One of the largest metropolises in the world, urban chaos that has everything and a little more, Mexico City offers the traveler a little bit of everything. So it’s easy to get lost when deciding what to do in Mexico City. There is no shortage of Aztec ruins, museums, bars, squares, colonial buildings and incredible sights there.
And it also has the main attraction, the one that makes every traveler come back with a few extra pounds in his luggage: the food.
If possible, take the opportunity to know the Mexican capital without haste, to walk the streets of the Zocalo, find legal bars along La Reforma and read a book in the shade of the trees of the Chapultelpec Forest.
In this post, we give you all the information you need to plan and enjoy your trip in the greatest possible way. This is a sweet destination here on the blog, and we hope it will be yours too.
So, stop coils and we’ll soon find out what to do in Mexico City?
Visa and travel insurance to Mexico
Since December 2021, Brazilian tourists and business travelers need visas to enter Mexico and stay there for up to 180 days.
The visa for Mexico was again required by pressure from the United States, as the Latin country was being used as a gateway for illegal immigration of Brazilians in the US.
Visa for Mexico is not required for those who have a valid visa, citizenship or permanent residence in Canada, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, any of the countries that make up the Schengen Area in Europe, Chile, Colombia and Peru.
You can read about taking a visa from Mexico here.
Despite the visa requirement, travel insurance is not mandatory to travel to Mexico.
Despite this, insurance is strongly recommended on this and all your trips! Insurance protects you against accidents and other diseases, in addition to providing assistance in case of cancellation or change of trip, missed bags and much more.
To ensure the best value for money, we recommend Promo Insurance, a search engine that helps you find the best offers in various insurers in the country. Blog readers can apply the coupon 360MERIDIANOS05 and guarantee up to 25% discount.
Click here to make your quote and use the 360MERIDIANOS05 coupon to get up to 25% discount on travel insurance!
What to do in Mexico City: The main attractions of the city
As flights from Brazil to Mexico are long – almost nine hours – you are likely to leave green and yellow land at night and arrive in Mexico early in the morning. Ignore fatigue, enjoy that the time zone is not so different (two hours less than Brasilia) and boat your foot on the street.
Before, take the opportunity to exchange a few dollars at the airport, preferably in the exchange houses that are further away from the exit, where the quotation is practically the same or even better than you will find in the city center.
This advice is even more worthwhile if it is a weekend, when the exchanges of central exchanges do not open. The most practical way to leave the airport is by uber or cabify, with races costing around 100 pesos (R$ 20).
A good way to start exploring the city is with a free walking tour. So you know the main attractions and pay only a tip to the guide. You can reserve your place for free here.
1. The Zocalo
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The Zócalo is nothing more than the historic center of Mexico City. This is a good place to start exploring the city on foot. You can take a walk, taking as a starting point the Cathedral, built from 1573 and which, like many historical buildings of the city, is crooked.
It is that the Mexican capital was built on an unstable land, where was Tenochtitlán, the capital of the Aztecs. Only the city commanded by Moctezuma, which had 300,000 inhabitants, was in the middle of a large lake that was drained by the Spanish. The consequences were a fragile soil and a metropolis that has sunk an incredible nine meters in the last 100 years.
In addition to the Cathedral, in the Zócalo is the National Palace, which is the seat of the Presidency of the Republic, it was once the house of viceroys and where are the famous panels of Diego Rivera. The entrance is free – be sure to go.
Cathedral of Mexico
Then walk to the ruins of the Templo Mayor, which are next to the cathedral. This was the largest religious center of Tenochtitlán. The ruins were only discovered in the 1970s, when the site was excavated. If you want to know more about this story, take a walk at the Templo Mayor Museum.
See also : History and itinerary on foot through the historic center of Mexico City
2. 2. Palace of Fine Arts
The Palacio de Bellas Artes is a few blocks from the Zócalo. This building is one of the most iconic landmarks in Mexico and often draws the attention of travelers interested in art and culture.
There you can also buy tickets for concerts and concerts that take place throughout the week. If you get the chance, watching a performance here is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Next to it is a square, where the Diego Rivera Museum is located, which is small and, if you have time, worth the entrance.
3. The Latin American Tower
In front of the Palace is the 181-meter-high Latin American Tower and was the tallest building in Mexico for three decades. This was one of the first skyscrapers in Latin America and resisted several earthquakes, proving the ingenuity of Mexican architecture.
