famous artist Frida Kahlo lived. Admire the views from the top of Torre Latinoamericana or the Revolution Monument. La Lagunilla is a great place in Mexico City if you love to shop! See art in the free-to-enter Museo Soumaya, a perfect place to visit in Mexico City if you are on a budget. You can also take a day trip to the nearby Teotihuacan to explore the fascinating ancient ruins.

You’ll definitely have plenty of adventures and terrific experiences as you work your way through these best places to visit in Mexico City.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Claire Martin

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Top 11 Things to Do in Mexico City in 2024

Lily Lopez Last Updated: December 8, 2023

With a population of almost 9 million people , Mexico City is the largest city in North America and also one of the oldest. The city was founded by the Aztecs in the 14th Century and has been continuously inhabited ever since. It is home to some of the best food, museums, parks, history, art, architecture, and neighborhoods in the world. I would be hard pressed to think of any destination that is more deserving of my wholehearted recommendation. I have been to Mexico City over 20 times, and these are my top 11 things to do there.

Pro Tip: Planning a trip to Mexico City? Organizing your trip is easier when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post so you can access it again and again. Don’t forget to check out our Where to Stay in Mexico City guide.

The Best Things To Do and See in Mexico City

Mexico City is having its moment. The city flew under the radar for far too long but the secret is out. International travelers have begun to descend on the city, lured by stylish neighborhoods, great weather, friendly people, and one of the world’s best food cultures.

To really experience the best that Mexico City has to offer, you should plan to stay at least 3 days. Planning a trip to such a large, sprawled out city can be overwhelming, but don’t worry: I cover it all in my complete guide to Mexico City.

1. Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Templo Mayor

Mexico City’s main public square, known as a Zocalo, is one of the largest public squares in the world. Every first time visitor to Mexico City should begin their trip at this exact spot. It is the best way to truly understand the history of the city.

On the north end of the zocalo sits the Metropolitan Cathedral. The Spanish began building this cathedral around 1573 upon their conquest of the Aztec capital of Tenochitlan. It took over 250 years to build and the architecture shows it – it has a mix of gothic, baroque, and neoclassical elements from having spanned so many different eras in design. The inside is beautiful and absolutely worthy of a visit. It rivals some of the most impressive cathedrals in Europe.

Surprisingly, the most interesting thing about the cathedral was not discovered until 1978! Workers laying electrical cables underground nearby as part of the city’s subway system discovered the remains of the Aztec Templo Mayor (“Great Temple”) underneath the cathedral. And indeed, the Spanish built their cathedral directly on top of the sacred Aztec ceremonial center. Today, you can visit Templo Mayor and its museum just to the east of the cathedral. As it turns out, there are numerous temples and pre-hispanic buildings located directly underneath the cathedral and the centro’s Spanish architecture. The excavation is ongoing. By law, any time workers work on electrical cables or repair water pipes underground, an archaeologist must be present.

Insider Tips:

Morning is the best time to visit. Grab breakfast on the rooftop of the Gran Hotel at the southwest corner of the square to take in the dramatic views of the Zocalo and see the hotel’s incredible tiffany stained glass ceiling.

Centro has some beautiful historic hotels. Check out our favorite in our Where to Stay in Mexico City guide.

2. Palacio Nacional and Diego Rivera Murals

Don’t leave the zocalo area just yet. You’ll want to visit the Spanish colonial Palacio Nacional, on the eastern edge of the square. It was once the home of Hernan Cortez and it remains an important site for government meeting and events. You can visit on your own; it’s free. Go in, walk around. The reason you’re here is to go directly to the second floor to see famed muralist Diego Rivera’s History of Mexico masterpiece.

The mural was completed in 1935 and it traces the country’s history from Aztec times to Rivera’s imagined future. It follows the struggles of the Mexican people against the Spanish all the way to Karl Marx and the Soviet flag (Rivera and his wife, Freida Kahlo were socialists).

You should be able to grab an english speaking guide from near the entrance. Visiting the Palacio Nacional is about a 30 minute stop, maximum.

3. Lunch Break: Tacos al Pastor

Cliche? Of course. But no one is too cool to have tacos al pastor in Mexico City. Pastor is spit-roasted pork – a style of cooking similar to shawarma that was indeed introduced in Mexico by a wave Lebanese Immigrants that began to come in the 19th century.

My favorite place for tacos al pastor is another cliche but I don’t care – El Huequito claims to be the first to serve tacos this way. They are a chain but that doesn’t matter. Their pastor especial is one of the best things you will ever eat.

The El Huequito in Centro is the best one.

4. Stroll Around Stylish Colonia Roma

I love strolling around neighborhoods and Mexico City’s Roma is one of the coolest ever. You may have see Alfonso Cuaron’s 2018 movie, Roma that was based on his upbringing here. Roma is technically two different Neighborhoods, Roma Norte and Roma Sur. Roma Norte is the larger of the two and can best be described as the Brooklyn of Mexico City, the hipster heart of town.

You’ll find stylish boutiques, great coffee shops and some of the city’s best restaurants amid leafy streets with a mix of colonial and art deco architecture.

Go to Contramar for coastal-style seafood lunch where you will enjoy tuna tostadas, soft-shell crab and whole fish with mexican spices and flavors. Seafood in Mexico City is excellent. Not many people know that the city is home to the world’s second-largest seafood market (after Tsukiji in Tokyo).

5. La Condesa Neighborhood

La Condesa is the residential neighborhood of my dreams. Tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafes, and beautiful parks. The area is home to several parks, including Parque México and Parque España, which are popular spots for jogging, picnics, and outdoor activities.

Like Roma, La Condesa’s architecture is a mix of Art Deco and French-style buildings, with many of them having been restored and transformed into stylish cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Check out our favorite hotels in Condesa in our Where to Stay in Mexico City Guide.

6. Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Park)

Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park is larger than New York’s Central Park. In fact it is actually nearly double its size.

The park is home to several museums, including the National Museum of Anthropology (see below), and the contemporary Tamayo Museum that features a collection of Mexican and international modern art, including works by Rufino Tamayo, Diego Rivera, and Frida Kahlo.

In addition to the museums, there’s a carousel, a botanical garden, several lakes, hiking trails, and bike paths. There’s also a free zoo there, but you didn’t come all the way to Mexico City to go to the zoo.

Chapultepec Park is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Chapultepec Castle which served as the residence of Mexican presidents from the mid-19th century until the early 20th century. It sits on a hill that you can climb with views of the whole park and the neighborhoods beyond.

