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With over 150 museums, dozens of city parks, and thousands of food stalls scattered across its 1000+ square kilometres of sprawl, Mexico City is a truly one-of-a-kind destination that invites decision paralysis like no other.
After all, we’re talking about the largest metropolis in North America! A place where for every meal and activity, you’re confronted with an endless parade of enticing options. It’s a true first world problem, I’ll tell you, one that I know all too well.
But fret not – my past planning panic is now your gain! From unreal bites to majestic sights, in this post, I’ll be sharing the best things to do in the epic Mexican capital of Mexico City, sorted by neighbourhood for ease of exploration… and saving some of the most mind-blowing day trips for last. If you’re tired of trawling through countless lists to determine what stuff is worth your time, this post will give you a more manageable digest.
I hope you find it helpful!
Save this list of Things to Do in Mexico City for Later!
You’ll be very glad you did.
My Free Map of Things to Do in Mexico City
For a free map that includes all the activities below (plus recommendations for food, drink, etc.), head to my VIP Zone!
Now let’s start with some quintessential Mexico City must-dos that will make any trip amazing, before moving onto activities sorted by area. These are the absolute non-negotiables for any successful trip… and if you do nothing else, make sure you at least…
1. Gorge on all the absolutely incredible (street) food
Duh! This is the absolute top must-do… by far, and if you disagree, it’s best you leave this post now before I fight you. (Just kidding – sorta)
The truth is, you’ll find food options covering everything from budget-friendly to ultra fine dining in good old CDMX, but I personally think at the heart of the city’s food scene is its incredible array of street food stalls, of which there are estimated to be thousands. So that’s a pretty great place to start!
Along main streets, you can expect to find stalls selling food every few steps, so you’re never far from a good bite. And while Google Maps research can get you pretty far – nothing beats just walking around and relying on local popularity to see what’s good. In fact, some of our best bites of the trip weren’t even on Google Maps! Release yourself now from the idea that there is a definitive “best taco” or “best churro” in the city – there are so many great options so you’re best off just following your nose (and the local crowds).
If you’re looking for a bit more of a guided experience though, a nice option is booking a food tour.
We decided to do a food tour with Sabores Mexico in the Roma Norte neighbourhood (where we were staying)… and while the price point was (naturally) higher than just going out and eating on your own, the cool thing about a food tour isn’t just that you get to eat yourself into a food coma, but also that you get to hear the stories and historical context behind the places you’re eating, and the neighbourhood in general.
On our tour, we learned a ton about the local owners we were dining with, and what makes their businesses unique, so for me this was worth the price alone!
PS: Coffee shop and bar culture is also unreal here, with plenty of cool spots to see, so be sure to schedule a few coffee and cocktail breaks throughout the day. If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this post, it’s that you should come hungry.
Especially if you want to keep your energy up for our next must-do, which is to…
2. Gawk at all the incredible architecture
Covering almost 1,500 square kilometres across 16 boroughs, Mexico City is a true dream for architecture lovers, with buildings representing the vast expanse of architectural splendour, from ancient Aztec and Spanish colonial to Art Deco, Art Nouveau and the every-so-shiny ultra-modern.
I’ll be sharing some of my favourite spots throughout this guide, but this is just your reminder to keep your eyes open and have a nosey mosey around at every opportunity!
Next, of course, another must is to…
3. Admire a truly amazing view
With a city boasting as much sprawl as CDMX, little surprise that there are knockout views aplenty all over the city… though, unfortunately, most good views in the city centre do require paying for entry, like…
- Chapultepec Castle, where you can enjoy sweeping views over the city centre and the lush surrounding park
- the Torre Latinoamericana, which overlooks the Centro Histórico and has a swanky sky bar
- the Monumento a la Revolución, which gives you a unique perspective over the historic centre and Reforma
- and the lesser known viewpoint on the 46th floor of the World Trade Center, offering 360-degree views with a side of augmented reality. The country’s only revolving restaurant can be found here as well
Now, if you’re preferring to save your money for tacos, which, fair, there are a handful of free views too… though they’re neither as dramatic or as central.
The rooftop of the Museo del Estanquillo, for instance, is a fantastic hidden gem with historic centre views, while Tepeyac Hill up in the north of the city and Cerro de la Estrella in the southeast offer lovely faraway views for those willing to make the trek.
For something a bit more adventurous, though, you can also hop on one of Mexico City’s cable cars through the shiny Cablebús system, which whisks you high above the city streets, with 2 lines covering the northern and eastern parts of the city, allowing you to see from above just how endless this metropolis truly is.
