The 20 Greatest Issues to Do in Mexico Metropolis (Up to date 2024)

Posted: 2/19/24 | February nineteenth, 2024

Mexico Metropolis is the fifth largest metropolis on this planet, a sprawling metropolis the place historical past and tradition converge in a dynamic tapestry of vivid colours, numerous cuisines, and full of life districts.

I like it right here. I’ve been a handful of instances and by no means get bored with exploring and consuming my means across the metropolis. I all the time have an incredible time. The truth is, I like town a lot I even ran excursions right here (and each single individual I confirmed round was blown away). Nobody hates this place.

Unsurprisingly, in a metropolis so giant and with such a protracted historical past, there’s a ton to see and do right here, from visiting world-class museums to feasting at tiny taco stands to exploring offbeat neighborhoods. You might simply spend every week right here and never even scratch the floor.

Listed below are what I feel are finest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis so as to have enjoyable and actually get to know town and tradition in your journey to this vibrant capital!

1. Take a Strolling Tour

Strolling excursions are a wonderful approach to be taught a vacation spot’s historical past and keep away from lacking any must-see stops. I all the time begin my journeys off with at the least one strolling tour because it’s one of the simplest ways to get the lay of the land and join with an area information that may reply all of your questions.

Estación Mexico Free Excursions and the Monkey Expertise each have a free historic downtown tour that may present you what town has to supply. The previous additionally provides 4 different free excursions of various neighborhoods too. Despite the fact that the excursions are technically free, all the time keep in mind to tip your information on the finish!

For extra strolling tour suggestions (together with paid choices), take a look at this submit.

2. Go to the Museo Nacional de Antropología

Discovered inside Chapultepec Park, this world-class anthropology museum is the biggest museum in Mexico (it’s additionally essentially the most visited, receiving over two million company per yr). Since 1964, it has housed the biggest international assortment of sculptures, jewels, and artifacts from historical Mexican civilizations. The totally different time intervals are grouped into complete (and big) exhibition halls with bilingual data indicators, so be sure you give your self ample time to discover all of it. There’s a ravishing courtyard within the heart the place you may 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-Solar 9am-6pm. Tickets are 95 MXN. Guided excursions of the highlights begin at 375 MXN (contains admission).

3. Tour Frida Kahlo’s Home

Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera are two of the largest names in Mexican artwork. Frida was significantly well-known for her portraits and self-portraits. A tour of their outdated house (“Casa Azul”) is a worthwhile expertise to see the place and the way she lived, in addition to a few of her authentic art work. It’s a extremely fascinating home with a ravishing backyard and many details about her life. The residence additionally hosts quite a lot of creative workshops month-to-month, so take a look at the schedule if you happen to’re .

This guided tour of Coyoacán (the encompassing neighborhood) features a ticket to the museum, which you’ll go to at your personal tempo after studying concerning the space by which the 2 artists lived and labored.

Londres 247, Del Carmen, +52 55 5554 5999, museofridakahlo.org.mx. Open Tues-Solar 10am-6pm (Wednesdays at 11am-6pm). Tickets are 250 MXN (270 MXN on the weekends). You need to purchase your tickets nicely prematurely (at the least a month out), as a result of they’re in extremely excessive demand.

4. Attend a Lucha Libre

Mexican “free wrestling” is a favourite nationwide pastime. Extraordinarily entertaining and reasonably priced, lucha libre takes the game to a complete new degree. Seize a beer or a shot of tequila, and no matter you do, don’t look away throughout a match as something can — and can — occur. (Don’t convey your digicam although, as you may be pressured to verify it on the door.)

Area México and Area Coliseo are the primary locations to see a match. Normal seating tickets will be as little as 56 MXN (don’t purchase from scalpers, as a result of the police are all the time round and also you’ll get in hassle). Search for a taquilla (ticket sales space) signal to ensure that you might be paying the best worth.

