25 Best Things to Do in Mexico City for 2022

This submit could include affiliate hyperlinks. We could obtain a small fee, for gratis to you, for those who make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.

Mexico Metropolis is the capital of Mexico and a sprawling metropolis with a lot to see and do.

 It’s usually described in international media as unsafe and soiled. Nonetheless, we discovered this unsavory popularity to be fully unwarranted.

Similar to any main metropolis all over the world, there are areas that ought to be averted, however for those who keep on the vacationer path, you’ll rapidly see that there are many issues to do in Mexico Metropolis. 

CDMX, or Ciudad de México, is stuffed with unbeatable meals, charming tree-shaded streets, world-class museums, pleasant locals, stunning structure, historic monuments, and a stunning quantity of inexperienced house.

When you’re planning a visit to Mexico Metropolis however you’re undecided what to do, don’t fear, we’ve obtained you coated. 

On this information, we’re sharing extra than simply the sights in Mexico Metropolis, we’ve additionally picked the very best meals stops, locations to remain, and shared our Mexico Metropolis journey ideas from our private expertise of the town.

Whether or not you might have 3 days in Mexico Metropolis or a whole week, we’ve obtained you coated with every thing you must know to plan an unforgettable journey to CDMX!

Issues to Do in Mexico Metropolis

Are you able to discover Mexico Metropolis and discover out the highest sights and issues to do? Then learn on!

1. Take a Free Strolling Tour

In search of free issues to do in Mexico Metropolis?

We sometimes do a free strolling tour on our first day in a brand new place so we get acquainted with the town.

Not solely will you see a few of the prime Mexico Metropolis sights, however you’ll additionally hear inside tales and ideas from locals.

And it’s a good time to ask your tour information for his or her suggestions for the very best eating places and locations to see.

This metropolis is the most important metropolis in Mexico, and there’s no approach one strolling tour may cowl all the most important sights.

However there are a handful of various free strolling excursions you possibly can take just like the Historic Downtown, Coyoacan neighborhood, and one which claims to indicate you the “actual Mexico Metropolis”.

Learn by means of all of the free strolling tour descriptions and discover one which fits you.

2. Wander the Markets

Visiting native markets is without doubt one of the finest methods to get a glimpse into the tradition regardless of the place on the earth you’re touring.

You’ll see what substances are used within the nation’s delicacies and also you’ll see locals working errands, getting a peek into their on a regular basis lives.

Plus, markets are sometimes probably the greatest locations to pattern avenue meals!

Fortunate for you, Mexico has an enormous array of markets – starting from these promoting souvenirs to these solely locals frequent.

Listed below are a few of the finest markets to take a look at when visiting Mexico Metropolis:

• Mercado de San Juan: With every thing from locally-grown produce to imported European meats, the Mercado de San Juan is a deal with for all sense. Wander previous stalls promoting contemporary fish from the coasts and people promoting unique meats like crocodile, scorpion, and iguana. This centrally situated market additionally has meals distributors, so you possibly can pattern the native flavors.
• Coyoacan Market: with produce and meals distributors, this market is an efficient cease to seize a contemporary juice and style the namesake Tostadas de Coyoacan to gasoline up whereas exploring this stunning neighborhood.
• Mercado de Artesanal Mexicano: If you wish to carry dwelling some souvenirs, this market will ship an assortment of handicrafts, pottery, clothes, and textiles. Simply be sure to stroll by means of as soon as to see all of the distributors earlier than shopping for something.
• Sonora Market: Generally known as the “witch market”, you’ll discover an attention-grabbing assortment of crystals, incense, tarot playing cards, and idols, in addition to tons of low cost plastic toys and occasion decorations. Whereas exploring this maze of a market, you’ll understand the patrons are nearly all locals and there’s hardly a gringo in sight.

3. Hire a Bicycle

CDMX is the most important metropolis in Mexico however a really bike-friendly metropolis.

With inexpensive rental stations on nearly each block within the metropolis’s heart in addition to devoted bike lanes on the most important roads, getting round by bicycle just isn’t solely straightforward and low cost however one of many enjoyable issues to do in Mexico Metropolis.

You’ll get some train in, see components of the town you may in any other case miss, and also you’ll be surrounded by locals using their bikes to work and round city.

When you occur to be right here on a Sunday, be sure you trip your bike over to Paseo de la Reforma.

That is sometimes one of the congested streets in CDMX, however it’s closed to all motorized autos each Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You’ll see lots of, if not hundreds, of locals and vacationers alike taking on the road on bikes, rollerblades, and on foot.