That said, the most relaxing option would be to savour a sip from a gorgeous rooftop bar, of which there are many… the most popular ones including:
With those three activities covered, you really can’t have a bad time in Mexico City. But just as a bonus before we move onto location-based must-dos, one thing I have to add as a personal recommendation is, at some point during your trip…
4. Catch an epic Lucha Libre show
For those who haven’t had the pleasure of witnessing it, Lucha Libre is a form of professional wrestling that dates back to the mid 19th century, and consists of ultra-dramatic masked wrestlers taking each other on through holds, special manoeuvres and the occasional high flying aerial stunt… all tied up in wild storylines depicting the ever-enthralling struggle between good and evil.
I’m not ashamed to admit that of all the activities I enjoyed in Mexico City, this was probably the most fun… though I am saying this as a former WWE-addict (I had a great childhood, thanks for asking!)
While you can catch Lucha Libre on a few different days in a few different venues, the most electric event by far takes place on Friday nights at the Arena México, known by many as the Cathedral of Lucha Libre. And trust me, the experience is epic, with several big name matches throughout the night, complete, of course, with giant ringside drinks, like the almighty michelada and crispy fresh lagers with a classic rim of chamoy and tajin.
You’ll laugh, you’ll boo, you’ll scream and even learn a bit of Spanish… what better way to enjoy some culture?
Alright, with all those must-dos out of the way, now it’s time to move onto essential activities based on neighbourhood, starting with…
5. Explore the Centro Histórico
Once the site of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán, today Mexico City’s historic centre is a sprawling UNESCO-listed historic district jam packed with sights… so it makes sense to start here as a first time visitor to get a little history and culture in.
Now fair warning: of all the amazing places you can visit in Mexico City, this neighbourhood is by far the most touristy, chaotic and overwhelming, but its abundance of beauty crammed into a compact package makes it a worthwhile place to visit… ideally on a weekday and earlier in the morning before all the chaos settles in. I’ll be outlining some of my top must-dos in this neighbourhood below!
Starting with a…
6. Step back in time at the Templo Mayor
Situated in the heart of the Centro Histórico, right beside the Metropolitan Cathedral, these ruins are located on a spot that Aztecs once believed to be the center of the universe.
For centuries, a massive ceremonial temple complex could be found here, with shrines dedicated to Aztec deities, along with other ceremonial structures like the Aztecs’ infamous sacrificial altars.
Today, visitors can retrace this history with ease by exploring the expansive ruins through marked walkways, while ogling amazingly intact statues and structures… all in the middle of the city.
While admiring all these ruins is cool though, do make sure you leave plenty of time to visit the on-site museum, which is surprisingly large and contains an abundance of epic Aztec artefacts wonderfully explained in both Spanish and English. I saw this almost as a condensed version of the city’s famous Anthropological Museum, with a focus on Mexica religion and warfare and the everyday life, trade and agriculture of Tenochtitlán. Definitely worth taking your time with!
From here, be sure to check off our next must-do which is to…
7. Admire the Zócalo (AKA the Plaza de la Constitución)
This is one of the largest public squares in the world, spanning roughly 57,000 square metres.
And with space like that, it shouldn’t be surprising to hear that around this giant and impressive Zocalo, you’ll find a number of the neighbourhood’s main sights, like the Palacio Nacional, home to Diego Rivera’s famous murals depicting the history of Mexico, which you’re able to tour for free if you go grab a ticket in advance on the day-of… though going in the morning is advised because the slots fill up quickly.
Granted, it’s not all just picturesque facades here. You are also going to find a fair share of creepy mascots and tourist trappy photo opps and stalls, as well as an impossible amount of people… but it’s worth a stop for sure, especially since it’s close to so many other noteworthy sights and museums.
8. Marvel at the Catedral Metropolitana
This massive cathedral in the heart of the city flaunts the notable bragging right of being the continent’s largest cathedral… stretching over 100 metres long and almost 60 metres wide!
If you can overlook the horrifying history that it was built using materials pillaged from the nearby Templo Mayor complex, this massive cathedral really is an impressive sight to behold, both in its sheer scale and elaborate interiors.
Highlights inside include a number of stunning altars and chapels, covered in gold and ornate Baroque detailing. Combined with its massive organs and gorgeous vaulted ceilings, it really is quite something.
Plus, from the cathedral, you can easily move onto another popular must-do, which is to…
9. Amble along Avenida Francisco I. Madero
I’ll be honest – this is not one of my favourite things to do in Mexico City, but it is the historic centre’s main thoroughfare and you can get some cool views.
Transparently though, it is incredibly busy and mainly filled with big brand name shops that aren’t particularly unique or special, so if I were you, I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it… although there are a few nice gems scattered along the way if you’re up for it.
A special highlight is the picture perfect facade of the Casa de Los Azulejos, which is today home to a Sanborns restaurant.