Guided experiences, like this lucha libre expertise, are additionally out there. Throughout the match, you’ll get pleasure from a mezcal tasting and munch on chips and guacamole, and on the finish, you’ll go away together with your very personal lucha libre masks.

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

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

5. Day Journey to Teotihuacán

In case you do solely sooner or later journey out of city, make it this one. Teotihuacán was an historical Mesoamerican metropolis positioned about 50 kilometers (30 miles) northeast of present-day Mexico Metropolis. At its top (150-450 CE), it was one of many largest and most influential hubs within the pre-Columbian Americas, with a inhabitants estimated to be over 100,000. It’s identified for its spectacular city format and pyramids, together with the Avenue of the Useless, the Pyramid of the Solar, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl).

I’ve been just a few instances and may’t suggest it sufficient (particularly if you happen to’re a historical past buff). We took our tour teams right here and everybody all the time had an incredible time.

You’ll be able to both do the day journey your self (there are many buses) or go on a guided tour that additionally stops on the Guadalupe Basilica, an vital pilgrimage web site. Both means, don’t neglect to convey sunscreen, because the solar is punishing, and there’s little to no shade.

Admission to the pyramids is 80 MXN, whereas a full-day tour together with transportation and an area information is 540 MXN.

6. Peruse the Mercados

Mexico Metropolis boasts a kaleidoscope of bustling markets, every with its personal distinctive attraction. Among the many most well-known is Mercado de la Merced, a sprawling market hailed as the biggest on the town. Situated east of the Zócalo, it’s primarily targeted on meals, with vibrant shows of fruits, greens, meats, and spices.

One other iconic market is Mercado Roma, a up to date gastronomic hub that showcases town’s culinary range by means of gourmand treats and artisanal merchandise. For one thing a bit totally different, Mercado Jamaica is a ravishing flower market, filled with vibrant colours and fragrances. And for distinctive souvenirs, head to La Ciudadela, an artisan market which boasts an intensive assortment of conventional textiles and handicrafts.

Lastly, Mercado de Sonora stands out for its mystical ambiance, famend for catering to religious and esoteric wants, providing the whole lot from conventional herbs and potions to ritualistic artifacts. There’s really a marketplace for the whole lot in Mexico Metropolis!

In case you don’t need to discover by yourself, you may be a part of a guided tour that visits each Mercado de la Merced and Mercado de Sonora, together with many stops to pattern a lot of genuine native treats Tickets are round 1,100 MXN.

7. Take a Meals Tour

Conventional Mexican delicacies is so culturally wealthy and distinct (and scrumptious) that UNESCO has included it on its Intangible Cultural Heritage record. Whilst you can actually go on a self-led taco tour, you gained’t be taught almost as a lot as you’ll by taking a meals tour, a wonderful approach to get a crash course on native delicacies.

My buddy Anais runs Devoured Excursions, providing in-depth excursions into the meals scene of CMDX, with 5 totally different four-hour choices to select from. On every tour, you’ll meet an area “tastemaker,” an skilled of their craft who shares the method behind Mexican gastronomic traditions like making mouthwatering tacos or crafting beautiful mezcal cocktails. Excursions begin at 1,625 MXN.

In case you simply need to eat all of the tacos (who doesn’t), be a part of Sabores Mexico Meals Excursions on its Tacos & Mezcal Night time Meals Tour. You’ll get pleasure from tacos at a mixture of conventional and modern taquerias and finish your evening sampling within the first mezcal bar in Mexico Metropolis.

8. Pattern Mezcal

I like mezcal. It’s is a conventional Mexican distilled spirit, crafted from agave, that’s famend for its smoky taste and complexity. I’ve discovered a ton about it over the course of my visits to Mexico, however I’m all the time trying to strive new flavors and dive deeper into the distilling course of.

