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Why Visit Mexico City
Built over the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, the city's Zócalo is one of the world's largest squares. It's flanked by the Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio Nacional. Notice the Art Deco Palacio de Bellas Artes, slowly sinking into the old lakebed.
Explore Bosque de Chapultepec, twice the size of New York's Central Park. Float through Xochimilco's ancient canals on a colorful trajinera, a glimpse into the city's pre-Hispanic past. A hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacán is a must when visiting Mexico City.
Street food is essential, from tacos al pastor cooked on a vertical spit to esquites from a local puesto. Markets like La Merced offer a true sensory overload. For a local experience, try pulque, a fermented agave drink with pre-Hispanic roots.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Mar-Maymild, pleasant weather, fewer tourists
- Jun-Aughot, peak tourist season, possible rain
- Sep-Novcool, more favorable crowd levels
- Dec-Febcool, dry, festive atmosphere
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightClothing
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #RainJacket
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-8 days with side trips
- Mexican Peso ($)
- Spanish
- Limited English in some areas
- #Zocalo
- #ChapultepecPark
- #FridaKahloMuseum
- #Teotihuacan
- #PalacioDeBellasArtes
- #Xochimilco
- Visit Museo Nacional de Antropología
- Try tacos al pastor
- Explore Coyoacán neighborhood
- Stroll through Chapultepec Forest
- Taste churros at El Moro
Recommended Hotels in Mexico City by Experience
Things to do in Mexico City
Discover
Exploring Mexico City reveals sights from the historic Zócalo and Templo Mayor to the world-class National Museum of Anthropology. Chapultepec Park offers green space and museums, while the Palacio de Bellas Artes showcases stunning architecture.
Experience
Experience vibrant street food tours in Roma Norte, witness the spectacle of a Lucha Libre match at Arena México, or float along Xochimilco's canals on a trajinera. Seasonal events include the massive Day of the Dead parade in November.
Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
Historic main square surrounded by iconic government buildings.
National Museum of Anthropology
Museum housing Mexico's vast pre-Hispanic artifact legacy.
Chapultepec Park
One of the largest urban parks, with lakes and museums.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Art Nouveau cultural center with murals by famous artists.
Teotihuacan Pyramids Day Trip
Ancient city with the iconic Pyramid of the Sun and Moon.
Xochimilco Canals
Ride colorful trajinera boats through historic canals.
Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
Frida Kahlo's historic blue house, now a popular museum.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Your guide on how to get to Mexico City begins at Benito Juárez Int'l Airport (MEX). To get from the Mexico City airport to city center, take Metrobus Line 4 (~45 min) or an authorized taxi (~30 min). Major bus terminals connect the country.
Getting Around
Public transport in Mexico City includes the extensive Metro and Metrobus systems, both accessible with the rechargeable Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada. For unique views, ride the Cablebús. Ecobici bike-sharing is also available in central areas.
Local Essentials
For first-timers, driving in Mexico City is not recommended due to traffic and the 'Hoy No Circula' program restricting cars on certain days. Instead of a car rental, use ride-sharing apps or official 'sitio' taxis for safer travel.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore authentic food Mexico City by tasting tacos al pastor and rich mole. Locals enjoy a large, leisurely midday meal, or *comida*. Don't miss sipping on smoky mezcal to truly eat like a local and delve into the vibrant scene.
Enjoy
Discover the best restaurants in Mexico City. Taste Pujol's elegant menu (Book months ahead). Sip at Licorería Limantour, a vibrant bar (Arrive early). Grab fresh churros at El Moro, a classic café (Expect lines).
Pujol
World-renowned modern Mexican cuisine. Book far in advance.
Contramar
Bustling, must-visit spot for incredible seafood dishes.
El Cardenal
Iconic for traditional Mexican breakfasts and lunch.
Quintonil
Modern Mexican fine dining focused on fresh ingredients.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Mexico City cultural activities connected to its history. Must-see events include the Día de Muertos parade with its large-scale ofrendas, and the citywide religious celebrations for the Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe in December.
Enjoy
Discover contemporary things to do in Mexico City. The city hosts major music festivals like Vive Latino for rock and indie fans, and Zona Maco, the largest contemporary art fair in Latin America, held every February.
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Citywide event in Nov honoring the deceased with parades.
Vive Latino
A major festival for Latin rock and alternative music.
Zona Maco
Latin America's leading contemporary art fair, held in Feb.
Corona Capital
An annual rock and alternative music festival in November.
Festival de México en el Centro
A major cultural event with music, dance, and theatre.
Ambulante Film Festival
A traveling documentary film festival with screenings in city.
Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe
Major religious celebration on December 12 with parties.
A City with So Much to Offer
Mexico City has an incredible energy. The city is huge but the historic center around the Zócalo feels manageable and is packed with amazing architecture. So much history in one place, and the people are incredibly welcoming. A great city for anyone.
Amazing Art and Museums
The art scene is fantastic. I spent hours just looking at the murals inside the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The museums are world-class, but even the street art adds so much character to the different neighborhoods. It's a very creative place.
So Walkable and Interesting
Mexico City is perfect for exploring on foot. I loved wandering through La Condesa with its beautiful parks and cafes. Each area has its own feel, from the busy center to quieter, leafy streets. The street tacos were a delicious and easy lunch.
History is Everywhere
The history is just incredible, seeing the ruins of the Templo Mayor right next to the main square is something else. It really makes you feel the layers of history everywhere you look. The Anthropology museum is also a must-see for this.
Great Parks and Delicious Food
Such a great city for a family trip. Chapultepec Park is enormous and has so much to do. We found amazing food everywhere, from street stalls selling elotes to nice restaurants in Polanco. There's something for everyone to enjoy.
Fantastic for Markets and Crafts
I loved the markets! La Ciudadela was perfect for finding unique crafts and souvenirs that felt authentic, not like the usual tourist stuff. The colors and sounds are great, and bargaining is part of the fun. Great for finding cool things.