There’s also the free Museo del Estanquillo, which is home to a few different exhibitions, but more importantly, a really stunning rooftop café that is just above all the chaos, and provides you with some of the most amazing views of the Templo de San Felipe Neri, “La Profesa”, which is also worth snooping on the inside as well.
Follow this path all the way and you can continue on with our next must-do activity, which is to…
10. Visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes
This incredible building is one of the most iconic sites in Mexico City, and trust me, as amazing as this spot looks from the outside, paying to see the lavish interiors is a must.
While there are a few different art exhibitions inside that you can admire, the show stealer here is really the palace’s many large-scale murals, including the famous “Man, Controller of the Universe” mural by Diego Rivera, whose original iteration was intended for Rockefeller Center in New York City… before he was fired after the controversial inclusion of Vladimir Lenin.
Some other epic murals that you’ll find here include “Liberación” by Jorge González Camarena, and the “Carnaval de la Vida Vexicana,” also by Diego Rivera.
Afterwards, you can decompress next door at one of the city’s oldest parks, Alameda Central, where leafy paths bring you past statues, fountains and landmarks, like the impressive Hemiciclo a Benito Juárez, a neoclassical monument honouring Mexico’s first indigenous president.
If you want to get a unique perspective over the park and Palacio, though, you can head across the street to the giant Sears – yes, you heard me right – Sears, which still magically exists here.
Because if the nostalgia alone isn’t enough to get you through the doors, on the eighth floor of this massive store selling everything from motorcycles to furniture, you’ll find the lovely Finca Don Porfirio, a rooftop café that offers the best view over the Palacio de Bellas Artes and beyond. Sure, there can sometimes be a wait for a seat with a view, but the drinks are actually pretty delicious and decently priced.
Close by to here as well, you can…
11. Admire the stunning Palacio Postal
Ahh yes, a palace dedicated to postal services. Can you imagine anything dreamier? To this day, it remains a functional post office, but saying that feels like a disservice to this stunning building, which is decked out in marble, brass, wrought iron and elaborate gilded detailing.
A small entry fee gets you access to the upper floors, where you can ooh and ahh over these dramatically lavish interiors, that feel like stepping into a Gilded Age dream.
Yes, you’re mainly paying to snoop around a pretty building, but what a building it is…. and yes, it is wild to see that this is still a place that people go to send their packages and mail.
Close by, you can move onto another gorgeous must, which is to…
12. Check out Mexico’s National Gallery
Known in Spanish as the Museo Nacional de Arte, this stunning museum is home to an extensive collection of Mexican paintings and sculptures.
Unsurprisingly, it is also housed in the most decadently gorgeous building with a dreamy winding staircase and some lovely galleries full of art, highlights of which include indigenous Mexican art on the upper floors.
Honestly speaking, though, the architecture here alone is worth the ticket price.
From here you can also take a short walk over to…
13. Visit the Barrio Chino (Chinatown)
This small strip of the historic centre is beautifully decorated with red lanterns and stalls selling interesting Mexican Chinese fusion items, like steamed bao stuffed with unique sweet ingredients… sold locally as pan al vapor.
There are plenty of food spots and boutiques to snoop through as well.
Granted, this Chinatown is small, in fact, it’s considered among the smallest in the world, but it’s quite nice, especially at night once the lanterns start to light up.
And if you continue your walk a little bit further then you’ll also reach the beautiful…
14. San Juan Crafts and Curiosities Market
If you need a place to stock up on souvenirs, this artisan market was very quiet compared to some of the others we went to, meaning plenty of opportunities for peaceful shopping with a number of nice vendors and unique art pieces on the inside.
The Plaza de San Juan just outside of here is also a lovely spot overlooked by the Templo de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, with a unique middle square with busts honouring local TV personalities from the nearby Televisa Studios.
If you’re looking for a quick snack, there are some great torta stands across the street as well, ideal for an impromptu picnic.
15. Visit some of the other smaller museums of the Centro Historico
It’s worth mentioning that beyond just those activities I just named, the Centro Historico is packed with smaller museums hidden in plain sight, covering just about every possible interest.
So, here are a few to put on your list in case you have the time:
- Museo de Arte Popular, with displays of colorful folk & popular art
- San Fernando Pantheon Museum, an 18th-century cemetery and churchyard that’s apparently very haunted
- José Luis Cuevas Museum, located in the fall of a former convent and displaying paintings & sculptures made or collected by the famed local artist José Luis Cuevas
- And even a museum dedicated entirely to footwear, the Museo del Calzado “El Borceguí”, which showcases centuries of footwear and shoemaking
16. Check out the Monumento a la Revolución (and its museum)
This imposing monument in the Tabacalera neighbourhood was completed in 1938 to commemorate the Mexican Revolution, and just so happens to be the tallest memorial arch in the world, at a staggering 67 meters high.