This government-backed initiative is supposed to encourage residents to steer a extra energetic way of life.

When you’re searching for an space to bike round, Roma Norte is a well-liked place. It has numerous outside areas and parks, and it’s generally known as the “culinary capital” of Mexico Metropolis.

You possibly can trip round and cease off at hipster cafes and eating places set in refurbished mansions or at one of many avenue meals stalls.

4. Bike round Bosque de Chapultepec Park

Simply shy of 1,700 acres, the famed Chapultepec Park is without doubt one of the largest parks within the Western Hemisphere.

Sure, which means it’s larger than New York Metropolis’s Central Park!

Renting a bicycle is the easiest way to discover this outside house that encompasses a lake, forest, 3 Mexico Metropolis museums, and even a zoo.

Meander previous avenue distributors promoting snacks and balloons, and discover a peaceable spot close to the water to take a break and see households spending time collectively exterior.

5. Discover Chapultepec Fortress

When you’re in Chapultepec Park, don’t miss a go to to the well-known fortress on the grounds.

Chapultepec is the one royal fortress in North America, and it was even the house to a number of Mexican presidents.

Tickets are 70 MXN (about $3.60 USD) to enter, and when you cross by means of the gate you’ll swear you’ve been transported from Mexico to Europe.

A lot of the present décor may be attributed to Emperor Maximilian I, who wished it to embody the neoclassic fashion that was common in Europe on the time of his reign.

Peek inside rooms that can transport you again in time, and wander by means of the onsite museum that homes extra weapons and artifacts than you’ll be capable to wrap your head round.

And don’t overlook to discover the gardens, one of many prettiest issues to see in Mexico Metropolis.

Bonus: On the fortress grounds, you’ll discover probably the greatest views over the town!

6. Find out about Mexico’s historical past on the Nationwide Museum of Anthropology

Right here’s one of many cool Mexico Metropolis details – do you know that this metropolis takes the title for essentially the most museums of any metropolis on the earth?

We didn’t know both!

With an amazing quantity of museums, it may be exhausting to know the place to begin. So why not simply go together with the one which’s generally known as the very best museum in Mexico Metropolis?

Touted as the very best of the town’s 150+ museums, Museo Nacional de Antropología is nicely value a go to even for those who’re not a historical past buff.

You may simply spend a whole day exploring the 11 everlasting displays dedicated to the historical past and anthropology of Mexico’s 31 states. (Editor’s Be aware: A pal of mine just lately spent a whole day simply on one flooring of this museum!!)

However for those who don’t have numerous time to spare, be part of one of many free excursions that happen a number of instances on most days.

They’re led in English and break down a few of the most essential takeaways the museum has to supply. We discovered this to be notably informative since not all the shows have English textual content.

7. Find out about Frida Kahlo at La Casa Azul

This iconic artist is a feminist image all over the world, and Mexicans are very proud to name her certainly one of their very own.

A go to to the Frida Kahlo Museum will certainly be a spotlight of your journey because it is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Mexico Metropolis.

This museum is about up within the dwelling Frida spent her childhood and later years of life, known as La Casa Azul (the blue home).

You’ll see many items of her unique paintings, in addition to private belongings and locations she spent numerous time.

We’d positively suggest choosing the audio information, which is a further 80 pesos (on prime of the 200 peso entrance price), however is totally value it.

Along with guiding you thru the home, it additionally reveals footage and shares tales you’d by no means hear by simply studying the indicators.

8. Wander the Coyoacan Neighborhood

Positioned 10 kilometers south of the Zocalo (or metropolis heart), the Coyoacán neighborhood is without doubt one of the oldest boroughs.

With small plazas, quaint cobblestone streets, and colonial mansions, Coyoacán is stuffed with historical past and is undeniably charming as nicely.

After experiencing the Frida Kahlo museum, certainly one of this neighborhood’s most well-known Mexico sights, be sure you designate a while for exploring the remainder of Coyoacán.

Individuals watch in the primary public sq., Plaza Hidalgo, and cease at one of many many improbable espresso outlets on this neighborhood for a pick-me-up.

When your abdomen begins to rumble, pattern as a lot avenue meals as you possibly can (see #12 for ideas), and don’t depart this space with no cease on the Coyoacán Market.

9. Go to Teotihuacan Ruins

The ruins of Teotihuacán lie simply 40 kilometers (25 miles) exterior of the town, and are all that’s left of what was as soon as a thriving Mesoamerican metropolis.