If you like this type of tour, then it is worth going to the viewpoint of the tower, mainly near the sunset. Climb up to the viewpoint on the 44th floor and get ready to be memerised by a 360-degree view of the metropolis below. It is the perfect place for that epic selfie with the Palace of Fine Arts and the Zocallo in the background. You can guarantee your entry here.
4. 4. Market of la Ciudadela
The Mercado de La Ciudadela is a good place to buy crafts and is a five-minute walk from the Bellas Artes.
This market is full of colors and traditions, offering an impressive range of handmade products, from jewelry and ceramics to textiles and musical instruments.
It is the perfect place to find that unique souvenir or piece of decoration that is the face of Mexico.
5. . 5. Plaza Garibaldi
This is a good place to enjoy the Mexican nightlife and immerse yourself in the country’s musical culture. Known as the home of the Mariachis, this iconic square in Mexico City is where musicians dressed in traditional costumes gather to play rancheras, boleros and other Mexican classics.
You can sit in one of the many bars around the square and ask for a tequila or a mezcal. And you can even hire a group of mariachis for a personalized serenata.
6. . 6. Presentations by Lucha Libre
Lucha Libre at Arena Coliseo
If you want to close the day in a remarkable way, it can be a good idea to accompany a Lucha Libre, a must-see program that has the face of Mexico. There are two places to watch the fights, the two near the center.
At Arena Mexico there are fights every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, starting between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (on Sundays start earlier, at 5 p.m.). The Coliseo Arena receives fights on Saturdays, from 7:30 p.m. If you prefer, you can take the tour with a guide.
See also: Free Mexican Fight, Sport and Show in Mexico City
7. 7. The National Museum of Anthropology
Stone of the Sun, in the Museum of Anthropology
Few cities in the world have more museums than the capital of Mexico. And one of them deserves the visit even of those who twist the nose for this type of walk. It is the National Museum of Anthropology, which holds pre-Columbian treasures such as the Sun Stone. With 24 tons, the most famous of the Aztec symbols occupies a central position in the museum – which is huge, with rooms for each of the great civilizations that once inhabited Mexico.
So arrive early and start your visit through the rooms downstairs, which are the most interesting. Only then, in case of time, go to the second floor. The museum operates from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9am and 7pm. Entry costs 70 pesos and can be paid on credit card.
You can go by subway, down at the Auditorium station (Line 7). On the way out, stop a little in front of the museum to see a presentation of Papantla’s Flying Dance, a millennial ritual practiced by several Mesoamerican peoples before the colonization.
8. Bosque of Chapultelpec
After the museum, have lunch in one of the stalls with street food that are in front of the building and continue your tour through the Chapultepec Forest, one of the largest urban green areas in Latin America. Inside the park there are lakes, hiking trails, sports courts and several museums – the Museum of Anthropology itself is in Chapultepec.
I recommend that you book one to two hours to get to know the National Museum of History, which is inside Chapultepec Castle, a fortress that was the setting for bloody battles with U.S. troops and served as housing for an Emperor of Mexico. Maximilian I was Austrian, was placed on the throne of Mexico by French troops and was cousin of Dom Pedro II of Brazil.
See also: Chapultepec Castle and the History of Mexico
9. . . . . Paseo de la Reforma
Inspired by the Champs-Élysées, Paseo de la Reforma is a grandiose avenue full of historical monuments such as the iconic Angel of Independence and surrounded by modern skyscrapers.
It is a good place to walk or take a bike ride and even to participate in public events such as art fairs and cultural manifestations. And do not forget to stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants that border the avenue for a cafe or a margarita.
There are many bars in the area. I recommend Fiebre de Malta, a brewery that has two units, one on Calle Lerma, 156, near the El Angel de la Independencia monument, and the other on Pdte Avenue. Masaryk 48 in Polanco. Another good option is La Cervecería de Barrio, which has units in the Zócalo and in the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods.
10. Theotihuacán
Little remains of the ancient Aztec capital, but luckily there are other huge ruins and pyramids close to Mexico City. It is Teotihuacán, which is 55 kilometers from the Mexican capital. The Pyramid of the Sun, the largest structure of the ruins, is only smaller than the very famous Giza in Egypt.
Theotihuacán
Teotihuacán began to be built 100 years before Christ and had its peak five centuries later, when it had 200,000 inhabitants. It was abandoned around A.D. 700, for reasons not explained today. When the Aztecs emerged and conquered the central region of Mexico, Teotihuacán was already there, leaving everyone underfighted with their grandeur. Entrance to the archaeological site costs 70 pesos.