And while I think even a quick look from the outside is worthwhile, those into unique viewpoints should definitely pay extra to see everything from the inside.
I sprung for the all-in-one ticket which includes not only the exhibition underneath the monument all about the Mexican Revolution, but also a ticket on the glass elevator that brings you up to the top for some sweeping views over the city’s extensive sprawl…
If you’re lucky like us, you might even encounter a concert that you can spy on from above, as we did with the Van Warped Tour.
Nostalgic concerts aside, the experience here is quite unique, with a lot of climbing through the dome for a surprisingly intimate look at its structure, as well as a nice cafe too if your nerdy exploits have left you parched.
Located on this site as well, though run as an entirely separate attraction is the National Museum of the Mexican Revolution, home to detailed chronological displays all about the Mexican Revolution and the events leading up to it… though beware that the information panels are quite dense, and all in Spanish, making both Google Translate and patience a must-have for this activity.
And if you’re not fully museum’d out by this point, close by you can also check out the Museo Universitario del Chopo, which is dedicated to contemporary art and alternative forms of artistic expression.
Now, after so much time around monuments and museums, you might think it’s time to touch grass. Well, if that’s the case, there’s no better way to do it than to…
17. Explore the sprawling Bosque de Chapultepec
This massive city park spans over 800 hectares, and is divided into four sections, with some of the city’s most renowned attractions found on its grounds… especially around Section I.
And we will get to those in a minute, but I’d definitely recommend planning for plenty of time in this gorgeous green space, which, beyond just museums, has tons to offer if you just walk around.
While the Bosque de Chapultepec can be a touristy place, its magic is best experienced when you venture a bit off the tourist path to discover your own special gems… with various fountains and even archaeological sites just scattered around for your nosy perusal.
For instance, during my long walk, I came across a Canadian totem pole, with nearby slots for you to pitch up your own hammock.
And one of my favourite hidden gems – the Audiorama, an enclosed oasis with large speakers playing classical music and comfy benches that are oriented towards the sky.
To my surprise, there was even a special part of the garden that is reserved for senior citizens, with ID checks to ensure you’re 65 years or older. While I’m not quite there yet, I did catch a glimpse of it through the bars and it looked lovely, so I know where I’ll be spending my 65th birthday.
Of course, there are the main popular highlights as well that are worth adding to your itinerary too, from grabbing a boat on Chapultepec Lake, or at least a photo with its iconic CDMX letters, and ambling through the Botanic Gardens, to visiting the free Chapultepec Zoo, which is, fun fact, home to Xin Xin, the world’s only panda not owned by China.
Needless to say, there’s so much to do here, you could easily devote a day or two to just this park… but if you’re looking to save some time, consider renting a bike or making use of the cute little train that takes visitors around.
Now, with the free stuff out of the way, let’s tackle the park’s paid attractions, starting with a definite must, which is to…
18. Gawk at the amazing Chapultepec Castle
Construction on this dreamy hilltop castle first began in 1785, and today it’s open to visitors as a historic site where they can explore lavish state rooms, wander through manicured gardens, and drool over some of the best views in town.
Make no mistake – this is one of the more popular things to do in Mexico City, so I’d advise coming first thing in the morning because then you can beat the tour groups and also the heat.
A main highlight here is, of course, the actual palace portion, where you can admire state rooms to see how things were when European royalty lived here once upon a time.
The details here, especially the black and white tiles, are truly stunning.
Make sure you don’t miss the upstairs, though, where you’ll find perfectly pristine gardens, and my personal favourite space in the whole castle: the Galería de Emplomados, home to stunning stained glass panels made in Paris depicting five Greco-Roman goddesses.
History nerds can also peruse the national history museum portion of the palace, which covers Mexico’s history from the Spanish conquest to the early 20th century… though beware that English translations here are quite limited.
That said, if it is history you’re after, another must in the Bosque de Chapultepec is to…
19. See the National Museum of Anthropology
This is hands down one of the best museums in Mexico City, and with permission to be bold, one of the best anthropology museums in the world.
Inside is a vast collection of incredible artifacts from Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilizations, including the Aztecs and Maya, with more than 600,000 archaeological and ethnographic objects in its collections, including world famous objects like the Sun Stone, known for its intricate calendar imagery.
… But some of my personal favourites were the artefacts from the Gulf Coast Hall!
It has to be said though, beyond sheer cultural value, the space itself is beautifully designed, with its dozen galleries encircling an airy courtyard whose crown jewel is an epic concrete fountain, with water cascading down majestically around a monumental pillar.