Pronounced “tay-oh-tee-wah-KAHN”, these historic Aztec ruins are probably the greatest Mexico Metropolis day journeys.

The archaeological ruins are well-known for his or her iconic pyramids. You possibly can climb each the Pyramid of the Solar and the Pyramid of the Moon, which provide panoramic views of the park and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Pack loads of water and a solar hat as they’re uncovered to the solar!

Whereas there are many corporations that run guided excursions of Teotihuacán, additionally it is potential to go to by yourself utilizing public transportation and buying a normal admission ticket for simply 70 pesos ($3.60 USD).

Recommendation for visiting:

Attempt to arrive as early as potential to keep away from crowds (the positioning opens at 9 a.m.). Don’t overlook to pack loads of water and put on sunscreen, as there isn’t a lot safety from the solar at this archeological web site.

10. Go on a Meals Tour

When you’re a fan of Mexican meals, there is no such thing as a higher place on the earth to get your repair than CDMX!

From tacos bought on the road to sophisticated eating experiences, this worldwide capital metropolis actually has all of it.

The easiest way to pattern all of it is on a meals tour, the place a information will carry you to native hotspots and hidden gems that you just possible wouldn’t discover by yourself.

There are many meals excursions in Mexico Metropolis – from these which might be extremely acclaimed (and have a price ticket to match!) to people who are very inexpensive.

 

11. Take a Cooking Class

If you wish to take your data of Mexican delicacies to a complete new degree, one of many cool issues to do in Mexico Metropolis is to take a cooking class.

Your foodie coronary heart will delight as you study the native secrets and techniques for making handmade tortillas, marinated meats, and freshly ready mole.

Not solely will you might have the very best meal of your time in Mexico, however you’ll additionally study a ton.

We at all times discover {that a} nation’s tradition has sturdy ties to its meals, and cooking lessons are probably the greatest (and tastiest!) methods to get a deeper understanding of a rustic’s previous, current, and future.

12. Pattern the Road Meals

Even when your finances doesn’t will let you take a meals tour or cooking class, you’ll nonetheless have loads of alternative to style unimaginable dishes on this foodie heaven!

Road meals in Mexico Metropolis is king.

Positive, you’ll haven’t any downside discovering tremendous eating on this metropolis, however don’t depart CDMX with out attempting at the least one (or 17!) objects purchased from a stall or avenue vendor.

You’ll not be dissatisfied!

Listed below are some dishes to strive in Mexico Metropolis that you just’ll discover avenue distributors promoting throughout the town:

• Quesadillas: For one thing that you just’ll solely discover in Mexico, order a huitlacoche quesadilla. This native delicacy is created from the fungus on corn, and whereas it doesn’t sound appetizing, it truly is scrumptious. Simply belief us! FYI: Quesadillas aren’t at all times served with cheese in Mexico, in order that they could be totally different from what you’re used to.
• Horchata: This creamy drink, made from rice, milk, cinnamon and vanilla is common throughout Latin America. After one style, you’ll perceive why!
• Tacos al Pastor: Such a taco is exclusive to central Mexico, and is made by carving pork from a shawarma spit. Lebanese immigrants introduced the spit-grilling method to Mexico, and locals added their take with spices and serving it with grilled pineapple and contemporary salsas. The mix of cultures on this dish is oh so scrumptious!
• Elote (aka Mexican avenue corn): You’ve by no means had corn on the cob like this! As soon as the corn is grilled to perfection, it’s topped with cotija cheese, mayo, bitter cream, chile powder, and lime for a style explosion that can have you ever rethinking your go-to butter, salt, and pepper toppings.
• Tostadas: This common dish is a layered creation beginning with a crispy, deep-fried tortilla, topped with beneficiant parts of meat or seafood, veggies and salsas. The perfect place to strive tostadas in Mexico Metropolis is within the Coyoacán Market.
• Aguas Frescas: Mexicans love their contemporary juices, and you need to positively give them a strive in your journey. From traditional flavors to unique fruits you’ve possible by no means heard of, pattern as many as you possibly can! You gained’t must look far to discover a contemporary juices or licuados (milk-based smoothies).
• Tortas: You’ll discover stands promoting tortas, or Mexican sandwiches, on nearly each block. Sometimes, they’re served on a crusty white roll and are grilled, however the topping mixtures are virtually limitless. Usually instances, tortas have the flavors of a taco, however when the fillings are sandwiched between bread, it creates a complete new style bud expertise!

Insider Tip:

If you’d like an honest number of all forms of avenue meals, the small Antojitos Mexicanos Market will ship.