If you wish to strive mezcal and be taught extra about it, some distinctive locations to pattern it embody La Mezcaloteca (a bar/library the place you are able to do a tasting of 5 mezcals) and La Clandestina in Condesa (with 25 mezcals from everywhere in the nation)

On the Museum of Tequila and Mezcal close to Plaza Garibaldi, educated guides will lead you thru the intricate means of manufacturing, from harvest to distillation. You’ll additionally get to pattern varieties of mezcal alongside totally different tequilas, so you may respect the variations between Mexico’s principal two spirits. A ticket that features tastings prices 340 MXN.

9. Float Alongside the Xochimilco Canals

Whereas the Xochimilco Canals are notorious for his or her social gathering boats, full with bottomless drinks, a kayak tour is a enjoyable and totally different approach to discover the enchanting waterways of this UNESCO World Heritage Website. On this tour, led by a educated native information, you’ll paddle by means of the colourful floating gardens, referred to as chinampas, witness the full of life ambiance of conventional trajineras (colourful boats), and respect the scenic fantastic thing about the environment. All of the whereas, you’ll get insights into the historical past and significance of Xochimilco and its canals. This was one other actually standard a part of our excursions and one thing most vacationers don’t expertise.

In case you’re an early riser, you may even go for a dawn tour, throughout which you’ll get the waterways nearly to your self. Excursions begin at 890 MXN.

10. Admire the View from Torre Latinoamericana

Torre Latinoamericana is an iconic skyscraper within the coronary heart of Mexico Metropolis. Accomplished in 1956, it was as soon as the tallest constructing in Latin America. Designed by architect Augusto H. Álvarez, the tower rises 183 meters (600 toes) and consists of 44 flooring. (It has resisted quite a few earthquakes, due to its revolutionary design that includes a stabilizing core.)

The tower provides panoramic views from its commentary deck, giving perspective on simply how huge town is. It prices 200 MXN to go to the commentary ground (get advance tickets right here), however if you happen to go to the bar on the ground just under, you’ll get the identical view for the worth of a drink.

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

11. Wander the Zócalo

The Zócalo is the center of Mexico Metropolis’s historic heart. This huge sq. accommodates the ruins of Templo Mayor (the traditional Aztec temple complicated), the Palacio Nacional (the president’s official residence), and La Catedral Metropolitana (constructed by the Spanish upon conquest of the world).

Initially the primary ceremonial heart within the historical Aztec metropolis of Tenochtitlán (positioned the place Mexico Metropolis now stands), the Templo Mayor was destroyed to make room for the cathedral in 1521. The truth is, the very stones that made up the temple have been used to create the cathedral. Now you can view historical artifacts uncovered from the positioning, rediscovered within the Seventies, on the Museo del Templo Mayor (95 MXN to enter the museum and archaeological web site).

While you’re finished, head over to admire the beautiful Spanish colonial structure of the La Catedral Metropolitana. This Sixteenth-century constructing dominates the northern half of the Zócalo and is free to enter. Inside, it’s extremely ornate, with a ground that’s noticeably tilted due to the perpetual sinking of town (as a result of its development on a lake and swamp).

12. Loosen up in Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec means “Hill of the Grasshopper” in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. Spanning 686 hectares (1,700 acres), this park within the coronary heart of Mexico Metropolis is the second largest city park in Latin America (the largest is in Santiago, Chile). It’s one of many world’s most visited too, not solely by guests however locals, who like to arrange store grilling and picnicking on Sundays. It’s also possible to hire a rowboat or paddleboat and exit on Chapultepec Lake. Every time I need to simply chill out and absorb the solar, that is the place I’m going.

Along with the numerous paths to walk, Chapultepec is house to a zoo and a number of other vital museums, together with the Museum of Anthropology (talked about earlier) and Chapultepec Citadel (see under).

The park is split into three sections. Part 1 homes a lot of the museums and is open Tuesday-Sunday 5am-6pm. Sections 2 and three are open 24/7, although like many metropolis parks, it’s probably not one of the best concept to stroll by means of it alone after darkish.