There are two ways to visit Teotihuacán: you can go on a tour, sold by several agencies in Mexico City and costing about 600 pesos. In this case you will leave early and will stop by the Basilica of Guadalupe. This is a good option to know more about the culture and history of the place, once the tour is guided. You find a good option by clicking here.
You can also go on your own by bus, from the Central Terminal of Autobuses del Norte, with Autobuses Teotihuacán.
If you go on your own, do the tour itinerary and finish your day in the Basilica of Guadalupe, which is in Mexico City, nine kilometers from the Zocalo.
11. The Basilica of Guadalupe
The patron saint of Mexico’s Sanctuary of Guadalupe receives about 20 million visitors a year, a number that makes it the second most sought after Catholic place in the world – only St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican attracts more faithful.
Located on Mount Tepeyac, the basilica houses the famous image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, who many believe have miraculous properties. Even if you are not religious, the energy of the place is palpable.
It is fascinating to observe devotees arriving, often on foot and knees, to pay their respects. In addition to spirituality, the architecture of the basilica is a masterpiece, combining modern and traditional elements in a harmonious way.
The nearest metro stations to the Basilica are La Villa-Basilica (Line 6) and Deportivo 18 de Marzo (line 3). The entrance is free.
See also:
Teotihuacán, in Mexico: visit and history of the ruins
Our Lady of Guadalupe: the basilica of the patron saint of Mexico12. 12. Museum of Frida Khalo
Its destination is a neighborhood far from the center and was the beloved of artists in much of the 20th century: Coyoacán. It was there that Frida Kahlo was born and died. The artist’s house was a meeting place for important people, like filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein, writer André Breton, businessman Nelson Rockefeller, who was later vice president of the United States, and Leon Trotsky, one of the leaders of the Russian Revolution.
It was transformed into a museum on the initiative of Frida’s husband, the painter Diego Rivera, who also lived in the Blue House.
The Frida Kahlo Museum opens from Tuesday to Sunday and the ticket for foreigners costs 200 pesos. Buy online, on the official website, to avoid the line of the ticket office, which is usually great. Coyoacán stations (line three of the metro) and General Anaya (Line 2) are about a 15-minute walk away.
See also: Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico: visit and history
13. The Coyoacán Market
Situated in the heart of the artistic and historical district of Coyoacán, this market is a true microcosm of local life. From stalls selling stuffed quesadillas and fresh juices to craft sellers that offer everything from handmade jewelry to vibrant tapestries, there’s something for every taste and budget.
It’s the perfect place to get lost for a few hours, try the local cuisine and find that unique souvenir that will make you remember your trip to Mexico every time you look at it. And the best of all? You will be supporting small merchants and local artisans, making your trip even more significant.
14. 14. The House Museum Leon Trotsky
For lovers of history and politics, a visit to the Leon Trotsky House Museum is a must-see in Mexico City.
Located also in the neighborhood of Coyoacán, this museum was the house where the Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky lived his final years after being exiled from the Soviet Union. The house has been preserved almost exactly as it was, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of one of the most intriguing characters of the 20th century.
You can explore his office, where he wrote some of his most important works, and even see the garden where he was tragically murdered. In addition to being a glimpse into Trotsky’s life, the museum also offers a unique perspective on the complex international political relations of the time.
It is an enriching experience that goes beyond conventional tourism, perfect for those seeking a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context of Mexico.
15. Xochimilco
Many people combine the tour in Coyoacán with a trip to the Xochimilco Canals, a region that is a World Heritage Site and where it is possible to sail in colorful boats.
Known as “trajineras”, the traditional boats are decorated with vibrant flowers and paintings, which guarantee a unique look for the place.
As you glide through the waters, vendors on smaller boats approach offering everything from tacos and beers to mariachis ready to play a song. Many Mexicans go there on weekends and holidays to make a party about the waters, but Xochimilco is not only a party; it is also a place of ecological and historical importance, representing one of the last connections with the canal system that existed in the time of the Aztecs.
See here how to take a walk in the colorful trajineras of Xochimilco.
You can also hire a tour that includes a picnic on the boats.
16. The Sonora Market
If you are in search of the mystic and the magician, the Sonora Market is the place for you in Mexico City. This market is famous for its wide range of esoteric products, from herbs and potions to amulets and talismans.
It is the epicenter of Mexican popular culture related to mysticism and spirituality. But don’t think that’s all this; the market also offers a variety of traditional products, such as food, clothing, and household items.
What really makes the Sonoran Market unique is the atmosphere. You will feel as if you have entered a world apart, where the mystic and daily coexist side by side. If you are of the curious and open type to new experiences, this market offers a fascinating insight into the diversity and complexity of Mexican culture. And who knows? Perhaps you will find that special amulet that will bring good luck in your future trips.
Learn more about Mexico’s largest witchcraft and esoter-seterism market
What to do in Mexico City at night
If you are the type who believes that the true soul of a city reveals itself at night, prepare to be surprised by one of the best nights in Latin America.
Start your evening with a dinner in Polanco, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants serving from authentic Mexican food to international dishes. Then, how about a cocktail? The city is full of mezcal bars and rooftops with breathtaking panoramic views.
If you are a fan of live music, Plaza Garibaldi is the place. Known as the home of the Mariachis, you can watch a serenata or even join the party and sing along. For lovers of dance, the salsa and bachata clubs in Condesa offer an authentic and energetic experience that you will not want to miss.
But if you’re looking for something more tranquil, a night walk through the Paseo de la Reforma can be incredibly romantic, especially when the monuments are lit. Or maybe a night of theatre or opera at the Palace of Fine Arts? The acoustics are amazing and the architecture itself is a show.
5-Day Itinerary in Mexico City
Here’s a 5-day itinerary suggestion in Mexico City.
Day 1 in Mexico City
- In the morning, take a walking itinerary through the Zócalo, getting to know the Cathedral and other attractions of the area.
- Did you finish the walk? Find a place for lunch. My tips in this area are El Cardenal, Café Tacuba and La Pagoda – the latter is barat and nothing ardarist. They don’t take cards in La Pagoda, but that’s a rarity of Mexico City.
- After lunch, continue walking through the center. The next stop is the Palace of Fine Arts and the Diego Rivera Museum. Also pass through the Latin American Tower, Mercado de La Ciudadela and Plaza Garibaldi.
- End the day with a show of Lucha Libre.
Fine Arts and Latin American Tower
Day 2 in Mexico City
- Visit the National Museum of Anthropology in the morning. Stop to eat in one of the stalls outside and watch a presentation of the Flyers of Papantla.
- Continue your tour of the Chapultepec Forest, with stop at the National Museum of History, which is inside Chapultepec Castle
- End the day in one of the bars of Paseo de la Reforma.
Chapultepec
Day 3 in Mexico City
- Get early to visit Teotihuacán, which is 55 kilometers from the Mexican capital.
- End your day in the Basilica of Guadalupe.
Day 4 in Mexico City
- Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in the morning and head to the market of Coyoacán
- Have lunch at one of the restaurants of Plaza Centenario
- If you are interested, pass the Leon Trotsky Museum and head to the Sonoran Market
If your schedule is running, consider hiring this tour that takes you to the Frida Museum, Xochimilco and Coyoacán on the same day.
Day 5 in Mexico City
- Visit Xochimilco and take a walk with the Trajineras.
If you have more time, consider taking trips to nearby cities. It is possible to visit Puebla with a back bat, for example. Here is a tour option.
What to do in Mexico City with children
If you are planning a family trip to Mexico City, it is a good idea to start with Chapultepec Park, a green oasis in the middle of the city that is home to the Chapultepec Zoo, where children can see animals such as pandas and lions.
The park also has a castle with panoramic views of the city, which can please both adults and children. If your children are science fans, the Papalote Museo del Nino is an interactive museum that makes learning a pure fun.
For a more cultural experience, take them to the National Museum of Anthropology, which has several interactive exhibits and is a great introduction to Mexico’s rich history.
Another attraction that can make the head of the little ones is a tour of trajinera through the channels of Xochimilco? It is like a floating picnic and a perfect opportunity for the whole family to relax. And if you want to add a touch of magic to the trip, don’t miss the Circus Atayde, Mexico’s oldest circus, which offers shows that will leave your children jaw-dropping.
Where to stay in Mexico City: hotel tip tested by us
I stayed at the Zocallo and recommend it, even with the region being half empty at night. Of the options I tested there, the best value is at Chillout Flat B&B, a family pension that is in a residential building. It’s two blocks from the Bellas Artes and 10 minutes of walk from the Zocalo.
If you prefer to stay along the Paseo de La Reforma, another great region, but which has expensive hotels, one way to save is looking for apartments. You find some options on this link here.