As huge as it is, this can be an overwhelming museum to tackle, so allow for plenty of time, and try to do some prior research for some important context around what you’re looking at.
Now, if you’re a museum person, the good news is, you’re really not far from a ton of them, so let’s make our next activity to simply…
20. Visit some of the Bosque de Chapultepec’s other museums
Whether you’re interested in modern art, history, photography, architecture or design, there’s a museum for you here.
My personal pick, especially for those who are a fan of Frida Kahlo, is a visit to the beautiful Museo de Arte Moderno, which can be found in the eastern end of the park.
Housed in a gorgeous modernist glass-and-concrete building, highlights of the collection here include a ton of famous works by Frida Kahlo and a great collection of outdoor installations as well, with sculptures scattered throughout the surrounding sculpture garden.
Other notable museums housed in the park include Museo Tamayo, a contemporary art museum, and Museo de Historia Natural y Cultura Ambiental, the city’s most popular natural history museum.
And that’s not even including some additional gems just outside of the park, like Casa Gilardi, an impressive Luis Barragán-designed modernist house filled with colour.
And the Auditorio Metro Station, which is whimsically and confusingly themed after the London Underground!
In any case, you could spend weeks exploring the park and all its attractions, including:
- Museo del Caracol (Snail Museum), which tells the history of Mexico in the winding shape of a snail!
- Casa del Lago, the first off-campus Cultural Center of the National Autonomous University of Mexico
- The National Auditorium, which hosts concerts, art, theater, dance and other events
- La Feria de Chapultepec, an amusement park
- Papalote Museo del Niño, a museum for children to learn about science, technology and art through interactive exhibits
For now, though, let’s move onto the next must-do which is to…
21. Cycle (or walk) down the Paseo de la Reforma
Ideally on a Sunday, when this street is actually car-free for the Muévete en Bici programme.
This central street is one of the grandest boulevards in Mexico City, stretching from Chapultepec Castle to the historic centre and beyond.
Today, it is lined with posh hotels and office buildings, making it maybe not the most exciting place for a wistful wander, especially considering the constant traffic, but eager explorers can find a few cool museums and landmarks along the way, including:
- the iconic Angel of Independence Statue, which commemorates the centennial of the War of Independence beginning
- the Diego Rivera Mural Museum, because yes, he painted manyyyyy murals
- the Monumento a Cuauhtémoc, which honours the last Mexica ruler of Tenochtitlan
- and the Estela de Luz / Centro de Cultura Digital, a free digital culture and exhibition space
For a more wanderable part of town, though, I would recommend you…
22. Spend a day strolling around La Condesa
This is hands down one of the leafiest and most walkable neighborhoods in the city, so I’d spend at least a few hours frolicking around if you can.
Highlights here include Parque México and Parque España, two of the city’s prettiest green spaces, perfect for people-watching, dog spotting, and a relaxed wander.
As well as some absurdly pretty Art Deco buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, full of beautiful curved facades in pastel hues. Avenida Amsterdam, in particular, is a delight to walk, with its leafy circular route following the shape of an old racetrack.
Honestly, though, one of my personal favourite things to do here is to simply shop your heart out.
The number of unique boutiques in this area is equal parts delightful and dangerous – all you have to do is walk around and duck into the cutest little shops as you go! For some of my favourite spots, be sure to check out my full Mexico City tourist map, available in my VIP Zone.
If you’re up for it, a nearby adventure you can squeeze in while you’re here is to…
23. Explore the delights of Roma
Split into the three neighbourhoods of Roma Norte, Roma Sur, and La Romita, there is plenty to do in this leafy, beautifully walkable neighbourhood.
From bakeries and taco joints to high-end dining, this is one of Mexico City’s strongest food neighbourhoods, so needless to say, you’ll be able to eat incredibly well here.
But there’s also plenty of colourful street art and murals all over, and a number of leafy green spaces like Plaza Río de Janeiro, a lovely square with a replica of Michelangelo’s David and lots of benches for a chill break… plus many independent shops and boutiques.
Some spots I really enjoyed include Cafebrería El Péndulo – part of a gorgeous chain of bookshops around the city, with a very nice café in the upper floors where you can enjoy a nice snack and cocktail
And there’s even a museum or two, tucked away among the leafy streets, like the Museo del Objeto del Objeto, which is dedicated to objects of everyday life, design, advertising and consumer culture.
For a very different vibe and neighbourhood, you can also spend an afternoon to…
24. Take in the sparkly gloss and glam of Polanco
Known as the Beverly Hills of Mexico City, this very posh part of town is where you’ll find plenty of beautiful green spaces, towering skyscrapers, international restaurants and chains, as well as high-end shopping malls and what seems to be an embassy on every corner.
While not a must-see for those short on time, I would say Polanco is a great destination for those who want to scope out a modern glitzy side of the city, packed with shopping opps and fancy restaurants.
You can, for instance, bumble along Av. Presidente Masaryk, the western end of which is really just a Who’s Who of luxury brand names; Tiffany and Co. on one corner, Cartier on the next, Dolce and Gabbana steps away from Louis Vuitton and countless options in between, with many an opportunity for fluffy dog spotting along the way.
Another must-stop and shop is the Palacio de Hierro Polanco, one of the most iconic structures of Polanco.
This absolutely massive department store has pretty much everything you can imagine, with nine floors of shopping, stacked with luxury shops in the bottom.
Yes, it’s mainly known as a haven for shoppers, but they also have a gorgeous food hall where you’ll find everything from oysters to tacos and cuisine from all around the world.
Those looking for just a quick drink, though, can also enjoy the hidden rooftop café, where you can get a nice Horchata like I did from the Café Palacio.
Of course, there’s more than just shopping here – many of the city’s most famous fine-dining restaurants are located here, like Pujol, or you can also indulge in some more casual chains, with unexpected finds like Hooters, Krispy Kreme and even Costco calling Polanco home.
And some delightful green spaces as well, including Parque Lincoln, home to a quirky aviary and multiple sculptures… with another gorgeous El Péndulo location close by.
While in Polanco, though, it’s also worth mentioning that you can…
25. Enjoy the best free museums in CDMX
Because while most museums are paid sights in Mexico City, two notable exceptions can be found right here in Polanco – Museo Soumaya and Museo Jumex, conveniently located right next to each other.
Starting with the far larger and more expansive pick, the Museo Soumaya is a treasure trove of European art housed in a futuristic silver-clad building commissioned by billionaire Carlos Slim, AKA Mexico’s richest man, who had it named after his late wife.
The unique design of this space means you move your way upwards through the collection along vast winding ramps, making the whole place feel a bit like a maze of art, passing through everything from pieces by famous European names like Dalí, Chagall and Vlaminck, all the way to, surprisingly, the world‘s biggest Rodin collection outside of France.
But if you didn’t travel all the way to Mexico to ogle European art, there’s a noteworthy Mexican art section as well, including some traces of large murals from… you guessed it, Diego Rivera.
You could easily spend hours in here, but for a taste of more modern art, you can head next door to the much smaller Museo Jumex, which is home to a collection of contemporary art pieces scattered across three floors.
While located farther south, it’s worth noting as well that the Museo Soumaya has another location at Plaza Loreto as well – a charming shopping mall housed in a former paper factory south of the city centre.
26. Visit the Frida Kahlo museum at Casa Azul
This is probably the only museum in the city you have to purchase tickets for weeks in advance.
This museum is housed in the very same residence where iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo spent many years of her childhood and also lived her adult life up until her death in 1954.
Thanks to Frida’s icon status, this is probably the only museum in the entirety of Mexico City that you actually need to book in advance. During our visit, the tickets were sold out about a month in advance, and entry is fairly strictly controlled to specific time slots, so definitely book ahead of time.
Inside, visitors can tour the house’s many rooms, which are today filled with photographs and a variety of personal items, along with a small selection of her works. I especially loved seeing the exhibition showcasing her amazing iconic dresses, and grabbing a coffee in the leafy garden.
Honestly speaking, though, if you aren’t particularly interested in Frida’s personal story and are more keen to see her work, then I’d recommend going to the modern art museum instead, where you’ll find more examples of her actual paintings.
As a nosy person deeply invested in her life, though, I really enjoyed my visit, crowded and touristy as it was.
As a bonus, it’s worth noting as well that entry to the Casa Azul also includes entry to the Museo Anahuacalli, which is home to Diego Rivera’s enormous collection of pre-Hispanic art, and covers ancient Mexican cultures and Rivera’s vision for preserving this heritage.
Superfans of Frida and Diego can also head westwards to see the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, housed in the former homes and studios of the dynamic duo, who famously occupied these charmingly colourful homes connected by a bridge.
Today, visitors will find their former living and working spaces, personal belongings and examples of their art and design.
Finally, if you’re a Frida mega-fan, a relatively new addition to the Coyoacan museum scene is the Museo Casa Kahlo, housed in the Casa Roja, or Red House, a former family home turned museum dedicated to Frida’s private and family life.
While you’re on a museum kick, though, another interesting must in the area for history buffs is to…
27. Visit Leon Trotsky’s house museum
For those interested in the history and life of Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky, this museum is definitely something you cannot miss, because it is, in fact, located in the very house that Leon Trotsky was assassinated in.
In the first portion of the museum, you get many personal photos and some personal items belonging to Trotsky and his wife, as well as a very detailed timeline of the events that led to his arrival in Mexico, broken up by year and what was happening not just in Russia and Mexico, but also globally.
The star of the show, though, comes after, when you can admire the peaceful garden, as well as the actual house where he lived for 3.5 years.
A lot of the rooms here are presented as they would’ve been when Trotsky lived there, including his study, which is infamously where he was assassinated with an ice pick in 1940.
In the garden is also where you’ll see his burial place, as well as an on-site café.
Morbid historic sites aside, something you must do in the area is simply…
28. Take the time to explore more of Coyoacan
This former village just outside of the central core of Mexico City is full of leafy streets and houses, and really feels like a small town within the big city… and while many visitors do come here in search of its main museum attractions, few take the time to linger and really soak in all the immaculate vibes, so make sure you do.
One popular spot to check out is Coyoacan Market, which offers a mix of ready-to-eat food vendors with grocery and produce stalls, as well as the odd souvenir, clothing, and even piñata stall.
Bustling and busy at all hours, this spot can admittedly feel a bit tourist trappy, buuuut there are quite a few nice food stalls here.
We really enjoyed going to Tostadas Coyoacan Las Originales, which is right in the middle of the market and serves 20+ varieties of tostadas with ultra quick and friendly service.
If it’s souvenir rather than food shopping you’re after, though, be sure to…
29. Shop to your heart’s content at the Bazar Artesanal Mexicano
Located just a 5 minute walk away from the main market in Coyoacan, I was super pleasantly surprised by how thorough this market was.
Granted, the mix of stalls is a bit funny, and you do have to dig around a little bit for the gems, but there are loads of really beautiful handmade gifts and souvenirs that you can get, from dresses and tops to headbands and scrunchies… which definitely did some damage to my travel budget.
Fret not though, if you spend all your money on pretty souvenirs, there are many nice free things to do elsewhere in Coyoacan.
For instance, you can check out the Jardín Hidalgo and main square where you’ll find the Parroquia San Juan Bautista Coyoacán, a beautiful Baroque church really worth checking out for the ornate interiors.
This one dates back to around the time of the Spanish conquest, so there’s a ton of history here even if it’s not the most positive.
The Fuente de los Coyotes fountain is also a highlight, with two coyotes as its centerpiece, a nod to the Aztec name of the area which means “place of abundant coyotes,” and some lovely surrounding market stalls.
But if you haven’t quite gotten the museum fever out of your system, there are some other museums close by as well, including the National Museum of Interventions, which explores Mexico’s military conflicts and foreign interventions.
Close by in the area, you can also…
30. Explore the Cineteca Nacional
This gorgeously modern cultural complex is home to Mexico’s national film archive, and is a bit of a hub for fun film related events and festivals.
But for film buffs, a can’t miss space is the Videoteca Digital. Think of it as a library for DVDs with an impossible-to-resist futuristic vibe and aesthetic.
Just make sure you check the opening hours before you go, because we didn’t realize it was a separate thing with its own hours, so we ended up missing the opening hours both in the morning and also when we went back just after 6 PM. (Yes, I’m still bitter about this)
Speaking of amazing spaces, another cool activity a few kilometres away is to…
31. Check out the UNAM Central Library
This amazing library located in the Ciudad Universitaria campus is known for its incredible mosaic-covered exterior, with two cool fountains at the base, and is a must-visit for any architecture and design lovers.
The mosaic exterior was created by Mexican artist Juan O’Gorman, and has since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the rest of the Central Campus of the University City. The murals are made from stone and depict different aspects of Mexican history: the pre-Hispanic period, the colonial period, the modern era, and the history of the university.
While the exterior is definitely stunning, the interior is also incredible, due to the fact that it holds one of the largest collections in the country, including many old and rare books.
Now, moving much farther south, something I can really recommend to those who have time is to…
32. Take a day trip out to Xochimilco
This lush borough of the city is best known for its extensive network of canals and artificial islands known as chinampas.
Here, you can catch a glimpse into what pre-colonial Mexico City would have looked like back in the day when it was known as Tenochtitlan, a floating marvel of engineering connected by canals and causeways.
These days though, Xochimilco is probably best known as a party destination with the area’s iconic trajinera boats being used as party vessels full of drinking and merry-achi making…
But despite the area’s party reputation, I can safely say a visit here is what you make of it. We decided to opt out of the usual tourist boat experience and booked a tour to visit an axolotl sanctuary in the area with a tour run by a family company that is dedicated to preserving the Xochimilco wetlands and protecting the endangered axolotl.