13. Go to Castillo de Chapultepec

The one fortress in North America to deal with monarchs, Chapultepec Citadel was in-built 1725 as a big manor home for the viceroy (the Spanish colonial administrator). Deserted in the course of the Mexican Conflict of Independence in 1810, it later turned the residence of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota in 1864, in the course of the Second Mexican Empire (1864–67).

At this time, you may go to the fortress and meander by means of the magnificently adorned interval rooms, manicured gardens, and terraces providing spectacular panoramas. The fortress can be house to the Museo Nacional de Historia (see under), which tells the story of Mexico from the time of Tenochtitlán to the Mexican Revolution.

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

14. Take a look at the artwork and historical past museums

There are various museums and galleries in Mexico Metropolis. Worthwhile ones embody the next:

• Palacio de Bellas Artes (Tremendous Artwork Museum): This spectacular Artwork Nouveau constructing with an Artwork Deco inside is a large cultural heart that hosts performing arts occasions. Its numerous galleries embody murals by Diego Rivera and rotating momentary exhibitions. Additionally it is house to the Museum of Structure.
• Museo Nacional de Historia (Nationwide Historical past Museum): This museum, positioned in Chapultepec Citadel, tells the historical past of Mexico over 12 everlasting exhibition halls.
• Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Trendy Artwork): Situated inside Chapultepec Park, this museum focuses on trendy Mexican artwork. Its most well-known piece is Frida Kahlo’s The Two Fridas.
• MUAC (College Museum of Modern Artwork of UNAM): This artwork museum on the college’s grounds additionally focuses on modern Mexican artwork, with video and sound installations, work, drawings, and extra.
• Museo Nacional de Arte (Nationwide Artwork Museum): Mexican artwork from the mid-Sixteenth century to the mid-Twentieth century is split into three principal time intervals (colonial, post-independence, and post-revolution).
• Museo de Arte Common (Folks Artwork Museum): This museum’s assortment of Mexican people artwork and handicrafts options conventional textiles, pottery, glass, piñatas, and alebrijes (brightly coloured sculptures of fantastical creatures).
• Reminiscence and Tolerance Museum: This newer museum tells the historical past of genocides and crimes towards humanity, with a bit selling tolerance and inclusion of all teams of individuals.
• Tamayo Museum: Born out of the non-public assortment of artist Rufino Tamayo, this museum concentrates on Twentieth-century worldwide artwork (particularly of the avant-garde selection).

Ticket costs differ, however typically vary from free to 100 MXN.

15. Tour a Megalibrary

The Biblioteca Vasconcelos, positioned within the Buenavista neighborhood, is a temple to books, sometimes called a “megalibrary.” The most important library in the whole nation, it opened in 2006, covers an unbelievable 38,000 sq. meters (409,000 sq. toes), and homes over 600,000 books.

However the actual draw for the customer isn’t within the assortment (which, although giant, isn’t significantly noteworthy) however the constructing itself. The structure is beautiful, that includes clear partitions, six deliberately mismatched flooring, and sculptures by outstanding artists. It additionally has a give attention to sustainability, with rainwater assortment barrels on the roof, home windows designed to gentle virtually the whole inside naturally (but with out harming the books), and a inexperienced roof lined in vegetation that hold the constructing cool.

Don’t miss popping across the again to walk by means of the quiet and spacious backyard stuffed with timber, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation. Admission is free.

16. Marvel on the Soumaya Museum

Housing 66,000 items of Central American and European artwork, the Soumaya Museum shows works not solely by Mexican artists corresponding to Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo but additionally by well-known masters corresponding to Botticelli, Dalí, and Rodin. The museum was donated and constructed by one of many world’s richest males, Carlos Slim Helú (a Mexican enterprise magnate). The Soumaya is a shocking piece of artwork by itself, as it’s lined in 16,000 hexagonal aluminum tiles that sparkle within the daylight. It’s thought of essentially the most lovely trendy constructing in Mexico Metropolis. Admission is free.

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

17. Escape to the UNAM Botanical Backyard

In case you’re searching for a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of Mexico Metropolis, look no additional than the Botanical Backyard on the Nationwide Autonomous College of Mexico (UNAM). Rooted in Aztec traditions that valued gardens for each medicinal and decorative functions, this sanctuary additionally emphasizes conservation and environmental schooling. It’s located round lava formations from the Xitle volcano eruption, and the paths meander by means of naturally shaped grottoes and previous waterfalls and ponds teeming with koi and turtles.

The vegetation you may admire right here embody the world’s most numerous cactus assortment, with 800 totally different varieties; there’s additionally an orchidarium and a medicinal backyard. That is additionally a habitat for wildlife: hold an eye fixed out for woodpeckers, owls, hummingbirds, rattlesnakes, lizards, and the Pedregal tarantula, a species unique to this small space of Mexico Metropolis.

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

18. Stroll Round Roma and Condesa

Roma and Condesa, two adjoining neighborhoods within the coronary heart of Mexico Metropolis, are price spending a while exploring (they’re additionally a few of the finest neighborhoods to remain in). They bleed into one another a bit, as each have leafy, tree-lined avenues, stylish boutiques, and an eclectic array of cafés, eating places, bars, and mezcalerías.

Roma is famend for its bohemian ambiance, European-inspired structure, and colourful road artwork. Condesa is a little more laid-back, high-class, and refined, that includes Artwork Deco buildings and many sidewalk cafés. Parque México and Parque España are iconic inexperienced areas that divide the 2 neighborhoods and are excellent locations to sit down and people-watch for a bit.

19. Go to a Pueblo Mágico

The pueblos mágicos (magical cities) are cities and villages that the Mexican authorities has acknowledged for his or her cultural, historic, and pure significance. To be so designated, a spot should meet particular standards, together with having historic and cultural richness and distinctive structure, traditions, and folklore. These cities typically function well-preserved colonial structure, full of life cultural traditions, and a welcoming ambiance.

Whereas they’re scattered all throughout the nation, there’s one positioned simply over an hour from Mexico Metropolis: Tepotzotlán.

Identified for its lovely colonial structure, cobblestone streets, vibrant murals, and hikes to sacred websites within the surrounding mountains, it makes for a enjoyable day journey, or when you have the time, even an in a single day. There are buses that go to Tepotzotlán from Taxqueña (Mexico Metropolis’s southern bus station) each half-hour. A ticket is 184 MXN.

20. Offbeat Issues to Do in Mexico Metropolis

There are many unconventional issues to see and do this numerous guests don’t expertise. Listed below are just a few ideas of a few of my favorites:

• Palacio de Correos de México: This lovely submit workplace is an interesting mixture of architectural kinds, together with Artwork Nouveau, Artwork Deco, Gothic Revival, and others. There’s a free museum on the bottom ground that includes numerous parts of the submit workplace’s historical past, together with an enormous mural made solely of stamps!
• Ballet Folklórico de México: This famend folk-dance ensemble showcases conventional Mexican dance and music. Their everlasting house is the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the place tickets begin at 1,200 MXN.
• Museo del Objeto del Objeto (Museum of the Object of the Object): This quirky museum is devoted to on a regular basis objects, showcasing the evolution of design and client tradition in Mexico. Free admission.
• Museo del Chocolate: Be taught concerning the significance and cultivation of cacao all through Mexico’s historical past. There’s additionally an hooked up café, the place you may pattern sweets in loads of totally different kinds. Museum admission is 80 MXN.

Mexico Metropolis is without doubt one of the world’s biggest metropolises. From iconic landmarks just like the historic Zócalo and the majestic Teotihuacán pyramids to the colourful markets, numerous neighborhoods, and thriving culinary scene, it’s totally fascinating. Regardless of how lengthy you could have right here, these items to do will hold you busy and guarantee that you’ve an incredible go to.