Of course, one of the best parts of the park is the endless vendors selling street food and toys. Come hungry and get some elotes and mango on a stick with chile.

7. Museo Nacional de Antropología

The National Museum of Anthropology inside Chapultepec Park houses one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Columbian artifacts. The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of Mexico and features exhibits on the Aztecs, Maya, and other indigenous peoples.

The museum really showcases the rich cultural heritage that makes up Mexico and its people. Give yourself time here. The museum is over 850,000 square feet. Yes, it’s huge.

There’s a cafe inside but I wouldn’t waste a meal there.

8. Grab a Drink at Hotel Geneve

Mexico City has its fair share of super luxurious, modern hotels. The Hotel Geneve is not one of them. You won’t pay more than $200/night for a room but one step into the elegant lobby and you can imagine the days when Sophia Loren and Paul Newman used to stay here.

This European style hotel was built in 1908, and you’re here for one reason: one of the best and most unique hotel bars in the whole world – The Phone Bar. Decorated with antique phones, including a London-style phone booth in the middle of the bar with more antique phones inside, it’s a great way to end a long day of sightseeing. They also have backgammon there.

Location, photos, and booking

9. Coyoacan and Frida Kahlo’s House

Casa Azul was the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The house, located in the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City, is now a museum that showcases Kahlo’s life and artwork. It’s worth seeing for sure but it won’t take all day. For me, the real thrill of going to Casa Azul is spending the day in peaceful Coyoacán. It feels like you’ve been transported to a smaller and quieter Mexican city. Stroll around the market which has excellent street food and while away a day people watching in the peaceful square.

Coyoacán is easy to reach from the center of the city by subway.

10. Float Away in Xochimilco

Xochimilco is a neighborhood in the southern part of Mexico City known for its network of canals, colorful boats, and floating gardens. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Xochimilco the thing to do is rent a boat driven by a trajinero, which is kind of like a gondalier. The trajinero navigates the canals and is responsible for steering the boat. You can spend a whole day on the boats which are decorated with flowers and have tables and chairs, making them perfect for a relaxing afternoon on the water. As you cruise through the canals, vendors on boats will ride alongside where you can buy everything from margaritas and tacos to fresh flowers and balloons. They even have boats full of mariachis for hire.

11. Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located about an hour’s drive outside Mexico City. It was once the largest city in pre-Columbian America during its peak, from about 100 BCE to 650 CE.

The city’s original name is unknown, as the people who lived there did not leave any written records behind. The Aztecs, who discovered the ruins of the city in the 14th century, called it Teotihuacan, which means “the place where the gods were created.”

There are three main pyramids there: the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent. Getting a guide here is worth it. You will learn how these massive structures were constructed with simple tools made from stone, wood, and bone, and how they relied on human labor to transport and shape the massive stone blocks used.

Where To Stay in Mexico City

Have you ever wished there was an article that explained which neighborhoods of a city are the best choices for different traveler types? Our where-to-stay articles focus on neighborhoods, then suggest hotels.

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11 things to know before going to Mexico City

Oct 20, 2023 • 8 min read

From dealing with altitude to tipping well, we share local tips on what you should know before traveling to Mexico City © Tais Policanti / Getty Images

With a population of over 21 million people, Mexico City  is a densely packed metropolis with Indigenous origins dating back to the 1300s, when it was called Tenochtitlan.

This beautiful yet chaotic city is my hometown. After a lifetime spent here, CDMX (as it's often referred to) still surprises me with its sense of community and how locals – known as chilangos –  own and enjoy public spaces such as parks and plazas. People-watching is a thing here, and just going out for the sake of walking around and having a late-night snack is a form of social entertainment.

In recent years, Mexico City has become a sought-after destination for travelers seeking to indulge in Mexico's rich culinary heritage, admire the city's stunning architecture, or stroll around the central and most picturesque neighborhoods such as Roma, Polanco, Juárez and Condesa.

Yet, throughout my years as a travel writer and fixer in Mexico , I still hear questions that reflect particular misconceptions about the city. So, here are some answers to help you plan your trip to Mexico City and feel more confident and at ease before boarding the plane.

1. What should I pack for Mexico City?

Mexico City is privileged in the weather department since it enjoys a consistent temperature averaging the low 20°Cs  most of the year . Summer is considered the rainy season. It will likely rain during the evening from late June until mid-October, either a massive 20-minute downpour or just a sprinkle here and there, but rest assured: it will rain. 

Pack a light, waterproof jacket, but skip the umbrella. If you get caught in the rain, street vendors sell umbrellas for 60 pesos on average. Pack comfortable shoes since you might do lots of walking as you explore the city . Bring a button-down shirt or a summery or casual dress if visiting high-end restaurants. Chilangos tend to be dressier and chic when going out.

2. Some restaurants and museums should be booked months in advance

The Mexico City dining  and bar scene is lively and includes some of the best restaurants in North America, and the world. You should book lunch or dinner reservations in advance if you have Pujol or Quintonil on your list of places to eat. 

If traveling to Mexico City with friends or family, it's also worth booking lunch and dinner reservations in advance because it will be harder for sought-after restaurants and bars to accommodate walk-ins of large parties.

Buy tickets to the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Luis Barragan House with plenty of time, and plan the itinerary of your trip around the reservations that are harder to get.

February to early May and September to December are usually the busiest months to visit Mexico City, so plan around that if you prefer to avoid crowds.

3. How long should I stay?

Plan a four- to five-day trip to have enough time to explore the city's most popular neighborhoods and attractions. If you wish to visit Teotihuacan  – an archaeological site located 39km  northeast of Mexico City  – or Xochimilco's Cuemanco ecological area in the southern part of the city, set aside an entire morning for each activity since it can take around 1.5 hours to reach each destination coming from the central areas of the city.

The National Museum of Archaeology and the Chapultepec Castle deserve at least four or five hours of your time. Allow a full day to walk around  Centro Histórico (Mexico City's downtown area), visiting sites such as  Bellas Artes , the Diego Rivera murals , Catedral Metropolitana  and Templo Mayor .

Give yourself some time to experience Mexico City's pace of life. It can be hectic but quiet enough to enjoy a coffee or a cocktail and unwind.

4. How much should I tip and when?

Mexico City is a predominantly working-class city, and there is a lot of economic disparity in the service and hospitality industry. Consider a 15% tip as the standard and even 20% based on the full tab at restaurants, bars and coffee shops or the amount paid for booking experiences and services. 

Service staff at restaurants and bars will ask if you wish to add a tip before swiping your card. On the other hand, if you decide to take a tour or hire a city guide, tip with cash, preferably in pesos. 

Tipping an Uber driver is not common, but if you hire a personal chauffeur throughout your trip, tipping will be expected. If you visit a supermarket and someone assists you in packing your groceries, tip 10 to 15 pesos.

5. Mexico City is not cheap

Several international travelers and remote workers have been called out on social media for posting: "Mexico City is so cheap!". If you earn USD, Euros or GBP, you will find that your income or travel budget goes further in Mexico City than, for example, New York, San Francisco, or London. 

However, Mexico City is not cheap for Mexicans, and the cost of living has risen considerably for locals in the last five years, especially in housing costs due to short-term rentals and Airbnb. Chilangos are generally welcoming and hospitable, but comments from tourists about the lower relative costs in the city are unlikely to be appreciated.

6. Mexican street food is delicious, but not very accommodating

Unfortunately, strict veganism or vegetarianism, gluten intolerance, severe allergies or other religious or cultural-related food restrictions will be hard to accommodate in most places, especially when visiting street food stands. 

Taco stands or quesadilla vendors might cook vegetarian dishes with lard or near animal proteins; some mole and salsas could have peanuts or other nuts. Most local markets have sections where traditional butchery is on full display. If you're a meat-eater, be open to the idea and exercise a degree of flexibility. You might end up trying delicious Mexican food.

When visiting a taco stand, locals might warn you about the spiciness of the salsas, and it might be a bit more spicy than what you are used to. In Spanish, picante means spicy. 

Mexican eateries –  fondas  – cook mostly from scratch and always have a vegetarian dish on the daily menu. Corn tortillas are everywhere in Mexico City, so you will be good to go if your restriction is gluten.

Nowadays, most restaurants are mindful of food restrictions and allergies and might make suggestions based on their current menu. But expect them to keep a dish the same, accommodating your request in the best way possible.

7. How safe is the water?

A good rule of thumb is that you can brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water. Depending on the city borough, the quality and sanitation of the tap water might change. 

Consequently, Mexico City residents drink only filtered or bottled water. Since 2014, Mexico City restaurants have been required by local authorities to serve filtered water to consumers at no extra cost.

Any ice used to prepare drinks, aguas frescas (fruity beverages) and cocktails is made with filtered water. Coffee shops and juice stands prepare beverages with filtered water as well. 

8. What about crime? Is Mexico City safe?

The answer to this question really depends on where you are coming from. Strolling around central neighborhoods like Roma, Polanco, Coyoacán or Condesa is way safer than walking, for example, in certain areas of cities such as San Francisco, Philadelphia, Phoenix, LA, Washington DC or Chicago. In recent years, Mexico City's government has increased security patrols in most areas, and overall, the city is safe. 

As in any major city, be aware of your surroundings and always be mindful of your belongings. Watch out for petty crime and pickpocketing in tourist areas. If you end up in a crowded place like a soccer stadium, a concert or a music festival, keep your valuables close to you. Leave any flashy jewelry or watches at the hotel.

If taking public transportation like the Metro (as the subway system is called) or buses, be aware of pickpockets. Stay away from regular taxis and opt for Uber instead.

There are, for sure, neighborhoods in Mexico City where even residents advise caution, so always refer to local intel if you are planning to explore the outer areas of the city. If an area feels edgy and unsafe, staying away is best.

9. Don't drink alcohol in the streets and avoid weed

Drinking in the streets of Mexico City is illegal. Mexico City is not Tulum , Cancún or Los Cabos. If you get caught by the police drinking alcohol in the streets, you may face a fine or jail time. 

In 2009, the Mexican government adopted legislation to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs  for personal and immediate use. However, it's best to avoid consuming any type of drugs in Mexico to avoid the legal gray matter. 

10. Stay hydrated to help with the altitude

Mexico City sits in a valley in the high Mexican central plateau with an elevation of 2240m. You might notice you are more tired than usual after a day or two of arrival. Drink enough water and stay hydrated at all times. You might also experience that alcohol hits you faster here, and it is all because of the high elevation. 

Luckily, you can find bottles of electrolytes in every OXXO or 7-11 store. Locals call them electrolitos , and once you recognize the bottles, you will catch them everywhere. Electrolitos come in different flavors: coco, lime, strawberry etc, and are great for curing a hangover. 

11. There’s a chance of earthquakes 

Mexico City experiences earthquakes occasionally, and the city and its residents are prepared to handle the situation. Mexico has a sophisticated seismic alarm system that gives up to a 60-second warning before an earthquake hits the city. 

If you hear the alarm, stay calm, don't run, and follow the locals' lead to a safe place to see the earthquake through. Hotels, restaurants, government buildings, apartment buildings, offices and schools follow a safety protocol. 

Mexico City schedules earthquake drills once a year to reinforce first responders' safety measures and allow residents to practice earthquake safety protocols. If you happen to be in Mexico City during an earthquake, staying calm is the most crucial step to staying safe.

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Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in mexico for 2023-2024.

With year-round warm weather and diverse destinations ranging from metropolitan Mexico City to the sands of Tulum, Mexico boasts vacation spots that appeal to all sorts of visitors. To help you determine which locale is best for you, U.S. News compiled this list of the best places to visit in Mexico by factoring in cultural attractions, food options, beaches, water-based activities and nightlife, along with traveler votes and expert opinions. Vote for your favorite vacation spots below to help us determine next year's ranking. (Note: The U.S. Department of State advises against traveling to certain Mexican states due to crime; check the  website  for updates before booking your trip, and be cautious if you decide to travel.)

Zihuatanejo

Isla mujeres, isla holbox, mexico city, playa del carmen.

Located on Mexico's Pacific coast, Zihuatanejo offers travelers an authentic Mexico experience full of brilliant sunsets and laid-back vibes. In this fishing village, shopaholics can buy local handicrafts (think: ceramics and woodcarvings), and foodies can savor fresh fish tacos and ceviche along the beach. The city's Playa La Ropa serves as the main beach and stands out because of its clean, family-friendly atmosphere. Playa Larga, another excellent beach option, is set slightly outside of town, so it offers a quieter atmosphere and plenty of room to sprawl out. Just off the coast, divers and snorkelers can pick from several dive sites brimming with marine life.

Home to Mexico's most famous waterfront Mayan ruins, Tulum appeals to history buffs and water lovers alike. Positioned along a coastal stretch of the Riviera Maya, about 40 miles south of Playa del Carmen, Tulum offers some of the best hotels in Mexico , ranging from small boutique hotels to wellness retreats to all-inclusive resorts. Regardless of where you stay, you can spend time lounging on some of the world's most beautiful beaches (try traveler-approved Playa Paraíso or Playa Ruinas), exploring ancient ruins (consider booking a daytrip to nearby Chichén Itzá for a larger-scale site) and swimming in secluded cenotes, unique underwater caves located around the Yucatán Peninsula.

This island is probably best known for two things: coral reefs and cruise ships. Travelers love this destination's brilliant blue water and laid-back beaches, plus its abundance of water sports activities. Numerous outfitters and resorts offer kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear. While you could spend every minute in the water or on the beach with a good book, Cozumel is also a quiet place to learn about Mayan culture. Visit the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio archaeological site for a dose of pre-Hispanic history.

Ixtapa's curved coastline is packed with hotels, restaurants and nightlife, giving the Pacific coast city (located just north of Zihuatanejo) a bustling vibe. Playa El Palmar, the main beach, often proves better for sunset strolls and people-watching than swimming or snorkeling due to the strong waves. Still, warm, clear and generally gentle water and coral beds farther offshore make Ixtapa one of the best places for beginner scuba enthusiasts. Anyone interested in the area's history should also explore the Archaeological Museum of the Costa Grande, a small museum that details the various cultures and events that make the region unique. 

A great option for a weekend stay or a quick daytrip tour , Isla Mujeres is set off the coast of Cancún and offers beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation and coral reefs ready for exploration. In fact, it's one of the best places to go snorkeling in the world thanks to a unique underwater museum and one of the world's largest coral reefs (home to all sorts of colorful fish). See marine life from another perspective on a glass bottom boat. When you want to catch some rays, Playa Norte is the most popular beach, framed by white sand, turquoise water and swaying palm trees.

Quiet beaches, a relaxed atmosphere and stunning crystal-clear water are some of Isla Holbox's standout attributes. This up-and-coming slice of paradise is perfect for travelers looking to truly get away from it all, thanks to its car-free, off-the-beaten-path location. Isla Holbox is situated off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and only 26 miles long. Expect quaint boutique hotels, stretches of white sand beaches (Playa Punta Cocos and Punta Mosquito are two top spots), opportunities for snorkeling and sailing, and more than 100 species of birds, including vibrantly colored flamingoes.

About 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is a small beach town known for awesome surfing conditions and scenic stretches of sand. If you've never surfed before, sign up for a lesson from a local to learn. Visitors can also go whale watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding or zip lining, or hop on a relaxing boat tour. After a day of fun in the sun, head into town to check out the local art galleries and grab a bite to eat at one of the tasty restaurants (Sayulita is a burgeoning foodie destination), which feature everything from cheap eats to fine dining.

Anglers recognize Manzanillo as a world-class deep-sea fishing destination for anyone searching for sailfish and marlin, but many types of travelers will enjoy a trip to this Pacific coast destination, located 170 miles south of Puerto Vallarta. The city's two bays mean there is no shortage of beaches for visitors to swim and sunbathe on: Top spots include Playa la Audiencia and Playa Salagua. Water sports like snorkeling and kayaking are also popular activities to enjoy here. If you have time, visit the small town of Barra de Navidad (about 30 miles northwest) for charming hotels, restaurants and stores along the beach. 

Dreamy white sand , nightclubs, all-inclusive resorts and inexpensive flights from the U.S. make Cancún a go-to spot for spring breakers and vacationers seeking an easy beach getaway. But this city on the Yucatán Peninsula also sits close to lush jungles and tranquil cenotes, making it an excellent option for nature lovers. Not to mention, travelers will find diverse and cheap street food served from various carts in the downtown area. Visiting in fall or winter will ensure you see this city (one of the most-visited spots in Mexico) in its most tranquil light, but December through April is when the weather is closest to perfect.

Ornate baroque and neoclassical buildings, busy plazas and colorful homes are everywhere you turn in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. Guanajuato, situated about 50 miles west of San Miguel de Allende, is known for its subterranean streets and tunnels, which you can explore on a walking tour or at your own leisure. After admiring the city's cobblestone roadways and charming colonial architecture, grab a souvenir or bite to eat at the bustling Mercado Hidalgo. If you enjoy art, arrive in October when the popular Festival Internacional Cervantino takes place.

As the capital of Yucatán, Mérida's rich culture is visible around every turn. White stone mansions line Paseo de Montejo (the city's main street), while vibrant Sunday markets provide a taste of old-world Mexico. Those looking for Mayan ruins are also in luck; many ancient archaeological sites are in close proximity, including the famed Chichén Itzá just 75 miles east. Meanwhile, museum and art enthusiasts praise El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida, as well as the city's art galleries and local murals. When it comes to lodging, travelers will have their pick of quaint boutique hotels.

The most populous city in Mexico is steeped in history and culture. Mexico City boasts delectable cuisine, ancient Aztec sites and world-class hotels – all at fairly low costs – but if you feel like splurging, you'll find an array of high-end shops along the tree-lined Avenida Presidente Masaryk in the Polanco neighborhood. Must-see attractions in Mexico City include the Zócalo, the Palace of Fine Arts, Chapultepec Castle and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. And if you want to eat your way through the city, consider signing up for a food tour .

For a vacation packed with authentic character, head to Puebla. This city, which sits about 80 miles southeast of Mexico City, is filled with colonial architecture and numerous churches, but its main draws are its stunning Talavera pottery, its historical forts and museums, and its sweet and spicy cuisine. Visitors must try mole poblano (made with numerous ingredients, including chiles, meat, chocolate, cinnamon and garlic) and chiles en nogada (chiles stuffed with beef and served with a walnut sauce and fruit like peaches, apples and pomegranate seeds). When the sun sets, venture to Callejón de los Sapos to listen to live music.

Playa del Carmen boasts an exciting food scene, with eateries dishing out everything from delectable tacos and tostadas to sushi and expertly cooked seafood, plus an even hipper bar culture. What's more, this destination in the Riviera Maya beckons to vacationers with its soft white sand blanketing its beaches and its stunning shoreline views. Visitors can also bike to a nearby cenote for a refreshing dip or hit the links at one of the numerous surrounding golf courses. All-inclusive resorts , vacation rentals and boutique properties abound in Playa del Carmen, too, giving travelers plenty of options to find the best fit for their preferences and budgets.

This secluded vacation spot is known for its luxurious lodging options (from vacation rentals to high-end hotels like the St. Regis and the Four Seasons), golf courses and charming beaches, such as El Anclote and Playa de Punta Mita. The small resort village of Punta Mita sits on a peninsula in Banderas Bay and most appeals to travelers seeking a relaxing atmosphere. Those interested in scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and surfing will be able to enjoy those activities here as well. If you're visiting between December and March, book a whale watching tour for a chance to see humpback or orca whales.

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20 amazing places to visit in Mexico

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Refreshing cenotes

The Mayas believed that cenotes were entrances to the world of the dead. These sacred sites are now popular with travellers to the Yucatán. Nothing’s more relaxing than floating in the crystal-clear waters of these natural underground pools. More intrepid visitors can explore them via scuba diving or snorkelling. The country’s most spectacular, must-see cenotes include Dos Ojos , Gran Cenote , Ik-Kil (photo) and Suytun .

Chichén Itzá

You can’t travel through Mexico, or more specifically, the Yucatán Peninsula, without spending a day visiting its wonder of the world, the mythical city of Chichén Itzá with its Pyramid of Kukulkán , also known as El Castillo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a major centre of Maya civilization where important rituals took place. The temple was built according to the sun’s movement, and each equinox brings a play of light and shadow in the image of a snake crawling up the structure’s north steps.

Tulum ruins

One of the Yucatán’s most popular attractions, the ruins of Tulum , also features one of the region’s most beautiful beaches . This historical hillside site is well preserved, and visitors can explore a structure known as El Castillo as well as several temples like the Templo del Dios de Viento.

The pretty colonial town of Mérida was founded in 1542 . The capital of the Yucatán boasts many colourful buildings and authentic gourmet restaurants. Explore a few of Mérida’s most beautiful spots with a stroll around Plaza Grande and a visit to its cathedral and Palacio Cantón.

Travel about 30 minutes north of Tulum by car to find the sublime Akumal beach, one of the Riviera Maya’s most famous coastlines. If you’ve always dreamed of taking a guided swim with sea turtles, this is the place for you. Watch turtles return to Akumal to lay eggs, admire magnificent coral and observe a host of fish species in five different bays.

Surrounded by mountains, the lesser-known destination of Oaxaca de Juárez is well worth a visit. Its unique architecture and cuisine are sure to charm, as are the natural wonders just a short drive away. The most fascinating is, without a doubt, Hierve el Agua , a thermal spring with petrified waterfalls and mineral pools located in the state of Oaxaca’s central valleys.

Cabo San Lucas

Well known for its rock arch and magnificent lovers’ beach , Cabo San Lucas is a traveller’s dream offering golden sands and immense limestone structures. Located south of the Baja California peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, Cabo San Lucas is an incredible destination for water sports. The seaside resort, with its opulent hotels and numerous spas, will also delight those seeking a luxurious getaway.

Mexico City

For a cultural feast, add a foray into Mexico City . In addition to its superb historical downtown, visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (her former home) and numerous art galleries or cruise through the nearby floating gardens of Xochimilco . The Roma Norte neighbourhood is also a must-see, as is the Mercado de San Juan , Plaza de la Constitución and Aztec ruins of the Templo Mayor .

San Miguel de Allende

Often compared to Andalusia for its festive atmosphere, San Miguel de Allende is a colonial town listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the pride of Mexico. Its Spanish-style piazzas, art galleries and up-and-coming restaurants will have you thinking you’re on another continent and wanting to come back again and again. Stroll along Calle Aldama and visit the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel with its pink cathedral, and you’ll be sold.

Copper Canyon

For an exciting train ride, climb aboard the El Chepe and explore Copper Canyon in the state of Chihuahua. Taking its name from the colour of its walls, the series of canyons offers extraordinary panoramic scenery and is one of Mexico’s most famous natural attractions.

Bacalar Lagoon

In the state of Quintana Roo, near Mexico’s border with Belize, lies the small town of Bacalar and its lagoon, celebrated for its seven shades of blue , white limestone floor and clear waters. Diving enthusiasts will definitely want to add this fantastic spot to their Mexico itineraries. Meanwhile, several cenotes and examples of Maya archaeology await those who’d rather explore the surrounding area .

With its cobbled streets and delightful colonial buildings, the Centro Histórico is a must-see when visiting Mazatlán . For sunbathing and swimming in the Pacific Ocean, stop off at the Zona Dorada or take an oceanside stroll atop the Malecón . Culturally minded visitors shouldn’t miss the Mazatlán Art Museum and its famous cathedral . Finish your trip at the Mercado Pino Suárez to stock up on fresh, local ingredients for a delicious dinner featuring the flavours of this flamboyant city!

About two hours north of Tulum, the island paradise of Cozumel is ideal for water sports enthusiasts. Start by going for a dive among its incredible reefs where you’ll see a multitude of colourful fish and breathtaking coral formations. Cozumel’s most spectacular beaches include Playa El Cielo, Playa Palancar and Playa Mia, all offering crystal-clear waters for swimming, paddleboarding and simply relaxing.

Guadalajara

Located in western Mexico, the city of Guadalajara serves as capital of the state of Jalisco , the birthplace of mariachi music . Culture vultures are in for a treat, starting with a visit to the Palacio del Gobierno to admire frescoes by painter José Clemente Orozco . Continue your tour at Hospicio Cabañas , an UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a soothing stroll through the Parque Agua Azul. Lastly, be sure to sample Guadalajara’s famous street tacos and catch an authentic Mexican rodeo, or charreada.

Sayulita , on the Riviera Nayarit, is an ideal destination for surfers travelling to Mexico. Its beaches are not only less crowded than elsewhere in the country but also close to abundant natural areas guaranteed to enchant. Rainforest hikes and whale watching at sea are also popular Sayulita activities.

In the heart of southern Mexico’s state of Chiapas, visitors can marvel at one of Mexico’s natural gems, the Agua Azul waterfalls . They’re actually a series of falls on the Xanil River and excellent places to take a dip and cool off (cautiously, of course). Look for numerous species of colourful birds and butterflies along multiple lush trails that show the way.

Nicknamed the Yellow City, Izamal will appeal to architecture enthusiasts and travellers fascinated by Maya culture. Start your trip with a visit to the convent of San Antonio de Padua , an imposing colonial structure in the heart of the city. Other nearby historical sites include the pyramids of Kinich Kakmó and Itzamatul .

Interested in how this Mexican spirit is made and want to learn more about cultivating blue agave? Then the town of Tequila, located about 90 minutes from Guadalajara, is the place for you. In addition to exploring numerous mountainside fields, visit the Museo Nacional del Tequila (MUNAT) to learn more about the history of this iconic beverage. Wrap up your visit by tasting multiple varieties of tequila while enjoying regional cuisine at local restaurants.

In addition to luxury hotels and dreamy beaches on the Caribbean Sea, Cancún also offers a wide range of exciting activities like kitesurfing, flyboarding and scuba diving. Its location is also perfect for exploring Isla Mujeres , Isla Holbox and Cenote Azul .

Huasteca Potosina

Located in the state of San Luis Potosí, Huasteca Potosina is a bucolic region rich in nature. Majestic waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers and breathtaking scenery make Huasteca Potosina a true tropical paradise for adventurous outdoor enthusiasts. See the Tamul, Micos and Tamasopo waterfalls , stroll through the surreal gardens of Xilitla and go rafting or zip-lining through verdant mountains.

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Where to See the Solar Eclipse: The 15 Best Cities to Watch the Event

By Katherine McLaughlin

If you’re a fan of astronomy or otherwise interested in unique natural phenomenons, you may be wondering where to see the solar eclipse today—or if the big event will be visible from your home. Today, a number of cities throughout Mexico , the United States, and Canada will experience brief moments of dawn- or dusk-like darkness right in the middle of the day. Officially described as a total solar eclipse, the occurrence happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and blocks the entirety of sun’s face.

Because it’s not something that happens everyday, the marvel has been prompting locals and travelers alike to scope out the best viewing locations, but fear not if you don’t have your spot figured out yet. Todays’s eclipse will travel along a wide, densely populated path. NASA estimated that 31.6 million people live in an area that will see the total solar eclipse and another 150 million are within 200 miles of it. What’s more, there won’t be another total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044, according to NASA , making it all the more important to catch this one.

For most of the United States, the eclipse won’t happen until the afternoon, meaning there’s still time to figure out how you’ll watch it. Here, AD covers everything you need to know about the upcoming event, including the 13 best cities to see the eclipse.

What is a total solar eclipse?

There are a number of different types of eclipses, which offer different views of either the sun or moon. As NASA explains it, “A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun’s light in some areas.” A total solar eclipse means the moon will completely block the sun’s face, and if you’re in the path of the eclipse, you’ll be able to see the sun’s corona and outer atmosphere, weather permitting. Other types of eclipses, like a partial solar eclipse, occur when the moon covers only some of the sun, resulting in a crescent shape.

A total solar eclipse is seen on a partly cloudy day.

How do you safely watch the total solar eclipse?

Not only are solar eclipses special because of their relative rarity, they’re unique in how they’re watched. For the few minutes when the moon is fully blocking the sun—know as totality—viewers can look directly at the sun without any eye protection. Any other time, including the hours before and after totality when you’ll see a partial eclipse, it’s important to wear protective eye gear, such as solar eclipse glasses. “As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the sun,” NASA explains.

How often do solar eclipses happen?

Solar eclipses, of one kind or another, happen between two and five times a year. Total eclipses happen about once every 18 months. However, this doesn’t mean one will be visible from your home this often. According to the Natural History Museum, London , a total solar eclipse is viewable from any one place about once every 400 years. For example, the last total solar eclipse visible from the United States happened in 2017 and followed a track from Oregon towards South Carolina. This year, the solar eclipse’s path will start in Texas and move northeast towards Maine. The next total solar eclipse will happen in 2026 and will be visible from the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain.

How long will the 2024 solar eclipse last?

Total solar eclipses can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. The difference in totality length has to do with how far apart the sun, moon, and Earth are at any given time, since the latter two bodies both orbit in elliptical paths.

When the Earth is furthest from the sun—making the star appear smaller—and the moon is closest to the Earth—which makes the moon look big—totality can last for over seven minutes. As Astronomy Mag reports, these circumstances will line up in about 160 years, when a solar eclipse on July 16, 2186, will see almost seven-and-a-half minutes of totality. On the other extreme, if the Earth is at its closest point to the sun and the moon is at its furthest point from Earth, humans won’t see a total solar eclipse, even if all of the celestial bodies are in line. Since totality is all about the perspective of the viewer, this is also why each city will experience the 2024 eclipse differently.

This year, totality will last for a little over four minutes in some areas, which is significantly more than the two minutes that people experienced during the 2017 eclipse. As NASA notes, “During the 2017 total solar eclipse, the moon was a little bit farther away from Earth than it will be during the upcoming total solar eclipse, causing the path of that eclipse to be a little skinnier.” Seven years ago, the path of totality—which shows which parts of the world will be able to see the total solar eclipse—was only about 62 to 71 miles wide. This year, that path ranges from 108 to 122 miles wide. “Meaning at any given moment this eclipse covers more ground,” NASA explains.

How to read maps showing the 2024 solar eclipse

As noted, this year’s path of totality is about 110 miles wide. Cities closer to the center of the path will sustain total darkness longer than those on the edges. In addition to longer totality than in 2017, this year’s path of totality covers more densely populated areas than the previous one. This means more people should be able to experience the total solar eclipse.

The 2024 solar eclipse map from NASA shows where totality will occur on April 8.

Any part of the country that is not within the path may see a partial eclipse, and the closer a location is to the strip, the smaller the crescent of visible sun will be. In these locations, it won’t be safe to look directly at the eclipse without protective glasses or a viewing device. NASA has put together an interactive map , which allows viewers to see the eclipse timing in their city.

Where to see the solar eclipse

According to NASA , cities in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will experience the total solar eclipse. Parts of Mexico and Canada will also fall within the eclipse’s path. Read on for the best places to see the 2024 total solar eclipse.

Mazatlán, Mexico

By Katie Schultz

By Sydney Wingfield

By Gabriela Ulloa

Mexico’s pacific coast will be the first place in continental North America to experience the eclipse. Mazatlán, a popular resort city, is an ideal location to see the occurrence, as it is directly in the eclipse’s path. Totality will begin around 11:07 a.m. local time and last for 4 minutes and 17 seconds. Because it’s such an optimal place to see the 2024 solar eclipse, NASA is hosting a viewing event at Vidanta Mazatlán . Here, visitors will be able to watch screens showing telescope views of the eclipse in addition to other hands-on activities, such as projects for kids and touchable moon rocks.

Torreón, Mexico

Located more centrally in the country, the solar eclipse will also be visible from Torreón. Totality will start just before 12:19 p.m. local time and last for 4 minutes and 12 seconds. A partial eclipse will also be visible before and after totality, starting at 11:44 a.m. and ending at 1:54 p.m.

Texas Hill Country

Part of Texas Hill Country, Kerrville is a prime location to watch the 2024 eclipse. Near the Mexican border, it will be among the first US cities to experience totality, which will begin at 1:32 p.m. and last for almost four and a half minutes. Austin and Dallas are also in the path of totality, but will only experience the darkness for about two minutes and a little under four minutes, respectively. NASA is also hosting an event here, which will take place in Louise Hays Park and include live music, speakers, and programming for kids.

Dallas, Texas

The Dallas-Fort Worth area is among the most densely populated places from which the eclipse will be visible. Totality will last for 3 minutes and 51 seconds and begin at 1:40 p.m. The city has put together a list of ideal places within the city to watch the event, including the Dallas Zoo, Dallas Museum of Art, and White Rock Lake Park.

Russellville, Arkansas

Russellville, about 85 miles east of Little Rock, will experience 4 minutes and 12 seconds of totality, starting at 1:50 p.m. The city has planned a number of exciting programming for the historic event, including a solar eclipse festival and a concert with Grammy-winner Rhonda Vincent.

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Located along the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau is one of the best places in Missouri to watch the 2024 solar eclipse. According to NASA’s map, totality will last for a little over four minutes, beginning at 1:58 p.m. Head to Old Town Cape, where the city is hosting a block party on the day.

Carbondale, Illinois

Informally known as Little Egypt—possibly because the area delivered grains to northern parts of the state during the 1800s famine or because the southern tip of Illinois is similar to the Nile delta region in Egypt—Carbondale will experience 4 minutes and 10 seconds of totality, beginning at 1:59 p.m. The city also experienced totality during the 2017 eclipse, though it will see a longer dark period this time around. Home of Southern Illinois University, the school is hosting public viewing at its football stadium.

Bloomington, Indiana

Much of central and southern Indiana will experience totality during the 2024 solar eclipse, but Bloomington, largely a college town and home to Indiana University, will be among the best places in the Hoosier state to watch the event, since totality will last for about four minutes. The town is home to Indiana University, which is among our list of the most beautiful college campuses in America. Spend the afternoon strolling through the campus’s Gothic- and Romanesque-inspired buildings, and then catch the eclipse at 3 p.m.

Indianapolis, Indiana

They don’t call Indianapolis the crossroads of America for no reason: The state capital is at the intersection of four major US highways, Interstate 65, Interstate 69, Interstate 70, and Interstate 74. This means it’s a relatively accessible location for those in surrounding areas and among the best places to travel to for the solar eclipse. Here, totality will last for about 3 minutes and 47 seconds and start at 3:06 p.m. NASA is hosting an event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and will have experts on-hand to answer all questions about the eclipse. The city has also suggested White River State Park as an ideal solar eclipse viewing location, where a number of food trucks, local vendors, and other activations will be set up.

Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland won’t be in a solar eclipse’s path of totality again until 2444 , making it a once in a lifetime experience for any locals hoping to watch the eclipse from their hometown. The city will experience maximum darkness at 3:15 p.m., which will last for just under 4 minutes. To commemorate the moment, the Great Lake Science Center is hosting a Total Eclipse Fest on April 6 through April 8. The free outdoor event will include speakers, concerts, performances, and hands-on science activities.

Erie, Pennsylvania

Only a small portion of northern Pennsylvania will be within the path of totality. Erie, located along the shores of the lake of the same name, will be one of the best places in the state to see the eclipse. Totality will last for 3 minutes and 42 seconds, starting at 3:16 p.m. The local government has put together a map of public parks and other viewing locations to watch the spectacle.

Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York, will see 3 minutes and 46 seconds of total darkness, beginning at 3:18 p.m. There are a number of public “ watch parties ” happening in the city, which the government has compiled for visitors and locals. Midcentury-modern architecture fans may want to use the day to visit Graycliff, a Frank Lloyd Wright–designed estate, which is hosting a special open house on April 8, allowing guests to watch the eclipse from the property.

Niagara Region, Ontario

Small parts of Canada will also witness total darkness during the 2024 eclipse. The Niagara region is the best place to see totality, which will start at 3:19 p.m. and last for 3 minutes and 15 seconds. Montreal will also experience totality, but only for a little over one minute.

Burlington, Vermont

Much of New England will miss out on totality during the 2024 eclipse, as the path will only cover parts of northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Burlington is among the best places for those in the region to travel to, as it will experience 3 minutes and 19 seconds of darkness, starting at 3:26 p.m.

Houlton, Maine

Maine is the northern most place in the United States to see the total eclipse in 2024, also making it the last place in the country to experience totality. Houlton will be among the best places in the state to watch the sight, and darkness will begin at 3:32 p.m. and last for 3 minutes and 20 seconds.

How will weather impact visibility?

Geographically, the cities listed above represent the best places to see the 2024 solar. However, weather will play a major role in just how well those on the ground will be able to see the phenomenon. It goes without saying that cloudy conditions or rain will impact visibility and make it harder to see the eclipse. Currently, meteorologist are forecasting worse conditions in the south-central United States, which could affect those in Texas and Arkansas. Those in the Midwest and northeast have better odds, where conditions are presently forecasted to be sunny and with clear skies.

What will I see during the solar eclipse if my city isn’t along the path of totality?

Though not every city will see a total solar eclipse, most of the United States will see at least a partial eclipse. For example, as NASA’s map shows, Seattle, which is one of the furthest metropolises from the eclipse’s path will still see about 20% of the sun covered by the moon. Here, peak coverage will happen around 11:29 a.m. On the south side of the country, Miami, which is also quite far from the eclipse’s path, will see 46.2% of the sun covered around 3:01 p.m.

On the other hand, cities which are not along the path of totality but are very close will see a greater percentage of the sun covered. St. Louis, for example, which is just outside the path of totality, will see the moon covering 99.1% of the sun during peak totality, which will happen at 2 p.m. For detailed information about your city, see NASA’s interactive eclipse map .

Can I watch the 2024 solar eclipse virtually?

If you won’t be within the path of totality, a number of organizations are live streaming the monumental event (This may also come in handy if a city experiences cloudy weather or rain on eclipse day). To start, NASA is offering live broadcasts in both English and Spanish and live streams from telescopes that will capture the eclipse as it moves across the country. Scientific American will capture the event with jets that have been converted into flying telescopes to chase the eclipse, offering a view that one simply can’t find on the ground.

ABC News and National Geographic are also teaming up to produce “Eclipse Across America,” a live special hosted by David Muir and Linsey Davis. Coverage starts at 2:00 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+, Hulu and Network Social Media Platforms and will broadcast from 10 cities along the path of totality, including Mazatlán, Mexico; Russelville, Arkansas; and Houlton, Maine.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Photos from the path of totality and elsewhere in the U.S.

Images show the Great American Eclipse, seen by tens of millions of people in parts of Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada for the first time since 2017.

Millions gathered across North America on Monday to bask in the glory of the Great American Eclipse — the moment when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. 

The path of totality measures more than 100 miles wide and will first be visible on Mexico’s Pacific coast before moving northeast through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois and upward toward New York, New Hampshire and Maine, then on to Canada.

Total solar eclipse 2024 highlights: Live coverage, videos and more

During the cosmic spectacle, the moon’s movements will temporarily block the sun’s light, creating minutes of darkness, and will make the sun's outer atmosphere, or the corona, visible as a glowing halo.

Here are moments of the celestial activities across the country:

Breaking News Reporter

Elise Wrabetz is a Senior Photo Editor for NBC News digital

Chelsea Stahl is the art director for NBC News Digital

Watch CBS News

What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

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See how the eclipse transformed America, city by city

For weeks, if not months, those who have seen one repeated to anyone who would listen: There’s nothing like experiencing the totality of a solar eclipse.

For some of them, this was a second time in six and a half years experiencing the eerie calm when the moon passes in front of the sun, at least for a few minutes. And yet, they were just as awestruck.

For others, it was a likely last opportunity to witness such a celestial phenomenon for two decades. It inspired gasps and smiles, solemnity and excitement.

Here is how it looked as the moon’s shadow crossed three countries and 13 U.S. states, with the time of totality in Eastern time.

El Salto, MX

2:10 — 2:14 p.m.

Uvalde, tex., 2:29 — 2:33 p.m., russellville, ark., 2:50 — 2:54 p.m., carbondale, ill., 2:59 — 3:03 p.m., bloomington, ind., 3:04 — 3:08 p.m., tiffin, ohio, 3:11 — 3:15 p.m., littleton, maine, 3:32 — 3:35 p.m..

Time of totality

El salto, mexico.

A group of professors and students traveled from the United States to El Salto to conduct the most thorough experiment ever using an eclipse to test Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. Einstein’s idea held that the massive sun would bend the light of surrounding stars more than previously estimated, proving that matter can pull and warp space and time.

The researchers used five telescopes to measure that effect more closely than ever, measuring stars that appear so close to the sun’s edge they can only be viewed during an eclipse.

After a countdown in Spanish, the sun darkened, and the data collection began. “TOTALITY,” yelled Sam Jeffe, a third-year physics major at Willamette University as it appeared in the telescopes’ lenses. “And it’s clear!”

Researchers will feed the data into the computer program, which will analyze the position of the stars and determine how the sun bent the light around them. But, for now, more than half the battle was done.

2:27 — 2:31 p.m.

Eagle pass, tex..

On U.S. soil, totality first came into view in the border city of Eagle Pass, Tex., where a crowd gathered at a football field erupted into cheers as the skies darkened above them.

A singer crooned, “I’m walking on sunshine!” People put on protective glasses and craned their necks toward the sky. Many began to clap.

Vita Garza Flores, 76, traveled from Northern California to see the eclipse in the city where she was born. She brought her daughter and brother along with her.

She grabbed her eclipse glasses, positioning them across her sunglasses: “Wow!”

Students from Uvalde High School were also among the citizen scientists using the eclipse to learn more about the sun and its effects on Earth.

They joined Southwest Texas Junior College’s STEM club in participating in a program known as the Citizen Continental-America Telescope Eclipse. Called Citizen CATE, it will combine short videos of the eclipse taken via telescope into an hour-long movie that NASA says will detail magnetic structure within the sun’s corona and reveal its density. That will help scientists to measure the strength of the solar wind — charged particles that can disrupt electricity grids and produce auroras when they reach Earth.

In Russellville, NASA gathered scientists and broadcast the eclipse’s progress live online. Tourists gathered there, too, wearing T-shirts that declared, “I got mooned at the eclipse.”

A jazz band from Arkansas Tech University played. NASA hosted workshops and Q&A sessions with scientists, at least one of whom has been to space: Among the visitors were Mike Massimino, a veteran of NASA space flight missions to upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope in 2002 and 2009.

Carbondale, Ill., earned the title of “eclipse crossroads of America,” having fallen in the path of totality for a 2017 solar eclipse as well as the event on Monday. This time, at least, the skies were clear for totality, and a full stadium of eclipse fans burst into collective screams when the moment came.

“This is so much better than 2017,” a one commentator on NASA’s live broadcast noted. “It’s so much darker than 2017.”

To many of those who experienced it, the eclipse was a spiritual event. In Bloomington, Buddhist monks marked it with a puja ceremony, a “ritual honoring and promoting inner and planetary healing,” according to the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center.

Eclipse watchers flocked to Yellowwood Lake where they could experience the eclipse in nature.

When the last pulses of the sun’s rays make their way to Earth before an eclipse enters totality, they appear like a brilliant diamond set on a golden ring. In Tiffin, that meant a chance for some “unforgettable” weddings at an event called “Elope at the Eclipse.”

3:18 — 3:21 p.m.

Niagara falls, n.y..

Crowds flocked to landmarks across the path of totality for a memorable view. At Niagara Falls, despite a thick blanket of clouds, people gathered on the banks of the Niagara River and trained their phone cameras toward the sky. Streetlights turned on, if only briefly, when darkness descended.

The moon’s shadow reached North America at the beaches of Mazatlan, Mexico, just after 2:07 p.m. Eastern time. Just about 90 minutes later, it crossed the wilderness of northern Maine, on its way toward Canada, and then, the North Atlantic.

A total solar eclipse will next dim communities in the contiguous United States in 2044, but only in parts of Montana and the Dakotas. The country will have to wait one more year for the next coast-to-coast phenomenon, a total eclipse that will stretch from California to Florida on Aug. 12, 2045. It will be a Saturday.

About this story

Design and development by Stephanie Hays. Photo editing by Olivier Laurent. Design editing by Chloe Meister and Matt Callahan. Text editing by Katie Zezima. Graphics by Emily Eng. Video editing by John Farrell and Josh Carroll. Text by Scott Dance, Kasha Patel, Arelis R. Hernández and Joel Achenbach.