Below, we list more options based on the locations of the best neighborhoods where to stay in Mexico City.
If you haven’t found your favorite option, take a look at all the hosting options there.
Where to eat in Mexico City: restaurant tips
See also: Where to eat in Mexico City – restaurant tips
- El Cardenal: Traditional breakfast restaurant in the city. Official website.
- Hosteria Sto Domingo: It is in the historic center, glued with the Bellas Artes (Calle Belisario Dominguez, 72) and has been operating since the 60s. It has fame among travelers for being one of the only restaurants where Chili En Nogada is a fixed dish on the menu.
- Café Tacuba: Restaurant of 1912, which has already received many important people. On the menu, expect to find classics of Mexican cuisine, such as tacos, toasts, chiles rellenos and Lengua de res. It is located at Calle de Tacuba, 28, between the Bellas Artes and the Zocallo.
- La Pagoda: Good and cheap option, with one of the best value/benefit in the city. It is on Mayo 5, 10.
- A more exquisite establishment that wants to show another facet of traditional Mexican cuisine. It belongs to the award-winning chef Ricardo Munoz Zurita. On the menu there are dishes from various regions of the country, such as the Tikin Xic Fish, which is from Yucatán, or the black soft Legendary, from Oaxaca. It is located in a colonial mansion in Calle Isabel la Católica, 30. There is usually a queue waiting and making a reservation is advisable, especially on weekends. It takes card. Details on the official website.
- Pasteleria Esperanza: For breakfast, it has several branches scattered throughout the city, has diverse and delicious breads by a deprecious comrade.
- Fiebre de Malta: An alternative to drink special beers close to the Paseo de La Reforma. There are two units, one on Calle Lerma, 156, near the El Angel de la Independencia monument, and the other on Pdte Avenue. Masaryk 48 in Polanco.
- Corazon de Maguey: Famous for serving chapulines with merged, a Mexican delicacy, but there are many options on the menu, most of them without crickets (or any insect). The restaurant specializes in food from southern Mexico. It is located in Plaza Centenario, 9, in the neighborhood of Coyoacán.
- La Cervecería de Barrio: In addition to the beers, various drinks, from mojitos to caipirinhas, are also on the menu, but I recommend La Cervecería de Barrio is really for the food, from the ham burgues to the fish. It’s all very good. Check the addresses of all units and other details on the official website.
- Markets and street food: The best of Mexican cuisine is stored in the markets and can also be found in street food, that cheap. The most famous among the traditional are the Medellin Market and the Mercado de la Merced.
- San Juan de Pugibet Market: Want a more gourmet market option? The San Juan de Pugibet Market, located in the center, near the La Ciudadela arts market, offers a variety of exotic and imported products.
A good way to get to know a little of the local food is by hiring a gastronomic tour of the city center. So you will taste various typical Mexico delights and places you wouldn’t know otherwise.
How many days stay in Mexico City
For a basic taste of the city, a minimum of 4 days is recommended. This gives you enough time to explore the historic center, visit the Palace of Fine Arts, take a walk through the Paseo de la Reforma and perhaps even take a day tour to the pyramids of Teotihuacán.
Now, if you’re the type who likes to dive deep into the local culture, consider staying at least a week. This gives you the chance to explore different neighborhoods like Coyoacán and Condesa, visit markets such as the de la Ciudadela and Coyoacán, and even dedicate a full day to an adventure in Xochimilco. In addition, you will have more time to fit some more specific activities, such as a lucha libre night or a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum.
With 10 to 14 days, you will be able to explore lesser-known museums, take gastronomic tours, and even escape the city to nearby destinations such as Puebla or Querétaro.
The best time to go to Mexico City
Mexico City is one of those metropolises that offers something special all year round, but depending on what you’re looking for, some times may be more ideal than others. Check out some options:
- Climate: If you prefer a milder climate and less rain, consider visiting between November and April. This is the dry season, with cooler temperatures, especially at night.
- Festivals & Events: If you are a fan of festivals and cultural events, September is the month of independence of Mexico and the celebrations are epic. Another must-see event is the Day of the Dead, which takes place in early November. The streets are filled with colors, altars and parades, offering a unique cultural experience.
- Avoiding Crowds: January and February can be less busy months, which is great if you prefer to avoid the crowds. However, be prepared for a slightly cooler climate, especially at night.
- If you are a fan of outdoor activities such as boat trips in Xochimilco or hiking in parks like Chapultepec, the dry period between November and April is ideal.