After we visited, we have been the one foreigners in sight, and there have been tons of dishes to select from.

13. Style Mezcal, not simply Tequila

Tequila is sometimes called Mexico’s nationwide liquor, however don’t be fooled! Mezcal is the native spirit of selection.

So what’s the distinction?

Whereas each forms of alcohol are created from the agave plant, tequila is created from a particular kind (Blue Agave), whereas mezcal may be created from greater than 30 sorts of the plant.

Plus, they’re produced in several areas and the precise distilling course of is a bit totally different.

Mezcal just isn’t served with salt and lime, like its cousin tequila.

As a substitute, you’ll obtain a dish of orange slices and a small quantity of crimson powder, by which you’re alleged to dip your orange wedge. It has a definite salty and nearly smoky taste.

So what is that this thriller powder?

Sal de Gusano, which interprets to “worm salt”. It’s a mix of floor mezcal worms (aka moth larva that stay within the mezcal plant), rock salt and dried chili.

It has a singular taste and Mexico is the very best place to provide it a strive (except you’re a vegetarian, in fact!).

Whereas most mezcal comes from the Mexican state of Oaxaca, there are many venues the place you possibly can style this spirit in Mexico Metropolis.

14. Drink Pulque

Talking of drinks, one other must-try drink is pulque.

That is Mexico’s oldest alcoholic beverage and is created by frivolously fermenting the sap of the agave plant.

Pulque dates again to Mesoamerican instances and was used for medicinal functions and rituals.

This considerably thick, frothy beverage is milky in coloration and has a tangy, but yeasty taste, harking back to kombucha and bitter beer.

Pulque spoils simply and due to this fact can’t be exported, so it’s fairly tough (if not unattainable) to seek out this elixir exterior of Mexico. So why not give it a style?!

15. Discover the Zocalo

The Historic Middle, colloquially generally known as “Centro”, is essentially the most visited space in CDMX for good cause.

It’s right here you’ll discover a few of the metropolis’s most essential buildings in addition to avenue performers, glorious meals, and locals going about on a regular basis life.

The central characteristic of this space is the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is the most important in Latin America.

Not removed from the church lie the ruins of Templo Mayor, which was the centerpiece Tenochtitlán, the traditional Aztec capital.

Constructed in 1325, what stays of this temple is preserved for all to see.

16. Eat Churros & Scorching Chocolate

If you end up craving a candy deal with whereas exploring the Zócalo, give in and indulge with the very best churros and scorching chocolate on the town.

Churrería El Moro has been a CDMX staple since 1935 and has each vacationers and locals licking their cinnamon-sugar coated fingers in delight!

Positioned within the historic metropolis heart, or centro historico in native language, and open 24 hours a day, you don’t have any excuse for not making it to this scrumptious cease in your journey – put this in your places to go to in Mexico Metropolis!

17. Glimpse the Palacio de Bellas Artes

A Mexico Metropolis should see and arguably essentially the most iconic piece of structure within the metropolis, so be sure you at the least take a stroll previous this beautiful museum.

When you’re a patron of the humanities and have time, you may wish to really go contained in the Palace of the Tremendous Arts and see for your self murals painted by well-known artists like Diego Rivera.

However even simply glimpsing this constructing from the surface is value a spot in your tour of downtown CDMX.

18. Sneak a Peek contained in the Golden Publish Workplace

When you’re an structure buff, be sure you take a peek inside the town’s Essential Publish Workplace, additionally known as Palacio Postal or Correo Mayor.

Located within the Metropolis Middle, this constructing boasts turn-of-the-century structure and oozes opulence.

Almost each floor you see is golden, making it arguably essentially the most stunning submit workplace on the earth.

And while you step inside you’ll discover that it’s not only a traditionally stunning inside, however it’s nonetheless very a lot functioning as a submit workplace.

19. Snap a Selfie in entrance of the Home of Tiles

Instagrammers will love snapping selfies in entrance of this blue-tiled wall generally known as Casa de los Azulejos, or “The Home of Tiles”, which is simply across the nook from the Publish Workplace.

It’s grow to be one of many common Mexico Metropolis vacationer sights for images!

20. Discover Peace within the San Angel Neighborhood

When you want an escape from the chaos of the town, make the brief journey to the San Angel neighborhood, one of many Mexico Metropolis hidden gems. 

With cobblestone streets, colonial structure, and flowering timber, there’s no arguing the San Angel neighborhood is maybe one of the peaceable and charming areas in all of Mexico Metropolis.