Here we got to observe little axolotls in their tanks, buy some cute souvenirs and tasty snacks, and yes, even indulge in a bit of a party boat experience as well, because even during an eco-tour and such, there are liberal Palomas, Mezcal and tequila for you to taste, and even some roasted insects if you’re feeling brave.
While quite far from the city centre, this half-day trip is definitely well worth it if you have the time. Uber can get you there pretty affordably and this really is a stunning and actually weirdly peaceful part of the city, if you book the right experience.
As part of the tour, we also got to visit the undeniably spooky Isla de La Muñeca which is an island here that, as legend goes, was once home to a hermit known as Don Julián Santana Barrera, who one day discovered the body of a dead girl floating in the canals and decided to start collecting dolls in her honour.
Years later, he himself was found dead, supposedly on the very same date he discovered the girl.
Today the island is full of over 1,500 dolls, with a somewhat eerie and spooky vibe immortalized in a few popular productions including the Lady Gaga Dead Dance video directed by Tim Burton…. And yes, they left some dolls of their own here too.
There are also a few museums you can visit in this area as well, including an archaeological museum and the Museo Dolores Olmedo, which is home to a major collection of works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, along with pre-Hispanic art and an extensive collection of peacocks and other animals…
Now, for another adventure out of the city, you can also…
33. Immerse yourself in more nature at Desierto de los Leones National Park
This Mexico City day trip is another great option for escaping the chaos of the city center, with pine forests, hiking, cycling and horse-riding trails and the atmospheric former Carmelite monastery that gives the park its name, which means “Desert of the Lions.”
This area was actually the first National Park in Mexico, and today is a protected biosphere home to many endemic species. While there are no longer any (mountain) lions here, visitors might spot bobcats, ring-tailed cats, deer, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, skunks, and many different types of birds.
34. Marvel at the incredible Biblioteca Vasconcelos
… a must for any book lover.
Located in the Buenavista neighbourhood of Mexico City, this massive library is home to over 600,000 books, but more than just sheer size, the design of this building makes it one of the most unique and stunning libraries in the world.
Do take note, though, that with it becoming an Instagram hotspot, something a lot of people don’t warn you about is the fact that if you want to take photos with a camera, even for personal use, you do have to go fill out a consent form at the very back of the library and also give your ID to security as collateral, which was definitely not something we were expecting.
Still – totally worth it.
Farther up north you can enjoy yet another one of Mexico City’s most popular side trips, which is to…
35. Visit the Basilica de Guadalupe
This impressive Catholic basilica complex is known as the most important Catholic pilgrimage site in Mexico, attracting millions of pilgrims and visitors from around the world each year.
Highlights of this church include the modern circular basilica housing the famous image of the Virgin of Guadalupe on a sacred cloak, as well as the older 18th century basilica and surrounding chapels on Tepeyac Hill.
Not far from here, of course, you can also…
36. Walk among ancient ruins
While you’ll encounter a number of glimpses into Mexico City’s pre-Colombian past throughout the centre of the city, further away in the outskirts is where you can indulge your curiosity with some lesser visited but nonetheless epic sights, including the ruins of Tlatelolco, once home to the city of Mexico-Tlatelolco, one of the largest Mexica cities alongside Tenochtitlan, including Templo a Ehecatl-Quetzalcoatl.
And the pyramids of Tenayuca, located at the end of Metro Line 3, said to be the earliest examples of twin temple pyramids.
But speaking of pyramids, you can’t come to Mexico City and not…
37. Admire the pyramids of Teotihuacan
Located about an hour’s drive away from the center of Mexico City, you’ll find the mystical remnants of Teotihuacan, an ancient city predating the Aztecs that once flaunted its status as the largest city in the Americas.
Today, visitors flock in droves to wander through this once bustling metropolis, with the city’s sprawling urban grid, monumental pyramids, and remarkably well preserved murals still intact for all to admire.
And while exploring Teotihuacan is a history nerd’s dream in itself, despite the overwhelming sprawl and searing heat, one bucket list activity I couldn’t recommend enough is a sunrise hot air balloon ride that allows you to admire the pyramids from above.
This is by far the coolest perspective you can get over the ancient site, with a special magic in the air as dozens of colourful hot air balloons rise up in the pinky-golden sky.
We booked our tour with Volare, one of the oldest companies to do hot air balloon tours in the region, although there are tons of different choices.
I can’t speak for other companies, but we thought our entire experience with it was really professional from start to finish and I really appreciated the fact that they offer a tour that doesn’t include a bunch of random extras. We did end up hiring a guide through them that even brought us to some tunnels and caves beneath the archaeological site, which was definitely one of the coolest parts of our day.
Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Mexico City?
Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Mexico City activities to the list. Happy and safe travels!