Wander by means of the gardens in entrance of the centuries-old Iglesia de San Jacinto (Church of San Jacinto), people-watch in the primary plaza, cease into one of many many artwork galleries and refuel at a cute café.

You possibly can even go to the home Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera shared in direction of the tip of their lives.

And for those who occur to be within the metropolis on a weekend, don’t miss the San Angel Saturday Bazaar, the place distributors fill the plaza, promoting handicrafts and artistic endeavors.

21. See a Lucha Libre Match

Watching a Lucha Libre match is an unforgettable option to spend a night, and is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Mexico Metropolis at night time.

Consider it as considerably much like WWE Wrestling, which is a mix of theatrics, humor and, nicely, wrestling. Let’s simply say it’s extra of a efficiency than a real sport, however it’s entertaining nonetheless!

The wrestlers put on the token Lucha Libre masks and carry out quite a lot of stunts.

The gang, at the least after we have been there, gave the impression to be largely locals with pockets of tourists combined in. We noticed households, teams of pals, {couples} and tour teams, all of which gave the impression to be having a good time.

When you can e-book an organized tour, we’ve put collectively an article that walks you thru how you can go to a Lucha Libre match by yourself.

22. Take a ship trip within the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

Some like it and others hate it, however regardless of the place you stand, there’s no arguing this UNESCO World Heritage Web site is in contrast to something you’ve ever seen.

This colourful canal space is without doubt one of the most touristy Mexico Metropolis sightseeing spots, sure, nevertheless it’s additionally a well-liked place for locals to have fun particular events, like birthdays and quinceañeras.

The waterway is full of brightly coloured boats, known as trajineras, which you’ll hire by the hour and trip by means of the canals, previous mariachi bands, and meals distributors.

Positioned 30 kilometers south of Mexico Metropolis, visiting Xochimilco requires portion of the day, however it’s straightforward to get there on public transportation.

23. Examine Out the Newest Installations at Museo Jumex

Mexico Metropolis is a quick rising artists haven and there are various improbable artwork galleries within the metropolis to discover. Museo Jumex opened in 2013 as an area to showcase modern artwork.

The museum celebrates experimentation and innovation with artwork, and its ever altering displays present unique items of contemporary artwork.

It’s not an enormous museum, however for those who’re a fan of contemporary artwork you need to positively add this to your checklist of issues to do in Mexico Metropolis.

24. Eat Scrumptious Meals at Pujol

Pujol is a world-famous restaurant in Mexico Metropolis that was named “the very best restaurant in Mexico Metropolis” by the Wall Road Journal.

After showing within the WSJ, the restaurant soared in recognition and it’s now one of many prime sights in Mexico Metropolis. It serves up conventional Mexican delicacies with a fine-dining flare.

The restaurant is run by chef Enrique Olvera, who educated on the Culinary Institute of America, and nonetheless makes use of indigenous substances in his dishes.

25. Strive Salsa Dancing

Salsa is a well-liked kind of Latin American dancing that originated from Cuba and Puerto Rico, however has been broadly adopted in Mexico.

Salsa dancing is a social affair, normally held in night time golf equipment or salsa bars the place you possibly can drink, eat tappas and select a associate.

Salsa dance socials are generally held in nightclubs, bars, ballrooms, eating places, and outdoors, particularly when a part of an outside pageant.

When you love dancing, and wish to give it a strive, then contemplate taking a Cuban impressed salsa lesson with stay orchestras.

Classes are appropriate to all ranges, so no worries for those who’re an entire novice!

The place to Keep in Mexico Metropolis

For Mexico Metropolis lodges or resorts, take a look at the choices by means of our lodge associate, Reserving.com.

We discover that Reserving.com have the widest vary of properties. You get free cancellation on most rooms, a finest value assure, they usually have verified evaluations from friends who’ve really stayed on the property!

In style Accommodations in Mexico Metropolis embody:

Last Ideas on Issues to Do in Mexico Metropolis

This metropolis is a vibrant metropolis filled with coloration, tradition, and loads of issues to do for every type of vacationers.

Whether or not you’re backpacking by means of Mexico and Central America on a finances, touring with children in tow, otherwise you’re looking for the best foodie and cultural experiences cash should purchase, visiting Mexico Metropolis is certain to blow away your expectations.

When you’re something like us, one go to to this thrilling metropolis merely gained’t be sufficient.

After a style of what CDMX has to supply, you’ll end up wishing to come back again for extra!

In style strolling excursions of Mexico Metropolis

Pin Under To Save On Pinterest: